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Shopping in Los Cabos
Los Cabos Magazine Article '99 Edition (Issue #6) - By Sabrina Lear |
| Expect to spend the better part of a day comparison shopping in Cabo San Lucas (CSL), there's that much out there. Where you end up will depend on your taste and wallet. San José del Cabo (SJD), colonial in style with a smaller downtown, has a delightful historic area with enough shopping to pass a lazy afternoon. While the custom of bartering is perfectly acceptable at the open-air markets and on the beach, it's not practiced in retail stores. Retail prices are quite competitive, with some merchants offering discounts if you're buying several items, but haggling over prices is considered in poor taste. Mexico is a country with strong indigenous arts and crafts traditions. Artesans produce functional and decorative pieces in wood, ceramic, metal alloys, glass, textiles and precious metals, many since Pre-Hispanic times. Although very few of these crafts are produced here on the Baja peninsula, both of Los Cabos' main towns have plenty of handmade goods to tempt all shopping tastes. Mexican silver and gold are abundant with many designs and degrees of craftsmanship. The colonial city of Taxco is renowned worldwide for its top quality silver and much of the better silver in Los Cabos is from Taxco. Silver is also available in the outdoor markets, on the beaches and from street vendors. While the design and the price may be fetching, check the quality. It pays to look for the all-important sterling or .925 mark, indicating the alloy contains a minimum of 925 grams of silver per 1,000 grams. A reputable shop will have a scale, so know the market price of silver in advance. If the price is less than the going price per gram or ounce, it may not be the real thing. Souvenir shops have silver along with many other crafts. It's usually genuine, but save those costly purchases for a specialty store with a good reputation. Joyeria Mexico Lindo is a reliable source with four stores in Los Cabos including a jewelry factory and a wide range of gemstones and Mexican fire opals. They'll custom make anything in silver or gold in 24 hours. In CSL find them in Plaza Nautica and Plaza del Sol with another location in San Jose called Amethyst. Their jewelry factory is on Madero, just off Boulevard Marina. Pardo Jewelers, on Boulevard Marina across from Plaza Las Glorias, specializes in Mexican fire opals and fine gems set in gold. Fire opals are mined predominantly in Magdalena, Jalisco, where there are over 100 mines. These unusual stones, found only in Mexico and Australia, have an enticing range of shades and colors. Pardo's designs are creative and finely crafted and include the rare Black or Jet opal. For contemporary designs check out the unusual selection of high quality silver at Desert Moon in Plaza del Sol, and Taxco Jewelry on Hidalgo. In SJD, quality silver and gold are available at Joyeria Mexico Lindo's Amethyst and La Mina, both on Boulevard Mijares, and at Antigua Los Cabos and Ofelia's, on Zaragoza and Flor Canela on Obregon. Prolific in Los Cabos, pewter glows from many shop shelves in an array of products and designs. Everything from cast angels to picture frames is available in this stylish alloy. Pewter is now being handmade by local artesans at a small foundry in Cabo San Lucas within the Glass Factory. The Cabos San Lucas Pewter Works produce functional and decorative pewter that's primarily lead free and made using recycled aluminum with small amounts of zinc. Necri, on Marina Boulevard, has a lovely collection of exclusive pewter pieces, as does Mama Eli's on Avenida San Lucas; Cartes in Plaza Bonita; and ADD, in Plaza Real on Boulevard Marina. These shops all specialize in fine crafts and colorful, hand painted Talavera ceramics, named after a Spanish city with similar pottery. Arte de Puebla in Plaza Bonita also has fine examples of this artform. Mexican Talavera originated in Puebla, a colonial city with strong and enduring Spanish traditions. Talavera designs show influences of Spanish, Arabic, Asian and Mexican indigenous cultures. Fired twice, the painted Talavera designs and glaze are applied between the two firings. Produced in both decorative and functional forms, it's often crudely imitated in the cheaper markets and souvenir stalls. You'll know real Talavera pottery by its higher price, intricate detail and quality workmanship. The Talavera style is also finely produced in the state of Guanajuato, particularly in Dolores Hidalgo, with a strong Moorish influence in design and color. In San José del Cabo, fine Talavera and pewter are featured at ADD's second location on Zaragoza. Stroll Mijares Boulevard and the surrounding historic area around the church for more specialty stores featuring arts and crafts and handmade gift ideas. Casa Paulina, Yeneka and Copal all offer fine examples of Mexican craftsmanship. Talavera isn't the only type of pottery found in Los Cabos. Many ceramics come from the Guadalajara suburbs of Tonala and