what to do in playa del carmen
Hi we are Sami & Valeria, an Italian couple who after traveling around the world, fell in love with Mexico! In our Blog you will discover all sides of this big country, from natural and cultural beauties to exploring the hidden and dark sides. Let’s discover together passion & beauty of this amazing folk which once it enters your heart will never leave it again! Also covering our hometown (Rome) 
and many other places where we have lived, we wish you a wonderful reading!
What to do in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there’s the whole other side of the city. It’s a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around.
Many visitors ask about the weather in Playa del Carmen and expect it to be hot and sunny every day. Unfortunately, this isn’t exactly true. While Playa del Carmen is generally warm, the weather changes quickly and rapidly.
There’s one rule if you’re coming to Playa del Carmen: don’t trust the forecast and dig deeper! Forecasts will only give you a day estimate. Always check the amount and percentage of rain and the hours of sunshine. You can even check more detailed forecasts which will give you the weather by the hour. It might be stormy in the morning and sunny during lunchtime. You never know.
Unless you’re visiting during the summer (June-September), bring a sweater. You’ll be sunbathing during the day, but it gets chilly during the night. Unless you’re from a very cold country, you will be cold.
Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?
How much money should you have for visiting Playa del Carmen or any nearby city? Playa del Carmen can be very expensive, or very cheap, depending on what you want to do. For instance, if you eat at tourists restaurants on 5th Av, go to nightclubs like Coco Bongo and buy massages then you might end up needing at least $300 a day.
If you eat where locals eat, your dinner should cost you no more than $5-7 and a cocktail for $3-8. If you’re planning some backpacking you can definitely survive on $50 a day. If you love a simple tourist live you can easy plan to pay no more than $20 a day.
What to do in Playa del Carmen: 5th AVENUE (QUINTA AVENIDA)
5th Avenue ( Quinta Avenida ) is the place to see and be seen in Playa. It has the feel of a touristy beach resort during the day with trinket shops and overpriced restaurants, which changes to a pretty thriving night scene as the day wears off.
It’s great for people watching and trust me, you can see some interesting characters walking around at night.
Walking you will arrive at Plaza Fundadores, a fascinating location tucked away in Playa del Carmen. This lively plaza is a striking illustration of the city’s diverse cultural traditions. The plaza’s architecture and design, which combine aspects from both Mayan and Spanish traditions, are absolutely stunning.
Visitors are welcomed by a calm ambiance as they leave the busy Quinta Avenida, allowing them to relax and take in the attractiveness of the nearby stores and restaurants. One can awe at the rich features of the sculptures and fountains that embellish the area while strolling through the plaza.
Plaza Fundadores also acts as a stage for entertaining street entertainment, which improves the whole atmosphere. It’s important to note that the plaza’s prime location provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. For anyone looking for a real Mexican experience, Plaza Fundadores is a must-visit due to its bustling and energetic atmosphere.
Adventure Parks
There are many adventure parks spread across the entire Riviera Maya. With the most popular being Xcaret with shows and beaches, there is also an adventure park called Xplor, or a calm Xel-Ha where you can see some colorful fish.
These parks are a variety of exciting locations that serve a range of age groups and interests. There is something for everyone, from Xplor, where ziplines allow you to soar over the treetops, to Xel-Ha, a gorgeous eco-park that offers snorkeling in crystal-clear turquoise water and access to a sizable natural aquarium.
In contrast to Xenses, which takes you on a sensory trip through unusual sensations and optical illusions, Xcaret blends adventure, culture, and wildlife encounters. With their combination of heart-pounding activities, spectacular natural beauties, and an immersed cultural experience, these parks offer lifelong memories.
What to do in Playa del Carmen: ENJOY NIGHTLIFE
It is definitely a party place. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Most of the nightclubs are located on Calle 12, along with some bars on Calle 10. You can taste a lot of different kinds of cuisine : Mexican, Italian, American and Asiatic, and then go easy to cool Clubs, Discos and Beach Parties !
The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is a thrilling experience that hums with enthusiasm. This vivacious seaside town becomes a paradise for revelers and night owls as the sun sets over the breathtaking Riviera Maya. Numerous bars, clubs, and lounges fill the famed 5th Avenue, giving a wide variety of music and settings to satisfy every taste.
Playa del Carmen has it all, whether you prefer listening to live music at a quaint café, sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar with panoramic views, or dancing to throbbing beats at a chic nightclub. The local nightlife is well-known for its welcoming vibe, top-notch DJs, and spectacular events that go till the wee hours of the morning.
What to do in Playa del Carmen: SWIM IN CENOTES
There are many cenotes in the area for you to enjoy. Some are underground, others have some zip lines, some offer incredible diving and snorkeling adventures.
MAIN CENOTES
Cenote Azul
Cenote Zacil-Ha
Gran Cenote
Cenote Carwash
Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Cristalino
Cenote Jardin del Eden
Casa Cenote
Natural wonders like Mexican cenotes capture people’s attention. These fascinating sinkholes, created by the collapse of limestone bedrock, expose freshwater pools below the surface of the earth. Cenotes provide a special opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, and even cave diving because of their mystical beauty and diverse biodiversity.
It is an unforgettable experience to explore these prehistoric formations, which enables visitors to have a genuinely wonderful connection with nature. Mexican cenotes are a must-see sight, giving visitors a peek at the Yucatan Peninsula’s undiscovered beauties.
Is Playa del Carmen Safe?
It is a generally safe destination for solo visitors, though they should exercise caution as petty crime and scams have been known to occur in Mexico. Tips for solo travelers include sticking to main tourist centers, staying in hostels, and not walking alone at night.
The cartel is in here, although tourist-related cartel incidents are a rare occurrence. Tourists can stay away from cartel violence by not using recreational drugs, not being overly intoxicated, and by sticking to central tourist zones.
Playa is safe for American tourists granted they follow common travel tips and are aware of potential scams and dangers and is also safe for families as it’s easy to get around, has plenty of family-related activities, and is a relatively laid-back city.
ALL RIVIERA MAYA EXCURSIONS
JUNGLE HOUSE
A unique experience, living the jungle even at home cooking, watching TV, relaxing in the bedroom or enjoying the outdoor area taking some sun, enjoying a margarita or having a barbecue under Mexican Sun!
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