There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be arduous to kind by way of the choices.
Properly, I’m right here to assist. After three months residing right 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 record of the 21 very best issues to do in Playa del Carmen as a way to allow you to profit from your journey to this stunning city on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.
From the key seaside spots, to the place to seek out distinctive native dishes, to the very best day journeys, I’ve acquired you lined with an thrilling array of issues to see in Playa del Carmen. This is among the greatest locations to go to in Mexico for certain.
Oh, and also you’re positively going to need to attempt #17 – some folks find it irresistible and a few hate it, however you’ve acquired to test it out your self to seek 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 could have totally different choices to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — both take the bus, lease a automotive, 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 simply $25). Don’t waste your treasured vacation time ready for buses and getting ripped off by cabs. Take a look at Cancun Airport Transportation, which affords a wide range of car choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
Another choice for this journey is eTransfers who supply every little thing from primary rides to luxurious vans to get you from level A to level B.
Listed below are my prime picks for enjoyable issues to do in Playa Del Carmen!
1. Take a Dip in a Cenote (one of the vital refreshing issues to do in Playa del Carmen)
Imagine it or not, the very best 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?
Properly, I’m glad you requested. Cenotes are primarily underground swimming holes shaped the place limestone bedrock offers approach to underground rivers and is derived.
There are millions of them within the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one needs to be on the prime of any record of issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
There are numerous cenotes to select from, however my private favorite is Cenote Azul. You may go to by yourself by taking the “collectivos” that go away for Tulum on Calle 2, you may lease a automotive to get there (simply make certain you might have journey insurance coverage protecting Mexico), or you may be part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and if you happen to’re licensed, you may 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 crucial essential archaeological websites in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is situated deep within the jungle, and a little bit of a problem to succeed in. You may lease a automotive and make the two-hour drive your self, or take a look at any of the many excursions from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
Professional tip: if you happen to can, stand up early and go to the temples earlier than the crowds and the warmth set in.
Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen — which is presently provided at a reduced fee.
3. Strive Conventional Mayan Meals (and Grasshoppers) at La Perla Pixan Delicacies
Discovering genuine native delicacies in Playa del Carmen generally is a little bit of a problem, because the vacationer zone is stuffed 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 completely scrumptious Mayan meals with nightly performances of stay music.
Strive the normal tlayuda or, if you happen to’re feeling actually adventurous, any of the a number of dishes made with grasshoppers! Consuming genuine Mexican meals is among the greatest issues to do in Playa del Carmen, and Mexico as a complete.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues 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 identify actually means “seaside,” 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 seaside golf equipment charging exorbitant costs for using a seaside chair.
Thank goodness, then, for Lido’s seaside membership, the place there’s no payment for utilizing the seaside loungers and no minimal spend. Simply pay for no matter you order, and benefit from the cozy 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 shall be subtracted from that quantity.
Associated Submit: For the very best neighbourhoods and lodging choices, take a look at our information to the place to remain in Playa del Carmen.
5. Swim within the Rooftop Pool at Be Playa
One of the crucial 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 resort.
You’ll must spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($9.60) per individual to benefit from the pool, nevertheless it’s nicely price it and that complete continues to be solely half the minimal spend at most different rooftop swimming pools within the space. The drinks listed below are strong 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 an inventory of the very best issues to do in Playa del Carmen?
Properly, attempt the meals at El Fogon first after which we’ll see if you happen to’re nonetheless asking that query.
Simply the most well-liked 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 evening beginning round 7:30 PM. Don’t fear although, the road strikes quick, and the wait is nicely price it (simply ask the numerous locals who frequent the joint).
7. Take a Day Journey to Xpu Ha
There are numerous unbelievable seashores only a quick trip away from Playa del Carmen Mexico, however my favourite is the secluded seaside at Xpu Ha.
You’ll must both lease a automotive or take a collectivo minibus to get there, however the journey will reward you with entry to a pristine white sand seaside with clear water and with out the crowds.
There’s a 50 pesos ($2.40) entrance payment to the seaside. You will get that again if you happen to meet the minimal spend at one of many handful of seaside golf equipment, or you may simply carry your personal towel and settle in on any of the numerous wide-open stretches of sand. A go to right here is among the greatest issues to do close to Playa del Camen.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues 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 town behind as you descend into the spectacular underground cavern (full with its personal mini-cenote) that performs host to the restaurant.
For those who’re trying to splash out, Alux additionally affords a number of the greatest high quality eating on the town with primary programs beginning at 350 pesos ($16.75).
The meals is a bit on the expensive facet, and there are higher eating places in Playa, BUT, it’s positively price going to Alux for considered one of their cocktails, or a bottle of wine from their onsite cellar!
