Your departure from the beautiful Riviera Maya is as important as your arrival. Most of our travelers are always interested in finding stores to purchase the best souvenirs. The list is endless and the information can be overwhelming. But it´s easier if you stick to off the beaten track places, where quality and great rates are hand by hand. By visiting the least obvious places to find souvenirs you may find unique stuff and an even better service. Just like our visitors, we are also focused on supporting local economy. And the following options represent the best of the best in the area.
Support Local Vendors
It´s pretty easy to get lost between all the stores and touristic stuff everywhere. But we definitely recommend you to support local economy by identifying Mexican artisans. Often the smallest and least fancy places have amazing souvenirs. Unique pieces that are hand made by Mayan cooperatives or shipped from somewhere else. Some products are brought from different states in Mexico. Which means you will have the opportunity to take home a representative piece from another place of the country. The most common handcraft comes from; Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz and Tabasco. In Tulum one of our favorite go-to store is La Llorona. Full of stunning figures and unique patterns. Sombreros, purses, plates, clothing and a lot more. Casa Hernandez Gallery also in Tulum, is a family owned business. Hernandez family are originally from Puebla and the souvenirs are brought from that State. The metallic Mariachis and Iguanas are are favorite pieces. They are open from 9:00am to 10:00pm except for Sundays. Both stores are located on the main Avenue of Tulum pueblo.
Clay, Pottery & Hammocks
In Playa del Carmen is even easier to find good quality souvenirs and at good rates. But we recommend you to stay away from the typical touristic places. There is more variety of products and more affordable rates at less known places. There is a pottery and clay store on 30th Avenue between 2nd and 4th street. Located almost in front of the drugstore. This store is full of little figures, handcrafted purses, hammocks, Mexican toys, kitchen utensils and more. Is usually open from 10:00am until 7:00pm except for Sundays. If you are looking for something more personalized, we suggest you to visit Hamacamarte Store. They have a wide variety of colors and designs, from the simplest hammock to the most luxurious one. You can choose from the vibrant colorful hammocks they already have or request one with your favorite colors. The best part is if you don´t have enough time they can ship the hammock to your home! They are located on 38th street between 5th Avenue and the beach. And open usually from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Mexican Snacks
Most of the visitors underestimate the local grocery stores. Little they know these are the places with the best variety and quality of Mexican snacks. Is easy to grab a last minute souvenir from any grocery store like Chedraui, Soriana, Walmart or La Mega. They are located in every town; Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. And open from 10:00am to 10:00pm every day of the week. They even have a specific section designated for souvenirs. And there you can find spicy, sweet or salty snacks. And other little souvenirs like notebooks, Mayan calendars, key rings, etc. These stores are also the best option to find Tequila and Mezcal of main Mexican brands and at good rates. It is definitely one of the best options for a last minute souvenir shopping. Feel free to contact us at: concierge@locogringo.com if you need more recommendations for souvenir shopping. We would love to send you the best options near your vacation home.