Top 10 Souvenirs to Bring Back from Mexico

On your cruise to Mexico, you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas, renowned cuisine, and the warm smiles of fellow travelers and friendly locals. You'll also discover some of the finest shopping opportunities in the world. This vibrant region boasts a variety of artisanal crafts and culinary delights that are unique to the area.

Taking home a few Mexican souvenirs is a wonderful way to remember your trip and prolong the joyous experience of your Mexican cruise.

Here are some fantastic suggestions for souvenirs to bring back from your cruise to Mexico.

1. Mayan Wooden Mask

Mexico’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beauty are beautifully showcased through its diverse traditional folk art. The Mayans inhabited the Yucatán peninsula for approximately 1,000 years, and their intricately carved wooden masks serve as a unique representation of Mexico’s deep indigenous heritage.

These masks, available in various sizes, depict ancient deities, jungle animals, and other natural symbols, making them excellent pieces of art or home decor.

2. Lucha Libre Mask

Lucha libre masks have become emblematic of Mexico’s unique style of freestyle professional wrestling, and you can easily find them in souvenir shops near your port of call. These vibrant masks make for a fun gift or costume accessory, perfect for friends or wrestling enthusiasts. Their lightweight and affordable nature adds to their appeal as a gift option.

3. Mexican Chocolate

Mexican chocolate is commonly made in the temperate regions of Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Chiapas, but you can find it throughout the country, even as you disembark during your cruise.

Genuine Mexican chocolate is perfect for cooking or making hot chocolate, and it may be infused with fresh ground cinnamon, almonds, or a touch of spicy chili powder. A block of this chocolate makes a delightful gift that is sure to impress everyone on your list, including yourself!

4. Mexican Vanilla

Did you know that Mexico is the origin of vanilla? It’s true! To complement your chocolate collection, make sure to grab some rich and smooth Mexican vanilla extracts sourced directly from the orchid flower. Vanilla is fantastic for baking, mixing in cocktails, and enhancing coffee. For the best flavor, opt for a natural extract instead of a synthetic one.

5. Pottery

Pottery comes in various forms throughout Mexico. You might come across the renowned brightly colored “talavera” ceramics and the elegant polished black “barro negro” pots, among other styles. In shopping centers and markets near your port of call, you'll discover hand-fired and painted tiles, pots, wall art, dishes, and much more.

6. Xtabentún Liqueur

When it comes to souvenirs from Mexico, tequila is a well-known favorite. Undoubtedly, a bottle of tequila or mezcal makes for an excellent keepsake. But have you ever encountered Xtabentún liqueur? Hailing from the coastal Yucatán region, Xtabentún is a unique anise liqueur crafted with fermented honey derived from the nectar of xtabentún flowers.

Rum is blended into the anise and honey mixture to produce a subtly sweet spirit. For something a bit unconventional, consider bringing home a few bottles of this liqueur, which has roots tracing back to the Mayans.

7. Taxco Silver

Taxco silver takes its name from the town in central Mexico that is home to nearly all of the country’s silver production. Over time, artisans in Taxco have developed a unique style that is both fashionable and collectible. A silver bracelet, earrings, or ring from Taxco makes a fantastic gift, but once you see it, we’re sure you’ll want to take home a piece for yourself, too!

Taxco silver jewelry frequently features semi-precious stones that are native to the region, including turquoise, malachite, and onyx.

8. Mexican Textile Souvenirs

Why settle for a typical tourist t-shirt when you can take home something truly authentic and just as accessible? Consider bringing back Mexican blankets, hammocks, and hand-embroidered garments, which are just a few examples of the high-quality local textiles available as gifts or keepsakes. Embroidered shirts for both men and women are a comfortable choice for any occasion.

Choose from vibrant colors, floral patterns, or various other designs. Mexican textiles make fantastic gifts, but we understand if you want to keep some for yourself as well!

9. Hot Salsa

Widely recognized as one of Mexico’s top exports, hot salsa is available in an extensive range of flavors and styles. These Mexican salsas are crafted from simple yet flavorful ingredients like fresh garlic, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, hot peppers, and often a squeeze of lime juice.

You can choose from different varieties, including tomatillo salsa made with zesty green tomatoes, the rich smokiness of chipotle salsa, a classic red “roja” salsa, or a fiery habanero sauce. If spicy food isn’t your thing, you can easily find Mexican salsas that suit any level of heat you prefer.

10. Mexican Coffee Beans

Mexico is a leading producer of certified organic and fair-trade coffee, primarily cultivated and harvested in the southern regions. After savoring a delicious cup of rich Mexican coffee in the morning, you’ll want to bring some back home. The great news is that it's both affordable and easy to transport.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday and get your shopping shoes ready! With this list in hand and an exciting cruise itinerary, you’re guaranteed to return with cherished memories and some of the finest souvenirs from Mexico.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ depending on the ship and destination.