In the heart of the magical Riviera Maya Princess Hotels and the area around Playa del Carmen not only offer luxury and comfort, but also the opportunity to take home a wonderful memento from this Caribbean paradise.

In this article we explore the 7 best souvenirs to take home, either as mementos or give to your loved ones.

1. Mayan Chocolates: Sweet Jungle Delicacies

Indulge yourself with the exquisite taste of the region’s cocoa, with handmade chocolates from the Riviera Maya.

Made with high quality cocoa from a historic region of Mesoamerica, these chocolates capture the ancestral essence of the Mayan civilisation in every bite.

With a variety of flavours ranging from traditional dark chocolate to more exotic combinations with local spices like chilli or vanilla, these chocolates offer a unique sensory experience that reflects the diversity and culinary sophistication of the local culture.

This is a memorable gift that is ideal for sharing and enjoying with friends and/or family!

2. Alebrijes (traditional sculptures): Fantastic Creatures you can hold in your hands

Let the imagination and talent of the Oaxacan artisans come to life through their traditional sculptures, or alebrijes.

These colourful, fantastical hand-made creatures will immerse you in a world of wonders. But did you know there’s a fascinating story behind their creation?

In the 1930s in Mexico City, the artisan Pedro Linares López fell ill. In the delirium of his illness, he had a vision in which he found himself in a forest where strange animals were shouting at him, “alebrijes”.

These creatures, a fusion of real and imaginary animals, became the inspiration for his cardboard and papier-mâché sculptures.

An alebrije memento is more than just a decorative piece – it is a masterpiece that captures the very essence of Mexican folklore.

3. Sugar skulls: Sweet Mementos of Mexico

Celebrate life and death with traditional Mexican sugar skulls.

These colourful, festive creations are an emblematic symbol of the Day of the Dead.

What is curious about them is their historical origin, which dates back to pre-Columbian times, before the arrival of the Spaniards. The indigenous cultures of Mexico (such as the Aztecs) often made offerings to the dead, which included handmade sugar skulls.

During colonial times the Spanish introduced the tradition of carving sugar skulls for the Day of the Dead celebrations, fusing European and indigenous customs to create a uniquely colourful tradition.

By taking a skull home with you, you’ll not only acquire a sweet memento, but also immerse yourself in a profound and poignant Mexican tradition.

4. Talavera Poblana: Elegance in Every Piece

Talavera pottery, with its origins in Puebla (hence Poblano), is renowned for its exquisite elegance and quality.

It all begins with the meticulous production process in which artisans follow traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, from the preparation of the clay to the glazing and final decoration.

Each piece is handcrafted with exquisite attention to detail, and many of the tools and methods employed have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

In addition, Talavera Poblana pottery has been internationally recognised for its high quality and authenticity, so much so that in 2019 it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Take home a piece of this centuries-old tradition. Whether it’s purely decorative or for use as a beautiful serving dish, Talavera Poblana will surely add a touch of distinction to your home.

5. Wrestling: Masks with the Spirit of a Champion

Immerse yourself in the excitement of Mexican wrestling by wearing an authentic fighter’s mask.

In lucha libre (literally ‘free fighting’), the mask represents the wrestler’s identity and constitutes a symbol of honour and pride as well as mystery.

The loss of a mask during a bout is considered a significant dishonour, and can have serious repercussions for the wrestler who loses it.

Every mask is unique, and represents the personality and style of the wrestler who wears it, and often features elements like bright colours and motifs inspired by Mexican culture, including skulls, animals and mythological figures.

Wear your mask with pride and feel the energy of Mexican wrestling wherever you are!

6. Tequila and Mescal: Bottled Mexican Spirit

There’s no better way to take the Mexican spirit home with you than literally, with a bottle of tequila or mescal.

Both drinks are agave distillates with a rich history and a wealth of little-known facts associated with their production and consumption.

Tequila can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico, mainly in the state of Jalisco. The agave used can take from 7 to 10 years to mature, a fact that contributes to its uniqueness and value.

Mescal is primarily produced in the state of Oaxaca, but also in other regions. Unlike tequila, Mescal can be made from a variety of agaves, leading to a more extensive range of flavours and aromatic profiles.

For more information on how mescal is made and how to drink it, click on the link.

Whether it’s for enjoying at home or as a gift, these distilled beverages are the very essence of Mexico. Explore the various brands and types, and choose one that suits your palate.

7. Chiles: A Touch of Mexican Spice

Complete your Mexican culinary experience by taking home dried chillies and authentic salsas. These condiments will add a spicy, flavourful touch to your dishes while reminding you of the unique flavours of Mexican cuisine.

Chiles are a fundamental element in Mexican cuisine, and there is a wide range of possibilities at your fingertips. They are all grown in Mexico and range from mild and aromatic to extremely spicy.

Click on this link to see Mexico’s hottest chillies, ordered from mildest to hottest.

Share this piquant delicacy with whoever you want, and let Mexico add some spice to your life!

At our Princess Riviera Maya hotel and in the region around Playa del Carmen you’ll have the opportunity to take away authentic, charming mementos of this paradisiacal region, so you’ll never forget your wonderful holiday in Mexico.

Enjoy your stay, and take a little piece of the magic of the Riviera Maya with you!

Do you know of any other souvenirs we’ve left out? Share it with us!

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Riviera Maya