Tlaquepaque. Dinnerware, vases, decorative pieces, candelabras, suns, moons and animal forms are produced in abundance, in addition to the many shapes and sizes of pots. Most are very affordable. Particularly charming is the tree of life design, a large, hand-made ceramic candelabra standing from one to three feet or higher, often colorfully painted with intricately decorated tiers featuring animals, small figures and flowers. Large decorated ceramic platters and animal shapes in bright motifs are prolific and a favorite of beach vendors. While attractive and festive in appearance, they're often inferior in quality to those in the better stores and may break easily due to poor or a complete lack of firing. Though prices are slightly higher in the shops, you're less likely to end up with an inferior, non-returnable keepsake. Glass has been hand blown by almost every culture since ancient times. Cabo San Lucas is home to what was for many years the only glass factory on the Baja peninsula. Watching the artesans blow glass is mesmerizing, the technique fascinating. Go before 2 p.m., while the taller is humming with activity. Most tour agencies offer escorted visits to the Glass Factory with a bilingual guide, or you can take a taxi and run on your own time. There's a shop on-site for purchasing glassware, figurines, plates and bowls; and special orders are welcome. A second, smaller glass blowing studio has recently opened to complement the many artesan workshops at the Regional Center of Popular Arts and Crafts in the Corridor at Km. 16. Just about every souvenir shop will carry some glass, usually a foamy blue color with a cobalt blue ring around the top. When buying the more porous hand-blown glass for daily use, it's a good idea to buy extras; they chip easily. For etched glass both functional and fine art pieces are handmade locally at The Baja Wilderness Company. You'll see their work around town, they're best known for stylish cave art designs etched into mugs and glasses. Every-day hand-blown glass wear, tequila glasses and smaller items are abundant all over San Lucas and San José. Mexico is known for fabulous textiles in cotton and wool. Regions of Oaxaca and Michoacan are renowned for their fine rugs, many incorporating natural plant and animal dyes with ancient motifs. Unfortunately, most of the blankets and rugs sold by souvenir shops and beach vendors are commercially produced common designs in synthetic yarns. For authentic Zapotec rugs from Teotitlan del Valle in Oaxaca, it's necessary to comb shops like Zen Mar on Lazaro Cardenas. Blankets in natural fabrics are difficult to find. Check the fibers in the light, if it's shiny, it's not a natural yarn. Designs with fuschia and other very bright colors are made with synthetic dyes, no matter what the salesperson tells you. Cuca's Blanket Factory on the Todos Santos bypass road weaves an array of designs in cotton. Other textiles in abundance are tablecloths, napkins, shawls, runners and various traditional dresses and blouses. The quality and price fluctuate widely, so it's best to shop around. Galeria Girasoles, on Madero in CSL, has an assortment of clothing designs, many handmade with lovely examples of traditional embroidery. Mama Eli's also has exclusive clothing and textiles from some of the finest artesans in Mexico. Leather in Mexico is affordable, from wallets, belts and bags to clothing, shoes and luggage. Quality can be an issue so check each piece, especially seams, zippers and clasps. For well-priced, better value goods try Gold Duck in Plaza Nautica or the Leather House on Hidalgo, and in Plaza Bonita. Surprisingly, few high-end, designer leather stores exist in Los Cabos. For something different, check out North Beach Leather in the Cabo Maritime Plaza. Their clothing designs are exclusive and well made with contemporary styling. Traditional leather sandals, known as huaraches, are in many stores and vary in quality. Try to find a pair with softer leather. Don't skimp on the price; buy the best quality you can afford. Many shops carry a bevy of different arts and crafts, including reproductions of masks worn by indigenous groups in Pre-Hispanic times. Masks depict different mythical figures used in ritual dances and festivals. Most are wooden with painted features, often grotesque or animal like. Bright, festive ceramic masks in various sizes and motifs are also easily found. Faces of Mexico, on Lazaro Cardenas, specializes in new and antique ceremonial masks; and nearby Galeria Zen Mar has a wide range of reproductions, some in onyx. Ironwood carvings are a good bargain as are the carved and colorfully painted wooden animal figures from Oaxaca, known as animalitos. All manner of baskets are represented, from covered tortilla holders to brightly striped larger vessels big enough to double as laundry baskets. Finely woven baskets from the Taramuhara people of Sonora are highly treasured and worth collecting. Try Soul of Mexico, at the corner or Guerrero and Madero, for an array of Tarahumara handicrafts and other arts and