Turquoise waters, ocean breezes, and nature activities may be steps away from the hotels lined along the white sand beaches in Cancun, but shoppers won’t be disappointed here either. With more than 2,000 stores to choose from, unique shopping lines the Hotel Zone and downtown area. Take a walk through world-class centers and modern malls for designer apparel and accessories, or pick up handcrafted souvenirs from around the country in one of the village flea markets.

To give your shopping feet a direction, I’ve prepared a short list of suggested, not-to-miss Cancun shopping adventures:

Flamingo Plaza is located in the heart of the Hotel Zone bordered by the Nichupte Lagoon and features 100 stores. The shopping mall has famous national and international brands and specialty stores including Deportes Marti for sports articles or Sunglass Island for eyewear.

As the only shopping and entertainment center on the shore of the ocean, Forum by the Sea is a three-level complex with more than 80 stores carrying handcrafts, jewelry, perfumes and clothing. Restaurants include Hard Rock Café, Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s and nightclubs such as Coco Bongo.

Kukulcan Plaza recently underwent renovations both inside and out and offers shoppers a variety of restaurants and stores from Mexican handcrafts to exclusive designer names and boutiques. 

Located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, Plaza Caracol is characterized for its quality and diversity in store and restaurant options and offers a variety of domestic and international brands. Other services include the U.S. and Canadian Consulates, money exchange, HSBC Bank and ATM’s. 

My favorite shopping stop on the bus route in the Hotel Zone is the La Isla Shopping Village. This mall is glittery, ultra-trendy, and ultra-expensive and home to more than 260 shops. Sitting on the Laguna Nichpute under a giant canopy, a series of canals and small bridges gives the place a Venice-esque feel. It houses some of the world’s finest jewelers, boutiques, and brand clothing, but there are also a handful of kiosks with Mexican handicrafts.

In addition to shopping, the La Isla Shopping Village is home to an in-house interactive aquarium with sharks and dolphins, water sport activities, a marina, disco, movie theaters, and restaurants. My favorite Mexican restaurant, La Casa de las Margaritas, is also located here. Order one of their fabulous margaritas and watch the server carry it to your table carefully balanced on their head. Their homemade guacamole is freshly made, and their Mexican food is some of the most authentic.

For those too busy enjoying the sun, there’s still one last chance to shop at the Cancún International Airport. The Airshop Shopping Mall offers a variety of products at duty free prices such as perfumes, jewelry, tequilas, cosmetics and boutiques. Stores include designer and international brands as well as handicrafts and souvenirs from craftsmen in Mexico