A 2.5 hour tour of Vallarta Artisans
I met Anne Marie on a Thursday morning in front of Guadalupe Church in Centro where she usually meets her tour guests. I paid my $300 pesos which I quickly learned would be 100% donated to help fund bicycles for low income families with kids in a nearby neighborhood. I already feel good and we haven’t even gotten started.
Anne Marie begins with some interesting history about Mexico to get us primed for what we’re about to see. She proceeds to lead 7 of us to see 10 artisans over the next 2.5 hours. We spend about 10 minutes in each shop/studio and learn about the artisan and their craft. We learn about the process of how it’s made, its origin in Mexico and see some artists at work.
For someone who used to own an artisan business, I find this fascinating.
We visit all kinds of shops – the traditional Huichol art, stained glass, folk charms (milagros), hats, fine clothing, leather shoe maker, textiles, clay tiles and art pieces, wrought iron studio and a piñatas shop. In between shops, we learn little tidbits about Puerto Vallarta. For example, she points out that the buildings here actually own the sidewalk – which is why sometimes the sidewalk is on different levels – and is also why the shop owners regularly wash the sidewalk.
You’ll find this to be an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours – and get the inside scoop about where to purchase wonderful keepsakes from your trip to PV.
You can just show up for the tour or make a reservation by contacting Anne Marie. Her number is 972-965-5727 and her email is [email protected]. Her tours begin at precisely 10:00AM every Thursday. You meet across the street from Guadalupe Church in Centro.
Have you done this walking tour?
