All rights reserved. Watch out for the TOPE signs, as there are more speed bumps than you can count, even on the highway itself. 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. Whether youre looking for a kid-friendly beach or seeking out the best surf spots, weve got you covered. The water in Playa del Carmen is not potable, and you should never drink water from the faucet. Playa del Carmen may seem small-scale at first, but once you venture out to the various neighborhoods youll find a world of verdant parks, weekend markets and authentic taquerias to discover. If you are not averse to scorching heat and extreme humidity, July and August are great months to visit for the least crowds and best bargains. A decent budget buy, the Ro offers easy beach access, a womens-only dorm, two large dorms sleeping 14 and several six-person dorms. Expect spotty wi-fi. This German-owned hotel is a warren of 29 rooms of several types. Most nightclubs charge a cover of M$100 (US$5) to M$150 (US$6.50), but this increases to M$200 (US$10) during peak season and holidays. 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. The citys most practical cycling lane runs along 10th Avenue, a block away from the beach. Picture-perfect skies and cool nights are standard but so are high prices. 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. Pedestrians often spill onto the bike path; watch out for them. Its an easy 1-hour boat ride away, with high-speed ferries departing hourly every day from the main pier downtown. Rooms have fans or air-con, a couple have kitchenettes, and some come with a minibar. Whether youre looking for a kid-friendly beach or seeking out the best surf spots, weve got you covered. With an efficient grid layout, this is a compact city thats easy to navigate on foot. Its a pleasure to get to know this multi-faceted city in the middle of the Riviera Maya. If cenotes are your jam, youll rejoice at the chance to unleash your inner Indiana Jones in Ro Secreto. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Most of the action is centered along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a pedestrianized boulevard lined with knickknack shops, souvenir stands, restaurants and bars. Evening time is when Parque Fundadores,the city's main square, truly comes alive. While some parts of the space veer toward artificial (think kitschy neon lights), the overall ambiance offers an unparalleled dining experience. Download the app, and unlock a bike for just M$98 ($4.80) per day. Playa del Carmen doesnt mess around when it comes to good eats. For those who want the best of both worlds, we recommend spending the first three days of your trip exploring Playa on foot and renting a vehicle for the rest of your time. 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. The city has a well-designed grid layout, with calles (streets) running right angles to the avenidas (avenues) and the beach as your beacon. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Whether you sit out on the outdoor wooden deck or inside the open-concept dining space, youll hearing the sound of cascading water and chirping birds. 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. The busiest beach in Playa del Carmen stretches from the buzzing main square, Parque Fundadores, to 16th Street. 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. Next door, Gonzalo Guerrero is a lively jumble of international restaurants, taco trucks and supermarkets sprawling to Calle 40. This way, you wont be feeding corruption, and the fine will usually cost you less than the bribe. Originally from Veracruz, this acrobatic dance was part of a ritual to appease the gods during drought; today, their tradition is a Unesco-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage. 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. All rights reserved. While there may be some downpours and a power outage or two if a tropical storm hits, the sun always makes an appearance in between showers. This is where youll find plenty of bumping nightclubs, salsa bars and flashy souvenir stores. The most popular of these is La Cueva del Chango, which has earned a loyal following thanks to its quality food and such regional dishes as chicken in poblano mole sauce. Ten to 15% is the standard at most restaurants that dont fall into the high-end or gourmet category. Living up to its name,, For kids who go wild over beach days and adventures, the Riviera Maya has an astounding variety of child-friendly day trips, once you know where to look. Read our Privacy Policy. Read our Privacy Policy. Head to one of the many BiciPlaya kiosks dotted around town theyre literally at every street corner. All rights reserved. From the best tacos to finding a traditional Mexican restaurant, here are some highlights. Avoid changing money before getting to Mexico, as you wont get the best rates. Playa del Carmen is all about fitness and wellness. ATMs not only have a long wait at these times, but some also run out of cash. The neighboring Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil Ha are much more liveable, with a decent selection of backpacker hostels ranging from US$15 to US$25 a night and modern, tastefully designed apartments available for short term rental starting from US$40 per night. Thankfully, Playa del Carmen has a score of international restaurants and modern cafes that offer excellent lunch deals from 1pm to 4pm on weekdays. A meal here is pricey, so take your time after your meal to savor the food and wander deep into the thousand-year-old grotto. If you want to be treated fairly, learn some Spanish vocabulary that goes beyond the standard Una cerveza, por favor! (A beer, please!). Here, kids can run around on the playground or try some Mexican treats at the row of fruit stands. This walking street is so long that it cuts through Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero and Zazil-Ha. 