9. Verify Out the Frida Kahlo Museum
One of the crucial widespread 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 daily from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway payment for most people is round $15 USD.
Inside you’ll discover a sequence of reveals devoted to the life and historical past of Mexico’s well-known portrait artist (be aware that, sadly, there often aren’t unique works on show).
10. Strive Some Elote
Elote is an area road meals dish that’s primarily grilled corn lined in a form of mayonnaise and cayenne pepper paste.
Okay, I notice that doesn’t sound tremendous appetizing however belief me… it’s.
You’ll find elote at road vendor stalls round city for only a greenback or so: the very best wager for locating it’s on Avenida Juarez across the intersection with Calle 15.
11. Go Salsa Dancing at Zenzi
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Playa del Carmen at evening 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 stay music and a vibrant dance flooring. Sundays are often salsa nights, however verify the schedule on to make sure.
Have two left ft? That’s high quality, 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?
Properly, if not, you positively want to take a look at this distinctive factor to do in Playa del Carmen.
Positioned just some minutes exterior town, Rio Secreto is a fancy of 5 beautiful caves which are stuffed with underground rivers and is derived.
You’ll don a wetsuit and be part of a small guided tour by way of 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 really is beautiful and swimming by way of it’s one thing we’ll always remember. That is positively one of many issues to do in Playa del Carmen that you simply gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to e book your entrance tickets together with transportation and lunch.
☞ SEE ALSO: Rio Secreto – Cave Exploration within the Riviera Maya
13. Trip a Jet Ski
At not less than $50 per hour, it’s not an affordable exercise in Playa del Carmen, however renting a jet ski is unquestionably an thrilling approach to benefit from the water in and round Playa del Carmen.
You’ll find distributors renting jet skis alongside La Quinta Avenida, or e book a bundle tour together with jet skis prematurely.
14. Stroll the Outlets of La Quinta
The primary artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Avenue), which is a vibrant pedestrian road working nicely over a kilometer parallel to the seaside.
La Quinta is lined with a whole lot of retailers and distributors providing every little thing from designer purses and questionable prescribed drugs to funky trinkets and distinctive paintings.
Certain, it’s greater than a little bit touristy, however a go to to La Quinta needs to be on each record of issues to do in Playa del Carmen, particularly whenever you department off onto Calle 38, and ensure to stroll fifth ave all the way in which to Colosio neighbourhood.
On the lookout for extra Mexico posts? See Additionally:
Issues To Do in San Pancho
Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Issues To Do in Guanajuato
Locations To Go to in Mexico
Journey Information 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 important place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes may be organized by way of Aloha Paddle Membership, beginning at round $45 USD.
The placement is on the Fusion seaside bar, which additionally makes an important cease for a drink or three (plus, some nice stay music) after you’ve come again off the water from this superior exercise in Playa del Carmen.
For those who’d somewhat be part of a small group journey, or e book a personal one, this expertise units off at dawn, whereas this journey takes off at sundown. Each of the excursions are by way of Aloha Paddle Membership (above) and supply an teacher/information and gear.
16. Social gathering the Night time Away at Coco Bongo
Okay, so it could be a little bit 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 Might noticed a Star Wars-themed present), and an evening you gained’t simply overlook (or perhaps you’ll….). Partying at Coco Bongo is among the hottest issues to do in Cancun as nicely.
17. Strive a Marquesita
A marquesita is an area dessert that form of resembles a crunchy hand-held crepe. The normal model is served with Nutella and Edam cheese, which makes for fairly the distinctive flavour mixture, although you may as well 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 might must hold your eyes open to seek 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 shortly, 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 considered one of my private favourite locations in Playa del Carmen.
You gained’t discover enormous seaside golf equipment right here, however you can find a small cenote and a number of the greatest seashores in Playa del Carmen. You will get to Punta Esmerelda by taking a brief taxi trip from city, or by strolling north alongside the seaside for 45-60 minutes from central Playa.
19. Go to Parque Fundadores
Playa del Carmen doesn’t have many conventional factors of curiosity (town is basically constructed round tourism), however one of many extra attention-grabbing locations in Playa del Carmen that you will discover 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 trip south of Playa del Carmen lies the quiet seaside outpost of Akumal, the most effective locations on the planet to go swimming with sea turtles.
You may entry Akumal as a part of the numerous guided excursions that supply snorkeling right here, or you may take a collectivo south from Playa del Carmen, stroll to the seaside, and lease your personal gear.
You don’t even want a ship to swim with the turtles – you may often discover a number of only a quick distance off the shore. Another choice is to be part of this tour which incorporates transportation, a information and gear.
