30 Amazing Experiences To Have In Playa del Carmen

Consider this your Playa del Carmen bucket list of top attractions

Playa del Carmen, with its lively nightlife and peaceful beaches, is the not-so-secret alternative to Cancun. Located at the heart of the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen is one of the region’s most culturally diverse and popular resort towns. This city has it all: stunning beaches, delicious food, year-round sunshine, mysterious underground pools, and a rich Mayan heritage.

Originally called Xaman-Ha (which means “waters of the north” in Maya), Playa del Carmen was renamed after Cancun’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Once a peaceful fishing village, this town on the Caribbean coast of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is today a cosmopolitan hub where many come to meet the world. Check off these thrilling activities, and you can truly say you’ve seen the best of the Mayan Riviera.

Playa del Carmen is a tropical paradise, and this list of must-do activities there may just knock your socks off.

Beginning with Quinta Avenida

Playa del Carmen, or simply “Playa,” is centered on the town’s Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida). Take a walk down this street that is only for people on foot to see tour companies, restaurants, clothing shops, street performers, and a business that sells tequila but says it is a museum.

Although it is the largest and most rapidly developing city on the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen is still manageable on foot. Quinta Avenida, or “La Quinta,” is the main street in Playa del Carmen. It runs parallel to the ocean and is a real “baptism by fire” that will get your vacation off to a great start.

Swimming on the roof

Sip a drink made by a mixologist at The Fives hotel’s beautiful rooftop pool while walking on the edge of pleasure.The rooftop pool at the Thompson Playa del Carmen is as chic as the one at the Reef 28, which touches the sky. From the comfort of a cabana or one of the ivory loungers in the pool, you can take in the sunset’s purple and blue tones.

The Palm at Playa boutique hotel is well-known for its poolside workshops, yoga sessions, and pulsating day-to-evening events, while the party crowd prefers Deck 5 Pool and Skybar on weekend afternoons. The bartenders at Be Roof, located on the rooftop of the Be Playa hotel, never fail to play the perfect tunes to set the mood.

Explore the mysteries of a Cenote Hop

Limestone sinkholes, or cenotes, were regarded by the ancient Maya as portals to the afterlife. The Yucatán Peninsula (which includes the states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatán) is home to thousands of picturesque freshwater pools where you can have a refreshing swim without having to worry about getting sand in your shoes.

The natural beauty of each cenote is unique. Some cenotes include cliffs for leaping, and some allow scuba diving tours, while others are free and others cost money. Dos Ojos, Tajma Ha, Cristalino, Azul, and the legendary Jardin del Eden are just some of the jungle jewels you’ll find between Playa del Carmen and Tulum (the Garden of Eden). Bring along some eco-friendly sunscreen.

Beach Clubs should be visited

Playa, in the Caribbean, is the ultimate destination for a wild vacation. There’s a beach club just waiting for you to indulge in some hedonistic day drinking or a leisurely swing session. In the most opulent of these establishments, the Coralina Daylight Club, you may witness breathtaking performances complete with dancers, pulsating music, and golden champagne spray guns. Enjoy a great massage at Encanto Beach without breaking the bank.

Lido Beach Club includes bar swings, a fresh coconut stand, and live music, while INTI Beach, formerly a holistic facility, takes the award for the most zen atmosphere. Martina is a pool and beach hybrid and a local landmark; Mamitas Beach Club is located on its eponymous beach; and Mandarino is the place your Instagram account will thank you for.

Relax on a daybed right on the sand, or hang out in the VIP section behind Martina’s pool, where all the action is. Weekend fun comes to an end at 7:30 p.m., no matter how much you want to stay and play till the stars come out. Soundset Beach Club is a place where the music doesn’t stop till sunrise.

Get acquainted with some rescued Monkeys, Toucans, and Macaws

In Akumal, you’ll find a dazzling variety of animals, including flamingos, zebras, ostriches, wild boars, and titi monkeys. The native howler and spider monkeys of Mexico are protected and cannot be kept as pets; hence, their plight inspired the founding of the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.

Animals rescued from private collections, illegal smuggling, and closed zoos are cared for at the refuge. Gain insight into the animal realm from bilingual guides and get up close and personal with endangered species like the cotton-top tamarin.

