Playa del Carmen guidebook

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Playa del Carmen guidebook

City/town information

Playa del Carmen is a walkable beach town, popular for its active nightlife, dinning and beaches. Playa del Carmen is the perfect location to be based and from there explore all the attractions that the Mayan Riviera offers.
563 recommandé par les habitants
Playa del Carmen
563 recommandé par les habitants
Playa del Carmen is a walkable beach town, popular for its active nightlife, dinning and beaches. Playa del Carmen is the perfect location to be based and from there explore all the attractions that the Mayan Riviera offers.
Take the ferry in Playa del Carmen and spend the day in the island of Cozumel. It's only 45 minutes away. What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.
255 recommandé par les habitants
San Miguel de Cozumel
255 recommandé par les habitants
Take the ferry in Playa del Carmen and spend the day in the island of Cozumel. It's only 45 minutes away. What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

Food scene

Inspiration for Primo comes from the love for food, ancient spirits, local crafts and rustic cooking. Trying to recreate in a small outdoor space under a beautiful tree, the essence from original Playa del Carmen and bring an authentic Mexican food where everything is cooked with wood fire and in underground oven.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Primo
esquina C. 14 Nte
12 recommandé par les habitants
Inspiration for Primo comes from the love for food, ancient spirits, local crafts and rustic cooking. Trying to recreate in a small outdoor space under a beautiful tree, the essence from original Playa del Carmen and bring an authentic Mexican food where everything is cooked with wood fire and in underground oven.
An icon of the Playa del Carmen nightlife scene and a great place to enjoy a stylish atmosphere overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Zenzi Beach Bar offers live music every day of the week.
366 recommandé par les habitants
Zenzi
366 recommandé par les habitants
An icon of the Playa del Carmen nightlife scene and a great place to enjoy a stylish atmosphere overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Zenzi Beach Bar offers live music every day of the week.

Neighborhoods

5th avenue is one of the most famous Playa del Carmen attractions. It is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, cafe's, gelato shops, convenience stores, pharmacies and more.... This main strip is a pedestrian walkway that runs for about 5 kilometers (3 miles) through Playa del Carmen town and is continually expanding and getting longer. It is located 1 block west of the beach.
138 recommandé par les habitants
Quinta Avenida
Calle 12 Norte Bis
138 recommandé par les habitants
5th avenue is one of the most famous Playa del Carmen attractions. It is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, cafe's, gelato shops, convenience stores, pharmacies and more.... This main strip is a pedestrian walkway that runs for about 5 kilometers (3 miles) through Playa del Carmen town and is continually expanding and getting longer. It is located 1 block west of the beach.

