Travelling to Mazatlan: Part 3: Things to DO: Shopping

I talked about the Central Market in a previous post.  Very much a great place to look if you are in the market for souvenirs (clothing, jewelry, etc).  As a whole, there are a TON of little shops scattered about the Golden Zone to shop in.  I have never been into the Gran Plaza mall (it's on my list this year to check out, mostly for curiosity sake) - but if you are looking for your American style shopping mall - that is the place to go!

 

If jewelry is your thing, look at the silver. A word to the wise: If you are buying silver you should look the numbers "925" stamped on it.  It's a mark of quality/real silver.

 

Leather is also very cheap down there.  As a vegetarian who borders more on a vegan lifestyle, I personally don't wear leather.  I'm not one to preach my beliefs - so if leather is your fancy, giver.  A great shop to look for leather wallets/purses, pants/chaps, saddlebags, jackets/vests, sandals, cowboy boots, hats, and belts is Constantinos.  A friend had wanted a leather vest - Constantinos measured her and a few days later she picked up a custom made vest for about $40.  Seriously.

 

If you have ever been to Mexico, you are probably well aware of the plethora of hand crafted goods you can purchase.  Personally,  I am in LOVE with the bright colors.  I bought a few of the blue & white dishes you see below & have bought some of the hand painted tiles and turned them into coasters.  Basically you can find anything ceramic hand-painted from dishes to sinks.  (And for the record, friends PURCHASED and brought back a sink last year)

 

 

Another item I scooped up was some Mexican spices - and the name of the game IS spicy!  As mentioned in a past post, it's a popular to add a chili lime mixture to fruits and veggies.   Also interesting; to buy a bottle of real vanilla is a fraction of the price in Mexico compared to Canada/US.  

 And remember, you can always barter about the price!  If you are interested in purchasing goods from vendors on the beach ALWAYS barter for the price - they start off very high and pretty much expect you to talk them down.  It's not offensive, it's the custom out there.