Cenote Ma’ax is conveniently located nearby if you feel like cooling off, and if swimming with turtles is something you’ve always wanted to do, Akumal is the spot to accomplish it. Akumal, which is in the Yucatán Peninsula, translates to “land of turtles” in Mayan. You may snorkel with these marine beauties after lunch at the seaside Lol Ha restaurant.

Accept Isla Holbox wholeheartedly

Overwater hammocks. It feels like you’re walking on crushed butterscotch biscuits in the sand. Sunsets with a tangerine hue Boisterous sand bars form a labyrinth over warm, blue-green waters. The highlight of a trip to Isla Holbox is likely to be seeing prancing flamingos in the dreamy Yum Balam biosphere reserve or swimming with whale sharks from May to September.

The island of Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is located 20 minutes southeast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Even though the name Holbox translates to “black hole” in Yucatec Maya, you can expect to have a positive experience on the island because of its abundance of sunshine, bioluminescent phytoplankton, lobster pizza, and the ability to travel around on bicycle or foot. You won’t find any cars on Holbox (apart from the trash trucks), and internet access is sketchy at best. With a (silent) rhythm all its own, this tranquil paradise moves to its own tune.

Visit the Monkey’s Cave and eat alfresco

In particular, La Cueva del Chango (“the monkey’s cave”) stands out for its excellent chilaquiles and extensive breakfast buffet. Soft, fried tortillas are topped with either red or green salsa and served as a traditional Mexican breakfast. You can get it without any extras, with chicken, or with eggs carefully placed on top.

Vegan food is also widely available. You’d be missing out if you didn’t check out the backyard, an outdoor paradise with calming ponds, verdant trees, and whirring fans on days when the sun is particularly intense. The name of this monkey implies that it is frequently seen engaging in playful antics in treetops.

On the corner of 38th Street and Fifth Avenue, not far from the beach, you’ll find La Cueva del Chango, one of several restaurants vying for your business with bright lights and fancy decor.

Experience the underwater world of Cozumel through snorkeling and scuba diving

The Mesoamerican Reef, the biggest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, can be found off the coast of Cozumel Island, making it a popular destination for scuba divers visiting Mexico. Cozumel’s serious scuba divers all agree that Deep Exposure is the best place to go for technical diving equipment. Three of the most luxurious places to snorkel in all of Cozumel are Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, and El Cielo, which means “heaven” in Spanish.

There are two ferry companies that will take you to this beautiful island in less than an hour from Playa del Carmen: Winjet (recognizable by its orange logo) and Ultramar (the yellow and blue one).

Chichén Itzá, one of the world’s modern seven wonders

The most popular tourist destination in Mexico can be reached from Playa del Carmen in just over two hours. It was in 2007 when Chichén Itzá was recognized as one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here in this pre-Hispanic city, you may visit El Castillo, the Temple of the Jaguars, and the ball court. They give us more information about the ancient Mayan culture and make us feel awe and respect for it.

You can get there on your own by renting a car and driving there, but a day excursion that includes lunch, transportation both ways, fast-track tickets, and an English-speaking guide would be worth it. It’s common for visitors to spend a day exploring the area around the Saamal, Ik Kil, and Hubiku cenotes, as well as the picturesque Yucatecan city of Valladolid.

Experience downtown Jamaican flavor

Marvin, a Jamaican, and Stephanie, an Asian American, were madly in love at first sight. They spent their honeymoon in Playa three years ago and have since sold all of their possessions in Canada in order to permanently relocate to Playa and start a food business there.

The end product is Rockas Jamaican, where ingredients are purchased locally and dishes are prepared on the day they are served. When the jerk chicken sells out, people will be heard sobbing loudly. At this cozy Jamaican restaurant, patrons love the rasta pasta because of its abundance of flavorful ingredients.

Discover Mayan temples right on the beach

Exactly where else can you see Mayan ruins perched on a limestone ledge above the water? just like in Tulum. Tulum, formerly known as Zamá, is a famous tourist resort easily accessible from Playa del Carmen by bus, colectivo (public minivan), shuttle, or cab.

Even though they’re both in the same general area, Tulum and Playa couldn’t be more different in terms of looks and cost. “Tuluminati” is a nickname for the wealthy spirituality seekers and boho-chic influencers who bring cameras to posh beach clubs and restaurants.

