Often times our Vimex Vacation Rental guests ask us, ¨What can we do in Playa del Carmen¨?
Playa del Carmen is such a vibrant town with spectacular beaches but, there is so much more to Playa than just its awesome beaches. We have come up with our Top 10 list of things to do in this small yet, mighty city on the Riviera Maya. Take a look, give them a try, let us know what you think and perhaps, help us add to our list. We hope that you agree and spend amazing days enjoying your vacation in this paradise.
So, let’s jump right into it!
1. 5th Avenue and Parque Los Fundadores
La Quinta (5th Avenue) is the vigorous main street of Playa del Carmen, even though it is considered the most touristic downtown area, with over thirty pedestrian walking blocks for your shopping pleasure, it’s still extremely nice and interesting to visit.
While walking La Quinta you will find a variety of restaurants and gift shops with vendors who will try to attract you inside their souvenir shops. Don’t be afraid to go in, you could possibly find the perfect gifts for your family or significant other. 5th Avenue is known for its night life, cafes, shopping malls, designer’s shops and so much more.
Close to the entrance to the Cozumel Ferry, there is a Park called, Parque los Fundadores or Founders Park – One of the city´s interesting landmarks with the unique Portal Maya Sculpture designed by Arturo Tavarez. It depicts two intertwined figures that pay homage to Mayan culture. Every night in the Plaza you may watch the Voladores and soon after, walk towards the beach to enjoy Mayan dancers, beach aquatics and live music.
2. Playacar Beaches
You’re a tourist but you don’t love crowded beaches, well between the Hotel zone and the center of Playa del Carmen you will find the best beaches in town. Here you can have more space to yourself, its quiet, picturesque, with room to play. And let’s face it, it’s free so, you can’t beat that.
Come here if you need to meditate, do some beach yoga, or even just read a book, watches the waves and enjoy the Caribbean Sea in relaxed surroundings.
3. Mamita’s Beach Club
Playa del Carmen has it for every taste, if you love loud music, crowds and partying, then Mamita’s Beach Club is the perfect spot for you on the sea.
Popular, trendy and one of the hottest spots in town, Mamita’s Beach Club is located only a block from 5th Avenue and it offers beach chairs, umbrellas, a VIP pool and beds, music playing, waiter service on the beach and also a sit down restaurants.
Prices vary from 200. Pesos for 2 beach beds and 1 umbrella, to 3,200 Pesos for a large beach bed ( 6 people, including 3,000 pesos for food and drinks).
Mamita’s Beach also hosts many Festivals and events throughout the year, such as the DJ Fest and the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival.
Check out our Rental Property located in the Mamita’s Beach neighborhood–>Playa Village
4. Frida Kahlo Museum
A popular attraction is the Frida Kahlo Museum, where you can find an expo of the most important art works made by the famous Frida Kahlo.
The museum is open everyday from 10 am to 8 pm, with an entry fee of 240 Pesos or $15 US Ddollars.
5. Salsa Dancing at the Palacio Municipal
If you are inspired by Caribbean Vibes and rhythm, know that every Saturday there are Salsa classes in the Plaza of the Town Hall (Palacio Municipal- Plaza 28 de Julio) from 8 pm -10 pm.
6. Cenotes
Cenotes are swimming holes of spring water formed where limestone bedrock gives way to underground rivers and springs. They are a refreshing pause from the heat of the Riviera Maya and a wonder to view and experience while visiting the Yucatan. There are thousands of cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and many can be found on the Carretera Federal (Highway) which runs from Cancun to Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
Each Cenote has different activities but, all are spectacular in their own ways, just find your favorite one!
7. Akumal- Swim with turtles
Akumal is a popular small village known for its turquoise blue waters, sea turtles, and most importantly the chance to snorkel and swim with them. Just drive there, rent some snorkle gear or bring your own and start diving. It is easy to see turtles but, June through October are the best times to guarantee your experience is a breathtaking one.
8. Cozumel
Cozumel is a small island just in front of the shores of Playa del Carmen. From the pier on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen you can easily purchase a ticket and hop on a ferry boat to the Island of Cozumel. There are two companies offering this service and both are good options.
Cozumel is special for its clear waters and diving adventures, you can rent a car, or golf cart and drive around the island, eat on the beach, or dive in the clear waters, snorkel away or comb the beach for shells and beach glass.
9. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as it was built during the Pre-Columbian period by the Mayan People of the Terminal Classic period and is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico with over 2.6 million tourists in 2017.
Chichen Itza, is located only 3 hours drive from Playa del Carmen. It is protected property maintained by the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History.
Try to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to be able to snap the perfect picture!
10. Coba
Coba, is another (must see) beautiful Mayan archaeological site with an amazing pyramid which you may climb to the top of and enjoy the breath taking view of the Mayan Jungle. Coba is located only 44 kilometers or 27 miles drive, north west of Tulum.
From the entrance , you can either walk to the pyramid or rent bicycles and take a ride, or even rent a small bici-taxi that can carry 2 people or a couple with one child. Its fun and easy for the entire family!
I hope that our mini- guide was helpful. Truthfully, Playa del Carmen offers thousands of adventure opportunities and on going events throughout the year and around the city so, make sure to Follow us on Facebook or Instagram and signup for our Email list to stay updated on promotions and new events!
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