For local crafts and an opportunity to bargain, leave the malls and head for the mercados, particularly those downtown. Though prices are reasonable at the markets, it is worth noting that crafts in Cancun are expensive: the work is usually done in other parts of Mexico. If you plan to visit other towns in the Yucatan, it is advisable to make your purchases in those towns.

• Coral Negro
  Blvd Kukulcan, Km 9.5
  phone: 883-0758
  Coral Negro is the Hotel Zones only open-air market, situated right next to the Convention Center. Vendors sell crafts and woven tapestries from more than 50 stalls , morning till night. This is the most expensive of the mercados, but it is a great place to take a hand at haggling.

• Ki Huic (downtown)
  Av Tulum 17, at Coba
  phone: 884-3347
  This is the oldest and largest craft market in Cancun. Roughly 100 vendors converge on this downtown plot, open 9am-10pm.

• Mercado Veintiocho (downtown)
  Market 28, just off of Av Yaxchilan and Sunyaxchan
  A great bet for a taste of downtown, and souvenir items at half the cost of those found in the Hotel Zone. Take the R-2 or R-15 bus, and ask the driver to advise you when to get off.