crafts, including enormous one of a kind Aztec calendars of wood with inlaid designs. Paintings on paper made from bark pulp, called papel amate, have been around for centuries, often used for codices in Pre-Hispanic days. While much of the papel amate found here is uninspiring, better shops will have a few fine examples of this ancient art form. Onyx, bronze, brass, wrought iron, hammered tinware, and copper items are also all prolific and affordable. Styles range from rustic to sleek metals in bronze and gold finishes. When buying copper, inspect the item before you buy, some are imitations with painted surfaces. The indigenous Huichol people of Nayarit and Jalisco states are known for their brightly embroidered costumes, beaded masks and animal forms, and yarn paintings. Pantheists with no written language, many designs were originally born from hallucinatory visions experienced under the influence of peyote, a cornerstone of their religious beliefs. Galeria Huichol, with locations on Boulevard Marina in CSL and Boulevard Mijares in SJD, offer the visitor a glimpse into this spiritual, colorful and distinctive culture. Beaded masks are works of art and take hundreds of hours to produce. Typical Huichol clothing is also on display. Lacquerware from the Central Highlands of Michoacan State are exquisite examples of the fine degree of workmanship found in Mexican crafts. Brimming with excellent examples of fine arts and crafts, the best collection of authentic lacquerware is at the spacious Hotel Cabo San Lucas giftshop in the Corridor at Km. 15. While there's always an abundance of handicrafts to browse in Los Cabos, unusual small gifts are harder to find. In Plaza La Danza on Boulevard Marina, Goodies From Around the World is chock full of travel size momentos with an emphasis on nature and aquatic themes. An interesting assortment of candles, cards, mobiles and wind chimes share space with life size wooden painted tropical fish and many other lovely gifts. At Detalles, on Morelos, are handcrafted keepsakes and home decorations including fabric-covered boxes, dolls, frames and albums. In SJD, Flor Canela, on Obregon behind the church, carries an eclectic mix of scented candles, oils, gift baskets, art, exclusive liquors and unusual gift ideas. For book lovers, Books Books at Plaza Bonita in CSL and on Boulevard Mijares in SJD feature a wide selection of Baja books, magazines and best sellers. The countryside around Los Cabos is a vast, mysterious place with a number of organic farms and ranches. Desert Honey grew from a local entrepreneurial vision to cultivate organic honey from desert bees. Available at the Glass Factory in Cabo San Lucas and in specialty shops around Los Cabos, the fragrant nectar is packaged in handblown decanters and makes a unique gift. Desert Oasis soaps are handmade on an East Cape rancho in a variety of fragrances including Orange Blossom, Desert Lavender, Damiana and Aloe. Organic herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown around Santiago and Todos Santos in verdant valleys. For fresh, pesticide free produce check out the Saturday afternoon Farmer's Market at Sancho Panza Wine Bistro at Plaza las Glorias, or Ingrid's Organic Produce at the entrance to Zippers at Km. 28, outside San Jose. Shopping for resort wear is a fun pastime for any vacation. Whether it's souvenir T-shirts or a bright new tropical bathing suit, contemporary resort clothes are everywhere with more selection and designs than ever. Peer, Poco Loco, Bye Bye, Mussfeldt Design and the CSL Official Store lead the way in casual resort T-shirts, beachwear and accessories. All have locations throughout Los Cabos. Check out Peer's main location at Plaza Bonita for a large selection of resort wear for beach, town or sports activities. One exclusive boutique that just keeps getting better and better is Magic of the Moon, on Hidalgo, just off Marina Boulevard. Pepita opened her store in 1991 with lingerie, and then created her own beaded bustiers, eventually branching out into custom designs. Now with her own production line, Magic of the Moon makes most of their clothes the old fashioned way - one at a time. Pepita's styles and fabrics (over 400 to choose from) range from seductively subtle to the mildly outrageous, and her custom designs are ready in 72 hours, whether you're an extra small or 4X. Most of the styles you'll find at Magic of the Moon, including plenty of looks for men and kids, are Pepita's own creations. Pepita still carries the lingerie, with more selection than ever and the bustier trade is still booming. Her extensive accessories, including handmade earrings matched to her fabrics, make it easy to find what you need for that special night out, without walking all over town. Magic of the Moon is open daily, from 10 am to 8 p.m. Forever Cabo, in Plaza del Mar next to Squid Roe, offers lush designs and colors in natural fabrics and blends, and kid's things, too. Look for the exclusive Kahala line of separates from Hawaii in gorgeous cottons for men and women. Prices on