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. Most of these lunch combos come with an appetizer and a main dish, while some also toss in a fresh fruit juice or dessert. Whether youre looking for a kid-friendly beach or seeking out the best surf spots, weve got you covered. If youre not stuffed, this is the best place in town to sample authentic Mexican street food, especially Yucatns pride and joy, tacos de cochinita pibil,spiced pork slow roasted in an underground oven. Solo travelers should avoid getting drunk alone or taking drugs on the streets. Plan a day trip full of local flavor and get back in time with these same-day options. The menu del dia often packs in the same dishes that youd fork out a fortune over dinner at slashed prices. Unless you are super, On Mexicos tiny island of Holboxwhere spotty wi-fi and sporadic siestas are part of the charmunplugging is as easy as arriving. A well-loved joint is Playa Yoga Tribe, a studio housed in a palapa (an open hut with a thatched roof). 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. (A month ahead will usually suffice.) This area suits those who arent hard-core partiers but still want to be near the center of the action. A single ticket costs M$216 (US$10.50). This quirky space promises an immersive art experience: every corner is saturated with works designed to stimulate your imagination. Instead, we suggest packing your own drinks and beach mat you can lay out on any beach in Playa all day without spending a penny. Playa del Carmen doesnt mess around when it comes to good eats. Punta Sur Ecological Park is a highlight for many: spot crocodiles on a lagoon boat ride, visit the Maya ruin El Caracol and climb the Celarain Lighthouse for a panoramic view. It can be entertaining to watch street performers break into dance moves or put up fire-swallowing acts in the evenings. With crystal-clear water and skin-nibbling fish swimming around, these open-air cenotes provide bundles of fun for travelers of all ages. Every third Saturday of the month, La Ceiba hosts a crafts market with Maya artisans selling their wares. Just let your driver know where youre going in advance. 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 daily rental rates in Mexico are relatively affordable, averaging around US$30 to US$50 for an economy car with full coverage insurance. Loud, over-the-top and bulging at the seams during high season, this isnt a place wed usually recommend travelers to seek out. 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. The mother of all beach resorts, the sprawling Grand Velas boasts one of the best spas on the coast; an azure, free-form infinity pool; marble-floored rooms that put other so-called luxury accommodations to shame; loads of activities for kids and grown-ups; and the list goes on. Keep strolling to the end of Fifth Avenue toward Ave CTM and youll find thinner crowds, less noise and better-quality restaurants. Its wise to book boat tours and day trips well in advance, especially if youre visiting at high season. 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. Here are my first-hand tips to help you make the most of your time in Playa del Carmen. Beach clubs can be pricey, especially in Centro. Centro stretching from the ferry terminal to Calle 8 is tourist central and the citys bustling heart. 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. Did we mention its close to the beach? On offer is a range of yoga sessions, from hatha to meditation, all donation-based. We give you the lowdown on how to enjoy the best of Playa del Carmen on the Rivera Maya without breaking the bank. For kids who go wild over beach days and adventures, the Riviera Maya has an astounding variety of child-friendly day trips, once you know where to look, Playa del Carmen prides itself on being the anti-Cancn destination, and its true that the Riviera Maya beach town exudes a hipper, more laid-back vibe. While its relatively easy to drive in Riviera Maya, car rentals in Mexico come with their own set of challenges. Common areas include a rooftop terrace and a gravel courtyard with a fun bar scene. Ask politely to have the ticket written and offer to pay it at a police station instead. 