Playa del Carmen is paradise and welcomes millions of visitors every year.. This jem on the Mexican Caribbean is one of the most scenic, colorful, and vibrant cities in Mexico. Unlike other beach destinations, where the only activity is to soak up the sun during a lazy beach day, Playa del Carmen is full of entertainment and things to do.
20 years ago, Playa del Carmen was just a tiny little fishing village, hidden in the jungle. Today this beach side town, about 40 km south of Cancun, is a booming destination all, complete with plenty of hotels that range from budget conscience to ultra chic with amazing beaches, high-end shopping, entertainment, nightlife and activities in nature.
There are many places to visit in the city, all of which could easily fill an itinerary, but we've narrowed it down with our list of the top things to do in Playa del Carmen.
1. La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
When you go to Playa del Carmen and if you miss 5th avenue (La Quinta Avenida), did you really experience Playa del Carmen? 5th Avenue is the main artery in Playa del carmen boasting hundreds of restaurants (all price ranges), entertainment, bars and cafes. 5th avenue is one block from the beach that are full of amazing beach clubs.
La Quinta Avenida is certainly the number one attraction in Playa del Carmen, so keep in mind that during high season and on weekends, it gets very, very crowded.
2. Beach Clubs
Playa del Carmen has some beautiful beaches, so if you want to maximize your time it may be worth investing an afternoon in a beach club like Lido Beach Club, Mamita's Beach Club, or Kool Beach Club.
One way to beat the crowds is to buy a day pass to a beach club. That gets you access to a lounge chair or day bed, and usually a credit to use towards food.
3. Cenotes
Speaking of the Mayan underworld, visitors don't have to go spelunking in order to enjoy the magical environment that lives underneath the Earth's surface. Many of these hundreds of miles of rivers have openings in their rocky ceilings, which open up to the natural light. These natural sinkholes are known as cenotes, and there are thousands of them across the Yucatan Peninsula.
They form from the collapsing of the limestone, which exposes the river to the sky - and they are mesmerizing. There are many cenotes that are open to the public, and visitors can spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or even scuba diving their depths to discover this seemingly endless water world.
There are dozens to choose from in and around Playa del Carmen, but a fan favorite continues to be Cenote Chaak Tun. This beautiful, natural environment is an underground paradise of crystal-clear water and prehistoric rock formations that look absolutely otherworldly when bathed in the beam of natural sunlight that trickles in from above. Be prepared for spectacular colors and the chance to simply be in nature.
4. Swim With The Turtles
Just south of Playa del Carmen, there is a small town called Akumal. For many people, swimming with sea turtles is a must do event.
Akumal host thousands of sea turtles that come to nest and lay eggs every season. Home to 3 different types of sea turtles: Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead. The best part is, you can do it for free or you can rent snorkels, fins, and masks right and go on a guided tour.
5. Boat Cruises
Charter a private yacht or take a shared catamaran to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel. Most packages offer beverages and food and what better way to spend a day listening to music on the Caribbean sea while exploring some of the pristine islands of the coast in the Mayan Riviera.
6. Theme Parks
If you're not a beach person, there is still plenty to do in Playa del Carmen, from culture parks and ziplining, to even a Cirque du Soleil show.
Xcaret, is a theme park dedicated to Mayan heritage and culture specific to this region of Mexico with endless activities, shows and restaurants.
The park has more than 50 natural and cultural attractions that span different environments, like jungle, beach, and underground rivers. There is a Butterfly Pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and traditional Mayan performances scheduled throughout the day.
But there are other theme parks under the Xcaret umbrella, like Xenses, which has ziplining and lazy rivers, and Xel-Ha, a water-themed park. There are eight Grupo Experiencias theme parks near Playa del Carmen.
For visitors who book a room at the Hotel Xcaret Mexico, admission to all the parks is included.
7. Art Walks
Playa del Carmen hosts some amazing local artists and many will do custom work. A simple stroll down 5th avenue will put you in touch of numerous artist all displaying their work. Charlie Cortazar is an amazing local artist who created the painting above. He is an amazing example of talent that exists in Playa del Carmen.
Comments