July 6, 2008

I just arrived back from Cancun with my daughter, we absolutely loved shopping at Mercado 28. It was exactly what I thought it would be like. You have to haggle of course with the people, but you will get a good price for the things you want if you are smart and don't buy the first thing you see. It is also the best place to buy tickets for the tours, it is alot cheaper than in the hotels. I just read a review from someone saying it was dirty, it is not. I have been to many flea markets in the US and this one was one of the cleanest. We met the nicest Myan boy named Abelardo Moo Pech, he works at one of the stands and sells tours for Sando's resorts. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was extremely kind and honest, he helped us get the best prices for the items we wanted. My daughter became ill due to the severe heat, I called him and asked him where I could take her, he said don't worry I'll help you. He called his family Dr and made an appointment for her. He picked us up at the hotel and took us to his office. I couldn't believe how kind he was. If anyone ever goes to Mercado 28 look for the stand on the outside, it is a few blocks from Walmart across from a salon. He wears a red shirt that says Sandos with tan pants. Evev if you don't buy anything, just say hello. He is a great person.

The market is not worth the visit. My husband and I went there on our trip to Cancun. One vendor wanted to charge us $35 U.S. for a small bottle of vanilla - and when we finally bargained down ($5 U.S.), we still paid more than in the store - which we found out later was $3.50 U.S. A silver beaded necklace was the same price as the on you can find on the Tiffany website and the final asking price was still more than the U.S. price for a non-brand. The vendors are too agressive to get you into their store area. If you are looking for deals, this is not the place to find it. My husband and I have been to markets all over the world and we were highly disappointed by this one.

Market 28 was pretty easy to get to from the hotel zone via bus. There are no signs to the market when exiting the bus so ask the driver. And...on the way back, you need to get to Walmart and it's difficult crossing the streets so be careful. I think it was worth the trip overall..but the shopping experience was not easygoing. All the vendors expect you to go into their store and are quite agressive. If you touch anything or ask for a price they try to engage in some serious haggling over prices. It would be so much more pleasant if a fair price was simply marked on the item. I did buy some nice things and would return understanding that the haggling is part of the experience that isn't going to go away. The haggling stuff really made the experience somewhat unpleasant. But...the market had a nice selection of jewerly, clothing, pottery, so the selection made it worth it for me.

I agree with what most people say about the market. It seems that Mercado 28 has the benefit of many tourists which tend to drive the prices up. It is true that you're not missing much in the way of shopping, however there is some excellent seafood available at very affordable prices. I can't remember the name, but in the center of the Market look for the busiest, largest restaurant (they are outside under canopies). Great food. Try some of the typical Mexican dishes. Excellent Ceviche and soft crabs.