The Top 10 Artisan Shops in Riviera Maya for Authentic Mexican Crafts

If you’re looking to bring an authentic piece of Mexico home with you, it can get daunting discerning run-of-the-mill souvenir stalls from properly curated art shops. This list of 10 local gems will help you find the treasures you’re looking for.

Ten Uniquely Authentic Artisan Shops in Riviera Maya

While the colorful streets of Playa are some of the fastest growing in all of Mexico, the last thing you want to bring home as a souvenir is a designer piece you can find anywhere, or worse yet, an inauthentic “Mexican craft” made overseas. To help ensure you find the very best local art – both modern and folk – here is a list of our Top 10 Riviera Maya Artisan Shops:

The Weekly Art Party in the Street, Caminarte!

5th Avenue (La Quinta)

Playa del Carmen

Not exactly a shop, but the weekly art event in Playa del Carmen, Caminarte fills 20 blocks of “La Quinta” with local and expat artists from across the Riviera, 6-11pm every Thursday.

Hacienda Tequila

5th Av, Btwn 14th & 16th St.

Playa del Carmen

Distilling Mexico’s national spirit is an art, yes? We think so, and this shop has the best selection of artisanal tequila – as well as the quintessential Mayan honey liqueur, Xtabentun – in town.

Siete Detalles

Avenida 1 Norte LTE 243

Playa del Carmen

If you want to bring home a piece of authentic Talavera pottery or Mexican ceramics, this is the place.

Riviera Art Gallery

20th St, Btwn 5th & 10th Av.

Playa del Carmen

Among the finest, more affordable galleries in Playa, specializing in modern voices.

La Rosalia

5th Av, Btwn 12th & 14th St.

Playa del Carmen

The women of Chiapas design and embroider the bright blouses, blankets, handbags, and shawls you’ll find here.

Los Cinco Soles

Av. Rafael E. Melgar,

Cozumel

Tucked away on the island of Cozumel, jewelry collectors flock here for world-famous Yucatecan filigree (intricately weaved threads of silver and gold).

Yollotl Artesanias

C/Punta Celis local 2 MZA 24, 

Puerto Aventuras

Head to our sleepy southern neighbor for high-quality handmade art like blown glass, shadowboxes, and intricate textiles.

MexicArte

Calle 16

Akumal

Between Playa and Tulum sits this beloved pink oasis of carefully curated modern Mexican art with a deep reverence for tradition.

Mixik

MZA 6 LTE 22,

Av Tulum

Another gem, this Tulum shop has been bringing local folk art to the masses longer than almost any in the Riviera.

Galería Casa Inés

Plaza Paraiso, Av. 10

Playacar

Another great place to find work from Mexican artists – as is much of Plaza Paraiso.