The Ultimate Souvenir Guide to Playa del Carmen! 4 Must-Visit Shops for Travelers

Playa del Carmen (affectionately known as Playa), Mexico’s premier beach resort facing the Caribbean Sea, is located about an hour south of Cancun. This vibrant city enjoys immense popularity, especially among travelers from Europe and North America.

La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the city’s main street, is lined with countless shops that are exciting to explore. However, many travelers might feel overwhelmed and wonder, ‘There are too many options, where should I buy souvenirs!’

That’s why we’ve carefully selected and compiled an ultimate guide to souvenir spots you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Playa del Carmen. From genuine art pieces that aren’t mass-produced, to exquisite sweets not available in Cancun, and local supermarkets where you can wisely purchase bulk souvenirs – we bring you real insights to enrich your trip.

Sol Jaguar

📍 Address: Avenida 5 Norte Entre calles 38 y 40, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

If you’re strolling down Fifth Avenue, Sol Jaguar, which opened in 2009, is an absolute must-visit. While many souvenir shops nearby offer cheap, mass-produced items from China, this store sets itself apart. It sells high-quality traditional crafts and art pieces handmade by artists from various parts of Mexico at fair prices, truly deserving the title of a ‘hidden gem’.

Particularly eye-catching are ‘Alebrijes,’ the colorful Mexican wood carvings; beautiful Huichol art made with intricate beads; and an array of textiles adorned with delicate embroidery. Each piece has a unique expression, and you’re sure to fall in love with one as you admire them up close. It’s the perfect place to find a favorite piece that will be a lifelong memory.

Inside the comfortable, air-conditioned store, knowledgeable and friendly staff members politely explain the background of the artworks and the artists. There’s no pressure to buy, allowing you to browse at your own pace, which is a welcome feature for travelers. You can also trust them to carefully package delicate pieces you wish to take home.

Ah Cacao Chocolate Café

📍 Address: Quinta Avenida entre calles 38 y 40, Zazil-ha, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Ah Cacao Chocolate Café, founded in Playa del Carmen in 2004, is now so beloved by locals that it’s dubbed ‘Mexico’s Starbucks’. This cafe, where you can savor delicious ‘Maya chocolate’ made from high-quality Mexican cacao and aromatic house-roasted coffee, is also an excellent spot for souvenir hunting.

Since there are no branches in Cancun, and it’s exclusive to the Playa del Carmen area, purchasing your treats here is a must. Stylish chocolate bars, mini chocolates, cacao nibs, and coffee beans are hugely popular souvenirs, and they even offer unique spicy chocolate. With purchases over a certain amount (e.g., 1000 pesos), you get a free insulated bag, a wonderful display of hospitality that ensures your chocolate won’t melt in the hot Mexican climate.

It’s also ideal for a break during shopping; the cool, rich ‘Chocolate Frappe’ and the elegantly sweet ‘Mocha Cake’ are must-try delights. You can often sample chocolate bars before buying, making it easy to find your favorite flavor. With free Wi-Fi, the ambiance is perfectly inviting.

Playaland

📍 Address: Quinta Avenida 173, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

For those who want to buy ‘affordable and fun souvenirs all in one go!’, Playaland, a large souvenir store on Fifth Avenue, offers unbeatable convenience. A vast interior, exuding a cheerful atmosphere from the entrance, literally has everything, and you’ll find time flying by as you browse.

From T-shirts with Mexican designs and colorful blankets (starting from a very reasonable $4!), to a wide variety of tequila, mezcal, salsa, and organic honey – they cover everything from food to general goods. They also periodically run campaigns offering free gifts or tote bags with purchases over a certain amount, making it a traveler-friendly shop.

Another charm of this store is that you can shop at your own pace without being bothered by aggressive hawkers. Many products have clear price tags, eliminating the stress of bargaining. A Volkswagen Beetle decorated with Huichol art is displayed inside, making it a popular photo spot to commemorate your trip to Mexico. With effective air conditioning, it’s also a valuable oasis to escape the heat.

MEGA Soriana

📍 Address: 30 Avenida Nte. 101, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

If you want to step away from the tourist prices of Fifth Avenue and get a taste of local life while stocking up on inexpensive bulk souvenirs, head to the massive local supermarket, MEGA Soriana. It’s just a short walk from Fifth Avenue and, for foreign travelers, it’s a vast, well-stocked wonderland, almost like a theme park.

Here, alcoholic beverages like tequila and mezcal can often be found at half the price or even less compared to tourist areas. Also, hot sauces commonly used in Mexico, a wide variety of local snacks, and chocolates are perfect for ‘bulk gifts’ for colleagues and friends. It also features clothing and pharmacy sections, making it very convenient for purchasing daily necessities you might need during your trip.

However, there are a few points to note about local supermarkets. The checkout lines can get very crowded, and staff responses can sometimes be slow, so it’s best to visit with plenty of time. Also, the cleanliness of the restrooms may not be up to par, so it’s recommended to use facilities beforehand. While shopping, trying the cheap and delicious freshly baked pizza or fresh fruits sold in the store is also a great part of the supermarket experience.

Tips and Tricks for Buying Souvenirs in Playa del Carmen

To successfully choose souvenirs in Playa del Carmen, a little foresight and understanding of local conditions are essential. First, Fifth Avenue (La Quinta), the main street, attracts tourists from all over the world, so prices are set quite high, comparable to major cities in the US or Canada. Therefore, the smartest way to shop is to ‘diversify’: purchase one-of-a-kind crafts and high-quality jewelry at specialty stores like Sol Jaguar at a fair price, and stock up on bulk souvenirs like food and alcohol cheaply at supermarkets like MEGA Soriana.

Also, Mexico has high temperatures year-round, so care must be taken with how you carry your purchases. Chocolates and candies, in particular, will quickly melt into a gooey mess if carried around during the day. It’s best to buy souvenirs in the cooler evening hours or utilize stores like Ah Cacao Chocolate Café that provide insulated bags. If you plan to buy fragile items like tequila, bringing bubble wrap (cushioning material) from Japan will be extremely useful for packing on your return trip.

Finally, regarding payment. Many shops accept credit cards (VISA, Mastercard), but cash (Mexican pesos) is essential for some small stalls and for paying tips. While many stores accept US dollars, change is often given in pesos, and the exchange rate can be at the store’s discretion, so it’s recommended to have Mexican pesos prepared in advance.