Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are not only some of the hottest spots to vacation in the world, they’re also great places to find awesome local gifts.
Who doesn’t want to leave paradise with the perfect souvenir to remember it? There are options for everyone, that’s for sure! Take a look at our vast and curated selection of best places to shop locally for your mementos: 🥰
Main Avenues and Pedestrian Streets
The main avenues are clearly a good place to start if you feel a bit lost, as there are always several handicraft stores found here. This is the perfect place to have a first look at the available options and compare prices.
In Playa, the spot is undoubtedly 5th Avenue with all its splendor. In Tulum, it is Tulum Av., especially from the town hall to Satélite Street. In Cancún, Kukulkan Av. is the place you want to visit (even though this one might have a greater variety of international shops too).
Street Vendors
Many of them are originally from Chiapas (a neighboring State of Quintana Roo) and their crafts are 100% traditional from Mexico. Embroidery wallets, handmade dolls, keychains and accessories are just a few items you can find in these original spots.
This is our number one recommendation if you’re looking to buy handmade items. Not only because of the quality and dedication their products are made with, but also because these people could really use a little help as well.
🐝 loQsea TIP: Keep in mind that most locals count on every single sale to get through the day, so don’t bargain too much over the price. Your purchase is a small action that makes a huge difference in their lives.
Specific and Extra-Mexican Locations
Aside from the big and obvious shops on the main avenues, there are some smaller places we would like to specially recommend: Our little Caribbean shopping gems (you will find good deals for better products):
1) ¡Ay Güey!
This particular shop has numerous stores in Playa del Carmen and Cancún. The story behind their characteristic style dates back to a trip to Cancún that owner Miguel Ángel Rodríguez took a few years ago.
He realized that the clothes and souvenirs offered to tourists were a great business opportunity if he could improve them in terms of quality and finishes; and so he created an original brand inspired by pre-Hispanic culture. ¡Ay Güey ! is now a business of international reputation that offers fashion for young people and great quality souvenirs for tourists.
2) Mixik
Mixik is a small picturesque and interesting shop in downtown Tulum, completely different from any other store in the area. Their main purpose is to maintain the originality of their products and that is why you won’t find their pieces in any other store nearby. This is a good place to shop if you’re looking to mix some traditional Mexican style with a modern feel.
3) Mexicarte
With locations in Tulum and Akumal, Mexicarte is definitely a good place to find traditional style souvenirs and art. The fascinating part about this shop is that they not only sell typical decoration, but also unique items of art such as paintings, sculptures and author’s pieces. This is one of the best and most varied handcraft shops in the area.
4) Biuriful
This fashionable and stylish store is located on La Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen between 30th and 32nd street. The best option if you’re looking to buy modern clothes but in a Mexican-owned store instead of an international shop. Biuriful is a word game that plays with the Spanish pronunciation of “beautiful”.
You’ll find sunglasses, accessories, original clothing and shoes, along with a variety of chic handmade items for both men and women. The quality of their products will allow you to enjoy them for a long time and keep the Mexican paradise memory alive! Check out the amazing brand El Jaguar Dorado, which is also sold in this store!
5) Pura Vida
Pura Vida (Pure Life) is a store in downtown Tulum that perfectly represents the original Tulum style: boho and chic, but also relaxed with hippie vibes. The store was born as a result of a tender love story. Sabina and Jerome were party friends back in 2008 but they reunited in 2013 and started dating. Sabina was living in Tulum, so Jerome decided to move and start (in his own words) rocking the life they always wanted.
The shop offers handmade clothes, accessories, and bathing suits for both men and women. They’re also famous for having excellent customer service.
6) Caravan
Caravan is well-known as an exotic art and souvenir shop. They specialize in Hindu and oriental items; from sculptures to handbags and accessories, this amazing shop is located on 5th Av. in Playa del Carmen. Even though, their products are not strictly Mexican style, it is a local business of people who admire oriental culture, and you can find some hidden Mexican souvenir gems.
🐝 loQsea TIP: They have really good prices and it’s a great store to shop for pareos (beach wraps) and singing bowls!
7) Mercado 28 and Plaza Bonita
These two places in Cancún are perfect if you’re looking to spend a whole afternoon shopping. Mercado 28 is a Mexican-style shopping plaza with hundreds of traditional souvenir options and other products. Plaza Bonita is just next to it and is a souvenir market with small restaurants.
You’ll find the same items as in the hotel zone, but with a much better price and a larger variety. Also if you buy here, you’ll be promoting proud local businesses.
8) Coral Negro
This is the only traditional market located in the hotel area of Cancún. It has a wide variety of items to choose from; don’t be afraid to negotiate the prices a little bit with them. It is a peculiar place and it might not seem as nice from the outside, but don’t let its front intimidate you. Coral Negro is a great option if you want a traditional gift and don’t want to leave Cancun’s hotel area.
9) HOT TIP: Macario Gomez Town
No one else will give you this recommendation, but Macario Gomez is the city of the craftsmen. It it this town that provides most of the handmade items to the “big” and touristic cities. If you rent a car and are staying in Tulum this could be a good short shopping trip, since it’s only 20 minutes away. You’ll definitely find better deals directly from the producers in this charming little town.
🐝 loQsea TIP: The best hammocks with the best price in the area are here!
You no longer have excuses to return home empty-handed 😏
Your loved ones will appreciate a small souvenir from your awesome vacation destination; it’s the best way of saying “I Love You; You’re On My Mind” and sharing our Mexican culture with the rest of the world.
If you don’t feel like going shopping or if you are too busy having an awesome time, remember that through loQsea you can order ANY of these crafts. With your instructions, we will make sure to buy the most suitable gifts and souvenirs for your needs.
