Stops along Highway 200, as it meanders between Puerto Vallarta to the north and Manzanillo to the south, can be an enjoyable day trip, but travelers usually make the drive en route to a destination along the coast.

The Mercado Municipal is a full city block of stands & stalls at the northern end of the upstream bridge over Río Cuale. You'll find bargains and plenty of authentic Mexican food and crafts in this market.

Puerto Vallarta also offers all modern shooping needs including film developing shops, department and grocery stores. A new Sam's Club has opened across from the Maritime Harbor. Hours are 7am-11pm.

Manzanillo has a selection of shops carrying Mexican crafts and clothing, mainly from nearby Guadalajara. Almost all are downtown on the streets near the central plaza. Shopping downtown is an experience - for example, you won't want to miss the shop bordering the plaza that sells a combination of shells, religious items (including shell-framed Virgin of Guadalupe nightlights), and orthopedic supplies. The Plaza Manzanillo is an American-style mall on the road to Santiago, and there's a traditional tianguis (outdoor) market in front of the entrance to Club Maeva, with touristy items from around Mexico. Most resort hotels also have boutiques or shopping arcades.

Costa Alegre is the vacation spot par excellence; in this magical coastal region, peace, tranquility, calmness and natural beauty are the most important elements. However, Costa Alegre shops are also an attraction. At this sensational ambience, you can also find at very short distance, different places to buy ornamental items and typical Mexican handicrafts that will make you remember a wonderful vacation in Costa Alegre.

Barra de Navidad is one of the classic towns in Costa Alegre; it offers its visitors great tourist attractions as well as a gorgeous colonial architecture. Walk around its streets admiring this secluded and sensational Mexican village. Here, the wide variety of local stores, stands, shops and commercial establishments are concentrated on the Lopez Legazpi Avenue, which goes through the whole town; on the other side, Veracruz Avenue is the first street that welcomes the visitors to Barra de Navidad. If you walk along Lopez Legazpi Avenue, you will arrive until the sea wall, enjoying along the way, the colorful and attractive stores full of crafts and typical regional clothing that express the purest folklore of the local people. Find here some of the best Costa Alegre shops.