10 Unique Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is one of the famous beachside tourist destinations which is situated in Mexico, precisely in the Riviera Maya. Famous for its gorgeous sandy shores, luxurious accommodations, vibrant entertainment scene, and rich exploration of the stunning Mayan archaeological sites, Playa Del Carmen is still endowed with many attractions. 

1. Swim in a Cenote

Cenotes are usually characterized as natural depressions in the earth’s surface through which one can access and view water-filled tanks. What makes it even better is the fact that there are thousands of these beautiful freshwater pools in the Riviera Maya area. Here are some of the most recommended sites for cenote trips near Playa Del Carmen; Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, Cenote Chaak Tun, and Cenote Dos Ojos. These waters are as clear as glass and are encircled by the green jungle environment to give a realistic experience.

2. Visit Xcaret Eco Theme Park.

Xcaret is a vast eco-archaeological park situated slightly south of Playa del Carmen. It has natural aquariums, a butterfly-enclosed area, a greenhouse for orchids, a bat house, sand, and much more. It is also a good place to swim with dolphins, ride an underground river, watch a live Maya ball game, see sea turtles, and get an insight into the Mexican civilization.

3. Shop at Quinta Avenida

Quinta Avenida is a main tourist attraction and commercial arterial, an outdoor shopping mall in Playa Del Carmen similar to New York’s Fifth Avenue. Buy Mexican products, have a custom-made dress or suit, or enjoy a nice glass of margaritas and watch the passers pass by through this cheerful street. Some important tips that can be helpful to know are: do not hesitate to haggle with the vendors to get the lowest prices possible.

4. Take a Cooking Class

Cook Mexican food; enroll in a cooking class for you to learn about the traditional foodstuffs of the Maya and Mexican food cooking methods to impress your friends on your return home. They are usually small group hands-on courses conducted in restaurants or farms where you go to the food markets, wash and prepare your ingredients, and then taste what you produce.

5. Go Diving or Snorkeling

Mesoamerican Reef stretches from Playa Del Carmen and is considered to be the second largest living structure in the world. Some of the things it provides include scuba-diving and snorkeling amongst sea turtles, rays, fish, and corals. With such a location, dive shops in Playa Del Carmen arrange for day trips to the reef as well as cenotes and cavern systems inland.

6. Visit a Cacao Farm

It is a small bean and is native to southern Mexico or Central America but was later taken to Europe and other parts of the world. Taste our organic chocolates and visit eco-cacao farms which are near Playa Del Carmen to learn more about the origins and history of chocolates and cocoa. Observe and recognize the cacao plant and its fruits, participate in the cacao production, and enjoy the organically made chocolates.

7. Take a Look at Street Art & Murals

Playa Del Carmen has good murals and painted large graffiti and sculptures of surreal Mexico. Don’t only walk around Quinta Avenida but also venture off into side streets and find yourself amazing murals such as the Dragon Dungeon and take lots of photos to post on Instagram stories.

8. Go to Xoximilco Cancún

The tradition of Xoximilco Cancún is also popular among tourists of Mexico City and now it can be viewed in Playa Del Carmen. Xoximilco is a colorful and cheerful event that involves a floatation party in trajineras that are intricately decorated and filled with water lilies. Well-known musicians take live performances as the visitors dine, wine, and at times, even dance along as their floating barge wades through the canals.

9. See Ancient Mayan Ruins

Several unique historical sites of the ancient Mayan civilization are located in the neighboring area and can be visited within a one-day trip from Playa Del Carmen. There are various Mayan sites such as the beachside ruins of Tulum, the El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza and the extensive site of Coba set deep in the jungle.

10. Engaging Barhop & Check Out Playa’s Nightlife

The nightlife in Playa Del Carmen is also vibrant with several bars, clubs, and discos being operational during this time. That means there’s everything from live music cantinas to throbbing beat dance clubs and everything in between just waiting for you along Quinta Avenida, down near the beach, and in various parts throughout downtown. For dancing and drinks, head to Blue Parrot, which boasts La Vaquita and Coco Maya beach club as other hotspots in Playa nightlife.

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