There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be onerous to kind by the choices.
Nicely, I’m right here to assist. After three months living here, I’ve had loads of time to check out lots of the superior actions in Playa del Carmen: and I’ve provide you with this checklist of the 21 best possible issues to do in Playa del Carmen with a view to allow you to profit from your journey to this lovely city on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.
From the key seashore spots, to the place to search out distinctive native dishes, to the most effective day journeys, I’ve bought you lined with an thrilling array of issues to see in Playa del Carmen. This is without doubt one of the finest places to visit in Mexico for positive.
Oh, and also you’re positively going to wish to attempt #17 – some folks adore it and a few hate it, however you’ve bought to test it out your self to search out out! (additionally, don’t miss the traveller’s sources on the finish of this text). However first…
Getting From Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen
You’ve completely different choices to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — both take the bus, hire a automobile, take a taxi, e book a shuttle or hop in personal transportation booked previous to arrival.
The quickest, most secure, and most snug choices are to take personal transportation to Playa del Carmen, or a shared shuttle (for just $25). Don’t waste your treasured vacation time ready for buses and getting ripped off by cabs. Try Cancun Airport Transportation, which presents a wide range of automobile choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
Another choice for this journey is eTransfers who supply every little thing from fundamental rides to luxurious vans to get you from level A to level B.
Listed below are my high picks for enjoyable issues to do in Playa Del Carmen!
1. Take a Dip in a Cenote (some of the refreshing issues to do in Playa del Carmen)
Imagine it or not, the most effective locations to swim in Playa del Carmen aren’t within the ocean. Ask any native the place to take a dip and also you’re sure to get the identical reply: go to a cenote.
What’s a cenote?
Nicely, I’m glad you requested. Cenotes are basically underground swimming holes fashioned the place limestone bedrock provides approach to underground rivers and is derived.
There are millions of them within the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one ought to be on the high of any checklist of issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
There are a lot of cenotes to select from, however my private favorite is Cenote Azul. You may go to by yourself by taking the “collectivos” that depart for Tulum on Calle 2, you possibly can hire a automobile to get there (simply ensure you’ve travel insurance covering Mexico), or you possibly can be part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and in the event you’re licensed, you possibly can even go diving in lots of the cenotes!
☞ SEE ALSO: Submerging Into Cenotes – A Cave Dive in Mexico
2. Discover Chichen Itza
Named one of many New Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are a spectacular web site to behold.
One of the vital vital archaeological sites in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is situated deep within the jungle, and a little bit of a problem to succeed in. You may hire a automobile and make the two-hour drive your self, or try any of the many tours from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
Professional tip: in the event you can, stand up early and go to the temples earlier than the crowds and the warmth set in.
Click here to study extra in regards to the Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen — which is at present supplied at a reduced price.
3. Strive Conventional Mayan Meals (and Grasshoppers) at La Perla Pixan Delicacies
Discovering genuine native cuisine in Playa del Carmen is usually a little bit of a problem, because the vacationer zone is crammed with imported restaurant chains began by superstar cooks.
However nestled within the hustle and bustle of La Quinta Avenida (Playa’s primary pedestrian drag) is La Perla, a gem of a restaurant that serves up conventional and totally scrumptious Mayan meals with nightly performances of dwell music.
Strive the standard tlayuda or, in the event you’re feeling actually adventurous, any of the a number of dishes made with grasshoppers! Consuming genuine Mexican food is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Playa del Carmen, and Mexico as a whole.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Checklist of The High 21
4. Chill Out at Lido’s Seaside Membership
For a spot whose first title actually means “seashore,” it may be surprisingly tough to discover a snug and inexpensive stretch of sand. Most of Playa del Carmen’s prime beachfront is consumed by unique resorts or seashore golf equipment charging exorbitant costs for the usage of a seashore chair.
Thank goodness, then, for Lido’s beach club, the place there’s no payment for utilizing the seashore loungers and no minimal spend. Simply pay for no matter you order, and benefit from the comfortable inexperienced loungers or the swings on the laid-back bar.
