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Plaza Caracol:
Blvd. Kukulcan km. 8.5 Hotel zone.
Cancún, Q. Roo 77500
(98) 83-09-05
Mon-Sun 9 am-10 pm
Indoor Mall. Handicap Access
With 200 shops this is the largest and most modern of the resort shopping areas.
This two story mall of marbled floors and pleasant plant-filled atriums was designed by internationally renowned architects. Plaza Caracol features shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries.
Avenida Tulum: Many restaurants and shops are located along this avenue. Life-size reproductions of ancient Mexican art are displayed on the median, including the Aztec calendar stone and the Atlantids of Tula among others.
 Shopping:
The Yucatán is famous for its beautiful handicrafts created by artisans in nearby villages. The open-air markets in Cancún are excellent places to find these crafts.
Hammocks
The hammock is the Yucatán's most famous export and after you have had a nap in one of them you will know why they are considered the finest in the world. They make a cool, comfortable and portable bed. Local Maya sleep in hammocks, and many find our beds quite uncomfortable. Hammocks come in a variety of sizes and colors: singular (singles sleeps one; matrimonial is big enough for two people, while familia fits the whole family.
Panama Hats
Panama hats made on the peninsula are famous for their light weight and strength. They are made from the jipijapa palm and are considered to be among the finest hats in the world because of their tight weave and flexibility. A good Panama can be rolled up and stuffed into a pocket without breaking or creasing. Most the Panama hats are woven by residents in the village of Becál working in caves beneath their homes where the humidity keeps the reeds flexible. Prices vary according to the quality of the reed and amount of time taken to weave the hat. Prices for really good Panama hats start at $65.
Skirts and Dresses
Huipils are the beautiful cotton dresses worn by the local Maya women. They are embroidered along the square neck and bottom hem with colorful designs and flowers. Often a lace-finished petticoat is worn which peeks out below the huipil. Each woman puts her own village design on the dress as well as her own special pattern. Today many of the dresses are machine embroidered but hand-embroidered dresses can still be found at higher prices. For men there is the classic guayabera, long or short-sleeved dress shirts made from cotton or silk in white and pastel colors.
Woven Items
Because of the different kinds of palms in the area, woven baskets and mats are plentiful. Many villages weave them with their own designs and patterns creating baskets that are both beautiful and practical. Throughout the craft markets you can find woven plant holders, clothes hampers, wastepaper bins, food storage and handbags in all shapes and sizes. Prices are quite reasonable.
Leather Goods and Jewelry
Other handcrafted items include leather goods, silver jewelry and the talavera ceramics known for their distinctive style. Anything made from tortoiseshell is contraband and will be confiscated, since the endangered turtle is a protected species. Also be careful in purchasing items made from black coral. You must purchase it from a recognized dealer who will supply you with a certificate to take with it through customs.
Mazatlan
The traditional market in Mazatlan is found at Ocampo & Juarez is a marvelous shopping area. From open air mercados to boutiques or shopping malls, the assortment is varied, and the price is right. The Zona Dorada is the main shopping area of Mazatlan, but that is only the beginning. Keep sorting through the stalls and tables, looking for a buried treasure.
Though the region is not known for any particular handicraft tradition, shops have an wide selection of items from throughout the country.
Centro de Artesanias
Offers a wide selection of fine handicrafts in more than 20 shops. You can see artisans at work.
Mercado Jose Mario Pino Suarez
or Centro Comercial El Mercado
is one of the premier shopping centers. It offers fine silver, leather goods, pottery, clothing, food stalls and some of the best vanilla in Mexico.
Downtown shopping is a mix of shops and open-air markets. Bartering is expected in the markets but prices are fixed in the stores.
Ki Huic Av. Tulum 17, between the Bancomer and Bital banks Daily 9 -10 PM (9) 884-3347) This is the oldest and largest craft market in Cancún with over 100 vendors.
Mercado Veinteocho (Market 28)
Avenida Yaxchilán and Sunyaxchen
This popular market is filled with shops selling souvenir items. There are also a number of excellent restaurants in this market.
Plaza Bonita
Adjoins Market 28
A charming market area with many excellent shops and boutiques.
Fama
Along Avenida Tulum between Avs. Cobá and Uxmal.
A department store that sellsEnglish books and magazines along with sports gear, toiletries, liquor, and handicrafts.
Ultrafemme
A popular downtown store selling duty-free perfume, cosmetics, and jewelry. It also has branches in the Hotel Zone and the major shopping malls.
Plaza las Americas
Av. Tulum, Sm 4 and 9.
Tel: (9) 887-5893
On the southern edge of the city, is the only indoor shopping plaza downtown. It has over 50 stores, three restaurants, eight movie theaters, a video arcade, fast food outlets, and three large department stores.
American mega stores including Wal-Mart, Costco, Office Depot, and Blockbuster are scattered throughout the downtown area.
Mexican supermarkets
Include Comercial Méxicana, Chedraui, and San Francisco de Asís.
Hotel Zone
The malls that line Blvd. Kukulcán are what have made shopping in the Hotel Zone so famous.
Kukulcán Plaza
Blvd. Kukulcán.
Tel: (9) 885-2304
has over 130 shops, 12 restaurants, a bar, a liquor store, a bank, a three-screen cinema, bowling lanes, and a video arcade.
Flamingo Plaza
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-2945
Is a small mall with designer emporiums, duty-free shops, an exchange booth, and sportswear shops.
Forum-by-the-Sea
Blvd. Kukulcán
Tel: (9) 883-4425
Is a huge entertainment/shopping plaza with three levels of cinemas, brand-name stores, and restaurants such as the Rain Forest Café.
Plaza Caracol
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-2961
The largest and most contemporary of the malls is with over 200 shops and boutiques, including two pharmacies, art galleries, a currency exchange, and folk art and jewelry shops, as well as cafés and restaurants.
Plaza Mayafair
Blvd. Kukulcán,
Tel: (9) 883-0862
Next-door to Plaza Caracol is this large open-air plaza filled with 30 shops, restaurants, and bars.
La Isla Shopping Village
Blvd. Kukulcán,
(9) 883-5025
The newest and most exclusive mall is located on the Nichupté Lagoon under a giant canopy. There are a wide variety of upscale boutiques along with a marina, an aquarium, a disco, restaurants, and movie theaters.
Coral Negro (Black Coral)
It's open seven days a week until late evening.
There is only one open-air market in the Hotel Zone. located next to the Convention Center, It has over 50 stalls selling craft items. |
