Things to do In Playa del Carmen for free

Plane tickets, a new swimsuit, transportation, hotel, restaurants... Going on vacations can be a bit expensive sometimes, but don’t worry, my dear Riviera Maya Addicts! Not everything has to put a hole in your wallet.

Cancun and Playa del Carmen can be as inexpensive as you want them to be, and to prove that, here we have some of the things you can do in the Riviera Maya FOR FREE!

   1.       Chill at the beach

The most popular, beautiful and relaxing experience when going to the Riviera Maya, it has to be expensive, right?

Well, it isn’t, as a matter of fact it’s absolutely free! Well, most of it, at least, there are some beach clubs and hotels charge you for using their beach chairs. However, you can bring your own as the rest of it is public, gorgeous and free.

2.        Parque Fundadores

Roughly translated as Founding Fathers Park, this place is just steps away from the beach and the Fifth Avenue, the marvels of this place begin with the Portal Maya statue, which is an iconic part of Playa del Carmen.

Also, you can see the Voladores de Papantla show. A traditional performance where a group of dancers descend spinning from the top of a pole, holding only with a rope from their feet.

   3.       Mural tour

If you’re into street art, then Playa has you covered. In this Riviera Maya city, you'll find a bunch of murals all over the street walls, most of them just outside of the downtown area.

They may not be an attraction by themselves, but it’s something really unique about the city and you can enjoy it for free.

   4.       Walk down the 5^th Avenue

This may sound like something so obvious to do in Playa del Carmen, but not many people take the time to actually enjoy this part of the town.

Here you can find art, delicious food, high-end stores and even witness amazing shows that are unique for the pedestrians that choose to tour this avenue.

   5.       Holidays

Playa has something for every occasion, whether it’s NewYear’s Eve, Halloween, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), Christmas... you name it and surely there will be a party going on.

You have to be careful, though, during these special days the streets (especially the 5th Avenue) are packed with people looking for a place to party.

As you can see, Playa del Carmen is not as expensive as it may seem, you just need to know what to look for to have a great time on a low budget.

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Best things to do with your kids at the Riviera Maya

Vacation with the family can be one of the greatest experiences of your life, but it can be challenging to find things to do with kids. Also, try convincing a kid to walk for miles on a Mayan ruin site, he’ll get bored very quickly and neither they nor you will enjoy the trip.

Fear no more! Here are some of the best activities you can do with your whole family, including kids! We can guarantee that you’ll have an unforgettable vacation!

   1.    3D Museum of Wonders

One of the most fun and original museums in the Riviera Maya! The 3D Museum of Wonders has paintings thought outside the box, sometimes literally.

This Playa del Carmen museum is a great place to take epic pictures that you and your kids will love. The pieces exhibit here, allow you to interact with them and live really fun moments.

2.    Ventura Park

You can't go wrong with amusement parks, especially if they include huge water slides, zip lines, high-tech attractions and all the food you can eat. Ventura Park has all of that and more! 

There are tons of activities for you to enjoy with your kids and they'll be absolutely safe, so you can have the time of your life without being worried about their safety.

3.  Cirque du Soleil

This one is a bit more expensive than our other entries, but it’s worth every penny. Cirque du Soleil Joyá is a breathtaking show full of fun and incredible stunts, where kids can interact with the artists.

Live a fantastic evening with your family and be dazzled with the magic of this Riviera Maya show. You’ll want to go back as soon as possible.

4.  Croco Cun

Nothing better than cute little animals to make kids happy. Croco Cun is a natural zoo where they can learn and interact with the wildlife of the Riviera Maya.

Deer, snakes, crocodiles, monkeys and many more! This place is perfect for any animal lover or nature enthusiast and an unforgettable experience for kids.

5.  Xcaret

As we said before, you can't go wrong with a Riviera Maya amusement park. And, if the purpose of that amusement park is to go on an adventure, then it gets much better.

There are several experiences at Xcaret that you can be part of. From swimming in an underground river to exploring a Mayan town, this place has something for everyone to have fun.

There are many activities in Cancun and the Riviera Maya that can be appealing to children, and you’ll have plenty of choices depending on what your kids enjoy. If you're into adventurous activities, Xplor is for you, but if you prefer a calm and fun place to have a good laugh, Xenses is a better choice. No matter what you prefer, this destination is your best option for a trip with the whole family!

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Our favorite cocktails for your next vacation

If you’ve been to Cancun before, it’s very likely that you’ve already tasted the marvelous Caribbean cocktails. If you haven’t… What are you doing with your life?

All jokes aside, drinks are a very special part of any trip to the Riviera Maya. They’re refreshing, inventive and simply delicious, therefore here we have our top 5 best cocktails to taste on your next vacation.

   1.       Margarita

An obvious first pick for this list! If you’ve heard about cocktails, then you know about Margaritas. What makes this a traditional vacation drink is how refreshing it is, perfect for a hot day at the beach. With a combination of lime juice, orange liquor and tequila, Margaritas are a must whenever you come to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

   2.       El Toro Bravo

This one is an absolute contrast to the Margarita relative softness. El Toro Bravo is a huge kick to light up a party or the cure for a harsh hangover. Tequila and coffee may sound like a punch to the gut, but believe us, it’s good, really, really good.

   3.        Vampiro

Are you ready for some flavor? The Vampiro (vampire) is a next-level Bloody Mary. Combine grapefruit soda with lime, sangrita (a traditional Mexican tomato-based beverage) and, of course, tequila. This one is a great pick for an evening at the Riviera Maya beach.

