Tattoo Parlors in Cancun

During your Cancun vacation you may decide "Let's get a tattoo!" Well, that is a great idea, just do your homework first. The shops listed here are very good and it is safe to get a tattoo in Cancun. I've gotten two tattoos and my hubby got his sleeve in Cancun. Great prices, excellent artists and no problems at all. 

There are several very talented and reputable tattoo shops and artists in Cancun. Whichever one you decide on, always go with your gut instincts. These guidelines will help you make the most out of the tattoo you get in Cancun.

• The Shop: Is the shop clean? Are the instruments sterile and do the use brand new, disposable ink cups for each color? New needles are usually a given, but check anyway. Look around, take your time and make sure you feel comfortable in the shop.


• #1 My favorite shop: Piraña Tabu Studio in Downtown Cancun at Market 28.
  Mon - Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
  998-892-3534
  Downtown prices are MUCH LOWER than hotel zone prices!!!


• #2 Monster Ink in Cancun Hotel Zone at Coral Negro Flea Market KM 9.5
  Everyday 10AM - midnight
  998-883-1810

While there are several others, these two are the most reliable, cleanest and have the best reputation.

• The Artist: Talk to the person that will be doing your tattoo. Discuss the drawing, the outlines, colors and shading. You should be very comfortable with your tattoo artist BEFORE you get on the table. Look at their other work. Every artist will have a book of tattoos that they personally did, not just books of tattoos.
• The Tattoo:They are intended to be forever, so make sure it is something that you will be proud of for your entire life. As long as you like it, that's the most important thing.
  • A design that means something to you.
  • Try to stay away from "flash" art, the photos in the shop books. Go with an original and unique design. Use the art in the shop for inspiration only.
  • Think it over...are your SURE this is what you want? Any name, lettering or words should be thought over twice as long. The #1 tattoo being covered up today are NAMES.
  • Where on your body should it go? Will you need to cover it up for work? I have one on the back of my neck that is beautiful, but I never get to see it :)
  • If you can, get an actual size print out. Carry it with you for a day, putting it up against your skin.

  These tips might help you have the best experience getting a tattoo in Cancun. 

Care for your new tattoo: VERY IMPORTANT!!!  It is best to wait until the day before you go home to get your tattoo. Why? You want to keep your new tattoo clean, dry & out of the sun. 

• If your artist covered your tattoo in plastic wrap, that is just to protect your clothing. Remove it as soon as you get to your room.
• Keep a bandage (sterile gauze) on your new tattoo for 2 hours.
• Then remove the bandage and wash it gently with lukewarm water and a mild antibactrial soap. Do not use a washcloth, that is too abrasive.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a very thin layer of ointment like Bacitracin. Do not use Neosporin.

It's OK to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage, so you'll want to avoid those for 2-3 weeks, but showering is perfectly fine as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water. Swimming - whether it be a pool, fresh water or salt water - should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

These are the tattoos we have gotten in Cancun, Mexico:

This tattoo was originally a white tiger that was extremely faded. Redone in Cancun to add all the color.

This was taken right after the tattoo was complete.