Hecho a Mano (Parque 5 de Mayo, Calle 31 No. 308, tel. 988/954-0344, 11 a.m.7 p.m. daily) is a small folk-art boutique owned and operated by the collector-photographer team Hector Garza and Jeanne Hunt. The pieces and photos are beautiful and museum quality with prices that often match. If you’re looking for a special gift or simply like window shopping, you’re sure to enjoy a stop here.

There also are several artisan workshops where passersby can stop in, watch how a particular piece of folk art is made, and of course, buy something straight from the artist. Wandering around town you’ll see signs for tin workers, hammock weavers, woodworkers, and jewelry makers. Most of the workshops are run out of people’s homes so opening hours are pretty casual—don’t be shy about knocking if the shop appears closed—at worst, you’ll be told when’s a good time to come back.

Another good option is browsing the artesanía tables set up in Parque Zamná. Most days, vendors set up display tables in the park from 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

The nearby town of Kimbilá is known as the place to go for fine guayaberas and huipiles at wholesale prices—many of the shops in Mérida stock up there. Exclusivas Addy (Calle 20 No. 49, tel. 988/916-3016, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily) is one of a handful of mom-and-pop shops in the center of town—just follow the main road to the plaza. Both hand- and machine-stitched items are available. Prices aren’t rock bottom, especially if you’re only buying one, but the selection is excellent.