Shopping on Cozumel

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Local Specialties

Cozumel has become a great place for shopping, thanks to its increasing importance as a port-of-call for cruise ships. Major shops and boutiques are downtown within easy walking distance of one another. Most are located on Avenida Melgar (the street that runs along the waterfront) or on parallel and side streets around the main square.

Store hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., closing for siesta. They open again 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Some shops are open all day, especially when cruise ships are in port. Some guests have told us that prices go up when there is a cruise ship in so better wait till later to do most of your souvenir shopping. Morning is the least crowed and coolest time to shop.

When the Spaniards first landed on Mexican soil, one of the greatest sources of amazement among the many marvels of the New World were the beautiful examples of craftmanship in items which the Indians produced for their religious cememonies and daily use.

Beadwork by Huichol Natives

Cozumel offers many of Mexico’s greatest artist’s work. There is a great selection of clothing, jewelry, and decorative items.

Huipiles

Typical clothing from many of Mexico’s regions can be found here. The traditional Maya woman’s dress is the huipile. A huipile is a blouse or tunic embroidered with flowers. A Mayan princess long ago had a young lover who always gave her flowers which she would string and put around her neck. When the young man died, she continued to string flowers to put around her neck. Today, in memory of her, the flowers are embroidered on Maya women’s dresses.

Basketry

Basketry is a pre-Colombian craft and widely practiced by the Indians and mestizo groups. You’ll encnounter a good selection of items from toys, fans, floor mats, purses, and, most importantly, “Panama” hats which are exported all over the world.

Silver/Gold

Some very fine jewelry is made of Mexico’s silver and gold. You will find both used in combination with Mexico’s precious stones and Cozumel’s black and rose coral. Buy from established stores if you’re looking for fine gold and jewels. Silver is about the same eveywhere. Be sure you get real silver and not “alpaca”.

Clothing

High-fashion clothing ranges from modern to casual around here. There are designers who produce distinctive lines that appear to be inspired by traditional Indian dresses with their flamboyant use of embroidery and ribbon. The better-known designers are Josefa, Irene Pulos, Diana Martin, and Delfis and Girasol.

T-Shirts are also abundant and a colroful way of remembering your trip afterwards.

Hats

The states of Puebla and Oaxaca are the most important producers of palm hats. Buyers from the large cities such as Puebla and Mexico City take the hats in raw form, iron and stiffen them before placing them on the national market. The stiff, wide-brimmed hat of Mexican hat dances, trimmed with velvet and sequins is normally untrimmed except, perhaps, for those worn by mariachi bands.

Hammocks

Some of the hammocks you’ll see sold in stores and on the streets are locally made. The craftsman usually takes about a month to make a hammock. The Maya, including most of the Indians living here today, sleep in their hammocks rather than on mattresses. They say it’s cooler since the air circulates completely around your body. There are one- and two-person sizes.

Fine Artists In Cozumel

Veronica at an art show

Veronica Sanchez hosts art shows throughout the year. Once a year, she organizes an art show to raise money for the Humane Society benefit. She knows all of Cozumel´s artists personally and can put you in contact with these artists.

Unbeknownst to many art collectors, Cozumel is an inspiring haven to artist from around the world. Many are only here for a few years to either find something, or let go of something elsewhere. The Caribbean colors, the happy atitude of the Mexican people, and the mystic legends of the Maya contribute to a unique pull of artist energy in each of us.

Galería Azul

Galería Azul is both an engraving studio and showplace for glass artist Greg Dietrich. At the gallery you will be able to view Greg's cameo engraved blown glass as well as see the artist at work.

Galo Ramirez Lopez

Galo was born in 1959 in Mexico City. His mother had an artistic streak in her heart and nurtured her knowledge of love of arts since he began life. His father was a carpenter, a designer of hand-made furniture. His creativity and lifestyle allowed Galo and his siblings to see many beautiful museums and fine works of many kinds.

As a child, Galo knew he had a special gift. His parents nurtured his sensitivity by showing him the many beautiful museums of Mexico City and the surrounding area, giving him much material with which to work.

As a younger man, Galo studied political science, yet he still followed his dream by creating images of the wonderful things that were happening in his mind. Caught up in the rat race of making money, he was forced to work outside of fine arts. With his experience as a painter, he truly saw the world through the eyes of an artist. Realization of his true destiny came at last. He finally realized that he was not fulfilling his directed goal and knew a change was imminent.

Jazz Trio

Blue Moon Jazz

An artist feels most at home in front of an easel, his body and clothes covered with the tell-tale splashes of colors he´s used to create the visions of his soul. In a painting, the true artist can release his dreams, his prayers, his most important love. Galo knew he had to paint . His need to make strokes was directing him at last.