accessories are also reasonable, especially the very wearable, high quality straw hats. Natural fabric lovers will want to visit Cotton Club, on Lazaro Cardenas, for a great selection of comfortable designs in cotton and a full line of rayon separates and dresses. Next door is one of the best places to find a bathing suit and matching pareo at Calipso. Dos Lunas, in Plaza Bonita, has a hip collection of separates and accessories for women and a small selection of menswear. Temptations, behind the Giggling Marlin on Lazaro Cardenas, carries Maria of Guadalajara cotton gauze coordinates, wonderfully cool for the heat of the day and warm enough with a wrap for desert nights. In Plaza del Sol on Marina Boulevard, there's a cluster of fine shops for the entire family. Escape, Ferrioni, Navarro, Bye Bye and Mossimo offer sporty separates while Tropica features a signature line of resortwear for men and women also available by special order. Not far away, at Madero and Guerrero, is H2O, with a great selection of bathing suits in a wide range of sizes. Great bathing suits are also at Beach Company across from the Hard Rock Café and at Macarena Guiterrez in Plaza Bonita. Aside from the hotel boutiques, there's little in the way of shopping in the Corridor. The previously mentioned National and Regional Center for Arts and Crafts at Km. 16 has exhibitions of weaving, pottery, metalwork and other traditional crafts from various states of Mexico and there's the great gift shop at the Hotel Cabo San Lucas. The Hotel Twin Dolphin has a lovely boutique with high quality resort wear and a few collectibles, as does Dos Lunas' second location at the Melia Cabo Real. The Shop at Las Ventanas al Paraiso has high-end resort separates with exclusive lines like Tommy Bahama and Lily Pulitzer. Both the Trend Boutique at The Westin Regina Golf & Beach Resort and the Tienda at Hotel Palmilla carry lovely resort wear and a small collection of gift items. In SJD, Hibiscus is the largest clothing store specializing in resort fashions. Near the church, Hibiscus has designs in cotton and rayon, coordinates, accessories and small gift items. Styles are flattering with many perfect for a day or night on the town. Clio Boutique, a contemporary collection of dresses, separates and accessories for young women, is at Morelos and Juarez, behind Telmex. Styles here are body conscious and sensual. For casual wear and bathing suits try Marlboro, La Sandia and Beach Company. On Zaragoza check out Escape and La Tenza for trendy fashion. Inspired by the rapid development of Los Cabos, interior design galleries are better than ever, showcasing collections both rich in Mexico's colonial heritage and the latest design trends. Segusino, in Plaza Bonita, features beautiful furniture designs in rustic wood and iron. They can also accessorize your home with well-crafted decorative pieces all from Puebla. On Morelos in CSL, Casa Maya's signature is a mingling of fabulous textures with accents of gold and custom made forged iron furniture fashioned with antique wood. El Callejon, on Hidalgo in CSL, is an eclectic collection of Mexican furniture, accent pieces and affordable artwork. A second El Callejon, in the Corridor at the Melia Cabo Real, features smaller gift items and art with shipping services. San Jose del Cabo has a great selection of interior design galleries. At Plaza Garuffi next to the Fiesta Inn is a branch of the fabulous Adobe design gallery from Tlaquepaque, near Guadalajara. Cynthia Cano presents an array of high quality furniture and decorative pieces all handcrafted by exceptional artesans. Equipalé-style furniture upholstered in leather compliment enormous metal and ceramic urns, art objects and one of a kind accessories. Design services, installations and shipping are also offered. In downtown SJD, Casa Paulina has a wide range of Mexican furniture and home accessories including custom hand forged metal tables, screens, lamps and gorgeous imported fabrics. With full design services, guided mainland-shopping trips, installation and shipping, they're also a find for small gifts and table linens. At Casa Mexicana on the highway at Doblado, find window treatments with flair in everything from vertical blinds to romantic draping and custom furniture packages in many different looks and personalized design services. At the Cabo Furniture Company in Santa Rosa towards the airport, Paul Chamberlain travels the country buying for his custom design gallery and uses an integrated design approach, coordinating everything from furniture, lighting, custom upholstery, drapes and rugs, right down to the table settings. Close by, at the Aramburo Plaza, is Natural Stone, with a large inventory of slab and floor granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone and cantera for strikingly beautiful interior and exterior decoration. Imported from all over the world, Natural Stone graces some of the finest villas in Los Cabos. Whether you're in Los Cabos for just a few days or furnishing a new home and staying awhile, happy shopping. |