What To Buy In Costa Maya, Mexico

1. Hammocks

These hammocks are not like your ordinary run-of-the-mill hammocks that you can buy anywhere. There is more to Costa Maya hammocks compared to the rest of the lot. These are Mayan hammocks that come in various colors weaved tightly by hand, with the knots barely visible from afar. It is an age-old tradition that dates back 700 years, and a trade that embodies the Mayan way of life. These hammocks were not only used to rest, but also to conceive, be born in it, and even be buried in it.

Various stalls along the port

Price: 15–45 USD

Address: Port of Costa Maya

2. Handmade plates

These handmade plates are just simply too gorgeous for you to ignore. The first thing that you will notice are the vibrant colors on them. But, these elaborate designs are not the work of machines. Every aspect involved in making these plates purely involves the potters’ hands. The first part involves shaping the plate, which requires a skilled pair of hands to do so. Next comes the painting. These artists apply festive colors in elaborate patterns with skilful precision. Every stroke is equal to the next. These plates are treated more like art pieces rather than something to put your food on.

Siete Detalles

Address: Center Solidaridad Avenida 1 Norte Lote 243, Playa del Carmen 77710, Mexico

Price: 15 USD and above

Website: Siete Detalles

3. Painted tiles

Painted tiles are such beautiful and sought-after souvenir items for tourists’ who frequent Costa Maya. It is also known as Talavera tiles, named after a tile-making tradition rooted in Spain. What’s special about these tiles is that they are hand painted and hand shaped. With all the detail and effort that goes into each piece, only highly skilled and trained artisans get to make these with their hands. Despite their artisanal appeal, these tiles are fully functional and can last a great number of years. If you want the best painted tiles adorning your home, Costa Maya is the place to buy them.

Boca Boca

Address: Merida, Quintana Roo, Mexico

4. Vanilla

Mexico is credited as the place of birth of the vanilla bean. The reason for this is the presence of the Mexican flat-leaf vanilla orchid. The good news is that when you visit Costa Maya, it is possible for you to purchase a bottle or two of pure vanilla extract from a number of stores here. Looking for the real deal and buying some to bring home is surely worth your while. You can certainly score some of these in the little village of Mahahual. Mexican vanilla beans are considered to be the best in the world, and the bottled forms that are sold here are no less just as phenomenal.

Various stalls along the port

Address: Port of Costa Maya

5. Sombrero

One of the most unique Mexican accessories that you will find in Costa Maya, Mexico, is the Mexican sombrero. The wide brim and high cone crown design are what differentiates this type of head wear from the others. The wide brim is there to protect the wearer’s shoulders, face, and neck from the scorching rays of the sun. The high crown allows better air circulation and cools the top of the head. The chin strap or barboquejo holds the hat in place in case of strong winds. This is one accessory that is totally unique to Mexico. Grab one and wear it during your vacation.

Sombrero

Store: Various stalls in Mahahual

Price: 12–15 USD

Address: The Malecon, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico

6. Huichol art items

If you love art with a little bit of culture and tradition thrown into it, then you must get yourself one of these items. Huichol art is very unique to the Huichol people of Mexico. If you look at it from afar, these framed master pieces do look like paintings. However, a closer look would reveal that a unique medium was used. The painting is done with the use of colored yarns to give it vibrancy. History states that the Huichol people used this form of art when they migrated to urban cities to gain the attention of the whole country.

Tierra Huichol

Address: Calles 38 & 40, Playa del Carmen 77710, Mexico

Price: 15–1,500 USD

Website: Tierra Huichol

7. Mexican blown glass pieces

Glass blowing is an old tradition dating back hundreds of years that is kept alive by a handful of people, including the Mexicans. Three things are needed to make these marvelous products: melted glass, a very long hollowed pipe, and a handful of vintage tools. No machines are used during the process; everything relies on the skills of the artist, who blows air into the glass through the pipe. How well he does it dictates the shape of the end product. This takes so much practice and only those with the proper experience can come up with the best pieces.

Vidrio Soplado Mexicano

Address: Fraccionamiento La Toscana, Playa del Carmen 77725, Mexico

Price: 3–6 USD

Website: Vidrio Soplado Mexicano

8. Silver jewelry

Mexican silver jewellery are legendary in status, known for its quality and resistance to tarnishing. These pieces are made with a distinct design that makes it trendy and classical at the same time. Take your pick from rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings; there are several shops selling them all. These are just plain beautiful and will last a very long time. Some of these are even adorned with valuable gems.

Diamond’s International

Address: Puerto Costa Maya, Plaza Kukulcan, 77940, Mexico

Website: Diamond’s International

Shop till you drop during your trip to Costa Maya, Mexico

These items will certainly remind you of your trip to Costa Maya, Mexico. If you want to remind yourself of this beautiful coastal town, then grab any one of these things and bring it home with you.