There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be exhausting to kind by means of the choices.
Effectively, 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 give you this record of the 21 best possible issues to do in Playa del Carmen to be able to provide help to benefit from your journey to this stunning city on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.
From the key seashore spots, to the place to seek out distinctive native dishes, to the most effective day journeys, I’ve received 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 positively going to need to strive #17 – some individuals adore it and a few hate it, however you’ve received 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 have got completely different choices to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — both take the bus, lease a automotive, 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. Take a look at Cancun Airport Transportation, which presents quite a lot of car choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
Another choice for this journey is eTransfers who provide 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)
Consider 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?
Effectively, I’m glad you requested. Cenotes are primarily underground swimming holes shaped the place limestone bedrock offers option to underground rivers and comes.
There are millions of them within the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one ought to be on the high of any record of issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
There are various cenotes to select from, however my private favorite is Cenote Azul. You’ll be able to go to by yourself by taking the “collectivos” that go away for Tulum on Calle 2, you’ll be able to lease a automotive to get there (simply be certain you’ve got journey insurance coverage protecting Mexico), or you’ll be able to be part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and if you happen to’re licensed, you’ll be able to 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 website 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’ll be able to lease a automotive and make the two-hour drive your self, or try 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 at present supplied at a reduced fee.
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 crammed with imported restaurant chains began by celeb 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 dwell music.
Attempt 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 Listing of The Prime 21
4. Chill Out at Lido’s Seaside 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 price 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 – you need 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 Publish: For the most effective neighbourhoods and lodging choices, try 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, however it’s effectively price it and that whole remains to be solely half the minimal spend at most different rooftop swimming pools within the space. The drinks listed here 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?
Effectively, strive the meals at El Fogon first after which we’ll see if you happen to’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 evening beginning round 7:30 PM. Don’t fear although, the road strikes quick, and the wait is effectively price it (simply ask the various locals who frequent the joint).
7. Take a Day Journey to Xpu Ha
There are various unimaginable seashores only a brief journey away from Playa del Carmen Mexico, however my favourite is the secluded seashore 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 seashore with clear water and with out the crowds.
There’s a 50 pesos ($2.40) entrance price to the seashore. You may get that again if you happen to 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 various 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 Listing 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.
Should you’re trying to splash out, Alux additionally presents a few of the greatest advantageous eating on the town with primary programs beginning at 350 pesos ($16.75).
The meals is a bit on the dear facet, and there are higher eating places in Playa, BUT, it’s positively price going to Alux for one in all their cocktails, or a bottle of wine from their onsite cellar!
9. Examine Out the Frida Kahlo Museum
One of the crucial well-liked 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 day by day from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway price for most 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 (word that, sadly, there often aren’t unique works on show).
10. Attempt Some Elote
Elote is an area avenue meals dish that’s primarily grilled corn coated 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 avenue 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 crucial enjoyable issues to do in Playa del Carmen at evening is to get your groove on. And there’s no higher place to do this than Zenzi, an upbeat however not-too-crowded joint with dwell music and a vibrant dance flooring. Sundays are often salsa nights, however examine the schedule on to make certain.
Have two left ft? That’s advantageous, 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?
Effectively, if not, you positively 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 fancy of 5 gorgeous caves which are crammed with underground rivers and comes.
You’ll don a wetsuit and be part of a small guided tour by means of a cave that features the unimaginable 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 just a few years in the past and we nonetheless take into consideration how unimaginable the expertise was! The cave really is gorgeous and swimming by means of 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 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 at the very least $50 per hour, it’s not an inexpensive exercise in Playa del Carmen, however renting a jet ski is certainly an thrilling option to benefit from the water in and round Playa del Carmen.
You’ll find distributors renting jet skis alongside La Quinta Avenida, or guide a bundle tour together with jet skis upfront.
14. Stroll the Outlets of La Quinta
The primary artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Avenue), which is a vibrant pedestrian avenue operating effectively over a kilometer parallel to the seashore.
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 art work.
