Cancun - Shopping

Despite the surrounding natural splendor, shopping has become a favorite activity. Cancún is known throughout Mexico for its diverse shops and festive malls catering to a large number of international tourists. Visitors from the United States may find apparel more expensive in Cancún, but the selection is much broader than at other Mexican resorts. Numerous duty-free shops offer excellent value on European goods. The largest is UltraFemme, Avenida Tulum, Supermanzana specializing in imported cosmetics, perfumes, and fine jewelry and watches. The downtown Cancún location offers slightly lower prices than branches in Plaza Caracol, Plaza Kukulcan, Plaza Mayafair, Flamingo Plaza, and the international airport.

Handicrafts and other artesanía works are more limited and more expensive in Cancún than in other regions of Mexico because they are not produced here. They are available, though; several open-air crafts markets are on Avenida Tulum in Cancún City and near the convention center in the Hotel Zone. One of the biggest is Coral Negro, open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Cancún's main venues are the malls -- not quite as grand as their U.S. counterparts, but close. All are air-conditioned, sleek, and sophisticated. They offer everything from fine crystal and silver to designer clothing and decorative objects.

The Plaza Kukulcan) offers the largest selection -- more than 300 -- of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Tikal, which sells Guatemalan textile clothing; several crafts stores; a liquor store; several bathing-suit specialty stores; record and tape outlets; a leather goods store (including shoes and sandals); and a store specializing in silver from Taxco. The Fashion Gallery features designer clothing. There's also a large indoor parking garage. The mall is open daily from 10am to 10pm, until 11pm during high season. Assistance for those with disabilities is available upon request, and wheelchairs, strollers, and lockers are available at the information desk.

Maya Fair Plaza/Centro Comercial Maya Fair, frequently called "Mayfair" (tel. 998/883-2801), is the oldest mall. The lively center holds open-air restaurants and bars, and several stores sell silver, leather, and crafts.