There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be arduous to kind by means of 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 provide you with this record of the 21 very best issues to do in Playa del Carmen to be able to show you how to benefit from your journey to this lovely city on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera.
From the key seaside spots, to the place to search out distinctive native dishes, to the very best day journeys, I’ve bought you coated with an thrilling array of issues to see in Playa del Carmen. This is likely one of the finest places to visit in Mexico for positive.
Oh, and also you’re undoubtedly going to need to attempt #17 – some individuals find it irresistible and a few hate it, however you’ve bought to test it out your self to search out out! (additionally, don’t miss the traveller’s assets on the finish of this text). However first…
Getting From Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen
You will have totally 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 personal transportation booked previous to arrival.
The quickest, most secure, and most comfy choices are to take personal 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. Take a look at Cancun Airport Transportation, which gives quite a lot of car choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
Another choice for this journey is eTransfers who provide every part from fundamental rides to luxurious vans to get you from level A to level B.
Listed here are my prime 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, 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 fashioned the place limestone bedrock offers option to underground rivers and comes.
There are literally thousands 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’ll be able to lease a automobile to get there (simply ensure you might have travel insurance covering Mexico), or you’ll be able to be part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and when you’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 vital 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: when you can, stand up early and go to the temples earlier than the crowds and the warmth set in.
Click here to study extra in regards to the Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen — which is presently supplied at a reduced price.
3. Strive Conventional Mayan Meals (and Grasshoppers) at La Perla Pixan Delicacies
Discovering genuine native cuisine in Playa del Carmen generally is a little bit of a problem, because the vacationer zone is full of 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 dwell music.
Strive the standard tlayuda or, when you’re feeling actually adventurous, any of the a number of dishes made with grasshoppers! Consuming genuine Mexican food is likely 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 Record 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 troublesome to discover a comfy 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 beach club, the place there’s no charge for utilizing the seaside loungers and no minimal spend. Simply pay for no matter you order, and benefit from the comfortable inexperienced loungers or the swings on the laid-back bar.
Replace – you could pay 500 pesos ($23) per chair with an umbrella. Nevertheless, any meals and drinks you order shall be subtracted from that quantity.
Associated Publish: For the very 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 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 trendy Be Playa hotel.
You’ll have to spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($9.60) per particular person to benefit from the pool, nevertheless it’s effectively value 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 stable and the pool is never 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 considering: Why on the planet 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 when you’re nonetheless asking that query.
Simply the preferred restaurant in Playa del Carmen, El Fogon is a Mexican cantina so busy that its primary location on Avenue Constituyentes sports activities a sizeable line each evening beginning round 7:30 PM. Don’t fear although, the road strikes quick, and the wait is effectively value 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 experience away from Playa del Carmen Mexico, however my favourite is the secluded seaside at Xpu Ha.
You’ll have to 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 seaside with clear water and with out the crowds.
There’s a 50 pesos ($2.40) entrance charge to the seaside. You may get that again when you meet the minimal spend at one of many handful of seaside golf equipment, or you’ll be able to simply carry your personal towel and settle in on any of the various wide-open stretches of sand. A go to right here is likely one of the finest issues to do close to Playa del Camen.
☞ SEE ALSO: Things To Do in La Paz – A Record of The High 21
8. Dine in a Cave at Alux Restaurant
Proper off one of many busiest and most chaotic streets in Playa del Carmen is the understated entrance to the Alux restaurant.
You’ll really feel such as you’ve left the town behind as you descend into the spectacular underground cavern (full with its personal mini-cenote) that performs host to the restaurant.
For those who’re trying to splash out, Alux additionally gives among the finest superb 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 undoubtedly value going to Alux for one in all their cocktails, or a bottle of wine from their onsite cellar!
9. Test Out the Frida Kahlo Museum
One of the crucial widespread 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 day-after-day from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway charge 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 (observe that, sadly, there often aren’t authentic works on show).
10. Strive Some Elote
Elote is a neighborhood avenue meals dish that’s primarily grilled corn coated in a kind of mayonnaise and cayenne pepper paste.
Okay, I understand that doesn’t sound tremendous appetizing however belief me… it’s.
You could find elote at avenue vendor stalls round city for only a greenback or so: the very best guess 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 ground. Sundays are often salsa nights, however test the schedule on to make sure.
Have two left toes? That’s superb, 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 undoubtedly want to take a look at this distinctive factor to do in Playa del Carmen.
Situated only a few minutes outdoors the town, Rio Secreto is a posh of 5 gorgeous caves which might be full of underground rivers and comes.
You’ll don a wetsuit and join a small guided tour by means of 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 couple of 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 undoubtedly one of many issues to do in Playa del Carmen that you simply gained’t need 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. 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 certainly an thrilling option to benefit from the water in and round Playa del Carmen.
You could find distributors renting jet skis alongside La Quinta Avenida, or e book a bundle tour together with jet skis prematurely.