You should check out Xplor and the other X-Caret Group parks

Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xel-Ha, Xoximilco, Xenses, Xavage, and X-Caret, owned by the XCaret Group, are just a few of the adventure and theme parks in Rivera Maya that are sure to please visitors of all ages (pronounced ish-ka-ret). The second option may be considered Mexico’s equivalent to Disney World.

A coral reef aquarium, underground river, archaeological site, beach, and butterfly pavilion are just a few of the more than 40 attractions. The highlight of the trip is the nightly cultural extravaganza, Mexico Espectacular. Those who want to extend their vacation can do so by staying at one of the group’s all-inclusive hotels, such as Hotel Xcaret, Hotel Xcaret Arte, or La Casa de la Playa, all of which include a plethora of impressive amenities.

Take a photo at the Pink Lake

Many are taken aback when they find that the bubblegum-pink lake of Las Coloradas, located near the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, is managed by a salt firm called ISYSA. There’s no way to go swimming in it. However, many people make the trip anyway so they can gaze upon such a vibrant body of water. White-sand beaches are close by, and you can go swimming if you want to.

In addition to visiting Las Coloradas, you should also check out Ek Balam, the jungle-encircled Acropolis pyramid. In contrast to Chichén Itzá, the facade of this building can be climbed to see amazing views.

Bob Marley’s reggae in Puerto Morelos

The barefoot elegant Romarley Beach House at The Fives Oceanfront Hotel in Puerto Morelos is calling your name. Owner Rohan Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. The venue hosts a live reggae band every Sunday. Set yourself up on a sun lounger, little beach cottage, or nest bed and get yourself a passion fruit mezcalita right away (they make a mean one here).

Under-the-radar Halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen is the fishing community of Puerto Morelos, where you might be able to find some deliciously fresh seafood to enjoy with your favorite tunes. A visit to Mexico’s largest botanical garden, Jardn Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marn, is another exciting thing to do in Puerto Morelos.

Experience the vibrant Caribbean Sea

The Caribbean Sea has always been a source of inspiration for writers, sailors, and other water enthusiasts who are fascinated by its rich hues, tropical climate, and laid-back way of life. Discover the definition of paradise as you ride out the sun’s final rays on a small boat, catamaran, or yacht.

Visit the surrounding turquoise destinations of Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Cancun, and Isla Mujeres, home of the popular underwater museum (MUSA) with its array of life-size sculptures. Blowout options include DJs, karaoke, all-you-can-eat sushi, and paddleboards, while standard boat trips feature an open bar and food.

Taste some truly delicious seafood

In Playa, you can find countless restaurants serving fresh seafood and fish tacos drenched in fiery sauces and heaps of guacamole. The rooftop restaurant Cinco at the Thompson Playa del Carmen offers breathtaking vistas in addition to mouthwatering seafood dishes including scallop aguachile, marinated octopus tacos, and a heart-stopping Cajun shrimp.

At El Pirata, you may enjoy the freshest fish available, as local fishermen bring in the catch each morning and customers can pick and choose their favorites. Chiltepn on 34th Street North is frequently crowded with customers. We really recommend the tuna sandwich and the mixed ceviche (and pretty much everything else). Quinta’s Las Hijas de la Tostada serves up a heaping gourmet tostada, and Ojitos Mios, located on Fifth Avenue, serves you a towering mountain of seafood.

Put your wits to the test every other Tuesday

Laura’s Quiz Night is certainly the best night out in Playa on a Tuesday. Both residents and tourists regularly attend the lively trivia night at Buzo’s Seafood Restaurant every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Many newbies to Playa find their footing in the English-speaking community through this event, which allows them to go with friends or show up alone and join a team. Every week brings brand-new, hilarious questions, so you’ll never get bored. Pay 50 pesos to get in, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for some really cool stuff. You should not miss this.

Spend the night singing and dancing

Playa del Carmen is a city that knows how to have a good time, so any comprehensive guide to the area would be remiss if it didn’t give a shout-out to the vibrant nightlife. Nearby Quinta and 12th Street are where you’ll find the majority of the city’s nightlife, including the once-named “best club in the world,” Coco Bongo. Coco Bongo is a music, dancing, and light extravaganza with a dash of confetti that combines the best of Las Vegas and Mexico.