21. Take a Ferry to Cozumel
A day journey to Cozumel needs 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, residence to a number of the bluest water on this a part of Mexico.
There are presently 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 may benefit from the world-class diving and snorkelling scene (take a look at Scuba Tony). Or you may lease a automotive (my favorite: the outdated VW convertible beetles!) and take a drive across the island, stopping on the many seaside 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 record!
Canine Strolling
Why not give again whenever you go to Playa Del Carmen? There are some nice organizations the place you may donate your time and assist out by strolling canines — and giving them some much-needed consideration.
Voluntarios Perrunos shelters canines and puppies who’ve been rescued from abuse and/or abandonment. Seeing these candy canines and showering them with love is a good way to spend a morning. To be taught extra about how one can assist out, go to the Fb Web page.
Be a part of a Dune Buggy Journey
This jungle buggy and cenote journey is among the prime actions in Playa del Carmen if you happen to’re trying to get off-track and do one thing a little bit extra adventurous!
The beauty of the tour (in my view) 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 instantly at your lodging by an English-speaking driver, and after a couple of 20-minute trip, you’ll arrive on the Ranch within the jungle.
Put in your protecting goggles and bandana (there shall be a whole lot of mud!), simply find out how your dune buggy operates and head off — teams are small.
Bouncing across the filth street with nothing round however the jungle is a lot enjoyable! After rushing alongside for round 20 minutes, you’ll arrive on the most attractive cenote.
Throughout our journey, solely our group was there (6 folks complete) 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 suits 2 folks, so you may share the drive.
I beloved today tour from Playa del Carmen and extremely suggest it. There are 3 totally different instances per day, we opted for the morning because it was the best temperature of the day. Study extra about this enjoyable journey right here.
Discover a Hidden Cenote
Positioned 8 kilometers into the jungle, this off-track cenote is considered one of a sort. 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 among the prime issues to do in Playa del Carmen. Discover out extra right here.
Be a part of a Meals Tour
For foodies, this expertise is a should. Go away the touristy eating places behind and luxuriate in some genuine Mexican delicacies! You’ll cease at many alternative locations to pattern the meals and a few non-alcoholic drinks are included additionally. Discover out extra right here.
Now You Know What To Do in Playa del Carmen
There’s a lot to do in Playa del Carmen that you simply would possibly really feel overwhelmed with all these wonderful choices, however the fact is that you could’t go improper with any of the gadgets on this record.
I’ll go away 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 fee you’ll get is more likely 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 whole lot of journey actions on this metropolis! Ensure you’re protected with journey insurance coverage coverage. We use and suggest Security Wing for journey insurance coverage.
Hire a Automotive
WE RECOMMEND EXPEDIA.COM
It is a great spot to lease a automotive! We all the time e book with Expedia as a result of they help you cancel without spending a dime on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you truly choose up your trip.
Guide Excursions On-line
We Suggest Get Your Information and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions out there. We all the time wish to verify on Get Your Information and Viator as a result of they’ve so many choices and you may select the very best ones primarily based on the very best evaluations.
Guide a Low-cost Room
Take a look at Reserving.com offers
For the very best offers on short-term resorts, visitor homes and hostels, we all the time use Reserving.com. Be careful for last-minute offers!
High Motels, Hostels & B&B’s in Playa del Carmen
Price range
Playa Centro – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. Simply an 8 minute stroll to the seaside, 2 minute stroll to fifth Avenue, whereas the bus station is simply 1km away. The property incorporates a welcoming proprietor, air-conditioned rooms and customary kitchen space. Double rooms right here go for round $25/evening within the excessive season. Click on right here to be taught 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 that you could take pleasure in peace and quiet, but it’s simply a straightforward 20 minute stroll to the seaside, or a fast 5 minute bus trip. Rooms are vivid and spacious, and the property affords BBQ services and a backyard space for stress-free in. Double rooms go for round $30. Click on right here to be taught 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 improbable views of the ocean. The house owners are very pleasant and there’s a wonderful breakfast included. Double rooms begin at $52 within the excessive season. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book this B&B.
Newport Home Playa Boutique Lodge – rated “Distinctive” 9.6/10. It is a prime finish, stylish residence fashion lodging…at inexpensive pricing. The seaside 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 lease. Don’t miss this boutique! Suites begin at round $75. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book this boutique.
High Finish
CondoHotel Fabiola – rated “Very good” 9.2/10. This stunning property affords visitors an out of doors pool, scorching tub and tastefully embellished rooms. Right here you’ll be only a 5 minute stroll from the seaside and a few blocks from fifth Avenue. There are a number of flats right here providing glorious worth at round $100 / evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and to e book this suite.
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