Before I describe the shop, I must tell you about Lucy. To say she is a character is not enough, but many of the terms I could use to describe her would be almost unflattering until you meet her. Her personality is what makes Lucy’s Cu-Cu Cabana full of life and color. Lucy’s love for animals is what grew this little place to the icon it is now.
Lucy still recruits Veterinarians to help with the spaying and neutering of the beach dogs and the strays, but the shop itself is what raises the money and connections to do the job.
Lucy also heads many fundraisers including the Chili-Cook-Off and the Pasta-Cook-Off, which every year surpasses the previous in turn out and donations.
Anyone going to Puerto Vallarta should make sure they stop by the Cu-Cu-Cabana. You could find gifts for every person on your list, including enemies! From beautiful hand created sterling silver cat bracelets, to Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, statues of prostitutes with pink hair and a glitter bikini. Most pieces have an animal theme, such as distressed iron geckos to hang on your wall, to a woven pig bench a 200-pound person could sit on. Each piece is hand picked by Lucy and Gil, her husband, in the off-season when they pack up to travel and scout for funky stuff.
Prices are extremely reasonable, considering the work the artisans and the owners go through to get the merchandise to you. A simple, but cool, jaguar mask is 30 pesos, all the way to a warrior’s dance costume/wall hanging for 3000 pesos. Come prepared to look in every nook and cranny, and bring plenty of cash or credit card, you will not leave the shop without wanting a little of everything.
A few "must buys": Gil Givens, Lucy’s husband, is a hilarious author and is selling his book "Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells A Day" at the shop. I must say this is the funniest book I have ever read, perfect for the beach, the ride home, or when you are missing Puerto Vallarta. $10.00 and worth every single penny.
Any of the many Day of the Dead statues, conversation pieces at their finest and funniest.
The coconut mask/paper mache` wall hangings. Great for adding color to a kitchen, bathroom or sun porch.
Iron geckos: for when you miss the critters that visit your rooms in Vallarta. Unfortunately, these guys don’t eat mosquitoes.
If you want to help out a stray, feel free to bring Lucy some flea collars, she’ll place on them on the neediest hounds in town, and you will have helped out a four-legged friend in need.