Club-hopping in Playa is the way to go, and some of the best places to let loose are La Embajada, the palm-fringed rooftop club Clandestino, and Santino, a two-story club that caters to aficionados of reggaeton and electronic music. Club Social is where many of Playa’s expats go to show off their vocal range and have a good time, whereas Tequila Barrel is better suited for those who want to be entertained by others. Los Olvidados (“the forgotten ones”) and La Cucaracha (“the cockroach”) are where you’ll find the most natives. These two unassuming karaoke bars in Playa are practically neighbors on Sixth Street.

Enjoy the taste of local beer

There are several breweries in Mexico, so if you’ve had your fill of Dos Equis, Modelo, and Corona, you may go on to something more refined. Club de la Cerveza is the place to go for a wide variety of beers since it offers both indoor and outdoor dining and is decorated with memorabilia from popular international beer brands. Chela de Playa is a hip cervecera located off Fifth Avenue, complete with a dried-up cenote just outside the door. There is a Cervecera Chapultepec on seemingly every corner of Playa’s centro, and the success of the chain may be attributed to the brilliant “everything’s the same rock bottom price” concept.

Discover Huichol culture

Instead of buying cheaply made souvenirs like wooden iguanas, charm bracelets, and small sombreros on Quinta, invest in a piece of Huichol art. The Wixárika, commonly known as the Huichol, are an Indigenous ethnic group from Mexico with one of the world’s oldest recorded histories.

Their beautiful beaded works can be found on Playa’s main street, despite coming from the states of Jalisco, Durango, and Nayarit along the Sierra Madre Occidental. At Tierra Huichol (Huichol Land), located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 40th Street, you may feast your eyes on vibrant Huichol artwork, symbols, and patterns, all of which have significant spiritual meaning. There is truly something wonderful for every taste and price range.

Feast on some cheap street food

Nobody knows a town better than its own citizens. At the intersection of 30th Avenue and 14th Street North, there is a parking lot adjacent to the Mega Soriana supermarket, where you may get a wide variety of street foods at very low prices. Find out which truck has the most occupants seated on the side stools and makeshift chairs, and then join them.

The food trucks vary in their level of professionalism, with some having names and others only having menus and catchy slogans. Among the named trucks, La Compa serves a superb quesabirria taco, while a short distance up the road, the Belgian food truck La Frit sells frikandellen and Dutch bitterballen that are on par with those you’d find at any local stalletje (small food stand) in the Netherlands.

Punta Esmeralda is the perfect place to cool off and have fun

The fact that Punta Esmeralda is actually a cenote leading straight into the Caribbean makes it stand out from the other beaches in Playa del Carmen. In a cenote, fresh water flows into the sea, creating a shallow pool.

There are no chargeable beach clubs, the water is pleasant year-round, and there is no admission fee. Punta Esmeralda is located north of Playa del Carmen, past 110th Street, and is a long way from the tourist trail. In order to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit this cenote on a weekday, as locals frequent it frequently.

Paddleboarding in the morning

When the sun rises, head on over to Fusion Beach Bar, where the Aloha Paddle Club meets to paddleboard in the ocean. If getting up at the crack of dawn isn’t your thing, you can also attend courses in the morning and evening. At Aloha, one of the best water sports companies in Playa, you may take private cenote paddleboard excursions, surf lessons, or a session that will be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life: SUP yoga.

Listen to live music

When you’re living la vida playa, you can count on frequent live performances. Depending on how loud the music is and how motivated you are feeling, this could be a blessing or a curse. Among the earliest bars in Playa, those named Baton Rouge, Caiman, and Fah are great places to hear live music while enjoying a drink. Onyx Bar is the place to go if you’re into rock music.

Off the Vine is the best wine bar in Playa, so relax with some Mexican vino and a cheese plate while listening to soothing tunes (and a popular date night spot). The unique flavor of Mexican food and the presence of exceptional musicians are La Vagabunda’s two secret ingredients. For the music alone, it’s worth checking out either of its two venues.