Replace – it’s essential to pay 500 pesos ($23) per chair with an umbrella. Nevertheless, any meals and drinks you order will probably be subtracted from that quantity.
Associated Publish: For the most effective neighbourhoods and lodging choices, try our information to where to stay in Playa del Carmen.
5. Swim within the Rooftop Pool at Be Playa
One of the vital stress-free issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to hang around at one of many metropolis’s many rooftop swimming pools. My favourite of the bunch is the pool that sits atop the fashionable Be Playa hotel.
You’ll must spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($9.60) per particular person to benefit from the pool, however it’s properly value it and that whole continues to be solely half the minimal spend at most different rooftop swimming pools within the space. The drinks listed here are stable and the pool isn’t overcrowded. It’s a good way to beat the warmth year-round.
6. Wait in Line at El Fogon
I do know what you’re considering: Why on the earth would ready in line be on a listing of the most effective issues to do in Playa del Carmen?
Nicely, attempt the meals at El Fogon first after which we’ll see in the event you’re nonetheless asking that query.
Simply the preferred restaurant in Playa del Carmen, El Fogon is a Mexican cantina so busy that its primary location on Avenue Constituyentes sports activities a sizeable line each night time beginning round 7:30 PM. Don’t fear although, the road strikes quick, and the wait is properly value it (simply ask the numerous locals who frequent the joint).
7. Take a Day Journey to Xpu Ha
There are a lot of unbelievable seashores only a quick journey away from Playa del Carmen Mexico, however my favourite is the secluded seashore at Xpu Ha.
You’ll must both hire a automobile or take a collectivo minibus to get there, however the journey will reward you with entry to a pristine white sand seashore with clear water and with out the crowds.
There’s a 50 pesos ($2.40) entrance payment to the seashore. You will get that again in the event you meet the minimal spend at one of many handful of seashore golf equipment, or you possibly can simply convey your individual towel and settle in on any of the numerous wide-open stretches of sand. A go to right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do close to Playa del Camen.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in La Paz – A Checklist of The High 21
8. Dine in a Cave at Alux Restaurant
Proper off one of many busiest and most chaotic streets in Playa del Carmen is the understated entrance to the Alux restaurant.
You’ll really feel such as you’ve left the town behind as you descend into the spectacular underground cavern (full with its personal mini-cenote) that performs host to the restaurant.
In the event you’re trying to splash out, Alux additionally presents a number of the finest positive eating on the town with primary programs beginning at 350 pesos ($16.75).
The meals is a bit on the dear aspect, and there are higher eating places in Playa, BUT, it’s positively value going to Alux for one in every of their cocktails, or a bottle of wine from their onsite cellar!
9. Verify Out the Frida Kahlo Museum
One of the vital common issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to go to the fashionable Frida Kahlo Museum. Conveniently situated on La Quinta, the museum is open each day from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway payment for most people is round $15 USD.
Inside you’ll discover a collection of reveals devoted to the life and historical past of Mexico’s well-known portrait artist (observe that, sadly, there often aren’t authentic works on show).
10. Strive Some Elote
Elote is a neighborhood road meals dish that’s basically grilled corn lined in a type of mayonnaise and cayenne pepper paste.
Okay, I understand that doesn’t sound tremendous appetizing however belief me… it’s.
You will discover elote at road vendor stalls round city for only a greenback or so: the most effective wager for locating it’s on Avenida Juarez across the intersection with Calle 15.
11. Go Salsa Dancing at Zenzi
One of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Playa del Carmen at night time is to get your groove on. And there’s no higher place to try this than Zenzi, an upbeat however not-too-crowded joint with dwell music and a vibrant dance flooring. Sundays are often salsa nights, however verify the schedule on to make certain.
Have two left toes? That’s positive, you’ll nonetheless love the enjoyable ambiance, inexpensive costs, and unbelievable beachside location.
