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, La Isla, and Kukulcán Plaza. It's open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 9pm and Sunday from 2 to 9pm.
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, next to Plaza Dady'O, open daily from 7am to 11pm. Plaza La Fiesta, next to the Cancún Center (tel. 998/883-4519), is a large Mexican outlet store selling handicrafts, jewelry, tequila, leather, and accessories. It's open daily from 7am to midnight.
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) houses more than 300 shops, restaurants, and entertainment. There's a bank; a bowling alley; several crafts stores; a Play City with gambling machines; a liquor and tobacco store; several bathing-suit specialty stores; music stores; a leather goods shop (including shoes and sandals); and a store specializing in silver from Taxco. U.S. franchise eateries include Häagen-Dazs and Ruth's Chris Steak House. The adjacent Luxury Avenue complex features designer labels such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Pineda Covalin, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Ultrafemme. 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) was being renovated at press time and 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.
The entertainment-oriented Forum by the Sea, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 9 (tel. 998/883-4425; www.forumbythesea.com.mx), received a complete face-lift after Hurricane Wilma. Most people come here for the food and fun, choosing from Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos 'n' Charlie's, Rainforest Cafe, and CoCo Bongo, plus an extensive food court. Shops include Diesel, Harley Davidson, Señor Frog's, Sunglass Island, and Zingara Beachwear and Swimwear. The mall is open daily from 10am to midnight (bars remain open later).
One of Mexico's most appealing malls is the La Isla Shopping Village, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 12.5 (tel. 998/883-5025; www.laislacancun.com.mx), a wonderful open-air complex that borders the lagoon. Walkways lined with quality shops and restaurants cross little canals (boat rides are even offered through the canals), and there's a boardwalk along the lagoon itself, as well as an interactive aquarium and dolphin swim facility. Shops include Bulgari, Diesel, DKNY, Guess, Nautica, Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Ultrafemme, and Zara, as well a large Mexican handicrafts store called Casa Bonita. Among the dining choices are Johnny Rockets, Chili's, Italianni's, Planet Hollywood, 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.
