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Let us help plan your perfect weekend with this two-day itinerary for a trip to the sociable, happy-go-lucky paradise of Playa del Carmen. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Let us help plan your perfect weekend with this two-day itinerary for a trip to the sociable, happy-go-lucky paradise of Playa del Carmen. The busiest beach in Playa del Carmen stretches from the buzzing main square, Parque Fundadores, to 16th Street. This quirky space promises an immersive art experience: every corner is saturated with works designed to stimulate your imagination. Avoid the main avenues though, local drivers arent used to cyclists. We recommend taking cash out at Cancn airport upon arrival for peace of mind. In a bid to avoid coastlines jam-packed with waterfront resorts and private beach clubs, Playa del Carmen was laid out to allow the public easy access to most of its beaches. Two Canadian tourists were shot dead in Hotel Xcaret in January 2022, and the manager of Mamitas Beach Club was found murdered in the same week. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. A single ticket costs M$216 (US$10.50). (A month ahead will usually suffice.) Giant banyan trees and hanging roots flank the road close to the waters edge, creating a rare pocket of greenery in a bustling corner of town. Playa Yoga Tribe runs a roster of yoga sessions, from Hatha to meditation, also by donation, in a cozy palapa-roofed studio. Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination. Things to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorable, The best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxation, A guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomads. The section sprawling from the ferry terminal to Calle 8, known as Centro, is the most expensive and noisiest area to stay. Avoid changing money before getting to Mexico, as you wont get the best rates. All rooms have air-con and TV, sitting area and a sweet little porch with a hammock. This German-owned hotel is a warren of 29 rooms of several types. Book your seat online at least a day in advance and download an e-ticket on your phone. Playa del Carmen doesnt mess around when it comes to good eats. Make the most of your time in Mexico with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Read our Privacy Policy. With cruise-ship passengers visiting from Cozumel, Playa can feel crowded along the first several blocks of the tourist center. The palpitating heart of the city is centered on Parque Fundadores, a lively square right on the beach characterized by a 52-foot (15.8 meters) Maya sculpture. At the same time, the Voladores de Papantla will start swinging off a tall pole and spinning all the way to the ground. From its humble beginnings as a fishing village, Playa has evolved into a multicultural beach town brimming with remarkable restaurants and cafes, yoga studios and chic apartments. Pedestrians often spill onto the bike path; watch out for them. Here's our guide to the best things to do while you're there. Playa del Carmen doesnt mess around when it comes to good eats. Youll start by biking off-road through a lush jungle while spotting wild iguanas and coatis (a relative of the raccoon), followed by a hike along a 0.6-mile (1km) cavern with a helmet and headlamp in hand while admiring the bats and stalactites that hang from the ceiling. Keep strolling to the end of Fifth Avenue toward Ave CTM and youll find thinner crowds, less noise and better-quality restaurants. The further you get from Fifth Avenue, the less traffic and more local hideouts youll find. Meaning Monkeys Cave, La Cueva del Chango has an impressively lush jungly terrace on which you can dine under the shade of palm trees, next to red bromeliad flowers and flowing streams. An exception is the ferry to Isla Cozumel, which has regular departures daily and can be booked at the ferry terminal only one day ahead of travel. There isnt a lot of traffic in Playa del Carmen itself, but once you venture to the 307 Federal Hwy, youll find a constant barrage of vehicles, particularly at peak hours. Restaurants, bars, stores and craft stalls line a 2km stretch of this busy pedestrian thoroughfare. The low season runs from May to June and from September to November. Look for rays, moray eels, sea turtles and a huge variety of corals. Sure, you can get by without speaking a word of Spanish as English is commonly spoken here just be prepared to pay gringo prices. Most of the action is centered along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a pedestrianized boulevard lined with knickknack shops, souvenir stands, restaurants and bars. The only way most tourists interact with cartel members is when they buy drugs and make no mistake: all the dealers are part of a cartel. Common areas include a rooftop terrace and a gravel courtyard with a fun bar scene. That includes resort beaches and the stretches attached to private residential communities. With crystal-clear water and skin-nibbling fish swimming around, these open-air cenotes provide bundles of fun for travelers of all ages. Next door, Gonzalo Guerrero is a lively jumble of