Swimming

Cenote Dos Ojos is the most photographed and famous cenote in the Riviera Maya, located just past Xel-Ha and 15 minutes north of Tulum. It is called Two Eyes Cenote because there are two amazing neighboring cenotes connected by a very large cavern zone. This cenote is extraordinary for snorkelers and divers, the water is so crystaline and the cave is surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
323 recommandé par les habitants
Two Eyes Cenote
323 recommandé par les habitants
Cenote Dos Ojos is the most photographed and famous cenote in the Riviera Maya, located just past Xel-Ha and 15 minutes north of Tulum. It is called Two Eyes Cenote because there are two amazing neighboring cenotes connected by a very large cavern zone. This cenote is extraordinary for snorkelers and divers, the water is so crystaline and the cave is surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
El Cielo (“Heaven” in Spanish) is located on the southwestern tip of Cozumel island in Mexico. You may hear it referred to as “Playa El Cielo” but it’s not really a beach per se but more of a shallower area of water right off the coast of the island. It’s considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Cozumel and is known for its abundance of starfish and crystal clear water.
El Cielito Cozumel
El Cielo (“Heaven” in Spanish) is located on the southwestern tip of Cozumel island in Mexico. You may hear it referred to as “Playa El Cielo” but it’s not really a beach per se but more of a shallower area of water right off the coast of the island. It’s considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Cozumel and is known for its abundance of starfish and crystal clear water.
Spend the day at the Beach Club Papaya Playa Project in Tulum. Papaya Project is a sustainable boutique hotel complex of beachfront cabins and cottages, located on Mayan Riviera in Tulum. Set on a 2,950 feet stretch of private beach, it offers rustic accommodation with panoramic views of the Caribbean.
297 recommandé par les habitants
Papaya Playa Project
Km 4.5 Carr. Tulum-Boca Paila
297 recommandé par les habitants
Spend the day at the Beach Club Papaya Playa Project in Tulum. Papaya Project is a sustainable boutique hotel complex of beachfront cabins and cottages, located on Mayan Riviera in Tulum. Set on a 2,950 feet stretch of private beach, it offers rustic accommodation with panoramic views of the Caribbean.
Xcaret is the nature park in Playa del Carmen where you and your family will experience Mexico in more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. Swim in underground rivers that come from the heart of the earth. Look closely at the inhabitants of the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Butterfly Pavilion. Also, eat delicious Mexican and international dishes, discover Mayan ruins, and be thrilled by the incomparable Xcaret México Espectacular presentation.
131 recommandé par les habitants
XCARET
Xcaret
131 recommandé par les habitants
Xcaret is the nature park in Playa del Carmen where you and your family will experience Mexico in more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. Swim in underground rivers that come from the heart of the earth. Look closely at the inhabitants of the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Butterfly Pavilion. Also, eat delicious Mexican and international dishes, discover Mayan ruins, and be thrilled by the incomparable Xcaret México Espectacular presentation.
Near Tulum you'll find Xel-Há park, a natural water park in Mexico, where you can do unlimited snorkeling in an inlet that flows into the Caribbean Sea. You can ride a bike through the jungle paths, jump into the water from the Stone of Courage, dive from a zip-line and feel the thrill of the highest of all Riviera Maya.
148 recommandé par les habitants
Xelhá
148 recommandé par les habitants
Near Tulum you'll find Xel-Há park, a natural water park in Mexico, where you can do unlimited snorkeling in an inlet that flows into the Caribbean Sea. You can ride a bike through the jungle paths, jump into the water from the Stone of Courage, dive from a zip-line and feel the thrill of the highest of all Riviera Maya.
Akumal means "Place of the Turtle" in the Mayan language, and if you snorkel here, you just might see one swimming alongside you.
416 recommandé par les habitants
Akumal
416 recommandé par les habitants
Akumal means "Place of the Turtle" in the Mayan language, and if you snorkel here, you just might see one swimming alongside you.
One of the secret beaches and local hangouts of the Riviera Maya is Xpu Ha beach. Located just south of Puerto Aventuras, Xpu Ha is a delight for beach lovers looking for that Caribbean post card scene. Wade out into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and be swept away by the freedom of the sea. Beachside restaurants offer fresh fish tacos and ice cold beer making Xpu Ha beach an easy place to put your beach chair for the day.
190 recommandé par les habitants
Xpu-ha Beach
107 México 307
190 recommandé par les habitants
One of the secret beaches and local hangouts of the Riviera Maya is Xpu Ha beach. Located just south of Puerto Aventuras, Xpu Ha is a delight for beach lovers looking for that Caribbean post card scene. Wade out into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and be swept away by the freedom of the sea. Beachside restaurants offer fresh fish tacos and ice cold beer making Xpu Ha beach an easy place to put your beach chair for the day.
Ecopark Kantun Chi, in the Mayan language: yellow stone mouth, is an ecological park with 5 incredible cenotes and an underground grotto. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it has everything you need to live a unique adventure in the jungle. Enjoy a unique experience that will envelop all your senses, explore the Mayan jungle, marvel at its majestic crystal-clear waters; harmonize with the tranquillity, mystery, and beauty of this magical place.
55 recommandé par les habitants
Kantun Chi
55 recommandé par les habitants
Ecopark Kantun Chi, in the Mayan language: yellow stone mouth, is an ecological park with 5 incredible cenotes and an underground grotto. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it has everything you need to live a unique adventure in the jungle. Enjoy a unique experience that will envelop all your senses, explore the Mayan jungle, marvel at its majestic crystal-clear waters; harmonize with the tranquillity, mystery, and beauty of this magical place.

