Jorge Sanders

Aug 284 min read

PLAYALAND: Playa del Carmen Souvenirs

Updated: Sep 14

Playaland on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen boasts an eye-catching exterior that’s hard to miss. The store features large, bold letters spelling out “PLAYALAND” prominently across the façade, making it a standout landmark on the street. The expansive and inviting entrance provides a clear view straight through to the back of the store, which is as spacious as a warehouse. The expansive layout ensures that visitors can easily spot the wide range of products available, adding to the allure of this must-visit shopping destination. — Located on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, this must be the largest souvenir store in the city.

PLAYALAND. If you're looking for the perfect place to buy Playa del Carmen souvenirs, I can assure you that PLAYALAND is a must-visit.

During my last visit, I was amazed by the variety, quality, and deals this store offers, all without breaking the bank, even though it's located on the famous Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

Handicrafts: The Star of the Show

Imagine standing where the textures and sensations are the main focus. This particular section contains a collection of small, smooth figurines shaped like turtles. These figurines are made from a material called obsidian, which is a type of volcanic glass. To understand what they’re made from, a large, solid piece of this material is nearby. It feels cool and sleek to the touch, with a glossy surface that contrasts with the intricate, hand-carved shapes of the turtles. The presence of the large rock helps you appreciate the origin and craftsmanship of the miniature figures. — This section featuring obsidian turtles is fabulous. It includes a large piece of obsidian rock, allowing you to see the raw material from which the artisanal figurines are crafted.

Playaland has an impressive collection of skulls and high-quality Mayan calendars. Depending on the size, the calendars cost 500 to 1000 pesos.

The exceptional quality makes them the perfect souvenir to take home. Shopping in Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue has never been more exciting than at Playaland, where every corner offers a discovery.

Another pleasant surprise was finding authentic organic honey from the region, certified and available for just 300 pesos.

You can even taste the honey before buying it, which is a nice touch that shows confidence in the product's quality.

Plus, the store has a complete selection of honey liqueurs and an extensive tequila section. Whether you're exploring the Playa del Carmen shops or just taking a stroll, this store is worth visiting.

A Place for All Tastes and Budgets

This section dedicated to Huichol art has a particularly striking skull adorned with intricate designs. Imagine a smooth, solid object that feels like a small, detailed sculpture. On this skull, a vibrant, textured serpent emerges from one of its eye sockets. The serpent's presence is emphasized by its unique, colorful patterns that contrast with the base of the skull. This artwork combines smooth and raised elements, creating a tactile experience that highlights the Huichol tradition's craftsmanship and detailed artistry. — The section dedicated to Huichol art features some genuinely incredible figures, though they can be expensive. Be cautious, especially if you're bringing children along, as breaking something you might regret accidentally is easy.

At Playaland, there's something for everyone. From hats and handicrafts to traditional Mexican blankets, you'll find the perfect souvenir to bring home.

However, one of the most impressive pieces is a Huichol skull with a snake, priced at around $400. If you're traveling with rambunctious or restless kids, it's worth paying attention to the warning: "If you break it, you buy it."

But what steals the show is the famous Volkswagen, split in half and decorated in the Huichol style they have in the store.

This car is a work of art and a true icon of the place. Taking a photo with it is a must if you visit Playaland. It's a keepsake that captures Mexican culture's colorful and vibrant essence.

A Coffee Lover's Delight and Tequila Treasures

In the coffee section at Playaland, imagine feeling a variety of smooth and sturdy bags and containers. Each package has a different texture and weight, giving clues about the type of coffee inside. Some might feel soft and padded, while others are more rigid or crinkly. The bags have different aromas; some may smell rich and strong, like freshly roasted beans, while others are lighter and more subtle. You can find options for ground coffee, whole beans, and unique blends. The variety of textures and scents helps you understand the range and quality of coffee in Playa del Carmen. — For coffee lovers, Playaland does not disappoint. There is a wide variety of options to take home.

In the coffee section at PLAYALAND, you'll find a diverse range of coffee products. Imagine smooth, sturdy bags and containers filled with different types of coffee, each with a unique texture and weight.