international restaurants, taco trucks and supermarkets sprawling to Calle 40. Download the app, and youll be able to unlock a bike and bop around town for just M$98 ($4.80) per day. On weekend evenings, a buzzing market takes over the parks green patches and concrete paths with artisan products, handicrafts, traditional clothing and unique jewelry made in Playa. Playa del Carmen is all about fitness and wellness. Weve compiled some tips to help you navigate this world of geological wonders, historic marvels and sunny paradises. Poised along the glitzy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is no doubt one of the most expensive parts of Mexico, but even shoestring travelers will rejoice at the legion of well-priced apartments, cheap local eats and affordable day-trip options available in Playa del Carmen. This way, you wont be feeding corruption, and the fine will usually cost you less than the bribe. Note that youll need be ready to pedal or walk 15 minutes to town. A decent budget buy, the Ro offers easy beach access, a womens-only dorm, two large dorms sleeping 14 and several six-person dorms. This means that you dont have to spend extravagant amounts on a beachfront hotel room or an overpriced day pass to enjoy the powder-puff white sand. Its best to avoid the hurricane season from September to November, when high winds and torrential rain can cause power outages and damage to the roads. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm coastal pool where kids love to play, and the soft white sand beach is an idyllic spot to spread your beach towel for a day by the ocean. The hotel arranges tours to nearby ruins and diving sites. Xaman-H was established here as a launchpad for pilgrimages from the mainland to Cozumel. To top it off, book yourself on a snorkeling tour of El Cielo and get the chance to swim off the worlds second-biggest reef. Plus, staying in a hostel or apartment gives you access to cooking facilities and communal areas saving on food and drinks. We round up the top 10 free things to do in Playa del Carmen so you can stay and play for longer. Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options. While its easy to walk everywhere or take colectivos, it can be convenient to hire a vehicle to explore the more remote cenotes and Maya ruins. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. To cool off from the blazing sun and thumping beach clubs, intrepid travelers can dive into the secret underworld of turquoise pools and caverns. Yoga on the beach, dining among jungle greenery, diving in cenotes and more: here is our guide to the top things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. As you take in views of the town from the water, youll see why Playa del Carmen is at its most appealing at the golden hour. Further northeast is Zazil-Ha, an up-and-coming area that appeals to medium-term visitors and creative types with its affordable short-term rentals and co-working spaces. Dont underestimate the size of Cozumel: as Mexicos biggest Caribbean island, it measures 30 miles (48km) long and merits at least a few days to see it all. Ah Cacao is Playas homegrown chocolate cafe chain, specializing in all types of cacao products. Playa del Carmen is a favorite digital nomad hangout. No problem. Make the most of your time in Mexico with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Taco-ed out? The menu del dia often packs in the same dishes that youd fork out a fortune over dinner at slashed prices. Resembling a Parisian cabaret, the stage hosts live performances ranging from aerial acrobatics to traditional Mexican shows on weekends. Several companies in Playa del Carmen deliver large 20-liter barrels of purified water right to your doorstep. The night market at the Palacio Municipal serves up a smorgasbord of regional Mexican flavors and culinary delights from other parts of Latin America every Friday to Sunday. This walking street is so long that it cuts through Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil-Ha. Known for its popular rooftop pool parties on Friday and Sunday, the electronic music fiestas last until about 2am, something to consider if you value shut-eye. After all that exercise, its fair to say you deserve a treat. Shop early, and you can pick from a larger pool of accommodation and save a decent amount. Read our Privacy Policy. Our favorite bike path stretches along Tenth Avenue, along which you can pedal parallel to the beach all the way from Parque Fundadores to Avenida CTM. Just bring a mat, stretch out and find your center. To seize the best deals, make reservations at least three months ahead. You might also like:A guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomadsThe best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxationThings to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorable. Its perfectly fine to wear a linen shirt and cargo shorts to a plush dinner and even a night out at Coco Bongo. From the best tacos to finding a traditional Mexican restaurant, here are some highlights. In recent years, the beach town has seen an explosion of graffiti art, evident in the mashup of vibrant murals found all over the