There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be arduous to type via the choices.
Nicely, I’m right here to assist. After three months residing right here, I’ve had loads of time to check out most of the superior actions in Playa del Carmen: and I’ve give you this checklist of the 21 very best issues to do in Playa del Carmen as a way to allow you to benefit from your journey to this stunning 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 obtained you coated 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 undoubtedly going to need to attempt #17 – some individuals adore it and a few hate it, however you’ve obtained 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 got totally different choices to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — both take the bus, hire a automobile, take a taxi, guide 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. Try Cancun Airport Transportation, which gives a wide range of automobile choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
An alternative choice for this journey is eTransfers who provide the whole lot from fundamental 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 crucial 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 offers technique to underground rivers and is derived.
There are millions of them within the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one ought to be on the prime of any checklist of issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
There are various 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’ll be able to hire a automobile to get there (simply make certain you’ve journey insurance coverage overlaying Mexico), or you’ll be able to be a part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and in the event you’re licensed, you’ll be able to even go diving in most 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.
Probably the most vital archaeological websites in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is positioned deep within the jungle, and a little bit of a problem to achieve. You may hire a automobile 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: in the event you can, stand up early and go to the temples earlier than the crowds and the warmth set in.
Click on right here to study extra concerning the Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen — which is presently supplied at a reduced charge.
3. Attempt Conventional Mayan Meals (and Grasshoppers) at La Perla Pixan Delicacies
Discovering genuine native delicacies in Playa del Carmen could be a little bit of a problem, because the vacationer zone is stuffed with imported restaurant chains began by celeb cooks.
However nestled within the hustle and bustle of La Quinta Avenida (Playa’s most important 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.
Attempt 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 meals is among the greatest issues to do in Playa del Carmen, and Mexico as an entire.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Record of The Prime 21
4. Chill Out at Lido’s Seashore Membership
For a spot whose first title actually means “seashore,” it may be surprisingly troublesome to discover a snug and reasonably priced 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 seashore membership, the place there’s no charge for utilizing the seashore 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. Nonetheless, any meals and drinks you order will probably be subtracted from that quantity.
Associated Put up: For the most effective 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
Probably the most enjoyable 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 have to spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($9.60) per individual to benefit from the pool, but it surely’s effectively value it and that complete remains 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 an effective way to beat the warmth year-round.
6. Wait in Line at El Fogon
I do know what you’re pondering: Why on the planet 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 most important 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 effectively value it (simply ask the numerous locals who frequent the joint).
7. Take a Day Journey to Xpu Ha
There are various unimaginable seashores only a quick journey away from Playa del Carmen Mexico, however my favourite is the secluded seashore at Xpu Ha.
You’ll have to 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 charge 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’ll be able to simply deliver 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 Record of The Prime 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.
In case you’re seeking to splash out, Alux additionally gives a few of the greatest tremendous eating on the town with most important 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 undoubtedly value going to Alux for one among their cocktails, or a bottle of wine from their onsite cellar!
9. Examine Out the Frida Kahlo Museum
Probably the most standard issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to go to the fashionable Frida Kahlo Museum. Conveniently positioned on La Quinta, the museum is open day-after-day from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway charge for most of the people is round $15 USD.
Inside you’ll discover a collection of displays devoted to the life and historical past of Mexico’s well-known portrait artist (observe that, sadly, there normally aren’t unique works on show).
10. Attempt Some Elote
Elote is an area road meals dish that’s basically grilled corn coated in a kind of mayonnaise and cayenne pepper paste.
Okay, I notice that doesn’t sound tremendous appetizing however belief me… it’s.
Yow 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
Probably the most 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 normally salsa nights, however verify the schedule on to make sure.
Have two left ft? That’s tremendous, you’ll nonetheless love the enjoyable ambiance, reasonably priced costs, and unimaginable beachside location.
12. Discover the Caverns at Rio Secreto
Have you ever ever been swimming inside a cave earlier than?
Nicely, if not, you undoubtedly want to take a look at this distinctive factor to do in Playa del Carmen.
Positioned just some minutes outdoors town, Rio Secreto is a posh of 5 gorgeous caves which might be stuffed with underground rivers and is derived.
You’ll don a wetsuit and be a part of a small guided tour via a cave that features the unimaginable expertise of swimming inside a pitch-black cave. It’s undoubtedly 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 unimaginable the expertise was! The cave actually is gorgeous and swimming via it’s one thing we’ll always remember. That is undoubtedly one of many issues to do in Playa del Carmen that you just gained’t need to miss. Click on right here to guide your entrance tickets together with transportation and lunch.
☞ SEE ALSO: Rio Secreto – Cave Exploration within the Riviera Maya
13. Experience a Jet Ski
At a minimum of $50 per hour, it’s not an affordable exercise in Playa del Carmen, however renting a jet ski is unquestionably an thrilling technique to benefit from the water in and round Playa del Carmen.
Yow will discover distributors renting jet skis alongside La Quinta Avenida, or guide a bundle tour together with jet skis prematurely.
14. Stroll the Retailers of La Quinta
The primary artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Avenue), which is a vibrant pedestrian road operating effectively over a kilometer parallel to the seashore.
La Quinta is lined with a whole bunch of outlets and distributors providing the whole lot from designer purses and questionable prescription drugs to funky trinkets and distinctive paintings.