Some packages have a soft, padded surface, while others have a more rigid, wavy texture. The scents are also distinctive—some bags may have a robust and rich aroma of roasted beans.

In contrast, others might have a lighter, more delicate fragrance. There are options for ground coffee, whole beans, and even specialty blends, each offering a tactile experience that reflects the variety and quality of coffee Playa del Carmen.

A Tequila Lover's Paradise

In the tequila section of the store, you’ll find a variety of bottles with different sizes and shapes. Each bottle has a distinct texture—some might feel smooth and sleek, while others may have raised or textured labels. The range of tequilas includes options at various price points, so you might notice bottles of different weights and sizes, reflecting their cost and quality. The friendly staff offers free samples so you can experience the flavors directly. The sampling process might involve small, cool cups, allowing you to taste different tequilas and find one that suits your preference. — The store offers a wide selection of tequila at all price ranges. The staff is friendly and provides free samples.

If you're a tequila enthusiast, this store has you covered. They offer an impressive variety of the best tequila from Mexico to suit every budget and taste.

Whether you prefer a smooth blanco, a rich añejo, or something, you'll find something to satisfy your palate.

Their tequila tasting Playa del Carmen sessions make this place even more special. You can sample different varieties to find your favorite, but remember not to overindulge—you might end up a little happier than planned!

And if that's not enough, the store also boasts an extensive range of tequila shot glasses and souvenirs. From traditional to quirky, there's something for everyone. These make fantastic gifts to take home and show off to your friends.

With so many options, it's not just a store, it's an experience. The perfect place to find that unique keepsake from your trip.

Discover the Best Mexican Hot Sauces and Gifts

Imagine a traditional Mexican cart filled with various sauces in the hot sauce section. The cart feels like a small, sturdy wooden stand with colorful, decorative details. The sauces are in unique, eye-catching bottles and packages, each with different textures and shapes. Some might have smooth surfaces, while others have intricate patterns or raised elements. The cart’s presentation adds a touch of Mexican charm to the selection, making it easy to find a sauce that suits your taste or makes a great gift. — For hot sauce lovers, a wide variety of sauces in charming packages are presented in a traditional Mexican cart. These attractive containers make great gifts and offer something for every taste.

For spice enthusiasts, this store is a must-visit destination. They boast an impressive selection of Mexican hot sauce types that cater to every heat tolerance level, ranging from fiery habanero to classic Tabasco.

If you can name it, they have it. The variety is incredible, ensuring that no matter what your taste preference is, you'll find a sauce to match.

One of the highlights is their collection of gift sets, which are offered at very reasonable prices.

These sets are perfect for bringing home a selection of Mexican hot sauces to share with friends and family or as thoughtful gifts for fellow spice lovers.

What's more, the sauces are delicious and beautifully presented in a colorful, traditional Mexican cart, adding a touch of local flair and charm to your purchase. This delightful presentation will surely charm you.

Conclusion: PLAYALAND is a Must-Visit

The Volkswagen is a large, distinctive car, split into two halves and decorated with colorful Huichol beadwork. The car's surface feels smooth but is adorned with intricate, textured patterns. The designs are raised and have a variety of shapes and colors, creating a tactile and visual contrast. You can feel the detailed craftsmanship and vibrant textures when you stand next to it or touch it. It's a unique and memorable piece for a great photo opportunity. — The vibrant, Huichol-decorated Volkswagen stands out and creates an unforgettable and shareable moment.

In summary, PLAYALAND is undoubtedly one of the best souvenir stores in Playa del Carmen.

This is not only because of the wide variety of products but also because of the fair prices, attractive deals, and, of course, the famous Huichol Volkswagen, which makes the visit even more memorable.

Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or want to explore, this is the ideal spot. Don't leave Playa del Carmen without stopping by and taking home a piece of Mexico.

PLAYALAND is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The store is located right on Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, so don't confuse it with its other location in Playacar.

If you're driving, remember to pay for street parking between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. at a rate of 10 pesos per hour or opt for private parking nearby.

And if you're hungry afterward, you can always check out the nearby 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen restaurants to complete your day.

Checkout the location here: PLAYALAND Playa del Carmen