Positive, it’s greater than a little bit touristy, however a go to to La Quinta ought to be on each record of issues to do in Playa del Carmen, particularly once 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 a terrific place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes might be organized by means of Aloha Paddle Membership, beginning at round $45 USD.
The placement is on the Fusion seashore bar, which additionally makes a terrific 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.
Should you’d relatively be part of a small group journey, or guide a non-public one, this expertise units off at dawn, whereas this journey takes off at sundown. Each of the excursions are by means of Aloha Paddle Membership (above) and provide an teacher/information and gear.
16. Occasion 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 contains 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 among the hottest issues to do in Cancun as effectively.
17. Attempt 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 can too get them with peanut butter, cream cheese, chocolate syrup, or quite a lot of different toppings.
Marquesita are served up by cellular avenue meals distributors, so you might must hold your eyes open to seek out one.
The very 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 business seashores at Punta Esmerelda. It’s one in all my private favourite locations in Playa del Carmen.
You received’t discover enormous seashore golf equipment right here, however you can see a small cenote and a few of the greatest seashores in Playa del Carmen. You may 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 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 beautiful sculpture depicting two figures rising as much as contact one another. You’ll additionally avenue distributors promoting snacks and wares, in addition to the occasional public efficiency by dancers.
20. Swim With Sea Turtles
Only a brief 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’ll be able to entry Akumal as a part of the various 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 lease your personal gear.
You don’t even want a ship to swim with the turtles – you’ll be able to often discover a number of only a brief 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 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 few 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’ll be able to benefit from the world-class diving and snorkelling scene (try Scuba Tony). Or you’ll be able to lease a automotive (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 just a few extra to this record!
Canine Strolling
Why not give again once 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 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 an effective 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 high 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 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 immediately at your lodging by an English-speaking driver, and after a couple of 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 filth street with nothing round however the jungle is a lot enjoyable! After dashing alongside for round 20 minutes, you’ll arrive on the most beautiful cenote.
Throughout our journey, solely our group was there (6 individuals 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 suits 2 individuals, so you’ll be able to share the drive.
I beloved 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 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 one in all 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 could be very extremely rated and is among the high 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 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 just would possibly really feel overwhelmed with all these wonderful choices, however the fact is which you could’t go incorrect with any of the gadgets on this record.
I’ll go away you with a fast tip that can assist 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 just a few 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! Ensure you’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
It is a excellent place to lease a automotive! We at all times guide with Expedia as a result of they assist you to cancel totally free on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you truly decide up your journey.
Ebook Excursions On-line
We Suggest Get Your Information and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions out there. We at all times wish to examine on Get Your Information and Viator as a result of they’ve so many choices and you may select the most effective ones based mostly on the most effective opinions.
Ebook a Low cost Room
Take a look at Reserving.com offers
For the most effective offers on short-term inns, visitor homes and hostels, we at all times use Reserving.com. Be careful for last-minute offers!
Prime Resorts, Hostels & B&B’s in Playa del Carmen
Finances
Playa Centro – rated “Excellent” 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 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 guide this lodging.
Casa Seloa – rated “Excellent” 9.4/10. This property is situated far sufficient away from the vacationer space which you could 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 vivid and spacious, and the property presents BBQ amenities and a backyard space for stress-free in. Double rooms go for round $30. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide this casa.
Midrange
Embarkadero Maya B&B – rated “Excellent” 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 few of the rooms get pleasure from incredible 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 guide this B&B.
Newport Home Playa Boutique Resort – rated “Distinctive” 9.6/10. It is a high finish, stylish condominium 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 geared up 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 guide this boutique.
Prime Finish
CondoHotel Fabiola – rated “Excellent” 9.2/10. This stunning property presents company an out of doors pool, scorching tub and tastefully adorned rooms. Right here you’ll be only a 5 minute stroll from the seashore and a few blocks from fifth Avenue. There are a selection of flats right here providing glorious worth at round $100 / evening. Click on right here to be taught extra and to guide this suite.
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