Crafts, Souvenirs, Clothing
…Shopping in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Baskets for sale
Zihuatanejo’s downtown area is full of little shops offering curios and mementos, crafts and T-shirts. You can find clay pottery ashtrays and figurines in the shape of fish and frogs, hand-painted wooden and ceramic dishes, silver from the silver-producing town of Taxco in the hills of Guerrero, embroidered blouses, colorful woven fabrics from Michoacan, fine Talavera pottery, carved wooden figures, hammocks, baskets and woven straw animals and placemats, carved masks and Oaxacan rugs and regional crafts from all over Mexico. Most of Zihuatanejo’s shops are located along Fisherman’s Walk and within the first 2 to 3 blocks in from the beach on Calles 5 de Mayo, Cuauhtemoc and Vicente Guerrero and their cross-streets. In Zihuatanejo, if you’re looking for clothing, wander through this core area as well as the municipal market, which offers shoes and clothing in addition to foodstuffs and dry goods, and you’ll be sure to find lots of light, cotton, hot-weather clothing choices.
The artisan’s markets of both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are warrens of little stalls and vendors with their tiny spaces fill to brimming with tourist mementos and crafts for sale. There is also a crafts and souvenir market at the Crocodile preserve area at Playa Linda and a small set of shops at the beach access to Playa La Ropa next to The Tides.
In Ixtapa, wander through the stores in the commercial centers across the boulevard from the major hotels along Playa del Palmar for bathing suits, shorts, tropical print shirts, light sundresses and t-shirts. The artisan’s market and crafts shops offer certain items of clothing along with silver jewelry, painted pottery plates and figurines, hammocks and other souvenirs. For more serious purchases of jewelry, clothing, high-quality crafts and artwork, browse through Ixtapa’s commercial malls across the boulevard from hotel row.
Abel & Julia
If you’re looking for Taxco silver, Abel and Julia provide a large selection and also can design custom pieces for you if desired. Located on Nicolas Bravo No. 9, Downtown Zihuatanejo.
Albertos Jewelers
Fine gold and silver at two locations in downtown in Zihuatanejo on Cuauhtemoc street 12 & 15, the pedestrian street leading into town from the Town square and basketball court. Tel. (755) 554-2161.
Arte Mexicano Nopal
Located across from the Artisan’s Market on Calle 5 de Mayo No. 56 in downtown Zihuatanejo, offering Arts and crafts including precolumbian clay replicas, wood carvings, basketry, masks, metalwork and much more. Tel. (755) 554 – 7530
Cielito Lindo Silver and Leather
Fine jewelry and leather goods, located in Centro Comercial Los Patios Local #26 in Ixtapa. Tel. (755) 553-2714, Fax (755) 553-0203
Fruity Keiko
A great selection of collectibles, crafts and hand-made, one of a kind items as well as some unique imported stuff from abroad. Fruity Keiko started as a small gift shop at Hacienda Eden in Troncones Beach and by popular demand has now expanded into Zihuatanejo Centro. Located on V. Guerrero street No. 5A at the entrance to Coconut’s Restaurant. Tel. (755) 112-1011.
Lacquer of Olinala
Exquisitely lacquered boxes and gourds from the Guerrero mountain town of Olinala, as well as hand-crafted masks, talavera from Puebla and guayaberas from the Yucatan. The store is located just down towards the beach from the Church on 5 de Mayo, Centro, Zihuatanejo. Tels. 755 544- 6733, 554 9597 & 559 0938. Alberto Rodriguez Franco, Proprietor.
La Valentina Pewter and Silver
Fine handcrafted silver and pewter articles offered in two locations in downtown Zihuatanejo: Paseo del Pescador between Daniel’s Restaurant and the basketball court, and Calle 5 de Mayo (the street where the Church and artisan’s market is located)
Lupita’s Boutique
Comfortable and attractive cotton beachwear, casual and elegant clothing, as well as accessories such as handmade purses, hats, and shawls. Located in downtown Zihuatanejo on Juan N. Alvarez No. 16-A. Tel. (755) 554-2238
Mario’s Leather Shop
Purveyors of Mexican leather products including saddles, bike and saddle bags, bowling, golf and gun cases, sandals, handbags, wallets and exotic skin belts. Located on V. Guerrero No. 12, Centro Zihuatanejo. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm.Tel. (755) 554-3684
Casa Marina
The Casa Marina complex between Fisherman’s Walk and Juan A. Alvarez street, running from the base of Cinco de Mayo street to the town plaza and basketball court, is basically a series of family-run businesses, many of which specialize in fine crafts and clothing from many areas of Mexico. Really worth checking out if your looking for some high-quality and authentic Mexican articles. The complex holds the following shops, in addition to Cafe Marina (for some great home-style cooking) and El Cafecito (for fragrant coffees, teas, smoothies and snacks) as well as the Zihuatanejo SPCA installations..
Costa Libre, El Embarcadero and Metztli
…Carry general crafts as well as a lovely selection of traditionally embroidered and hand-worked clothing in the different styles of the country.El Jumil
Handcafted wooden masks and figurines of all kinds are to be found here. Oaxacan black pottery and silver jewelry.La Zapoteca
Woolen hand-woven rugs from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca; cushion covers, bags, yucatecan hammocks.
