by Sheila Marikar

Cancun has no shortage of shopping. From malls to markets to craft workshops, there's a variety of outposts offering specialty goods for bargains you can't find in America . Keep your eyes open – some of the best buys can be found in unlikely places.

In Cancun , shops are generally open on weekdays between 10AM and 1PM and again from 4PM to 7PM. Recently, some stores have decided to forgo the traditional afternoon siesta and stay open the entire day. Malls tend to be open from 9AM to 8PM on weekdays. Markets keep similar hours but sometimes stay open later in the night. While it's best to shop on weekdays when stores and vendors have the biggest selection of goods in stock, some shops do business on Saturday and Sunday mornings to accommodate tourists' busy schedules. In Cancun 's markets, bargaining is the key to getting a good deal. Stores usually have fixed prices. If you pay cash for your goods, you may get the 15% sales tax taken off at shops that don't want to pay steep credit-card commissions.

Cancun 's markets are the best places to pick up authentic Mexican goods. With the amount and variety of sombreros, textiles, handicrafts and jewelry offered at these markets, you're sure to find something you'll want to take home. Head downtown to shop the most extensive markets. Mercado 28 is one of the most popular – not only is it great for scoring bargains on Mexican pottery, rugs, clothing and silver jewelry, it's also packed with food stalls and restaurants to satisfy the appetites of hungry shoppers. Find more handicrafts at Market Ki-Huic, located near the Hotel Plaza Kokai . Ki-Huic is one of Cancun 's oldest markets. It hosts over 100 vendors who sell goods such as Mexican blankets, sombreros, and silver trinkets. Women may be interested in the market's selection of Mayan Huipils, white cotton dresses with colorful embroidery at the neckline and hem. Staying in the Zona Hotelera? Visit the Coral Negro Market, located near the Avalon Grand Cancun and the Miramar Mision Cancun . The market's 50+ stalls sell small crafts like colorful glazed ceramics and papier-mâché fruits. Also located in the Zona Hotelera is the La Fiesta Market which features silver ornaments and woven wall hangings.

Cancun 's malls are geared towards tourists and offer amenities like air conditioning, food courts, video arcades, and movie theaters in addition to an array of shops. Kukulcan Plaza is Cancun 's premier shopping mall, boasting over 250 stores, 15 eateries, two theaters, a bar, and a bowling alley. Its Zona Hotelera location makes getting there easy – Kukulcan Plaza is minutes away from the Crown Paradise Club Cancun and the Hyatt Regency Cancun . The mall features a “ Luxury Avenue ” where well-known designers such as Cartier, Fendi, and Versace recently opened outposts. Kukulcan Plaza dedicates some stores to handicrafts and specialty goods, so if you're not in the mood to haggle with market vendors, come to the mall to pick up traditional clothing and jewelry.

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