city. Its a safe, comfortable, and economical way to get to Playa. Punta Esmeralda is a locals favorite up north, with a unique cenote right on the beach. And on a blazing hot or rainy day, Ro Secreto makes for a great escape as youll spend all day underground. If youre planning to explore the ruins, cenotes and adventure parks surrounding Playa del Carmen, hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Playa del Carmen. Im your waiter! just smile, nod and walk away. Here youll find several family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, plenty of short-term rentals and one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen. In contrast to its beachfront sibling, this park appeals more to playenses, particularly families with little ones and senior citizens who congregate here for a game of dominoes or two. With an efficient grid layout, this is a compact city thats easy to navigate on foot. Catch the bus right outside arrivals and get dropped off at the bus terminal in Playa del Carmens Centro, a block from Parque Fundadores. Read our Privacy Policy. Every third Saturday of the month, La Ceiba hosts a crafts market with Maya artisans selling their wares. You might also like:The best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxationA guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomadsA perfect weekend in Playa del Carmen. The town is ideally located: close to Cancns international airport, but far enough south to allow easy access to Cozumel, Tulum, Cob and other worthy destinations. Yoga on the beach, dining among jungle greenery, diving in cenotes and more: here is our guide to the top things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With a raving bar scene, Playa del Carmen inevitably has its fair share of petty theft and robberies, which tend to happen at night. And the streets practically bulge at the seams during Christmas and spring break. But its getting there. Another factor that makes Playa del Carmen so budget-friendly is how walkable it is. Anyone, including tourists, can use the system: just download the app on your phone, key in your details and unlock a bike for just MX$98 ($4.80) per day. Most of these lunch combos come with an appetizer and a main dish, while some also toss in a fresh fruit juice or dessert. The best time to see Playa del Carmen in its full glory is undoubtedly at sunrise when the calm water is tinted a golden hue, and the beach is clear of sun beds and peddlers. Playa del Carmen isnt quite as keen on two-wheeled transport as Tulum yet. Mayans from all over the region would pass through Playa del Carmen en route to worship Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility. Did we mention its close to the beach? Whether youre looking for a kid-friendly beach or seeking out the best surf spots, weve got you covered. Dont be deterred by the rows of lounge chairs on the Playacar beach or the beach clubs packed along the main spit in Centro anyone can enjoy the beaches in Playa del Carmen gratis. The planners of this beach town laid out its plan to create easy public access to most parts of its 20-mile(32km)-long coastline. Here are the top day trips from Playa del Carmen and how to do them so you can hit the road and check out the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula. Stick with your group if you plan on late-night shenanigans. It is important to always keep your wits about you and stay vigilant. Playa del Carmen has plenty of accommodation options, so shop around. Tipping is not expected in casual cafes and local joints where you order at the counter, though most have a tip jar if youre feeling generous. A simple ride on the colectivo (shared van) costs between M$25 (US$1.25) and M$45 (US$2.15). Smallish rustic-chic rooms here are attractively adorned with vintage objects purchased from flea markets and haciendas. Its contemporary menu surprises with dishes like pork terrine with pineapple curry and roasted bone marrow glazed in chili. Ask politely to have the ticket written and offer to pay it at a police station instead. Download the app, and unlock a bike for just M$98 ($4.80) per day. From the best tacos to finding a traditional Mexican restaurant, here are some highlights. Every afternoon starting from 4pm, a dance troupe in elaborate headdresses reenacts ancient Maya dance rituals, complete with chants and conch-shell blowing. Retreat for the day to Isla Mujeres' stunning, turquoise-water beaches, just a quick boat ride from Cancn. It can be entertaining to watch street performers break into dance moves or put up fire-swallowing acts in the evenings. Make sure to always check your bill carefully. Sunrise Yoga Playa holds sessions at 7 am every day on the CTM beach. Continental breakfast is delivered to your room. This is where youll find plenty of bumping nightclubs, salsa bars and flashy souvenir stores. Playa del Carmen is a favorite digital nomad hangout. Choose a room on the soothing 'water' side, which has an indoor pool and waterfall, or opt for the 'earth' side and surround yourself with lush vegetation. Just let your driver know where youre going in advance. For dinner, head to the most beautiful street in Playa, Calle 38. Start your evening at Cerveceria Chapultepec, a popular chain of bars with several locations in town, offering everything on their menu from margaritas to mini burgers for M$29 (US$1.40) all night long. Its almost certain that your friend is just trying to lure you into their overpriced shop. Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip. Playa del Carmens most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination. The best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxation, A guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomads. But nothing beats yoga on the beach: Sunrise Yoga Playa holds sessions on CTM beach at 7am every day. Its an easy 1-hour boat ride away, with high-speed ferries departing hourly every day from the main pier downtown. You might also like:Things to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorableThe best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxationA guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomads. Across the road, Amate 38 charms with even more nature. Cancn and Tulum are both crowd-pleasers, swathed in powder puff sand and lapped by the spearmint Caribbean Sea but theyre as different as night and day. Watch out for the TOPE signs, as there are more speed bumps than you can count, even on the highway itself. Here, youll find several charming restaurants, complete with luscious gardens, running streams, koi ponds and trickling waterfalls. An unfortunate string of shootings has plagued Playa del Carmen in recent months, sounding alarm bells in the tourism industry. We give you the lowdown on how to enjoy the best of Playa del Carmen on the Rivera Maya without breaking the bank. Just keep an eye out for pedestrians and speedy drivers as they arent yet accustomed to the growing numbers of cyclists. In the afternoons, small crowds gather under the Portal Maya statue to enjoy the sunset. The setting itself is sublime: a 52ft-(15.8m)-high sculpture, aptly named Portal Maya, stands on the beach, setting the scene for a night of live action. Playenses, as locals are affectionately known, are very much into fitness and wellness, which is easy to see from the hodgepodge of yoga studios and meditation centers dotted around town. Alternatively, ask your Airbnb host or hotel concierge for a reliable driver that you can contact through WhatsApp. The Mexican authorities have admitted an increasing presence of drug-related crime in Playa del Carmen. A guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomads, The best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxation, Things to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorable, Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): US$40-150, Public transport Playa del Carmen to Tulum (40 miles): US$2-6. Avoid the ATMs on Fifth Avenue, and always use an ATM inside a bank rather than one on the street. Its the starting point of the pedestrianized Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) rimmed with restaurants and knick-knack shops. Always agree on a price before getting in: a ride within Centro should not be more than M$50 ($2.50). Follow the rule of not trusting anyone selling on the streets and youll do just fine. Offers 18 clean rooms with warm, rustic decor, good ventilation, ceiling fans or air-con, tiled floors and hammocks (in addition to beds). Be mindful that the crimes here are usually organized and cartel-related, and violence tends to be targeted rather than random acts of terror. As an expat here, I have learned a thing or two about navigating this energetic beach town. This 'museum' is mainly info about Kahlo rather than displays of her artwork. The closest you're going to get to the jungle in this town; rooms here face a lush courtyard with a small no, make that tiny pool. Evening time is when Parque Fundadores,the city's main square, truly comes alive. Playas pedestrianized Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is lined with lively restaurants and bars, but prices tend to be higher than average. While its relatively easy to drive in Riviera Maya, car rentals in Mexico come with their own set of challenges. Picture-perfect skies and cool nights are standard but so are high prices. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Its wise to book boat tours and day trips well in advance, especially if youre visiting at high season. An Italian-owned establishment that has expanded from 25 to 50 rooms (many with balconies), the Sahara is centrally located across from a park and it's one of the rare hotels near the tourist center with a parking garage, plus there's a rooftop pool. Discounted rates are available for extended stays, and the prices drop precipitously in low season. It is OK, however, to brush your teeth using it, and many find local tap water acceptable for rinsing vegetables, cooking pasta and washing rice. Whether youre looking for a kid-friendly beach or seeking out the best surf spots, weve got you covered. Tickets are never paid on the streets, so any request for cash is a request for a bribe. If cenotes are your jam, youll rejoice at the chance to unleash your inner Indiana Jones in Ro Secreto.