Playa's epicenter and main shopping street, referred to as
Quinta Avenida or just la Quinta, is always
bursting with friendly energy, filled with bars restaurants
and stores, shops and booths selling all sorts of jewelry,
souvenirs, arts and crafts, fashion and knickknacks. This
is a pedestrian only street, so you can stroll down at the
pace you like, gazing at all the wares on offer.
Variety and color are definitely two of la Quinta’s
most prominent features. Handcrafts that are representative
of Mexico’s many different regions such as furniture,
paper maché, woodwork, woven cloths and silver jewelry
are just some of the things you’ll come across here.
Prices are truly not that high and the quality of many of
these products is very good. Great footwear and clothing are
also available. There are even some great galleries displaying
artwork by artists from San Cristóbal or Oaxaca.
The items on sale have absorbed the influences of many different
cultures and you will find that many things have incorporated
international aspects into their designs, particularly from
Brazil, Africa and Asia. These have blended with ancient Maya
designs to create truly unique products.
Playa also has a great shopping mall, which is fairly new,
called Paseo del Carmen. The stores, boutiques and restaurants
here are of a more exclusive ambiance than you will find on
la Quinta.
Just remember, put on some comfortable shoes, some sunscreen,
maybe even a hat and get ready for a busy and enjoyable day
of shopping!
