Shopping in Cancun

Shopping is an activity all its own in Cancun. The most popular items are resort wear and local handicrafts. Most shops have fixed prices, but bargaining is still expected in the markets.

Stores generally close for the siesta hours, 1pm - 4pm. The downtown area is composed mainly of shops and markets as well as a large department store. At the Mercado Vienteocho, you will find many of the same gifts and souvenirs sold in the Hotel Zone at half the price. The newest mall, Plaza las Americas is home to 50 shops, a movie theater and three large department stores. The majority of the "mega malls" are located in the Hotel Zone.

At the Plaza Kukulkan you will find over 200 shops, a bowling alley, a 3-screen cinema, several restaurants, a bank and even a laser tag area. Located in the Flamingo Plaza are designer and specialty shops, boutiques and sportswear stores. Boutiques such as Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Bennetton, Guess, and Bally as well as a Cartier jewelery are located in the Plaza Caracol.

Prices for clothing are generally lower than in the same stores located in the US. The ultra trendy and ultra expensive La Isla Shopping Village is said to be the most intriguing in Cancun. A series of canals, walkways, and bridges connect the shops, aquarium, marina, movie theaters, disco and restaurants.

Some of the shops found at La Isla are Swatch, Guess, Bennetton, H. Stern, and Zara clothing, as well as the first Warner Brothers Studio in Mexico. There are also several duty-free shops, the largest being UltraFemme.

Return to top