By Jenny Hart
As someone who visits Cancún often enough to consider it a second home, I’ve done more than my fair share of shopping in its local markets, artisan shops, and international boutiques. There have been vacations for which I scored a new bathing suit or pair of sandals when they were woefully out-of-season at the shops back home. And others when I found the perfect thank-you gift to bring back to my pet sitter, a bohemian spirit more intrigued by local crafts than magnets or shot glasses.
I’ve also found comfort and entertainment during overcast days within the colorful confines of an air-conditioned shopping center as I waited for the sun to reemerge. And there have been plenty of times when I’ve simply wanted to take home a reminder of another fun visit. No matter what you’re looking to buy in Cancún (or why) — here’s a guide for where to find it:
When hunting for a memorable gift for yourself or others, you’ll want to consider quality, authenticity, price, and convenience. These are the best options.
Mercado 28: This market in downtown Cancún is one of my go-to spots for souvenirs. It features all manner of locally flavored goods: silver and tourmaline jewelry; glow-in-the-dark axolotl T-shirts (axolotls are the translucent salamanders wildly popular with Gen Alpha); and hand-stitched macramé dresses and tapestries are among the most popular items. Haggling is acceptable — and expected to an extent — and the shopkeepers are inviting, especially if you’re able to communicate a few phrases in Spanish.
Mercado 23: This is one of the few markets in downtown Cancún that’s still very locally minded. There is a more limited selection of souvenirs, but you’ll find the best prices. Come here for traditional clothing, such as linen guayaberas (a dressy shirt) for men and huipils (a boxy, airy dress) for women. There’s also a rustic pottery shop across the street, Barro y Artesanías de Hidalgo, that offers a wide selection of handmade dishes, vases, and more for very modest prices.
Coral Negro Flea Market: If you prefer to shop within the Hotel Zone, Coral Negro is a good option. This market has seemingly every classic souvenir you can imagine, from key chains and T-shirts to leather purses and painted sombreros. Be prepared for enthusiastic shopkeepers who will say anything to get you into their store and make a sale. Haggling is required, as the initial ask is rarely — if ever — the final price.
Plaza La Fiesta: This souvenir superstore has multiple Hotel Zone locations — you can find them in Punta Cancún as well as the La Isla shopping village. The prices are fixed, but there’s terrific diversity in what you’ll find, with a lot of handmade items from throughout Mexico. Intentional care is taken to label the state of origin for most items, so you can feel good about supporting actual artisans rather than factories. The store also plays host to a beginner’s tequila “museum,” which provides interesting factoids and tastings.
Whether you’re seeking luxury goods or just a fresh outfit to wear to dinner, Cancún is a great place to source them. The malls in and outside of the Hotel Zone offer a good mix of American and international brands, along with some that are exclusive to Mexico. Here’s where to go:
La Isla Cancún: This open-air mall in the heart of the Hotel Zone is one of Cancún’s premiere shopping destinations. There’s a mix of luxe (Dior, Prada, Tiffany & Co.) and more affordable (American Eagle, Lululemon, Zara) brands, situated along a charming waterway beside the lagoon. There are also some distractions for the family — including an aquarium and epic Ferris wheel — that will help keep the kids (or other non-shoppers in your party) entertained.
Luxury Avenue: La crème de la crème of Cancún shopping, this prestigious enclave of the Kukulcan Plaza mall offers visitors endless eye-candy, in addition to actual items for sale. On the first floor, you can find a nice variety of high-end beauty products at Ultrafemme (a regional chain similar to Sephora) along with some of the swankiest shops in town. At Hermès, a simple (albeit chic) beach towel can be obtained for a cool US$800. On the second floor, several art galleries and social media-ready backdrops beckon, ready for your next selfie.
Marina Puerto Cancún: This upscale, local mall sits at the northern edge of the Hotel Zone, where you can watch yachts dock and families stroll as you shop. There are community events on the center deck, ranging from yoga and Pilates to a farmer’s market and bazaar of local makers and small business owners, depending on when you visit. It’s also a convenient stop on the way to several trending restaurants in Cancún’s Puerto Juárez neighborhood.
Grand Outlet Riviera Maya: Immediately south of Cancún is the “GO” outlet mall. It’s home to a wide range of stores (though the discounts aren’t always all that discount-y), but the indoor activities are what really shine. Within an arcade called Intrepoli, you’ll find laser tag, go-karting, rock climbing, mini golf, and more, plus a bar for thirsty parents to post up. Also within the outlet complex are an ice skating rink, a drag racing track, and a Hello Kitty-themed cafe.
A Shopping Day Trip to the Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, located just more than 40 miles south of Cancún, is a great place to shop, too. The resort town’s main drag, Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), is lined with local boutiques and well-known brands, as well as some lively entertainment from the mix of talented buskers and hired bands.
Prices on Quinta Avenida can be a little inflated, depending on where you look, but hidden gems abound. On a recent visit, I scored a pair of handmade canvas sneakers, decorated with an alebrije (colorful creatures believed in Mexico to be spirit guides) design from artisanal footwear shop Raramuri Calzado Artesanal for just US$25. For actual alebrije folk art and other genuine craftsmanship, check out Sol Jaguar, home to a well-curated collection straight from Oaxaca.
Popular malls include Quinta Alegría, which has a Formula 1 driving simulation experience (along with official merch); Paseo del Carmen, where you can find well-priced quality swimwear (I lucked out, as a curvier woman, at Calzedonia); and Calle Corazón, home to some great photo opps and restaurants alike.
Saving on Sales Tax
The valued added tax (VAT) in Mexico is 16 percent, but visiting tourists are entitled to a significant partial refund on qualified purchases of 1,200 Mexican pesos (about US$60) or more. You can receive a 9 percent refund on spent sales tax, meaning you’re ultimately paying 7 percent tax.
Here’s what you need to know:
The tax refund is only for merchandise; food and beverages, medicine, and services are not eligible.
The purchases need to come from shops that will issue a tax-free form; be on the lookout for a tax-free sign or check with the cashier.
The refund is not issued automatically: You must request it and show proof of both your tourism status (passport and entry stamp) and purchases (receipts and forms). You can do this at a shop in La Isla Cancún called Give Back Tax Refund, in Terminals 3 and 4 of Cancún International Airport, or through the Moneyback app.
Although there is a minimum spend to qualify for the tax refund, there is no maximum when a personal credit card is used. (Business credit cards do not qualify.) With cash, the maximum spend is $3,000 Mexican pesos (about US$150).
Jenny Hart is an American travel writer, advisor, and expert based in Mexico. She specializes in covering Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean, but will happily chase a great story around the globe.