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. You can see Isla Cozumel looming on the horizon from any point along Playa del Carmens waterfront. After all that exercise, its fair to say you deserve a treat. Mayans from all over the region would pass through Playa del Carmen en route to worship Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility. The artisans here make their products by hand and only source cacao from responsible farms in Mexico. Be the architect of your own trip as you discover the best things to do in Mexico through insider tips, suggested itineraries and handy maps. Look for rays, moray eels, sea turtles and a huge variety of corals. Grown-ups are free to jump off the cliff edges into the water; teenagers can put on snorkeling masks and swim between the boulders; while tiny tots will enjoy splashing in the shallow pools. All guests are led into a tiny air-conditioned wine cellar stocked with expensive bottles from Europe be sure to ask the price before ordering and dont feel obliged to take a bottle if it doesnt fit in your budget. With a thriving art scene, Playa del Carmen is a magnet for creative types. All rooms have air-con and TV, sitting area and a sweet little porch with a hammock. Be mindful that the crimes here are usually organized and cartel-related, and violence tends to be targeted rather than random acts of terror. Always agree on a price before getting in: a ride within Centro should not be more than M$50 ($2.50). 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. 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. Just bring a mat, stretch out and find your center. 2022 Lonely Planet. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Some restaurants offer a suggested sum for tips, which is fine; others sneak the tips into the total price, which is not. Playa del Carmen isnt quite as keen on two-wheeled transport as Tulum yet. Avoid booking rooftop rooms. A small waterfall cascades down to a koi pond surrounded by tall tropical trees. All rights reserved. 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. As an expat here, I have learned a thing or two about navigating this energetic beach town. 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. A simple ride on the colectivo (shared van) costs between M$25 (US$1.25) and M$45 (US$2.15). Restaurants, bars, stores and craft stalls line a 2km stretch of this busy pedestrian thoroughfare. Free guided visits and shows are offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 711pm; donations are appreciated. Several companies in Playa del Carmen deliver large 20-liter barrels of purified water right to your doorstep. Most vans leave from Juarez Avenue, right below the highway. Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination. Its a safe, comfortable, and economical way to get to Playa. Its a great spot to keep up your health regimen without emptying your wallet. 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. Punta Esmeralda is a locals favorite up north, with a unique cenote right on the beach. Playa del Carmens peak tourist season runs from December to April, when the town bulges to the seams with spring-breakers and sun-seekers. From the best tacos to finding a traditional Mexican restaurant, here are some highlights. They charge a minimum consumption ranging from US$15 to US$50. 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. Im your waiter! just smile, nod and walk away. 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. Flush that down with a passion-fruit frapp and indulge in the locals favorite, marquesita (a crunchy crepe filled with condensed milk, chocolate or Edam cheese). Make the most of your time in Mexico with Lonely Planets range of travel guides and phrasebooks. Read our Privacy Policy. The further you get from Fifth Avenue, the less traffic and more local hideouts youll find. Our guide features important things to know before your visit to Playa del Carmen in Mexicos Riviera Maya, including safety tips, etiquette and more. One of the cleanest and most comfortable hostels in town, this well-run property offers a variety of lodging options ranging from air-conditioned mixed dorms to 'deluxe' private digs with dining rooms and kitchens. With a good mix of colonial charm and modern comfort, this sizable but intimate family-run hotel offers cheerful, colorful rooms set around a delightful plant-filled patio and pool area with hammocks. Laid-back backpackers and well-heeled travelers alike tend to sport singlets, board shorts and flip-flops by day. Meander further down Avenida Constituyentes to find a line of food trucks slinging some of the best tacos in Playa del Carmen. Both restaurants are particularly busy on Sunday mornings, as Playa del Carmen is big on breakfast culture. They tend to charge tourists more than residents, so check with a local to suss out how much you should pay. Go out earlier, many clubs let patrons in for free before midnight. All roads in Playa del Carmen lead to Fifth Avenue, a boisterous pedestrianized boulevard that doubles as the citys main drag. At the same time, the Voladores de Papantla will start swinging off a tall pole and spinning all the way to the ground. Continental breakfast is delivered to your room. Hassling is common on the streets of Playa del Carmen, especially along tourist-clogged Fifth Avenue and Parque Fundadores. 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.