Spend your day at leisure in Parque Los Fundadores

You’ve come full circle, back to the beginning of your journey at the city’s most famous monument, Parque Los Fundadores, at the very beginning of La Quinta. Playa del Carmen celebrated the conclusion of the Mayan long count year with the installation of a monumental bronze statue called Portal Maya in this coastal park.

The Voladores de Papantla, acrobats who hang upside down from a large pole and execute a rain-invoking ceremony, put on shows right next to the monument that last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. In addition, there are cameos by Aztec warriors.

Locals from Playa del Carmen, known as “playenses,” gather here at sunset to unwind with a drink, a show, and some live entertainment. Also, you ought to.

Go to the beach and get sandy

Playa del Carmen’s twenty miles (32 kilometers) of coastline offer plenty of opportunity for sunbathing. Beaches tend to be less crowded and more peaceful the further one travels from the city center. Playa Mamitas is one of the livelier beaches, and it caters to individuals who want to do and see everything.

There are mariachi musicians playing, jewelry vendors, and even well-seasoned grasshoppers for those who are so inclined. In the mood for some beach volleyball? To the north, in the Colosio district, is Playa 88. Playacar is often considered by residents to be the nicest beach in Playa del Carmen due to its larger size, higher standards of cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. Coco Beach is another great place to relax and listen to the surf.

Magical Bacalar

More generally, people will refer to Lake Bacalar by its other moniker, “Lagoon of Seven Colors” (Laguna de Los Siete Colores). Bacalar’s freshwater lake, known as Lago del Pueblo Mágico (the “Magic Town”), is a favorite day trip destination for locals and visitors alike. However, staying the night is well worth it.

Enjoy a Sunday of salsa dancing!

Blissed-out salsa-loving partygoers congregate every Sunday afternoon at Zenzi Beach, where they stay until the wee hours of the night to be whisked away by a live band. This beach club welcomes everyone every night of the week with a fun atmosphere, live music, and the chance to dance with your bare feet in the sand under a canopy of swaying palm trees, no matter how well you can dance.

Discover hidden waterways

One of Playa del Carmen’s most popular destinations is the Ro Secreto (Secret River) nature reserve, which is controlled entirely by Mexico. In this roughly eight-mile-long system of bright river caverns and massive rock formations that wouldn’t seem out of place in a science fiction blockbuster, adventurers delight in swimming, snorkeling, diving, and cycling. On rainy days when the beaches are closed, you can explore this underground marvel with the help of knowledgeable guides.

Enjoy a fine meal in a stylish cave

Put on your best clothes and go to Benito Juarez Avenue, where a supper cave is ready to fill your stomach.

Elegant fine dining in a cave that dates back thousands of years—that’s what you’ll find at Alux. Though it’s fully underground, the notion of Alux as a dank, dismal, bat-infested cavern is one you can put out of your mind. The decor includes elaborate chandeliers, neon catchphrases, and well-lit stalactites. Because Alux is so unique, it is a top choice for special occasions.

Additional Resources and Information

Here are some website link resources related to amazing experiences to have in Playa del Carmen:

1. 30 Amazing Experiences To Have In Playa del Carmen – yunglava
2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Playa del Carmen – 2023 (with Photos) – Tripadvisor
3. The 12 Best Things to Do When You Visit Playa del Carmen – U.S. News
4. BEST 20+ Things to do in Playa del Carmen | 2023 PICKS – PlayaDelCarmen.com
5. 21 Best Things To Do in Playa del Carmen in 2023 – Goats On The Road
6. 34 BEST Things to do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico (2022 Guide!) – Destinationless Travel
7. Secret ruins, underground caverns, night markets and more to do in Playa del Carmen – Lonely Planet
8. Playa Del Carmen – 25 Best Things To Do (Beaches, Ruins, and Food) – Expert Vagabond
9. 25+ BEST Things to do in Playa del Carmen | 2020 (Videos + Photos) – PlayaDelCarmen.com
10. 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Playa del Carmen – PlanetWare
11. BEST 20+ Things to do in Playa del Carmen | 2023 PICKS – PlayaDelCarmen.com
12. Things to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorable – Lonely Planet

These resources provide a comprehensive list of amazing experiences and things to do in Playa del Carmen. You can explore these websites to find detailed information, tips, and recommendations on attractions, activities, beaches, dining, nightlife, and more. They will help you plan and make the most of your visit to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.