The best shopping experiences in Cozumel

Location: Carretera Costera Sur km. 15.5, C.P. 77600, Cozumel, Q. Roo

Chocolate has been part of the Yucatan Peninsula’s culinary landscape for millennia – and you can discover the rich history and flavors of Mexican chocolate traditions at the Mayan Cacao Company. Located just steps from the popular Playa Mia beach, this destination is much more than just a chocolate shop. It’s a full-fledged chocolate experience that no traveler with a sweet tooth will want to miss. You’ll see how authentic Mayan chocolate is made, try an array of tasty treats and learn about how recipes are passed down through the generations. Shopping in Cozumel just got much more delicious.

• What To Buy In Cozumel: Of course, you’ll be able to spend some time in the Mayan Cacao Company’s shop, picking out some handmade artisanal Cozumel chocolate bars to bring home for friends and family (or just keep for yourself!).

Location: Ave. Rafael Melgar X Calle 8 NTE., Cozumel, Q. Roo

The Los Angeles Times recently offered one the best Cozumel shopping tips: “No visit to Cozumel is complete without a visit to Los Cinco Soles.” Located near the Cozumel cruise port in a beautifully restored mansion, this store is filled with handcrafted items, sparkling silver jewelry, and must-have souvenirs. There are countless things to choose from here, and the atmosphere of the store is wonderful.

• What To Buy In Cozumel: Los Cincos Soles makes its 100 percent organic vanilla extract – once you’ve switched over to it, you’ll never go back. And you can also get bottles of Xtabentun (pronounced “ish-ta-ben-toon”), a favorite Yucatan Peninsula liqueur made from honey. Trust us, you’ll love it.

Location: Adolfo Rosado Salas, (between 20^th and 25^th Aves.), Cozumel, Q. Roo

This Cozumel market is a real slice of authentic island life, with dozens of stalls selling all kinds of interesting items: fresh fruit and veggies, Cozumel jewelry, traditional pottery, Cozumel crafts and colorful clothing. Mercado Municipal has a vibrant, welcoming ambiance. It’s a great place to interact with locals and even practice your Spanish language skills. Good to know, however – many stalls don’t take credit cards, so bring along cash.

• What To Buy In Cozumel: The fruits of the Yucatan Peninsula are diverse and delicious – and Mercado Municipal is a great place to sample some of them at their freshest and most flavorful.

Location: 49 Ave. 15 north (between 8^th and 10^th streets) Cozumel, Q. Roo

Shopping in Cozumel is a feast for the senses – and on the visual side of things, you can’t beat Gallery Azul. It’s not just an art gallery, it’s a working art studio, where owner Greg Dietrich works with engraved blown glass to create unique lamps and night lights, candle art, and engraved blown glass vessels. Much of his inspiration comes from the exotic marine life in the reefs that surround Cozumel. You’ve got to see it to believe it.

• What To Buy In Cozumel: Many of Gallery Azul’s glass art feature dazzling Mayan-inspired landscapes and symbols. Bringing home one of these pieces is a great way to bring a bit of the Riviera Maya’s rich history back home with you.

For more straightforward shopping in Cozumel experiences, visit Royal Village Shopping Center, a Cozumel shopping mall with items like sunglasses, shoes, swimwear and more. Enjoy your Cozumel shopping spree …