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Grabbing a bite to eat or a souvenir from a street vendor is a timeless tradition in Mexico, with street vending dating back to the 16th century.
Since the late 20th century, the practice has grown even more popular.
Today, there are thousands of street vendors in Cancun, but unfortunately, not all of them are operating legally, so Cancun is cracking down on illegal street vendors to protect tourists.
The Difference Between Legal And Illegal Street Vendors
Like in most places, certain licenses and permits are required to operate any type of business in Cancun.
This helps officials monitor businesses, including street vending businesses, to ensure that they are operating in the best interest of the customer.
It allows officials to ensure that health and safety protocols are being met.
The Dangers Of Illegal Street Vendors
When street vendors operate illegally and under the radar, there is no oversight to ensure they are operating according to certain standards.
Food may not be prepared right or kept to optimal temperatures, and food, souvenirs, and other items are more likely to be overpriced.
Additionally, in some rare cases, illegal vendors have even been known to offer tourists illicit items, like drugs.
How Cancun Is Cracking Down
Cancun is an amazing vacation destination, and officials don’t want that image to be tarnished by bad experiences with illegal street vendors.
This is why they are carrying out daily operations to locate and shut down illegal street vendors.
According to reports, they shut down about four street vendors a day that are not complying with regulations.
Different Types Of Street Vendors
Street vendors in Cancun sell all different kinds of items, from food and beverage items to Mexican handicrafts.
Those that offer food and beverage items might sell things like tacos, elote, molotes, tamales, tostadas, fresh fruit, and juices.
You may even see vendors walking up and down the beaches in Cancun shucking and selling oysters.
Other items that street vendors typically sell are things like handmade blankets, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and hats, just to name a few of the most popular items.
Why Tourists Love Street Vendors In Mexico
For tourists, visiting street vendors is a way to experience the culture of Mexico.
They most commonly purchase things like locally made food, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
While some tourists may be annoyed by them, others enjoy and look forward to visiting Cancun and bargaining with street vendors to get a great deal on a souvenir or grab a quick Mexican street food staple.
Where You’ll See Street Vendors In Cancun
Street vendors is a generic term used to refer to several different types of vendors.
In Cancun, you’ll find “street vendors” on the beaches, as well as along the streets.
Some street vendors operate out of small carts, portable stalls, food trucks, and semi-fixed stalls, but all are considered street vendors.
Cancun Markets With Vendors
In Cancun, you’ll find several markets that are set up with vendors that are very similar to street vendors.
They sell many of the same items but they are set up in one central, organized area.
The two most popular in Cancun are Mercado 28 and Mercado 23, which are both located in the downtown area, about a mile apart from each other.
There’s also one in the Hotel Zone, called Mercado Coral Negro, which is in a convenient location for tourists, but the consensus is that the other two are much better.
Shopping at these markets allows you to get the street vendor experience without having to worry about illegal vendors.
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