Shopping in Cozumel Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Cozumel is a paradise for those who love beautiful handmade items. There are many shops with all sorts of handmade things which can become a perfect souvenir for your friends. These products are unique, original and authentic. However, if you want to buy many brand clothes and accessories, you should go to the mainland, there is a big choice of clothes at lower prices. The island sells good quality jeans and t-shirts, but that is all that you can find here.

A sombrero is the first thing you should buy on the island. This is not just a beautiful wide-brimmed hat that will protect you from the sun, but also a real symbol of Mexico. Most of the hats are decorated by hand, and you can easily find a truly unique headdress. Poncho is another traditional souvenir that is sold in all souvenir shops. It is usually a small piece of good quality fabric that is embroidered and painted by hand. You can find sombrero and poncho of any colours, from incredibly bright to neutral.

Men can become interested in guayabera - the traditional wedding dress of the grooms. Its origin is shrouded in the darkness of mystery, but it is known that there was such a shirt no later than the 18th century. It has become traditional clothing for Mexicans over the centuries. Women should look for terno - national dress consisting of three parts. The first part is a square piece of cloth with a floral ornament and a hole for the head. The second one is huipil, a blouse of white colour. The third – fustan, the long skirt. This outfit looks fresh and original, it is nice for everyday wear. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

As an alternative to a sling, you can buy a rebozo. Women wear children in this dress and cover their shoulders and head. Sarape is perfect for interior decoration. Previously, this colourful long blanket was worn as a shawl, now it can be seen on the walls or used as a tablecloth or bedding. Another original object of the toilet will be a handbag made of crocodile, ostrich or python. Do not buy extremely cheap products, there is a great chance to buy a counterfeit. Many residents of Cozumel passed on the secrets of leather craftsmanship from generation to generation. You can find high-quality leather shoes on the island. Traditionally, a hammock is a popular gift from the island, which locals use everywhere. You can find very high quality silver products of various shapes and sizes in local jewellery stores.

You can see a lot of bright ceramic bowls and handmade mugs at every souvenir shop. Carved figures of wood and bone and many ornaments of beads of bright colours are sold here. A knife or a statue of obsidian are nice but quite expensive souvenirs that were treated by the indigenous inhabitants of the island for centuries. There are also a lot of crafts made in an Indian style, in memory of the once magnificent civilization of the natives. You can find true Mexican skulls of different sorts here which are sold everywhere. Skulls and skeletons are a tribute to the local culture and festival of honouring the dead. Wrestling masks are very popular throughout Mexico.

Do not pass by edible souvenirs. For example, local chocolate or candy with nuts are the perfect gifts for a sweet tooth. Everybody will be happy to try chocolate at the place where Europeans ate it for the first time. Be sure to try local coffee, especially Arabica and Robusta. Island sauces will please any gourmet with its price, taste and a variety of flavours – almost seventy species of sauces are sold here. Don't pass by incredibly spicy peppers jalapeno and habanero. Of course, it is necessary to bring tequila from the island, the best producers of which are Don Julio, Herradura, Corralejo, and El Jimador. Local drink mezcal made from the agave juice is a hard drink which alcohol content is 50 %. Pulque is made from the same plant, its alcohol content is 6-18 %. Both drinks are quite unusual in taste. Mezcal is sold together with a caterpillar inside. Its addition is not necessary, it is a tribute to the tradition that confirms the quality of the drink.