There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Playa del Carmen that it may be laborious to type by way of the choices.
Properly, I’m right here to assist. After three months dwelling 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 aid you take advantage of 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 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 locations to go to in Mexico for positive.
Oh, and also you’re undoubtedly going to need to attempt #17 – some individuals adore it and a few hate it, however you’ve acquired 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 have got completely 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 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 simply $25). Don’t waste your treasured vacation time ready for buses and getting ripped off by cabs. Try Cancun Airport Transportation, which gives quite a lot of automobile choices — for solo travellers, {couples} and teams.
An alternative choice for this journey is eTransfers who supply all the things 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 (some of the 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 provides option to underground rivers and is derived.
There are millions of them within the Yucatan peninsula and visiting one must be on the prime of any checklist of issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
There are a lot of cenotes to select from, however my private favorite is Cenote Azul. You possibly can go to by yourself by taking the “collectivos” that go away for Tulum on Calle 2, you possibly can hire a automobile to get there (simply make certain you may have journey insurance coverage protecting Mexico), or you possibly can be part of up as a part of a tour. Oh, and in the event you’re licensed, you possibly can 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.
Some of the vital 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 possibly can hire a automobile and make the two-hour drive your self, or try 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 be taught extra concerning the Chichen Itza tour from Playa del Carmen — which is at present provided 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 full of imported restaurant chains began by movie star cooks.
However nestled within the hustle and bustle of La Quinta Avenida (Playa’s major 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 the event you’re feeling actually adventurous, any of the a number of dishes made with grasshoppers! Consuming genuine Mexican meals is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Playa del Carmen, and Mexico as a complete.
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Cabo San Lucas – A Record of The Prime 21
4. Chill Out at Lido’s Seaside Membership
For a spot whose first title actually means “seaside,” 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 seaside golf equipment charging exorbitant costs for using a seaside chair.
Thank goodness, then, for Lido’s seaside membership, the place there’s no price for utilizing the seaside loungers and no minimal spend. Simply pay for no matter you order, and benefit from the cozy inexperienced loungers or the swings on the laid-back bar.
Replace – 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 one of the best 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
Some of the 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 resort.
You’ll have to spend a minimal of 200 pesos ($9.60) per individual to benefit from the pool, however it’s properly 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 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 this planet would ready in line be on a listing of one of the best issues to do in Playa del Carmen?
Properly, attempt the meals at El Fogon first after which we’ll see in the event you’re nonetheless asking that query.
Simply the most well-liked restaurant in Playa del Carmen, El Fogon is a Mexican cantina so busy that its major location on Avenue Constituyentes sports activities a sizeable line each night time beginning round 7:30 PM. Don’t fear although, the road strikes quick, and the wait is properly value it (simply ask the numerous locals who frequent the joint).
7. Take a Day Journey to Xpu Ha
There are a lot of unimaginable seashores only a quick experience away from Playa del Carmen Mexico, however my favourite is the secluded seaside 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 seaside with clear water and with out the crowds.
There’s a 50 pesos ($2.40) entrance price to the seaside. You will get that again in the event you meet the minimal spend at one of many handful of seaside golf equipment, or you possibly can simply convey your personal towel and settle in on any of the numerous 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: 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 trying to splash out, Alux additionally gives a number of the finest positive eating on the town with major 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 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
Some of the 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 each day from 10 am to eight pm and the doorway price 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 normally aren’t authentic works on show).
10. Attempt Some Elote
Elote is a neighborhood road meals dish that’s basically grilled corn lined in a type 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: one of the best guess for locating it’s on Avenida Juarez across the intersection with Calle 15.
11. Go Salsa Dancing at Zenzi
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Playa del Carmen at night time 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 normally salsa nights, however examine the schedule on to make certain.
Have two left ft? That’s positive, 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?
Properly, if not, you undoubtedly want to take a look at this distinctive factor to do in Playa del Carmen.
Positioned only a few minutes exterior town, Rio Secreto is a posh of 5 gorgeous caves which are full of underground rivers and is derived.
You’ll don a wetsuit and be part of a small guided tour by way of a cave that features the 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 actually is gorgeous and swimming by way 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 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 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.
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 principle artery of Playa del Carmen is La Quinta (fifth Road), which is a vibrant pedestrian road operating properly over a kilometer parallel to the seaside.
La Quinta is lined with tons of of retailers and distributors providing all the things from designer purses and questionable prescribed drugs to funky trinkets and distinctive art work.
Positive, it’s greater than a bit of touristy, however a go to to La Quinta must 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 best way to Colosio neighbourhood.
Searching for 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 an ideal place to check out paddleboarding. Paddleboarding leases or classes may be organized by way of Aloha Paddle Membership, 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.
In case 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 way of 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 consists of drinks, a spectacular present that includes rotating acts (this previous Might noticed a Star Wars-themed present), and an evening you received’t simply neglect (or perhaps you’ll….). Partying at Coco Bongo is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Cancun as properly.
