Interested in cooking from home while on vacation? Or are you Playense and looking for the best fruiterias in town? We have you covered with the five best fruit markets in Playa Del Carmen.
Whether you are looking to grab fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks or take your newfound Mexican recipes for a whirl, we have scouted the best local markets to buy all your necessary ingredients. These markets are scattered across the central area of Playa Del Carmen so no matter where you are staying there is a local fruit stand within walking distance.
DAC Verduras and Frutas
Avenida 30 entre Avenida Constituyentes y Calle 20
DAC is the ultimate one stop shop, centrally located with overflowing shelves. Not only do they have fresh fruits and vegetables, but this fruit market has everything you could possibly need. The pricing for most products is very competitive with other big-name brands such as Walmart and Soriana.
What separates DAC from the rest? We love their selection of herbs, spices, grains available by weight. This really comes in handy if you only need a little bit of an ingredient, you don’t normally cook with. If you don’t see what you need go to the counter in the back and ask. They have nuts, cheese, meats and seeds available for sale by weight there too. In addition to fruits, veggies, meats, and cheeses they also have lots of international prepacked items such as almond butter and sundried tomatoes.
Tortuga Fruiteria
Calle 4 entre Avenida 20 y 25
If you are looking for fresh squeezed fruit juices this is your place. Located in the southern section of the center and two blocks from the ocean, this fruit stand is a perfect place to stop for an ice-cold refreshment on your way back from a day at the beach.
Their selection of fruit juices varies but we have seen strawberry, kiwi, guayaba, passion fruit, mandarin, pineapple, orange, watermelon, and many other options. Can’t find the juice you are looking for? They normally restock in the afternoon; this is the best time to see the widest selection of their current offerings.
This small shop is run by a sweet family who are always smiling behind their cubrebocas (face masks).
Fruteria Esmerelda
Avenida CTM entre Avenida 10 y 15
This colorful market is located on the north side of Playa Del Carmen. It’s the perfect place to stock your house full of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits. Pricing is competitive and the service is excellent. If your Spanish is not up to par, there is no need to feel intimidated. The workers are very friendly and are eager to help you find everything you need. The owners take pride in the place and always keep the store very clean and organized. Other products you can buy at the store include herbs, beans, and pasture raised eggs.
Do not forget to inquire about their vast selection of homemade juices. The juices are in a cooler and are the perfect drink to take the edge off a hot afternoon in Mexico. If you visit in the morning, make sure to stop at their empanada cart right outside the front door. We are fans of the queso empanadas, but they also have meat offerings too.
Fruteria Esmerelda also sells shopping bags in case you forgot yours at home or the hotel and pinatas. Making it a great stop for your last-minute party needs.
Fruit Stand
Corner of Avenida 25 y Calle 2 Norte
This open-air fresh market on the corner of Avenida 25 is full of seasonal locally grown fruits and vegetables. The brightly painted walls are welcoming and its constantly packed with locals. The produce selection is excellent putting the supermarkets selection to shame.
In addition to fresh produce, they also sell eggs nuts and grains. The staff is lovely and eager to answer any questions from product availability to how to select the perfectly ripe guayaba.
If you are hungry and need something immediately, they have filling portions of fresh fruits with yogurt and granola available in grab and go container. If you have a bit more time, they offer smoothies also known as liquidoras and sandwiches available to order at the counter. During the holidays they also sell flowers.
Fruteria Marsan
Corner of Avenida 30 y Calle 1 Sur
Staying in Playacar? This is the closest place to pick up locally produced fruits and veggies. The store is very clean and well stocked with excellent service and great prices. Fruteria Marsan is a wonderful place to find exotic fruits such as maracuya also known as granada china, granadilla or passion fruit. If you are interested in something specific, it is best to give them a call to make sure they currently have the item in stock. They have a vast selection of vegetables and sell farm fresh eggs, local cheeses, spices, nuts and many other items.
Fruteria Marsan is also an excellent place to buy locally made pita bread and other niche items that can be hard to find in Playa Del Carmen.
Help to Keep Kids in School
Supporting local markets is a great way to make sure your money goes directly to the residents of Playa Del Carmen. Interested in other ways you can support the local community?
As tourists and travelers, you can make a huge impact in Playa Del Carmen and it won’t cost you much. Did you know that high school is not free in Mexico? A lot of travelers see the poverty around them and want to help but aren’t sure of the best way.
The Keeping Kids in School Project is a nonprofit organization based in Playa Del Carmen that thinks education is a human right. Many families in Mexico struggle to find the extra money to pay for schooling, supplies, and uniforms.
There are many ways you can help including donating your time or spending less than $2 per day to sponsor a student.
Click here to see the different ways you can support the community and impact local teens lives.