12. Discover the Caverns at Rio Secreto
Have you ever ever been swimming inside a cave earlier than?
Nicely, if not, you positively want to take a look at this distinctive factor to do in Playa del Carmen.
Positioned just some minutes outdoors the town, Rio Secreto is a fancy of 5 gorgeous caves which are crammed with underground rivers and is derived.
You’ll don a wetsuit and join a small guided tour by a cave that features the unbelievable expertise of swimming inside a pitch-black cave. It’s positively one of many superior issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
Goats On The Street visited Rio Secreto a number of years in the past and we nonetheless take into consideration how unbelievable the expertise was! The cave actually is gorgeous and swimming by it’s one thing we’ll always remember. That is positively one of many issues to do in Playa del Carmen that you just received’t wish to miss. Click here to e book your entrance tickets together with transportation and lunch.
☞ SEE ALSO: Rio Secreto – Cave Exploration in the Riviera Maya
13. Experience a Jet Ski
At at the least $50 per hour, it’s not an inexpensive exercise in Playa del Carmen, however renting a jet ski is certainly an thrilling approach to benefit from the water in and round Playa del Carmen.
You will discover distributors renting jet skis alongside La Quinta Avenida, or e book a package deal tour together with jet skis upfront.
14. Stroll the Retailers of La Quinta
The principle artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Avenue), which is a vibrant pedestrian road operating properly over a kilometer parallel to the seashore.
La Quinta is lined with a whole bunch of retailers and distributors providing every little thing from designer purses and questionable prescribed drugs to funky trinkets and distinctive paintings.
Positive, it’s greater than somewhat touristy, however a go to to La Quinta ought to be on each checklist of issues to do in Playa del Carmen, particularly if you department off onto Calle 38, and ensure to stroll fifth ave all the way in which to Colosio neighbourhood.
Searching for extra Mexico posts? See Additionally:
Things To Do in San Pancho
Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Things To Do in Guanajuato
Places To Visit in Mexico
Travel Guide to Manzanillo Colima
15. Go Paddleboarding
The Caribbean water in Playa del Carmen is blissfully nonetheless, particularly throughout dawn or proper earlier than sundown, which makes it an amazing place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes may be organized by Aloha Paddle Club, beginning at round $45 USD.
The placement is on the Fusion seashore bar, which additionally makes an amazing cease for a drink or three (plus, some nice dwell music) after you’ve come again off the water from this superior exercise in Playa del Carmen.
In the event you’d somewhat be part of a small group journey, or e book a personal one, this experience units off at dawn, whereas this trip takes off at sundown. Each of the excursions are by Aloha Paddle Membership (above) and supply an teacher/information and gear.
16. Celebration the Night time Away at Coco Bongo
Okay, so it could be somewhat cliché, however there’s no denying that Coco Bongo is the mainstay of Playa del Carmen’s throbbing nightlife scene.
At over $80 U.S. {dollars} for a ticket, an evening at Coco Bongo doesn’t come low-cost.
However your admission consists of drinks, a spectacular present that includes rotating acts (this previous Could noticed a Star Wars-themed present), and an evening you received’t simply neglect (or perhaps you’ll….). Partying at Coco Bongo is without doubt one of the hottest things to do in Cancun as properly.
17. Strive a Marquesita
A marquesita is a neighborhood dessert that type of resembles a crunchy hand-held crepe. The standard model is served with Nutella and Edam cheese, which makes for fairly the distinctive flavour mixture, although you can even get them with peanut butter, cream cheese, chocolate syrup, or a wide range of different toppings.
Marquesita are served up by cellular road meals distributors, so you could must hold your eyes open to search out one.
One of the best locations to search for them are on Calle 2 and Avenida Juarez round their intersections with Avenida 20. Or, the place thirty eighth meets fifth avenue.
18. Escape the Crowds at Punta Esmerelda
Playa del Carmen’s primary seashores get crowded rapidly, so do just like the locals do and head north to the a lot quieter, a lot much less industrial seashores at Punta Esmerelda. It’s one in every of my private favourite locations in Playa del Carmen.