    4.       Paloma

Now, this drink has summer written all over it. Made with a combination of grapefruit soda, lime juice and, you guessed it, tequila! As soon as you drink the first Paloma, you’ll want to keep them coming.

    5.       Piña colada

Our sweetest pick for this list. This tasty cocktail is crafted by mixing pineapple juice with coconut cream, rum and ice. Some people like to add a little sugar for extra flavor, but the pineapple juice is sweet enough for our tooth. A Piña Colada should give enough energy for a vacation day, and the white rum makes it all much better.

There you go, 5 drinks that will make your trip to Cancun and Riviera Maya much tastier. Of course, you can also make them at home, but they taste a lot better with a little bit of sea breeze on them. Enjoy!

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How to get to your hotel from Cancun's airport?

One of the first problems, when someone arrives at a city, is finding good, safe and cheap transportation to your hotel, and Cancun is not the exception.
Cancun's airport is located far from the Hotel Zone and the Riviera Maya, so it's difficult to get to your hotel from there and then return. But don't worry, here are the best transportation options for you to get to your resort.

ADO BUS

These are public buses that depart from the airport at scheduled times. They take you directly to the bus station in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and leave every 45 minutes, from 8:00 a.m. until midnight.
This is the perfect option if you’re on a budget or if your hotel is in downtown Cancun / Playa del Carmen. However, if your hotel is in the Hotel Zone or somewhere else in the Riviera Maya, maybe this isn't the best choice for you because, once you arrive to the bus station, you'll have to take another bus or a cab to get to your hotel. That can take you, at least, another 20 minutes and carrying your bags all over the place might be uncomfortable.

TAXI

This options is easier and more comfortable. You can take it any moment you want and it will take you directly to where you need to be. However, it only applies for going from your hotel to the airport. Why? Because a special permit is required to pick up people at the airport, and most of the cabs do not have it.
Also, the prices are established by the driver at the moment he picks you up, and sometimes they can try to take advantage and charge you a very high price. So, be careful and agree on the price before you get in a cab.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

Last but not least, the safest, most comfortable, and easiest transportation option is a private transfer. This way, you get a vehicle exclusively for you and your companions that takes you directly to your hotel. You don’t have to wait on other people, carry your bags around or walk a long distance. If you're traveling with several people, this is definitely your best option.
You can find several companies in Cancun and the Riviera Maya that offer this service, but we recommend USA Transfers. They are the best choice. With over 10 years of experience, bilingual professional drivers, vehicles in perfect conditions, the best customer service and some of the lowest prices in town, it’s easy to see why USA Transfers is one of the most recommended companies and is so highly ranked on TripAdvisor.

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I'm at the Riviera Maya, now what?

Vacation time is just around the corner and you've decided to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya because... well, why wouldn’t you? Anyway, you've got your plane ticket, booked your hotel and are on your way to have the time of your life!

But… where to begin?

Well, my dear Addict, keep reading and you’ll find a high number of activities that’ll make your trip an exciting adventure.

1. - Cenotes

Yeah, those cave-things with water that you've probably heard of before. They’re called cenotes and more than 300 of them are just in the Riviera Maya.

Some of them are free while others have a cheap entrance fee. Depending on which one you visit the experience will be different, but most of them have clean facilities you can use, such as bathrooms and changing rooms.

For instance, the Grand Cenote in Tulum is great for an underwater adventure to satisfy your inner Indiana Jones.

On the other hand, cenotes like Zacil-Ha look more like a natural pool where you can relax and play.

       2. -  Mayan Ruins

This one’s a bit tricky because, just as cenotes, there isn’t just one place where you can see these ancient ruins.

You’ve probably heard about Chichen Itza, the most famous and representative Mayan site in the world. However, this isn’t the only one you can find in the Riviera Maya.

One good place you can visit is the God of Winds Temple in Tulum. It’s not as big as Chichen Itza, but the magic of this site is that it’s the only one in the world located next to the sea.

There’s also Coba, another archaeological site that is a great complementary visit for any trip. This is one of the few places where you can still climb the pyramids. Don't miss that chance!

The Mayan ruins are all about walking. You will get tired, but it’s worth every step. Prepare yourself!

3. - Beaches

There’s not much to say about this, beaches are colorful, relaxing and most of all, completely free.

Something important to add is that they’re popular, REALLY popular. So, be ready to walk among crowds of people (especially during vacations and weekends) because they will be packed.

If your hotel has beach access, you may not have to face this problem, but it is still a good idea to go as early as 8 am to get a good spot.

4. – Nightclubs

Relaxing and learning are good, but one of the greatest attractions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is its nightlife. Here, nightclubs, party centers and bars are among the best in the world and you shouldn’t miss them.

Even though there are a lot of party places, you have to know where to look at, for example, Cancun and Playa del Carmen are your best options to find a good rave.

Places like Tulum and Puerto Morelos are much more relaxed. So, instead of nightclubs, you'll find small bars with live music and high-quality drinks. Plan ahead so you are at the right place at the right time.

5. – Lagoons

Sounds a bit odd, but trust us, lagoons are amazing alternatives to beaches. They’re usually quieter and less crowded than the beaches, perfect if you need to rest from all the other things you did on your trip.

One example of this is Kaan Lum Lagoon, a little place unknown to many visitors that makes an ideal destiny to escape from everything and everyone. And it’s just about 20 minutes from Tulum!

Also, if you’re more into swimming, you can visit Yal-Ku Lagoon. With fresh water and a beautiful natural environment, this place is perfect for swimming and relaxing.

There you go, now you're ready to enjoy your trip to the Riviera Maya! Remember that there are more things to do during your vacations, but don’t worry, most of them are free. So take your bags and experience this destination for yourself!

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