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Playa del Carmen is a dream vacation destination located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Famous for its pristine beaches, party atmosphere, and proximity to many of Mexicos’s best natural and archeological sites, visiting Playa del Carmen is a true bucket list experience.
Whether you want to relax on white sand by turquoise waters, taste the region’s best tacos and tequila, swim in underwater caves, party ‘til the early hours, or explore ruins left behind by ancient civilizations, you’ll find plenty to do here that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
So, pack your sunscreen, change your USD for pesos, and get ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime. Here are the 16 best things to do in Playa del Carmen.
1. Swim in a Crystal Clear Cenote
Photo Credit: Inspired By Maps
Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes that can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. These sinkholes are filled with fresh, cool water and make a perfect spot for cooling off in the hot Mexican sun.
There are several Playa del Carmen cenotes that are easily accessible from Centro (the city center), whereas some are further away (but are worth the effort to visit). Cenote tours are also available, so you don’t have to think about the logistics of getting there and back.
Take your pick from four of the best cenotes in the area:
- Cenote Dos Ojos – this cenote is conveniently located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum and boasts two cenotes plus an underground cavern that can be explored on a scuba diving or snorkeling tour.
- Cenote Carwash – this spot was once used for washing cars, but don’t be put off by its strange name or past! This cenote offers a fascinating mix of colorful fish, cute turtles, and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
- Cenote Azul – this open-air cenote has several pools of varying depths and is a popular spot for a refreshing cenote swim.
- Cenote Ik Kil – this cenote is located near Chichen Itza and is an ideal spot to cool off after a hot morning exploring the Mayan ruins.
2. Take a Day Trip to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an incredible archeological site and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. The Mayans inhabited this ancient city from 600 A.D. to around 1200 A.D., and wandering around the ruins is an unmatched experience.
Take time to admit El Castillo, the massive pyramid in the center of the ancient city, before discovering other well-preserved wonders, including the Temple of the Warriors and the Wall of the Skulls.
3. Bar Hop on 5th Avenue
Fifth Avenue, or Quinta Avenida in Spanish, is famous for its shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s the heart of Playa del Carmen’s nightlife, and there’s no shortage of lively spots where you can drink, dance, and dine late into the night. Here are three of our favorites:
- La Bodeguita del Medio – this iconic Cuban restaurant has been a fixture on Fifth Avenue for years and is the best place to sip mojitos and salsa dance to music from a talented live band.
- Club de la Cerveza – a lively spot serving a wide range of craft beers, including tasty local IPAs. Come with an appetite to sample their menu of delicious, juicy burgers.
- Fah – this bar can’t be beaten for live music, a creative cocktail list, friendly service, and tasty bites.
4. Swim in an Underground River
Photo Credit: nikitich viktoriya
Once you’ve swam in a cenote or two, switch things up and take a tour of Rio Secreto — a dramatic, freshwater underground river. During your underground adventure, you’ll see magical geological formations that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to another world.
5. Spend a Day Exploring Tulum
Just down the Caribbean coast from Playa del Carmen is Tulum, a bohemian beach town that attracts close to two million visitors annually. Tulum is easy to reach on Mexico’s safe and affordable ADO buses, or it’s a short drive in a taxi. Don’t miss these top attractions on your day trip:
- Tulum ruins – start your day early at this oceanfront archaeological site so you can spend a couple of hours exploring before temperatures rise. You’ll need around 1.5 hours to see these striking Mayan ruins.
- Taste Mexico’s best mezcal – mezcal is a national drink of Mexico and is famed for its deliciously smoky flavor. Join a tasting experience to discover how to drink mezcal like a local.
- Relax at the beach – Tulum is perched on the Caribbean Sea and boasts some of the best beaches in the country. Choose from chilling at the public beach or enjoy a little luxury at one of the many beach clubs.
6. Spend a Day at a Beach Club
Photo Credit: Simon Dannhauer
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is renowned for its beautiful beaches, and spending a day at a beach club is the ideal way to enjoy the white sand and clear waters in style.
Mamitas Beach Club is perched on one of Playa del Carmen’s best beaches and is where you’ll find comfy loungers, international food and drink, top-class DJs, and even a pool. It’s wise to book ahead during the peak season because Mamitas can get pretty busy during that time.
7. Snorkel with Sea Turtles
Swimming with sea turtles is a popular activity in the town of Akumal, located just down the coast from Playa del Carmen. But for a true turtle adventure, hop on the ferry to Cozumel. This rugged island is famed for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and there are several guided tours available that will take you to the best spots to see the majestic turtles.