In 1992, Galo came to Cozumel from the heart of the mainland. He is now one of Mexico's leading aspiring artist. Cozumeleños take pride in their resident artists.

His style is varied and flexible. He works in many different mediums. He presently favors acrylics, charcoals, and oils, yet still enjoys other "fun stuff".

Galo has held several exhibitions on the island including Cozumel´s museums , Cinco Soles Gallery, the Calling Station Communications Center, and the Gallery of Quintana Roo.

Due to his exploding internal creativity, he has accomplished many wonderful works. Until recently, his private collection was unavailable to the public for purchase. He has finally released several wonderful works of art.

In this world, there are painters and there are artists. Galo is an artist of the 90´s . He´s come a long way and is continuing the climb to the top of international arts.

Share the experience and enjoy his creations.

Gordon Gilcrist

One of the longest island residents, the Scotsman and his wife have been well known as some of the finest local artist in town. He has his life-like pencil sketches of El Castillo, and other Mayan ruins in many stores in Mexico.

David VillaGomez

Raised in the mountains outside Mexico City, he lived with the Indian artists for many informative years. His love of being a dive master (he has over 600 dives under his belt) is reflected in his acrylics and sculptures. His is still budding, coming up with new works constantly.

“The Spaniards:”
Jose Carlos Pueyo and Javier Soler

These two young men from Spain come and go from month to month but they have left a huge collection of art around the island in their contribution to commercial art. One can see their paper-mache signs, manniquins, bulletins, menus, t-shirts, and murials. Just to name a few places you might look: Chilli’s, Calling Station, Sports Page, Joe’s, Coral Reefer Club, El Sarape Grill, many scuba shops, ect. ect. They tend to travel a bit but always end up coming back.

Carlos Mares

This Mexican man has recently opened up a gallery of his work and has a few select pieces of other artists such as David Villa Gomez. It is located on the corner 5th Avenue and 5th Street. He is open all day. His speciality is making scenes with dots. He is truly one of Cozumel's most gifted artists.

Diamond Bakery

Bianca Holmes has collected a few art pieces from one of Cozumel's favorite artists, who is actually from Spain. He decorated the interior of the restaurant and did the ceiling mural. Sometimes she will show some black-and-white photography as well. A good place for coffee and art apreciation.

Museo de la Isla de Cozumel

I suggest you go to the top floor to visit the continuing art gallery. They constantly have a local artist on display in the art gallery. You can check the office for a schedule. The best artists have cocktail parties on opening night, making it more fun to visit their shows.

Finding Food

Shopping for food in Cozumel can be fun and eventful. In Cozumel, you may have to go to several shops to be able to get everything on your shopping list. One store may stock one inventory one week and carry a completely different inventory the next. When we see something that we might use, we grab it right away because it may not be there the next time we go there.

Take advantage of Mexican bargains like tortillas and black beans, fresh fruit, and exotic vegetables.

Grocery stores are divided into three classes here in Cozumel. There are lots of very small stores located throughout the town. Their selections are limited but are just right for quick stops. They are called abarrotes.

The newest, biggest, and most-like-the-U.S stores are:

SuperMas

Located on 30th Ave. between 6th and 8th Streets. This is another modern, fully stocked super market that is conveniently located on a main road. You can find produce, canned goods, household goods and meats. There are many
checkers so you won't wait long. Cash only.

Super San Francisco

Located on 65th Ave. about two kilometers south of the intersection at Benito Juarez where the intersection has a huge Conch shell. This is Cozumel's first department store with clothes, music, house hold goods, electronics, grocery and produce. This is the best one-stop shopping that you'll find. They have a selection of alcoholic beverages too. There is even a pharmacy located in the front of the store, near the check-out counter. They take Visa and Mastercard.

Super San Francisco de Asis

There is a new location on 30th between Benito Juarez and 2nd Street. This location offers hold house wares, clothing, produce and more. There is an internal bread bakery and corn tortilla factory. There is also a CD and video department. It is a complete one-stop shop.

Chedraui

This is one of Cozumel's nicest grocery stores. They sell stereos, TVs, household goods, CDs, make-up, wines, cold cuts, meats, produce, canned goods, office supplies, etc It's a one-stop shopping trip. They take credit cards, but most of the time, this could mean a long wait. This is the store I recommend the most because of the wide selection of goods they offer.

There are several larger grocery stores. General grocery stores are the following:

La Tienda Sedena

Located on the military naval base at the corner of Avenida Melgar and the airport road, this store is open to the public. This is the most inexpensive store for everything. Some of the most useful things you’ll find here include bread, cold cuts, cheese, sodas, beer, some wines and spirits, some canned goods, packaged breads and cookies, sugar, beans, rice, flour, some cereals like corn flakes, diapers, shampoos, etc. The availability varies widely from day to day. They may have two shelves of canned goods one week and the next none, just 12 different kinds of juices. Then the next week, no juice and a dozen kinds of cookies. Take your chances here first to see what’s in stock before going to the other more expensive stores.

