The Best Unique Souvenir in Cancún? Meet Alberto The Coin Guy
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IIf you’re anything like me, the souvenirs you bring back from holiday often fall into one category: tat.
You know the stuff.
Fridge magnets that fall apart after three weeks.
Coasters that peel.
Random keyrings that somehow multiply in the kitchen drawer.
They’re fine at the time… but they rarely mean much once you’re home.
So on one of our trips to Cancún and the Riviera Maya, we decided to do something different and hunt down a souvenir that actually meant something.
That’s when we met Alberto — the Coin Guy.
The Guy Who Carves Memories
Alberto is a friendly, passionate family man who travels around the Riviera Maya creating hand-carved coin souvenirs for visitors.
Using only a handful of tools and a lot of patience, he transforms Mexican peso coins into completely custom pieces.
You can turn them into:
• Keyrings
• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Or simple keepsake coins
And the best part? You choose the design.
Anything from animals, band logos, symbols, or meaningful shapes — Alberto carefully carves it directly into the coin.
Top tip:
If you spot Alberto early in your trip, grab your coin then. He’s also a great source of local knowledge, and the locals always know the best spots for food, cenotes and wildlife.
Carving Keepsakes & Souvenirs
We only discovered Alberto six days before flying home, so I had no real idea what design I wanted.
I just knew one thing:
I was not leaving Mexico with another fridge magnet.
In the end I chose the logo of one of my favourite bands, MxPx, and Alberto carved it into a peso coin.
Russ went for something completely different — an iguana design for our mate “Gringo”, who we seemed to see every single day during the trip.
Now, this might sound a bit mad…
But I had regular conversations with that Iguana like we were old friends.
In fairness, they’re excellent listeners.
The Coin I Nearly Lost in 10 Minutes
In typical fashion, I nearly lost my brand-new carved coin about ten minutes after picking it up.
Somehow it slipped out of my wallet or fell off the poolside.
Cue a full panic search.
Luckily I spotted it glistening on the pool floor before anyone else noticed it and pocketed my brand-new Mexican treasure.
For this exact reason, I usually appoint Russ as “Akela” of the trip — the one responsible for passports, documents, and anything important.
Turns out I can’t even be trusted with a keyring.
Alberto’s Coin Carvings
IIf you want to see more of Alberto’s work, his Facebook profile is packed with examples of the coins he’s carved.
Some of them are seriously impressive.
One design that really caught my eye was a coin split in half — with a bird carved into one side and the map of Mexico cut out on the other.
It’s the kind of souvenir you simply won’t find in airport gift shops.
How to Order From Alberto
If you’d like your own carved coin while visiting Cancún or the Riviera Maya, the best way is to message Alberto directly on Facebook.
Send him:
• A photo or idea of the design
• What you’d like it turned into (keyring, necklace, etc)
He’ll let you know if it’s possible and give you a price.
Once the carving is finished, he usually arranges to meet guests at their hotel or resort to deliver the finished piece.
Price Guide:
Because each coin is completely bespoke, prices vary depending on the design.
Some carvings take only a couple of hours, while more detailed ones can take six hours or more.
Your best bet is simply to message Alberto with your idea and see what he says.
Final Thoughts on Alberto, The Coin Guy
Alberto’s carved coins are the kind of souvenir that actually means something.
Instead of a mass-produced magnet, you go home with a small piece of art that reminds you exactly where you were and what you experienced.
Mine now sits on my desk, and every time I see it, I’m instantly transported back to Mexico.
And that’s what a proper souvenir should do.
So if you find yourself in Cancún or the Riviera Maya, keep an eye out for Alberto.
If you want a unique keepsake from your trip, he’s your guy.
More Mexico. More Travel Tips
- What Currency Is Best For Mexico: Pesos or USD?
- Mexico Tourist Taxes Made Easy
- Cancun Airport Terminal 2 Arrivals: Everything You Need to Know
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¡Adiós amigos!
Send it to a mate who buys fridge magnets