8. Spend an Exhilarating Day at Xplor Theme Park
Xplor Theme Park guarantees a fun-packed day and is a can’t-miss spot for adrenaline junkies. There’s lots to do at this adventure park, and you can easily spend a full day enjoying all the activities on offer – including these three favorites:
- Zip lines – there’s nothing quite like zip lining over the Riviera Maya, and there are two exhilarating circuits on offer to those who dare.
- Amphibious vehicles – discover narrow trails, steep slopes, flooded caverns, and lush landscapes on one of Xplor’s amphibious vehicles jungle tours.
- Water slides – Xplor is home to the only 5-in-1 waterslide in the world, and no visit is complete without taking it on.
9. Go on a Road Trip Through the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to several of Mexico’s most fascinating cities, towns, and villages. Book a rental car to enjoy a full or half day seeing as many of these spots as possible:
- Coba – this was the largest Mayan city in the north of the Yucatan, and the ancient ruins will transport you back to AD 600.
- Puerto Morelos – a charming community on the Caribbean Sea that has so far avoided the huge resorts that occupy much of Mexico’s coastline.
- Akumal – Akumal means “Place of the Turtle” in the Maya language, and it’s one of the best places in the country to spot giant sea turtles in their natural habitat.
- Valladolid – this city is located close to Chichen Itza and is a great option for spending an evening soaking up the colonial architecture and charming old-school atmosphere before heading to the nearby ruins early the next day.
10. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
Photo Credit: Lupita Rojas Solis
This small museum tells the story of Mexico’s most famous artist. The museum displays prints of Kahlo’s paintings, a short film gives you a glimpse into her life and work, and information is helpfully displayed in both English and Spanish.
11. Relax on Playa del Carmen’s Best Beaches
As you may have already gathered, Playa del Carmen is home to some of the best beaches in the world. If you’re dreaming of sipping a fresh coconut under a swaying palm tree, here are the most beautiful beaches to do that on:
- Playa del Carmen Public Beach – this beach is pretty quiet during the week, but at weekends, it comes alive with local Mexican families who head here to spend quality time together.
- Punta Esmeralda – a small bay surrounded by lush vegetation. This beach has its own freshwater cenote, making it a unique spot for a day by the ocean.
- Playacar – Playacar is home to an upmarket gated community, and the area’s beach is equally well taken care of. Don’t miss the chance to spend a day relaxing on this spacious strip of powdery white sand.
12. Hang out at Parque Fundadores
Photo Credit: Arkadij Schell
The Founders’ Park, or Parque Fundadores, is a large open space with a vibrant atmosphere and plenty to see and do. The hour or two before sunset is the most popular time to pay a visit because the heat is less intense during that part of the day.
Don’t miss Portal Maya, the 16-meter-tall bronze sculpture, and watch for the high-flying dancers celebrating Mayan culture with their unique performances.
13. Party at Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo is an iconic party spot near Quinta Avenida that can’t be beaten for an unforgettable night out. This nightclub and cabaret have several shows to choose from, including Samba, which is inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s famous Carnival, and Moulin Rouge, which will transport to France with its classic Parisian style.
14. Make a Splash at Xel-Ha Waterpark
It’s no secret that Mexico’s Caribbean coast can be incredibly hot during the summer months. One of the best ways to escape the heat is to spend the day at Hel-Ha Waterpark. This is one of the many popular Xcaret Parks that are dotted throughout the region and is where you’ll find activities and entertainment, including:
- Unlimited snorkeling
- Waterslides & lazy rivers
- Snack bars & buffets
- An open bar
15. Join a Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres
Photo Credit: Aleksandar Todorovic
Isla Mujeres is a paradise island located off the coast of Cancun. Famous for its jaw-dropping beaches and charming center, which can be explored on golf carts, spending a day here is highly recommended.
For a luxury experience, join a catamaran tour to explore the island. You’ll sail through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, stopping off to snorkel and swim along the way. The open bar is the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable day.
16. Embark on a Taco Tour
No trip to Mexico is complete without sampling the many varieties of tacos on offer. From fresh fish to slow-roasted pork, you’re certain to find a flavor to fall in love with.
For a chance to try a wide variety of Playa del Carmen’s best tacos while learning about the history and culture behind this national dish, join a taco tour. On this specialist food tour, you’ll eat where the locals eat and even get the opportunity to make your own hand-made tortillas.
Fall in Love with Playa del Carmen
Once you’ve experienced these 16 best things to do in Playa del Carmen, we do not doubt that you’ll be planning your return trip to experience the magic all over again. Which activity from our list will you discover first?