La Retranca

This downtown location offers your basic drinks and snacks. They have downsized and only offer a few staples.

La Retranca 24 Horas

Located on the corner of 11th and 30th, this is a handy stop for the basic necessitites like drinks, bread, canned goods, and cereal. Don’t go here if something else is open unless you have only one or two items to buy.

Centro Commercial

This is convenient shopping, as it is located right on the northeast corner of the main square. You may find some popular American magazines, t-shirts, beach towels, juices, cosmetics and perfumes, some canned goods, large selection of cookies, bacon, cheese, beer, flavored soda pop, etc.

Pama and Orbi

These two stores are fairly expensive but fun to shop in whenenver you crave your favorite American munchies. You can find imported candy, food mixes, popular cookies, American canned goods, spirits, perfumes, nice imported clothes including bathing suits, baby gifts, and toys. You can buy snorkeling gear, swimming pool toys, and beautiful Mexican arts and crafts and Mayan replicas.

El Mercado

“El mercado” is fantastic. There, one can find the colorful exotic tropical fruits typical of the region. Some might say it’s dirty because of the flies, the dogs walking around and the conditions, but here’s some of the third-world “charm” you’ve come to Mexico to enjoy. If this is your first trip, take a deep breath, forget the prewrapped packages of fruit and meats you’re accustomed to getting on your shopping trips at home, and open up your mind. You’ll find the pork section where you see a pig’s head. The bloodiest counter is usually beef. The fish are arrayed on ice and chickens are there too, complete with head and feet.

In case you’re interested in more familiar munchies, there are also three department stores with popular American products, but these items are expensive. If you’d like some Oreos or Peter Pan peanut butter or microwave treats check out Orbi, Pama, and Prococo, all on Avenida Melgar.

Bakeries

Diamond Bakery

There are many European delights in this bakery. They offer fresh breads, cookies, and beautifully decorated delicious cakes for those
special occasions that you celebrate here. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well. Located on 15th Ave. and 1st Street.

Zermat

This delicious bakery offers wonderful Mexican sweet breads, fresh whole-wheat loaves, and scrumptiouly delicious cakes. They also offer pan pizza, home made granola, and traditional desserts like flan or rice pudding. Located on 4 Street and 5th Ave.

Los Arcos

This large bakery makes breads for many restaurants in Cozumel. They have all the traditional Mexican sweet breads. They are located on 20th Ave. and 7th street.

Rock 'n Java

This restaurant offers many American desserts and pies. They have wonderful breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as brownies, apple pies, quiche, and many cakes, too. You can special-order birthday cakes, too. The air-conditioned restaurant is located on the beachfront road next to the Naval base.

Coffee Bean

This wonderful coffee shop offers so many terrific desserts that you can gain weight just walking past. They always have the largest selection in town of American-style desserts. They will special order any dessert you want as well. The air-conditioned coffee shop is located on 3th street, just off the corner of the beachfront road.

Pharmacy

This is Monica Tate of the American Pharmacy. She knows many of the cures for common ailments. Located on 3rd across the street from the Coffee Bean. If you need a prescription, she has a doctor on call that can help.

Things are Different in Mexico. . .

Coca-Cola

Cokes are cheaper than water. The Coke distributor is located on Avenida 30 between Calle 6 and 8. The Cokes here use the same recipe but use sugar cane instead of refined sugar. We like it so much, we’re hooked.

Milk

You won’t find milk in cartons like you get at home. Cartons here are shorter and flatter. They use long-life milk, meaning until it’s opened, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and can stay on the shelf, out of the sun for up to a year. We find the taste pleasant. If it isn’t exactly what you’re craving, serve it over ice and maybe add a touch of vanilla. Our favorite is San Marcos Light.

Delivery Service

We now have a shopping service we offer to all our guests. Many people don’t want to take a day of their one-week vacation to go hunting for things on a grocery list. It isn’t as simple as in the USA, but if you feel adventuresome and really want to get the feel of being in Mexico, you might want to try it. Otherwise, use our service.

We can provide you with a grocery list that you simply check the items you want and include the quantity. At the end of your stay, we will give you a bill with the receipts and will add a 20-percent service charge for shopping and delivery. You are welcome to include beverages as well as food and other items. We can offer this service as a one-time deal. We'll shop for you once. Thereafter, should you need anything else, we can always let you know where to buy the things you need. The only exception that we offer is for cases of beer or soft drinks. Make your list on the first day, so you have enough to enjoy throughout your stay.

 
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