You received’t discover big seashore golf equipment right here, however you will discover a small cenote and a number of the finest seashores in Playa del Carmen. You will get to Punta Esmerelda by taking a brief taxi journey from city, or by strolling north alongside the seashore for 45-60 minutes from central Playa.
19. Go to Parque Fundadores
Playa del Carmen doesn’t have many conventional factors of curiosity (the town is basically constructed round tourism), however one of many extra attention-grabbing locations in Playa del Carmen that you’ll find is in Parque Fundadores.
There, you’ll discover the Portal Maya Statue, a stunning sculpture depicting two figures rising as much as contact one another. You’ll additionally road distributors promoting snacks and wares, in addition to the occasional public efficiency by dancers.
20. Swim With Sea Turtles
Only a quick journey south of Playa del Carmen lies the quiet seashore outpost of Akumal, top-of-the-line locations on the planet to go swimming with sea turtles.
You may entry Akumal as a part of the numerous guided excursions that provide snorkeling right here, or you possibly can take a collectivo south from Playa del Carmen, stroll to the seashore, and hire your individual gear.
You don’t even want a ship to swim with the turtles – you possibly can often discover a number of only a quick distance off the shore. Another choice is to join this tour which incorporates transportation, a information and gear.
21. Take a Ferry to Cozumel
A day journey to Cozumel ought to be in your agenda!
Hop on a ferry from Playa del Carmen’s primary dock and in 30 – 45 minutes, and 250 pesos later, you’ll end up whisked away to the island of Cozumel, dwelling to a number of the bluest water on this a part of Mexico.
There are at present two ferries working from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Winjet runs on “even” days, whereas Ultramar runs on “odd” days. Go to every of their respective Fb pages for up to date instances and costs.
As soon as in Cozumel, you possibly can benefit from the world-class diving and snorkelling scene (try Scuba Tony). Or you possibly can hire a automobile (my favorite: the previous VW convertible beetles!) and take a drive across the island, stopping on the many seashore golf equipment that dot the route.
Extra Actions in Playa del Carmen
There are such a lot of issues to do in Playa del Carmen that I had so as to add a number of extra to this checklist!
Canine Strolling
Why not give again if you go to Playa Del Carmen? There are some nice organizations the place you possibly can donate your time and assist out by strolling canine — and giving them some much-needed consideration.
Voluntarios Perrunos shelters canine and puppies who’ve been rescued from abuse and/or abandonment. Seeing these candy canine and showering them with love is a good way to spend a morning. To study extra about how one can assist out, go to the Facebook Page.
Be a part of a Dune Buggy Journey
This jungle buggy and cenote trip is without doubt one of the high actions in Playa del Carmen in the event you’re trying to get off-track and do one thing somewhat extra adventurous!
The beauty of the tour (for my part) is that it’s simply round 3 – 3.5 hours lengthy, that means your total day isn’t taken up, and also you’ll nonetheless have a lot of the day left to benefit from the different issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
You’ll be picked up straight at your lodging by an English-speaking driver, and after a few 20-minute journey, you’ll arrive on the Ranch within the jungle.
Put in your protecting goggles and bandana (there will probably be a number of mud!), simply learn the way your dune buggy operates and head off — teams are small.
Bouncing across the grime street with nothing round however the jungle is a lot enjoyable! After dashing alongside for round 20 minutes, you’ll arrive on the most attractive cenote.
Throughout our journey, solely our group was there (6 folks whole) and nobody else. It was such a peaceable place within the jungle and the cenote had extremely clear water.
When you’ve cooled off and loved a break, it’s time to do some extra driving. Every dune buggy matches 2 folks, so you possibly can share the drive.
I cherished this present day tour from Playa del Carmen and extremely advocate it. There are 3 completely different instances per day, we opted for the morning because it was the good temperature of the day. Study extra about this enjoyable journey here.