17. Attempt a Marquesita
A marquesita is a neighborhood dessert that type 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 cellular road meals distributors, so you could 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 major 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 one among my private favourite locations in Playa del Carmen.
You received’t discover large seaside golf equipment right here, however you can see a small cenote and a number of the finest seashores in Playa del Carmen. You will 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 (town is basically constructed round tourism), however one of many extra attention-grabbing locations in Playa del Carmen that you will discover is in Parque Fundadores.
There, you’ll discover the Portal Maya Statue, a stunning sculpture depicting two figures rising as much as contact one another. You’ll additionally road distributors promoting snacks and wares, in addition to the occasional public efficiency by dancers.
20. Swim With Sea Turtles
Only a quick experience south of Playa del Carmen lies the quiet seaside outpost of Akumal, among the finest locations on the planet to go swimming with sea turtles.
You possibly can entry Akumal as a part of the numerous guided excursions that supply snorkeling right here, or you possibly can take a collectivo south from Playa del Carmen, stroll to the seaside, and hire your personal gear.
You don’t even want a ship to swim with the turtles – you possibly can normally discover a number of only a quick distance off the shore. An alternative 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 must be in your agenda!
Hop on a ferry from Playa del Carmen’s major 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 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 occasions and costs.
As soon as in Cozumel, you possibly can benefit from the world-class diving and snorkelling scene (try Scuba Tony). Or you possibly can hire a automobile (my favorite: the outdated VW convertible beetles!) and take a drive across the island, stopping on the many seaside golf equipment that dot the route.
Extra Actions in Playa del Carmen
There are such a lot of issues to do in Playa del Carmen that I had so as to add a couple 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 possibly can 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 part of a Dune Buggy Journey
This jungle buggy and cenote journey is without doubt one of the prime actions in Playa del Carmen in the event you’re trying to get off-track and do one thing a bit of 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 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 immediately 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 filth street with nothing round however the jungle is a lot enjoyable! After rushing alongside for round 20 minutes, you’ll arrive on the most attractive cenote.
Throughout our journey, solely our group was there (6 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 matches 2 individuals, so you possibly can share the drive.
I liked at the present time 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 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 could be very extremely rated and is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Playa del Carmen. Discover out extra right here.
Be part of a Meals Tour
For foodies, this expertise is a should. Go away the touristy eating places behind and luxuriate in some genuine Mexican delicacies! You’ll cease at many alternative locations to pattern the meals and a few non-alcoholic drinks are included additionally. Discover out extra right here.
Now You Know What To Do in Playa del Carmen
There’s a lot to do in Playa del Carmen that you simply would possibly really feel overwhelmed with all these wonderful choices, however the fact is which you can’t go unsuitable 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 couple of extra issues in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen: Sources & Suggestions
Journey Insurance coverage
WE RECOMMEND SAFETY WING
There are numerous journey actions on this metropolis! Be sure you’re protected with a superb journey insurance coverage coverage. We use and advocate Security Wing for journey insurance coverage.
Hire a Automotive
WE RECOMMEND EXPEDIA.COM
It is a excellent spot to hire a automobile! We all the time guide with Expedia as a result of they can help you cancel free of charge on most bookings and also you’re by no means charged till you truly choose up your experience.
Guide Excursions On-line
We Advocate Get Your Information and Viator
There are some actually cool excursions out there. We all the time prefer 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 opinions.
Guide 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
Price range
Playa Centro – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. Simply an 8 minute stroll to the seaside, 2 minute stroll to fifth Avenue, whereas the bus station is simply 1km away. The property incorporates a welcoming proprietor, air-conditioned rooms and customary kitchen space. Double rooms right here go for round $25/night time within the excessive season. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide this lodging.
Casa Seloa – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. This property is situated far sufficient away from the vacationer space which you can take pleasure in peace and quiet, but it’s simply a straightforward 20 minute stroll to the seaside, or a fast 5 minute bus experience. Rooms are vibrant and spacious, and the property gives BBQ amenities and a backyard space for enjoyable 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 “Very good” 9.4/10. There are all kinds of rooms right here on the completely situated B&B. Rooms are vibrant, vibrant and in conventional Mexican model. The water is only a 5 minute stroll away, whereas a number of the rooms take pleasure in improbable views of the ocean. The house owners are very pleasant and there’s a wonderful breakfast included. Double rooms begin at $52 within the excessive season. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide this B&B.
Newport Home Playa Boutique Lodge – rated “Distinctive” 9.6/10. It is a prime finish, stylish condo model lodging…at reasonably priced pricing. The seaside 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 hire. 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 “Very good” 9.2/10. This lovely property gives friends an outside pool, sizzling tub and tastefully adorned 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 / night time. Click on right here to be taught extra and to guide this suite.
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