Street and beach vendors are a common sight when visiting vacation destinations in the Riviera Maya, and most of them are just trying to make a living.
But in an attempt to sort out the good from the bad and to keep them from crowding certain areas, officials are cracking down on street and beach vendors in Playa del Carmen.
This is following an increase in complaints from tourists, one of which is regarding robberies on the beach.
What Do Street And Beach Vendors Sell?
Both beach and street vendors sell a variety of different items and services, most of which are geared toward tourists.
Everything from massages to umbrella rentals can often be found up and down Mexican Caribbean beaches.
Products sold by vendors include things like Mexican textiles, souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, food and beverage items, clothing, and more.
@teliajnbaptiste We took a 30 minute taxi ride from our resort to 5th Avenue to do some local souvenir shopping. The people are friendly and I both loved the work ethic displayed and respected the hustle of the vendors. We purchased Mexican coffee, chocolates, T shirts and this gorgeous leather bag.#mexico #playadelcarmen #cancun #cancunmexico #travel #coconut #blackgirlstravel #baecation ♬ original sound – Telia JnBaptiste
Rules For Vendors
Rules regarding beach vendors are a bit obscure, but it seems that they are generally frowned upon, especially by hotels along the beach, which have been known to ask them to leave their areas.
Many of the vendors that are on the beach sneak their sales and services in when authorities are not around.
Street vendors require a permit to be able to sell their wares, and officials have started to crack down on those who don’t have them over the last couple of years.
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@erich_dog #oyster #carribean #playadelcarmen #mexico #food #fyp #vacation #beach #foodvendor ♬ Don’t Let Me Down – The Chainsmokers
Vendors On Playa Del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue
Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue is where all the tourist activity off the beaches takes place and is usually flooded with tourists walking up and down the street to enjoy the Mexican restaurants, bars, and shops.
It has been common in the past to also see a lot of street vendors, called “Marias,” but in recent months, authorities have been moving them to side streets. This is due, in part, to complaints made by shop owners that they are losing business because of street vendors.
@tequilatofu #playadelcarmen #movingtomexicowithkids #remoteworker #movingabroad #leavingusa #traveltiktok #5thavenue #playadelcarmenmexico ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
Vendors On Playa Del Carmen’s Beaches
Authorities have been cracking down on beach vendors due to reports from visitors that they are being robbed when they’re not paying attention.
One vendor, when interviewed, commented that the “vendors” committing crimes ruin it for legitimate vendors, stating that “because there are other artisans and sellers who are thugs and who do not come simply to sell, but to look for when the customer falls asleep, to do evil to him and because of them, they get us into trouble.”
This was in response to being removed from the beach for selling souvenirs made from palm leaves.
@mrsthriving Mexico Beach Vendors are the best!! Everything was so fresh and yummy 😋
♬ Hasta la Raíz – Natalia Lafourcade
Buying From Street And Beach Vendors
Many tourists love buying from street and beach vendors when visiting Playa del Carmen, as some great items can be purchased at low prices.
But it’s important to buy from legal vendors who are not breaking the law. And in the case of beach vendors, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings at all times and not let your guard down so you won’t be a victim of “vendors” with bad intentions.
@holly_bug85 The mexico market was insanely cool! Right on the beach! Thousands of vendors! #mexico #market #playadelcarmen #beach#fleamarket #entertainment #cozumel #mexican #vacation #anniversary #mygoodman #fyp #foryou #fypシ #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Holly Goodman
Playa Del Carmen As A Tourist Destination
Playa del Carmen is an extremely popular vacation destination that sits along the Mexican Caribbean coast a little over an hour from Cancun.
It’s more laid back, has fewer crowds, and is just as beautiful, with great all-inclusive resorts and stunning beaches.
This is why hundreds of thousands of tourists from the U.S. and Canada visit Playa del Carmen every year.
@mostlyfoodandtravel Mango 🥭 stands in Playa Del Carmen #juicymangoes #sweetandsalty #mexicanstreetfood #tajinchile #chamoysauce ♬ Feels Like Summer – Samuel Jack
As officials continue to crack down on illegal vendors, both the beaches of Playa del Carmen and the famous 5th Avenue will become even more enjoyable for tourists. And there are plenty of shops along Fifth Avenue where you can find all the souvenirs you could ever want.
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Dick Thunder
Friday 17th of March 2023
I love the last Sentence: And there are plenty of shops along Fifth Avenue where you can find all the souvenirs you could ever want. HAAHA, indeed from China and at 3x the price! As, opposed to a local trying to make a living selling authentic locally obtained or made goods. These gift stores bribe the authorities to force out street vendors.
Andrej
Monday 20th of March 2023
@Dick Thunder, exatly.