Discover a Hidden Cenote
Positioned 8 kilometers into the jungle, this off-track cenote is one in every of a form. Meet up together with your information, Guilhem, and descend down into the magical cenote.
All gear is included, as is transportation to the cenote, meals, and drinks. This expertise may be very extremely rated and is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Playa del Carmen. Find out more here.
Be a part of a Meals Tour
For foodies, this expertise is a should. Go away the touristy eating places behind and revel in some genuine Mexican cuisine! You’ll cease at many alternative locations to pattern the meals and a few non-alcoholic drinks are included additionally. Discover out extra here.
Now You Know What To Do in Playa del Carmen
There’s a lot to do in Playa del Carmen that you just would possibly really feel overwhelmed with all these superb choices, however the reality is which you could’t go fallacious with any of the gadgets on this checklist.
I’ll depart you with a fast tip that will help you avoid wasting money throughout your keep in Playa del Carmen: whereas many distributors settle for US {dollars} and the ATM on La Quinta even dispense them, the alternate price you’ll get is prone to be an enormous rip-off. So pay with pesos and use the cash you’ll save to do a number of extra issues in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen: Sources & Suggestions
Journey Insurance coverage
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY WING
There are a number of journey actions on this metropolis! Be sure to’re protected with journey insurance coverage coverage. We use and advocate Safety Wing for journey insurance coverage.
Lease a Automotive
WE RECOMMEND EXPEDIA.COM
It is a excellent spot to hire a automobile! We at all times e book with Expedia as a result of they help you cancel totally free on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you truly decide up your journey.
E-book Excursions On-line
We Suggest Get Your Guide and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions obtainable. We at all times prefer to verify on Get Your Information and Viator as a result of they’ve so many choices and you’ll select the most effective ones based mostly on the most effective evaluations.
E-book a Low-cost Room
Try Reserving.com offers
For the most effective offers on short-term lodges, visitor homes and hostels, we at all times use Reserving.com. Be careful for last-minute offers!
High Lodges, Hostels & B&B’s in Playa del Carmen
Funds
Playa Centro – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. Simply an 8 minute stroll to the seashore, 2 minute stroll to fifth Avenue, whereas the bus station is simply 1km away. The property encompasses a welcoming proprietor, air-conditioned rooms and customary kitchen space. Double rooms right here go for round $25/night time within the excessive season. Click here to study extra and e book this lodging.
Casa Seloa – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. This property is situated far sufficient away from the vacationer space which you could take pleasure in peace and quiet, but it’s simply a straightforward 20 minute stroll to the seashore, or a fast 5 minute bus journey. Rooms are vivid and spacious, and the property presents BBQ services and a backyard space for stress-free in. Double rooms go for round $30. Click here to study extra and e book this casa.
Midrange
Embarkadero Maya B&B – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. There are all kinds of rooms right here on the completely situated B&B. Rooms are vivid, vibrant and in conventional Mexican fashion. The water is only a 5 minute stroll away, whereas a number of the rooms take pleasure in unbelievable views of the ocean. The homeowners are very pleasant and there’s a superb breakfast included. Double rooms begin at $52 within the excessive season. Click here to study extra and e book this B&B.
Newport House Playa Boutique Hotel – rated “Distinctive” 9.6/10. It is a high finish, stylish condo fashion lodging…at inexpensive pricing. The seashore is only a 6 minute stroll away, however there’s additionally a rooftop, outside pool. Rooms are outfitted with a kitchenette, fridge, microwave and extra. Complimentary bikes can be found for hire. Don’t miss this boutique! Suites begin at round $75. Click here to study extra and e book this boutique.
High Finish
CondoHotel Fabiola – rated “Very good” 9.2/10. This lovely property presents friends an outside pool, scorching tub and tastefully embellished rooms. Right here you’ll be only a 5 minute stroll from the seashore and a few blocks from fifth Avenue. There are a number of flats right here providing wonderful worth at round $100 / night time. Click here to study extra and to e book this suite.
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