There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be laborious to kind via the choices.
Properly, 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 give you this checklist of the 21 best possible issues to do in Playa del Carmen with the intention to aid you take advantage of your journey to this lovely city on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.
From the key seashore spots, to the place to seek out distinctive native dishes, to one of the best day journeys, I’ve acquired 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 certain.
Oh, and also you’re positively going to wish to strive #17 – some individuals like it 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 assets on the finish of this text). However first…
Getting From Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen
You will have completely different choices to get from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen — both take the bus, lease a automobile, take a taxi, e-book a shuttle or hop in non-public transportation booked previous to arrival.
The quickest, most secure, and most snug choices are to take non-public transportation to Playa del Carmen, or a shared shuttle (for just $25). Don’t waste your valuable vacation time ready for buses and getting ripped off by cabs. Try Cancun Airport Transportation, which gives a wide range of car choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
An alternative choice for this journey is eTransfers who supply the whole lot from primary rides to luxurious vans to get you from level A to level B.
Listed here are my high picks for enjoyable issues to do in Playa Del Carmen!
1. Take a Dip in a Cenote (probably the most refreshing issues to do in Playa del Carmen)
Consider it or not, one of the 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 basically underground swimming holes fashioned the place limestone bedrock offers strategy 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 checklist 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 depart for Tulum on Calle 2, you may lease a automobile to get there (simply make certain you’ve gotten travel insurance covering Mexico), or you may be a part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and in case you’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 sites in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is situated deep within the jungle, and a little bit of a problem to achieve. You may lease a automobile and make the two-hour drive your self, or take a look at any of the many tours from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
Professional tip: in case you can, rise 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 presently supplied at a reduced price.
3. Attempt 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 stuffed with imported restaurant chains began by celeb cooks.
However nestled within the hustle and bustle of La Quinta Avenida (Playa’s fundamental 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 standard tlayuda or, in case 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 Listing 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 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 using a seashore chair.
Thank goodness, then, for Lido’s beach club, 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 have 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 Put up: For one of the best neighbourhoods and lodging choices, take a look at our information to where to stay 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 trendy Be Playa hotel.
You’ll must spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($9.60) per individual to benefit from the pool, nevertheless it’s properly 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 below are strong and the pool is never 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 pondering: Why on the earth would ready in line be on a listing of one of the best issues to do in Playa del Carmen?
Properly, strive the meals at El Fogon first after which we’ll see in case you’re nonetheless asking that query.
Simply the preferred restaurant in Playa del Carmen, El Fogon is a Mexican cantina so busy that its fundamental 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 properly price it (simply ask the various locals who frequent the joint).
7. Take a Day Journey to Xpu Ha
There are numerous 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 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 price to the seashore. You may get that again in case you meet the minimal spend at one of many handful of seashore golf equipment, or you may simply deliver your individual towel and settle in on any of the various 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 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 the 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 seeking to splash out, Alux additionally gives a number of the finest nice eating on the town with fundamental 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 price going to Alux for certainly one of their cocktails, or a bottle of wine from their onsite cellar!
9. Verify Out the Frida Kahlo Museum
One of the crucial common issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to go to the trendy Frida Kahlo Museum. Conveniently situated on La Quinta, the museum is open on daily basis from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway price for most of the 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. Attempt Some Elote
Elote is a neighborhood road meals dish that’s basically grilled corn lined in a kind 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: one of the 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 dwell music and a vibrant dance ground. Sundays are often salsa nights, however examine the schedule on to make sure.
Have two left ft? That’s nice, you’ll nonetheless love the enjoyable ambiance, inexpensive costs, and unimaginable 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 outdoors the town, Rio Secreto is a fancy of 5 gorgeous caves which are stuffed with underground rivers and comes.
You’ll don a wetsuit and join a small guided tour via 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 Highway visited Rio Secreto a couple of years in the past and we nonetheless take into consideration how unimaginable the expertise was! The cave really is gorgeous and swimming via 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 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 very least $50 per hour, it’s not an inexpensive exercise in Playa del Carmen, however renting a jet ski is certainly an thrilling strategy 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 upfront.
14. Stroll the Retailers of La Quinta
The primary artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Road), which is a vibrant pedestrian road operating properly over a kilometer parallel to the seashore.
La Quinta is lined with a whole lot of outlets and distributors providing the whole lot from designer purses and questionable prescribed drugs to funky trinkets and distinctive paintings.
