Shopping: The Markets In Cancun

By Marlo Heresco

Spring break is a busy time of year and that means thousands upon thousands of people cramming the local markets to shop. Many great deals can be found around town if you know where to look. The most common places of course will be the tourist traps in the Hotel Zone. They’re very visible, on main streets and are easier to get to. However, they won’t necessarily have the same items or (more importantly) quality of items that one would find shopping in ‘el centro’ Cancun.

Two popular (and preferred) places to shop in Cancun are Mercado 28 and Mercado 23, both within walking distance from one another. Mercado 28 is by far, a much larger market than its fellow competitor. The center core of this market is comprised mostly of food-court style restaurants. Inside you will be surrounded by more choices of Mexican cuisine then you can imagine. The food is cooked fresh and the prices are outstanding (both in price and quality) in comparison to what you would find anywhere in the Hotel Zone.

The market as a whole is quite large, filling the entire roundabout areas of Ave. Xel-Ha and Ave. Tankah. On one side you will see brightly colored buildings. This is called Plaza Bonita and is mostly quaint souvenir, clothing and café type shops mixed with local businesses. Once you walk through the gated area of Plaza Bonita, you will enter the backside of Mercado 28. It’s here where the world of local gems begins.

Mercado 23 is mere feet off the main drag of Ave. Tulum. It can be found consuming most of the triangle block between Ave. Uxmal and Ave. Tulum and is definitely worth a look. It’s much smaller and more reasonable when it comes to finding local treasures. Mercado 23 is where I go to buy fresh food mostly fruit, vegetables and cheese. It’s vastly different from Mercado 28 in that it’s more representative of an actual local market here in Cancun. You will notice the items offered at this market are quite different from Mercado 28, as well, the vendors are a lot more relaxed because they generally deal with other locals.