Family run enterprises and even individual entrepreneurial initiatives are quite popular means for earning a living especially in geographic areas that have absolutely no industrialization what so ever like Riviera Maya. Other than farming there are no other means of making a living other than producing some form of marketable product. As you drive along highway 307 in Riviera Maya, the view of the beach and the flat land with the awesome scenery will remind you of a little taste of Europe or Canada. You will be lured to stop along the newly built highway at the occasional craft markets and pick up some of the beautiful hand-crafted pieces to add Mexican flavor to your favorite at home.

Original items can be found in every craft genre. Sometimes the artists love an original piece so much they will make a number of similar items, all different but with the same style. In some cases an original item sparks another then another then a whole village is making the thing.

Some items sold in craft stores are not actually arts or crafts at all but actual clothing, household items or religious artifacts created for traditional Mayan ceremonies. Mayan ceremonial gear ends up in a collector's store because as the missionaries travel from village to village they educate the Mayan people their traditional religious beliefs are not good and that they must repent. Repenting -to the missionaries’ - means getting rid of all of their traditional Mayan beliefs. This includes any ceremonial artifacts and even the clothing they wear.

But for more of your upscale shopping for designer fashions, local artist canvas, beautiful sterling silver jewelry, the most popular shops are located in Playa del Carmen. You can also catch a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and really go shopping! The town of Tulum, just 10 minutes south on the main road, has almost everything you will require during your stay: fresh tortillas, beer, shrimp, limes...all found in wonderful little stores with local vendors. Here you will also find a gas station, money exchange, fax and phone service, bakery, doctor and pharmacy.