Relax And Have a Great Time in Playa del Carmen

When you think about going on vacations a lot of options come to mind, but the desire of visiting a pleasant place with sand and shining blue water is always in our heart and soul. Well, it’s time to relax and think of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. With lots of things to do, unwind, feel free and let your worries melt away in the come and go of the turquoise waves.

The first thing you need to know is how to get there. Playa is 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of the Cancun airport. It is easy to get here on a bus or a shared shuttle. However, I recommend a private transfer because it is more comfortable, you don’t have to wait on other people and it takes you directly to the place you want to go.

Out of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, which of course there are plenty of, these are my favs:

1. Hit the beach!

As soon as you arrive at the hotel, unpack your swimsuit, flip flops, camera and that awesome hat that makes you look wonderful. Now, you are ready for the beach! You have waited a long time for this moment. Enjoy the view and take lots of selfies to share with friends.

2. Hungry?

Then it is time to go to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Here is a list of recommendations depending on what you’re looking for.

Mexican food: Puerto Cocina Urbana, Keel Resturant, Lido Beach Club, La Senda, El Fogon and La Casa del Agua. Also, these places are great if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Budget Friendly: Kaxapa Factory; El Tenedor, which serves Italian and Mediterranean food; La Brocherie offers delicious French food; and Falafel Nessya.

3. Go Shopping!

Take a walk through the famous Fifth Avenue, where you will find art galleries, handcrafts, clothing boutiques, spas, cigar shops, jewelry stores and much more!
Don’t forget to buy some tequila to take back home and souvenirs for the people you love.

4. Get ready for the night party!

There are many excellent places to go at night, but in the Riviera Maya, the party begins earlier. Why not start with a walk on the beach? Then you can go to Mamita’s Beach Club, Coralina Daylight Club or Kool Beach Club. After the sun has set, hit some of the best nightclubs in Playa del Carmen such as Palazzo, Coco Bongo, Mandala or La Santanera. I’m sure you will find them terrific!

5. Go snorkeling and scuba diving!

You will be surprised of all the marine creatures that you will see underwater. You can even find sharks, rays, and whales!

6. Visit a cenote!

There are plenty of them in the area! Their clear water is always at a pleasant temperature and there you will feel like Mayan royalty swimming in an amazing natural pool.

7. Discover Tulum!

It is one of the most beautiful sceneries in Mexico. You can’t miss it! The sea in Tulum has an extraordinary scale of colors that, mix with the blue, purple and orange skies, will make you feel so lucky to see them.

8. Take a ferry to Cozumel!

It is only 20 minutes away from Playa. This wonderful island has some of the most beautiful underwater views in the world. While diving in Cozumel, you will find coral formations taller than 30 meters (90 feet) in some parts. You have to see them!

One final recommendation… don´t worry about the weather! Playa del Carmen is warm, sunny and nice almost all the time. So make sure you protect your body with plenty of biodegradable sunscreen because that’s the only kind you can use when you want to swim in a cenote and reefs. Also, around 6:00 p.m. the mosquito hour starts. Be sure to have your insect repellent (biodegradable as well) with you.

Don’t worry if it happens to be one of those rainy days. This Riviera Maya destination has many activities you can do! Visit the incredible 3D Museum, the Aquarium or go to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Remember that Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor are all-weather tours and they are up and running even during those unusual days.