Positive, it’s greater than a bit of touristy, however a go to to La Quinta ought to be on each checklist of issues to do in Playa del Carmen, particularly once you department off onto Calle 38, and ensure to stroll fifth ave all the best way 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 awesome place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes could be organized via Aloha Paddle Club, beginning at round $45 USD.
The situation is on the Fusion seashore bar, which additionally makes an awesome 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.
For those who’d quite be a part of a small group journey, or e-book a non-public one, this experience units off at dawn, whereas this trip takes off at sundown. Each of the excursions are via Aloha Paddle Membership (above) and supply an teacher/information and gear.
16. Celebration the Night time Away at Coco Bongo
Okay, so it might be a bit of 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 Might noticed a Star Wars-themed present), and an evening you gained’t simply overlook (or possibly you’ll….). Partying at Coco Bongo is without doubt one of the hottest things to do in Cancun as properly.
17. Attempt a Marquesita
A marquesita is a neighborhood dessert that kind 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 may also 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 you could must maintain 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 fundamental seashores get crowded shortly, 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 certainly one of my private favourite locations in Playa del Carmen.
You gained’t discover big seashore golf equipment right here, however you’ll find a small cenote and a number of the finest 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 (the town is essentially constructed round tourism), however one of many extra attention-grabbing locations in Playa del Carmen that yow 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 road 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 best locations on the planet to go swimming with sea turtles.
You may entry Akumal as a part of the various guided excursions that provide snorkeling right here, or you may take a collectivo south from Playa del Carmen, stroll to the seashore, and lease your individual gear.
You don’t even want a ship to swim with the turtles – you may often discover a number of only a brief distance off the shore. An alternative 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 fundamental dock and in 30 – 45 minutes, and 250 pesos later, you’ll end up whisked away to the island of Cozumel, house 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 occasions 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 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 couple of extra to this checklist!
Canine Strolling
Why not give again once 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 study extra about how one can assist out, go to the Facebook Page.
Be 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 case you’re seeking to get off-track and do one thing a bit of extra adventurous!
The wonderful thing about 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 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 lots of mud!), simply find out how 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 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 may share the drive.
I liked this present day tour from Playa del Carmen and extremely advocate it. There are 3 completely different occasions per day, we opted for the morning because it was the best temperature of the day. Be taught extra about this enjoyable journey here.
Discover a Hidden Cenote
Positioned 8 kilometers into the jungle, this off-track cenote is certainly 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 could be very extremely rated and is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Playa del Carmen. Find out more here.
Be part of a Meals Tour
For foodies, this expertise is a should. Depart the touristy eating places behind and revel in some genuine Mexican cuisine! You’ll cease at many various 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 simply may really feel overwhelmed with all these wonderful choices, however the reality is that you may’t go improper with any of the gadgets on this checklist.
I’ll depart 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 trade price 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 couple of extra issues in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen: Sources & Suggestions
Journey Insurance coverage
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY WING
There are lots of journey actions on this metropolis! Be sure you’re protected with a superb journey insurance coverage coverage. We use and advocate Safety Wing for journey insurance coverage.
Hire a Automotive
WE RECOMMEND EXPEDIA.COM
It is a good spot to lease a automobile! We all the time e-book with Expedia as a result of they will let you cancel without spending a dime on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you really decide up your journey.
E-book Excursions On-line
We Suggest Get Your Guide and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions out there. We all the time wish to examine on Get Your Information and Viator as a result of they’ve so many choices and you’ll select one of the best ones primarily based on one of the best evaluations.
E-book a Low-cost Room
Try Reserving.com offers
For one of the best offers on short-term resorts, visitor homes and hostels, we all the time use Reserving.com. Be careful for last-minute offers!
Prime Accommodations, 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 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 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 that you may 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 brilliant and spacious, and the property gives BBQ amenities 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 brilliant, vibrant and in conventional Mexican type. The water is only a 5 minute stroll away, whereas a number of the rooms get pleasure from implausible 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 type lodging…at inexpensive pricing. The seashore is only a 6 minute stroll away, however there’s additionally a rooftop, out of doors 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 here to study extra and e-book this boutique.
Prime Finish
CondoHotel Fabiola – rated “Very good” 9.2/10. This lovely 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 residences right here providing wonderful worth at round $100 / evening. Click here to study extra and to e-book this suite.
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