Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen it’s a beautiful place to visit, also really affordable if your currency is USD. I have visited a couple times and it never disappoints, there’s a lot to do and if you ever get bored there’s a lot of places nearby like Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and more.

The food is great and everything is close if you pick your hotel wisely; you can walk to a lot of places and if not you can just grab a cab, they are pretty affordable. If you are looking for transportation options, Ado Buses are a great option. We did that to and from the airport and it was really cheap and convenient because the buses left the station every 30-45 minutes.

Things to do in playa del carmen

Cenotes

Cenote Azul– Cenote Cristalino– Cenote Jardin del Eden. These were the ones we visited during our stay, they are next to each other, so you can do the 3 in the same day. The entry price is not expensive and all of them sell small snacks or have picnic areas where you can eat.

Xcaret Park

If you are visiting any park like Xcaret I would recommend to separate an entire day so you can make the most out of it. There are quite a few different parks you can go to, each with its own theme, and you can take a cab there. We had dinner inside but the buffets were really expensive so I would recommend bringing food, snacks or grabbing something to eat before the night show. Have in mind that you are going to pay for the lockers while you are in the water.

Look at the map and plan your day depending on the shows you want to see. During our visit we wanted to see the Prehispanic Performances (45 min), The ceremony of the Voladores (around 40 min) and the evening show (2 hours). The Prehispanic performance is definitely worth it, and show up early to get a good seat. The evening show is amazing, but if you want a good seat you’ll have to show up really early. We got there about 45 minutes early and the whole building was already almost full. Get food and drinks beforehand because it lasts a long time.

A day on Cozumel

You can take the ferry that costs approximately 8 usd, from there you can rent a scooter for around 20 usd, or you can rent a jeep or buggy. I definitely recommend bringing cash with you, to make things easier. From there you can go downtown to the Port of San Miguel. For lunch you can go to Money Bar Beach Club, you can snorkel and shower afterwards too. There’s other places around that you can visit like the Cedral Ruins or have some drinks at Coconut Shack.

Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Chichen Itza

Isla Mujeres is another island nearby with crystal clear water that you can swim in, that you can go to for a day trip, maybe have some drinks or a picnic. Tulum is part of the ruins of pre-colombian mayans that you can walk by and appreciate.

Chichen Itza is a mind-blowing experience that takes you back in time to the ancient civilization of the Maya. The iconic El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, is a must-see. The intricate carvings and impressive stone structures will give you a glimpse into the rich history and advanced knowledge of the Mayan people. Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, making it a must-see for any traveler.

Best Restaurants in playa del carmen

Best drinks in playa del carmen

STAY

We stayed in this airbnb and it was great, definitely a great location which was super convenient. It looked really nice, gave off the cultural vibe of the area, and it was surprisingly comfortable and beautiful. But there are a LOT of other options.

Playa del Carmen is beautiful and an affordable destination with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and abundance of activities. Choosing the right accommodation is key to making the most of your stay in Playa del Carmen. Whether you opt for an Airbnb like the one we stayed in here or decide to explore other options, it’s important to select a location that offers convenience and accessibility to the city’s attractions.

Both Airbnb and hotels have advantages and disadvantages. Staying at an Airbnb provides the opportunity to experience the local culture and live like a resident. With a variety of options available, you can find an Airbnb that suits your preferences, whether it’s a cozy apartment or a spacious villa. You’ll have a kitchen, which allows for cooking meals and saving money on dining out. We were on a budget so we cooked at least one of our meals each day. Many Airbnbs are centrally located, providing easy access to nearby attractions so you can walk almost anywhere.

On the other hand, hotels in Playa del Carmen offer the convenience of services like daily housekeeping, room service, and amenities such as pools and fitness centers. Hotels also provide a higher level of security and often have dedicated staff to attend to guests’ needs. However, they can be more expensive compared to Airbnbs, and you may have less privacy. If you were visiting, what would you prioritize during your stay in Playa del Carmen?

A beautiful place with some of the most delicious foods you will ever eat at a great price. There are a ton of options for sight-seeing and activities. We had a great time, and it’s a great environment for both families and couples. It’s a spectacular location any time of the year.