14. Stroll the Retailers of La Quinta
The principle artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Road), which is a vibrant pedestrian avenue working effectively over a kilometer parallel to the seaside.
La Quinta is lined with lots of of retailers and distributors providing every part from designer purses and questionable prescription drugs to funky trinkets and distinctive paintings.
Positive, it’s greater than a bit touristy, however a go to to La Quinta needs to be on each record of issues to do in Playa del Carmen, particularly while you department off onto Calle 38, and ensure to stroll fifth ave all the best way to Colosio neighbourhood.
In search of 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 ideal place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes might be organized by means of Aloha Paddle Club, beginning at round $45 USD.
The situation is on the Fusion seaside bar, which additionally makes an ideal 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 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 by means of Aloha Paddle Membership (above) and provide an teacher/information and tools.
16. Celebration the Night time Away at Coco Bongo
Okay, so it could be a 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 Might noticed a Star Wars-themed present), and an evening you gained’t simply overlook (or possibly you’ll….). Partying at Coco Bongo is likely one of the hottest things to do in Cancun as effectively.
17. Strive 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 too can get them with peanut butter, cream cheese, chocolate syrup, or quite a lot of different toppings.
Marquesita are served up by cell avenue meals distributors, so chances are 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 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 gained’t discover enormous seaside golf equipment right here, however you’ll discover a small cenote and among the finest seashores in Playa del Carmen. You may get to Punta Esmerelda by taking a brief taxi experience 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 (the town is basically constructed round tourism), however one of many extra fascinating 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 experience south of Playa del Carmen lies the quiet seaside 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’ll be able to 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’ll be able to often discover a number of only a brief distance off the shore. Another choice is to join this tour which incorporates transportation, a information and tools.
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, house to among 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’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 lease a automobile (my favorite: the previous 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 couple of extra to this record!
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 Facebook Page.
Be part of a Dune Buggy Journey
This jungle buggy and cenote trip is likely one of the prime actions in Playa del Carmen when you’re trying to get off-track and do one thing a bit 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 experience, you’ll arrive on the Ranch within the jungle.
Put in your protecting goggles and bandana (there shall be numerous mud!), simply learn the way your dune buggy operates and head off — teams are small.
Bouncing across the grime street with nothing round however the jungle is a lot enjoyable! After rushing 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’ll be able to share the drive.
I liked today tour from Playa del Carmen and extremely suggest it. There are 3 totally different occasions per day, we opted for the morning because it was the good temperature of the day. Be taught extra about this enjoyable journey here.
Discover a Hidden Cenote
Situated 8 kilometers into the jungle, this off-track cenote is one in all a form. Meet up together with your information, Guilhem, and descend down into the magical cenote.
All tools is included, as is transportation to the cenote, meals, and drinks. This expertise may be very extremely rated and is likely one of the prime 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 luxuriate in some genuine Mexican cuisine! You’ll cease at many alternative locations to pattern the meals and a few non-alcoholic drinks are included additionally. Discover out extra here.
Now You Know What To Do in Playa del Carmen
There’s a lot to do in Playa del Carmen that you simply would possibly really feel overwhelmed with all these wonderful choices, however the reality is you can’t go fallacious 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 price you’ll get is prone to be an enormous rip-off. So pay with pesos and use the cash you’ll save to do a couple of extra issues in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen: Assets & Suggestions
Journey Insurance coverage
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY WING
There are numerous journey actions on this metropolis! Be sure to’re protected with a superb journey insurance coverage coverage. We use and suggest Safety Wing for journey insurance coverage.
Hire a Automobile
WE RECOMMEND EXPEDIA.COM
It is a good spot to lease a automobile! We at all times e book with Expedia as a result of they mean you can cancel without spending a dime on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you truly choose up your experience.
E book Excursions On-line
We Suggest Get Your Guide and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions obtainable. We at all times wish to test 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 critiques.
E book a Low cost Room
Take a look at Reserving.com offers
For the very best offers on short-term lodges, visitor homes and hostels, we at all times use Reserving.com. Be careful for last-minute offers!
High Inns, Hostels & B&B’s in Playa del Carmen
Funds
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 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 you can take pleasure in peace and quiet, but it’s simply a simple 20 minute stroll to the seaside, or a fast 5 minute bus experience. Rooms are shiny and spacious, and the property gives BBQ amenities and a backyard space for enjoyable 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 shiny, vibrant and in conventional Mexican type. The water is only a 5 minute stroll away, whereas among the rooms take pleasure in improbable views of the ocean. The homeowners are very pleasant and there’s a wonderful 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 prime finish, stylish residence type 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 here to study extra and e book this boutique.
High Finish
CondoHotel Fabiola – rated “Very good” 9.2/10. This lovely property gives company an outside 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 selection of flats right here providing wonderful worth at round $100 / evening. Click here to study extra and to e book this suite.
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