Positive, it’s greater than slightly touristy, however a go to to La Quinta ought to be on each checklist of issues to do in Playa del Carmen, particularly while you department off onto Calle 38, and ensure to stroll fifth ave all the way in which to Colosio neighbourhood.
In search of extra Mexico posts? See Additionally:
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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 a fantastic place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes could be organized via Aloha Paddle Membership, beginning at round $45 USD.
The situation is on the Fusion seashore bar, which additionally makes a fantastic 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.
In case you’d moderately be a part of a small group journey, or guide a personal one, this expertise units off at dawn, whereas this journey takes off at sundown. Each of the excursions are via Aloha Paddle Membership (above) and provide an teacher/information and gear.
16. Get together the Night time Away at Coco Bongo
Okay, so it might be slightly 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 gained’t simply neglect (or possibly you’ll….). Partying at Coco Bongo is among the hottest issues to do in Cancun as effectively.
17. Attempt a Marquesita
A marquesita is an area dessert that kind 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 cell road meals distributors, so it’s possible you’ll have to maintain your eyes open to search out one.
The most effective 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 most important seashores get crowded rapidly, so do just like the locals do and head north to the a lot quieter, a lot much less business seashores at Punta Esmerelda. It’s one among my private favourite locations in Playa del Carmen.
You gained’t discover enormous seashore golf equipment right here, however you can find a small cenote and a few of the greatest 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 (town is essentially constructed round tourism), however one of many extra fascinating locations in Playa del Carmen that yow 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 journey south of Playa del Carmen lies the quiet seashore outpost of Akumal, among the finest 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’ll be able to take a collectivo south from Playa del Carmen, stroll to the seashore, and hire your personal gear.
You don’t even want a ship to swim with the turtles – you’ll be able to normally discover a number of only a quick distance off the shore. An alternative choice is to be a part of 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 most important dock and in 30 – 45 minutes, and 250 pesos later, you’ll end up whisked away to the island of Cozumel, residence to a few 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’ll be able to benefit from the world-class diving and snorkelling scene (take a look at Scuba Tony). Or you’ll be able to 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 while you go to Playa Del Carmen? There are some nice organizations the place you’ll be able to 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 an effective way to spend a morning. To study 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 in the event you’re seeking to get off-track and do one thing slightly extra adventurous!
The wonderful thing about the tour (in my view) is that it’s simply round 3 – 3.5 hours lengthy, which means your complete 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 loads of mud!), simply learn the way your dune buggy operates and head off — teams are small.
Bouncing across the grime highway 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 individuals 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 individuals, so you’ll be able to share the drive.
I cherished today tour from Playa del Carmen and extremely advocate it. There are 3 totally different instances per day, we opted for the morning because it was the best temperature of the day. Be taught extra about this enjoyable journey right here.
Discover a Hidden Cenote
Positioned 8 kilometers into the jungle, this off-track cenote is one among a sort. Meet up along 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. Depart the touristy eating places behind and revel in some genuine Mexican delicacies! You’ll cease at many various 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 just would possibly really feel overwhelmed with all these superb choices, however the fact is that you would be able to’t go fallacious with any of the gadgets on this checklist.
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 trade charge 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 loads of journey actions on this metropolis! Be sure to’re protected with an excellent journey insurance coverage coverage. We use and advocate Security Wing for journey insurance coverage.
Lease a Automotive
WE RECOMMEND EXPEDIA.COM
This can be a excellent place to hire a automobile! We all the time guide with Expedia as a result of they help you cancel at no cost on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you truly decide up your journey.
E-book Excursions On-line
We Advocate Get Your Information and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions accessible. We all the time 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 critiques.
E-book a Low cost Room
Try Reserving.com offers
For the most effective offers on short-term inns, visitor homes and hostels, we all the time use Reserving.com. Be careful for last-minute offers!
Prime Resorts, 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 seashore, 2 minute stroll to fifth Avenue, whereas the bus station is simply 1km away. The property includes 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 study extra and guide this lodging.
Casa Seloa – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. This property is positioned far sufficient away from the vacationer space that you would be able to get pleasure from peace and quiet, but it’s simply a simple 20 minute stroll to the seashore, or a fast 5 minute bus journey. Rooms are vibrant and spacious, and the property gives BBQ services and a backyard space for enjoyable in. Double rooms go for round $30. Click on right here to study extra and guide this casa.
Midrange
Embarkadero Maya B&B – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. There are all kinds of rooms right here on the completely positioned B&B. Rooms are vibrant, vibrant and in conventional Mexican fashion. The water is only a 5 minute stroll away, whereas a few of the rooms get pleasure from incredible views of the ocean. The house owners are very pleasant and there’s a superb breakfast included. Double rooms begin at $52 within the excessive season. Click on right here to study extra and guide this B&B.
Newport Home Playa Boutique Lodge – rated “Distinctive” 9.6/10. This can be a prime finish, stylish residence fashion lodging…at reasonably priced 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 on right here to study extra and guide this boutique.
Prime Finish
CondoHotel Fabiola – rated “Very good” 9.2/10. This stunning property gives friends an out of doors pool, sizzling 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 glorious worth at round $100 / evening. Click on right here to study extra and to guide this suite.
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