Cancún is a Caribbean resort city on the northeast tip of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, split between a lively downtown (El Centro) and the Hotel Zone, a 22 km strip of white-sand beaches between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupté Lagoon. It is the main gateway to Isla Mujeres, the Riviera Maya, and Maya sites such as Chichén Itzá and Tulum.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Mexican silver jewellery
Taxco-style silver sold in markets; check for a .925 stamp
Price: MXN 350-1,500 (approx. USD 20-86)
Hammocks
Yucatan-style cotton hammocks, best bought at Mercado 28
Price: MXN 400-1,200 (approx. USD 23-69)
Tequila and mezcal
Buy from specialist stores; duty-free limits apply on return
Price: MXN 350-1,200 (approx. USD 20-69)
Embroidered textiles and huipiles
Maya-style embroidered blouses and cloth
Price: MXN 300-1,000 (approx. USD 17-57)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado 28
Souvenirs, silver, hammocks, textiles
Where: Av. Xel-Ha and Av. Sunyaxchen, Centro, Cancun, Q.R. 77500
Hours: Daily approx. 9AM-9PM
Mercado de artesanias Coral Negro
Mexican handicrafts and silver jewellery
Where: Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Q.R. 77500
Hours: Daily approx. 9AM-10PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Hotel Zone malls (Km 8.5-13)
La Isla, Luxury Avenue, Kukulcan Plaza and Plaza Caracol along Blvd. Kukulcan
Downtown (El Centro)
Mercado 28, Plaza Las Americas and local shops with lower prices
Puerto Cancun
Marina-side boutiques at the north end of the Hotel Zone
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
La Isla Shopping Village
Luxury Avenue
Kukulcan Plaza
Plaza Caracol
Plaza Las Americas
Forum by the Sea
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at Mercado 28 and Coral Negro; counter at about half the first price
Malls and branded stores have fixed prices
Carry small peso notes; many stalls give worse rates in USD
Walk away politely if the price will not drop; another stall nearby usually sells the same item
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Malls generally open 10AM-10PM daily; markets open earlier and close around 9PM. Prices are in MXN, with dollars accepted at poor rates. IVA (VAT) of 16% applies and is not reclaimable by tourists.