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 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 25 (tel. 998/884-1402), specializing in imported cosmetics, perfumes, and fine jewelry and watches. The downtown Cancún location offers slightly lower prices than branches in Plaza Caracol and Kukulcán Plaza.
Handicrafts 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, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 9.5, open daily from 7am to 11pm. A small restaurant inside, Xtabentun, serves Yucatecan food and pizza, and morphs into a dance club around 9 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. Most are on Bulevar Kukulkán between Km 7 and Km 12. They offer everything from fine crystal and silver to designer clothing and decorative objects, along with numerous restaurants and clubs. Stores are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm.
The Kukulcán Plaza (tel. 998/885-2200; www.kukulcanplaza.com) offers a large selection -- more than 300 -- of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. There's a bank; a theater with U.S. movies; an Internet-access kiosk; several crafts stores; a liquor and tobacco 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 labels, such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Ultrafemme. In the food court are a number of U.S. franchise restaurants, including Ruth's Chris Steak House, plus one featuring specialty coffee. 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.
The long-standing Plaza Caracol (tel. 998/883-1038; www.caracolplaza.com) holds, among other things, Cartier jewelry, Señor Frog's clothing, Samsonite luggage, and La Fisheria and Casa Rolandi restaurants. It's just before you reach the convention center as you come from downtown Cancún.
Because the entertainment-oriented Forum by the Sea, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 9 (tel. 998/883-4425), suffered extensive hurricane damage, it received a complete face-lift. Most people come here for the food and fun, choosing from Hard Rock Cafe, CoCo Bongo, and Rainforest Cafe, plus an extensive food court. Shops include Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel, Harley Davidson, Sunglass Island, and Children's World. The mall is open daily from 10am to midnight (bars remain open later).
The most intriguing mall is the La Isla Shopping Village, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 12.5 (tel. 998/883-5025; www.laislacancun.com.mx), an open-air festival mall that looks like a small village. Walkways lined with shops and restaurants cross little canals. It also has a "riverwalk," alongside the Nichupté lagoon, and an interactive aquarium and dolphin swim facility, as well as the Spacerocker and River Ride Tour -- great for kid-friendly fun. Shops include Bulgari, Diesel, DKNY, Guess, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, UltraFemme, and Zara. Dining choices include Johnny Rockets, Häagen-Dazs, the fun-filled Mexican restaurant La Casa de las Margaritas, and the romantic Thai restaurant. You will also find a movie theater, video arcade, and several bars, including La Madonna.