Sightseeing

The Coba ruins, more properly named the Coba archaeological site, are one of the most interesting among the Prehispanic Mayan sites and one of the most popular near Tulum and the Playa del Carmen. Like all the other Mayan ruins, Coba is completely immersed in the Mayan jungle and the temples are all scattered around which makes it a lot of fun to walk or bike to find them out.
30 recommandé par les habitants
Coba archaeological site
Coba archaeological site
30 recommandé par les habitants
The Coba ruins, more properly named the Coba archaeological site, are one of the most interesting among the Prehispanic Mayan sites and one of the most popular near Tulum and the Playa del Carmen. Like all the other Mayan ruins, Coba is completely immersed in the Mayan jungle and the temples are all scattered around which makes it a lot of fun to walk or bike to find them out.
Located just outside of Tulum’s city center, the Tulum Mayan Ruins were originally built as an oceanside fortress and are the only beachfront Mayan Ruins in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The most notable feature of the Tulum Ruins is the oceanfront location with the ruins elevated at a height of about 12 m (~39 feet), offering spectacular seaside views of the brightly colored Caribbean Sea. At the Tulum archaeological site, many basic structures remain including El Castillo (The Castle) and many different temples. The site also offers a one-of-a-kind public beach access area to cool off after visiting the ruins. Although the Tulum Ruins are not as grand as those found in Chichen Itza or Coba, they are definitely still worth a visit if not for the views alone.
973 recommandé par les habitants
Archeological Zone of Tulum - Mayan Port City Ruins
Km 230 Cancun - Chetumal
973 recommandé par les habitants
Located just outside of Tulum’s city center, the Tulum Mayan Ruins were originally built as an oceanside fortress and are the only beachfront Mayan Ruins in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The most notable feature of the Tulum Ruins is the oceanfront location with the ruins elevated at a height of about 12 m (~39 feet), offering spectacular seaside views of the brightly colored Caribbean Sea. At the Tulum archaeological site, many basic structures remain including El Castillo (The Castle) and many different temples. The site also offers a one-of-a-kind public beach access area to cool off after visiting the ruins. Although the Tulum Ruins are not as grand as those found in Chichen Itza or Coba, they are definitely still worth a visit if not for the views alone.
Book a tour or drive to one of the 7 New Wonders of the World! his sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen-Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Several buildings have survived, such as the Warriors’ Temple, El Castillo and the circular observatory known as El Caracol.
1362 recommandé par les habitants
Chichén Itzá
1362 recommandé par les habitants
Book a tour or drive to one of the 7 New Wonders of the World! his sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen-Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Several buildings have survived, such as the Warriors’ Temple, El Castillo and the circular observatory known as El Caracol.
Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city located within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, in the region. It is located on the Puuc route in the Eastern Yucatan. Uxmal is considered one of the cities most representative of the Mayan culture and architecture and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
299 recommandé par les habitants
Uxmal
299 recommandé par les habitants
Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city located within the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, in the region. It is located on the Puuc route in the Eastern Yucatan. Uxmal is considered one of the cities most representative of the Mayan culture and architecture and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roof top

The Fives Rooftop is a chic rooftop pool located on top of the Fives Downtown Hotel and Residences (A Hilton Hotel). With a long infinity pool facing the ocean, it’s one of the largest and nicest rooftop pools in Playa del Carmen. The Fives Rooftop is new and stylish and offers some very comfortable padded lounge chairs, as well as a full food and beverage menu. There’s also additional restaurant seating in the back for dining or working. Day Pass Price Monday-Thursday: $500 pesos (includes consumption) Friday-Sunday: $700 pesos (includes consumption)
6 recommandé par les habitants
Purobeach Playa del Carmen
10 Avenida Norte
6 recommandé par les habitants
The Fives Rooftop is a chic rooftop pool located on top of the Fives Downtown Hotel and Residences (A Hilton Hotel). With a long infinity pool facing the ocean, it’s one of the largest and nicest rooftop pools in Playa del Carmen. The Fives Rooftop is new and stylish and offers some very comfortable padded lounge chairs, as well as a full food and beverage menu. There’s also additional restaurant seating in the back for dining or working. Day Pass Price Monday-Thursday: $500 pesos (includes consumption) Friday-Sunday: $700 pesos (includes consumption)
Open daily from 11:00am-7:00pm, the Alessia Day Club at the Thompson Hotel probably has the coolest rooftop pool in Playa, but it’s also one of the most expensive. The Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen is a modern adults-only hotel that is known for its rooftop pool parties and is a popular spot for bachelor/bachelorette parties. On weekends there is a live DJ starting at 12:00pm, which makes it a lively rooftop for drinking but probably not the best place if you want to relax. Capacity is limited so advance reservations are recommended. You can reserve your spot by calling the hotel.
Alessia Dayclub
Open daily from 11:00am-7:00pm, the Alessia Day Club at the Thompson Hotel probably has the coolest rooftop pool in Playa, but it’s also one of the most expensive. The Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen is a modern adults-only hotel that is known for its rooftop pool parties and is a popular spot for bachelor/bachelorette parties. On weekends there is a live DJ starting at 12:00pm, which makes it a lively rooftop for drinking but probably not the best place if you want to relax. Capacity is limited so advance reservations are recommended. You can reserve your spot by calling the hotel.