Gran Mercado Maya - 97000 Mérida

Be aware, there is a man outside of Chaya Maya and get you to go to the market to "help very poor indigenous people." I was listening to his story with suspicions but still went inside. I noticed immediately that the products are extremely overpriced and walked away.

Avoid! They have an agressive man on the street trying to get you in to the shop, and the man in the shop tries to rip you off as much as he can. He tried to charge 600 pesos for a tiny wooden animal which we later found for 150 pesos in the gift shop at the airport! Awful.

Their prices are very inflated and you will be 'directed' here by helpful locals stationed outside other touristy places and restuarants. If you are upset at paying way over the odds, buy elsewhere.

Please, avoid this place! The prices are really high and they will always lower it to almost the half of the original price. But still, that final half-price is higher than what you can find in other places. Update: They offered me a cloth which had an “original” price of 7000 pesos (which is a LOT!). Of course they lowered the price to 4400, which according to them was a very low price. I have just found the same cloth in another store for 2300 pesos. In summary: Avoid this place. They pressure you to buy in that moment at high prices.

It’s a place that preys on tourists. They have people out in the streets greeting travelers and selling a story about a truly authentic Mayan shop. The prices are super high, though they are willing to haggle (just not much).

Interesting that absolutely all the "local" guides give the place 5 stars in the reviews. Wanna bet if the "local" guides get a big kick back for taking people there? You pay that kick back when local guide convinces you this is the best place to buy. And by the way, I would stay away from a guide that directs you to a rip off place, they should be helping you find the best deal. Keep an eye on the names of the guides that give this 5 stars. They don't have your best interests at heart. That said, It does have some beautiful stuff. They do almost immediately offer to come down on the price which tells me it is way overpriced to begin with. Interesting place nonetheless. I wouldn't buy much there as I think they are a tourist trap deluxe. If they want to sell to me they need to give me the best price when I start out, if they start dropping the price as soon as you show interest you know they were trying to rip you off by offering the original high price. If they can rip you off, they have already proven they will. Go look, it's interesting, but buy elsewhere. It's all just recreational tourist stuff, nothing there is an investment so don't go crazy buying there. I will guarantee you can find the same thing at a better price if you look. It's a hustle.

Has a “friendly stranger” just started talking to you on the street? He also happened to have a friend in the country YOU just told him you’re from? And he gave you some great local recommendations including this store? Wow, aren’t you lucky? The answer is; No. You’re too gullible. The guy you just spoke to is part of a grand local scam where they lore you to their store and sell you overpriced souvenirs. So If you find yourself in this store or (hopefully) still in front of it, look at the below average reviews like mine and leave. Don’t let the good looking store fool you. Their is hundreds of others stores that will sell you the same quality souvenirs that are just as authentic for a fraction of the price. Found yourself in the above situation and think this review is helpful? Please leave a like so it gets pushed to the top and more people will see it.

1. They defiantly try and swindle you. 2. They will bargain. I received ~ 40% off the original stated price. 3. Some items are clearly handmade, some are not. 4. I bought a blanket and 2 shirts for 300$. The blanket is 100% worth 200$ it is exquisite & unique. The shirts in retrospect I over paid, a little. 5. After thinking about it I probably got scammed about 100$ MAX. 6. If you visit any of these store you must play your lowest price. (offer them the lowest prices and let them work up - don't let them work the price down for you). 7. Some of the items are beautiful. Just be careful and walk in knowing that they are doing their job to try and get the highest price. 8. Shop around - I saw similar shirts (for the same price) all over town. Understand that some of the items are touristy and some are legitimately rare.