Central Pacific Coast of Mexico Shopping

Mercado Libertad, at the intersection of Independencia and Mina East, is a labyrinth of alleys and stalls stretching some seven blocks. The range of items sold is broad and eclectic—pirated films, sombreros, Chivas jerseys, herbal remedies, and equestrian equipment are all on offer. Plenty of prepared food is available in the restaurant section (open daily 6am-8pm), or head over to the food stalls and pick out some produce or poultry as vendors hawk their wares. The Sunday market El Baratillo, is on Mina approximately 15 blocks east of Mercado Libertad. From Mercado Libertad, walk two blocks north to Hidalgo and catch bus #40 heading east or a “Par Vial” bus on Morelos. El Baratillo sometimes sprawls over 30 blocks—that’s more market area than in all of Mexico City! Vendors sell everything imaginable, from tamales to houses. (Open all day every Su.)

It’S Just A Number . In most parts of Mexico, bargaining is completely acceptable—and even expected. Taxi drivers and artisan stands alike will automatically name a higher price than is fair. Most taxis don’t run on meters, so their original price is arbitrary and very easy to bargain down. Browsing the wares of competitors will often cause sellers to drop their prices.

For boutique stores, brand names, and a food court, head over to the newly opened shopping mall Centro Magno at Vallarta 2455 (☎3630 1113 or 1772). The Centro has a Hard Rock Cafe ( } 3616 4560), its own Chili’s franchise (☎3616 5216), and upscale shops where you can expect to shell out pesos. The mall is busy with window-shoppers late into the night, offering a surreal vision of the commercialized Mexican “Plaza of the Future”—a far cry from the traditional mercados.

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