Mexico's famous resort town Playa Del Carmen attracts thirsty travelers to its Caribbean shorelines. The sun shines bright on the beaches, blanketed in pillowy sand and decorated by palm trees that dance in the breeze. La Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian boulevard stretching for several blocks, brims with dance clubs, bars, and shops, making it easy for visitors to stay on the beaten path for the entirety of their stay.
While there's nothing wrong with staying on the tourist trail, Playa Del Carmen is full of hidden gems for those wanderers who get more out of a vacation when they familiarize themselves with the culture. These activities ensure a getaway that's more than lazy days on the beach, though a few of those never hurt anyone.
10 Go On A Food Tour
A country's cuisine speaks volumes about its culture, and the vibrant flavors in Playa Del Carmen are sure to get visitors hungry for more adventure. Several food tours offer guests the opportunity to interact with the locals behind it all. Nibbling on authentic Mexican cuisine, creative plant-based dishes, fresh seafood, and gourmet fare in the company of Playa Del Carmen's residents will amplify tourists' appreciation for everything the resort town offers beyond its beaches.
9 Take A Day Trip To Sian Ka'an
"Sian Ka'an" translates to "gate of heaven in the Mayan language." Anyone who witnesses the stunning biosphere will understand why it deserves such a divine title. UNESCO designated the reserve near Tulum a World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity. Thousands of flora and fauna species call Sian Ka'an home, including Howler monkeys, dolphins, manatees, and Yucatan amazons. Underwater, the Mesoamerican Reef stuns with its colorful corals and marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Tours leave daily from Playa Del Carmen for full-day adventures featuring the best of the reserve.
8 Consider A Homestay
Learning the language is a bona fide way to feel more at home in beautiful Playa Del Carmen. The folks at Playalingue del Caribe make learning fun, offering immersive language lessons with the option of a local homestay. Some accommodations are far from the center of tourist activity, which means an authentic look at life in the coastal city. Guests will quickly become a part of la familia, whose recommendations for the best food and activities are far more valuable than a Google search.
7 Get Up T0 Some Monkey Business
What could make a vacation more memorable than hanging out with a colony of spider monkeys? Visitors will do just that at The Jungle Place, a sanctuary dedicated to providing the endangered species with a safe place to call home. Unfortunately, the playful primates are frequently abandoned by humans who intend to keep them as pets, unaware of what it takes to care for them properly. After heading to Playa del Carmen for retirement, the founding couple knew there was work to be done and has operated their sanctuary for nearly two decades. Visitors to The Jungle Place can go on an hour-long tour of the facility, with the opportunity to interact with members of the colony.
6 Go Underground At Río Secreto Nature Reserve
The name says it all—travelers who want to be in on a secret need to head underground to Río Secreto. The subterranean adventure features crystal-laden caverns with an ancient, turquoise-hued river running through them. Guests can don a headlamp and wade through the crystalline waters, marveling at the incredible collection of stalactite and stalagmite formations dripping from the ceilings. Small groups led by a knowledgeable guide ensure an experience as educational as it is magical.
5 Soak In The Garden Of Eden
Mexico is home to thousands of cenotes—sinkholes created by years of rain carving out limestone. Mayans relied on cenotes as their primary water source and believed the pools were a gateway to the underworld. One such cenote is Jardin del Eden, an aptly named pool of paradise surrounded by lush flora and possessing unbelievably clear water.
Early risers can head to the cenote and have the place to themselves, though there are fewer people here than on the beach any time of the day. Although cenotes are great for a simple swim, experienced divers often go on extended excursions at greater depths to explore the beauty beneath the surface.
4 Eat (And Drink) Like A Local At Cantina Don PP
Local watering holes are ideal for a fulfilling international experience, and Cantina Don PP is a favorite among Playa del Carmen locals. The eatery serves hearty portions of traditional Mexican cuisine and top-notch tequila in a laid-back setting. The authentic vibes are everywhere. The all-flavor, no-frills establishment regularly features live music, and encounters with the extremely hospitable staff will have guests coming back for seconds.
3 Visit Mayan Ruins At Chichén Itzá
Remembering that humans thrived long before the invention of modern conveniences is always a humbling, remarkable experience. Travelers can do just that at Chichén Itzá. Ruins from Mayan civilization dot the landscape. The main attraction is El Castillo, a step-pyramid leading to a temple. While guests are not permitted to climb the stairs anymore, the impressive work of early architecture will assuredly leave its mark when observed from the ground.
2 Get Savage At Xavage Park
Adrenaline junkies will find everything they're looking for and more at Xavage Park. The adventure theme park features various activities guaranteed to get the blood pumping. Ropes courses set high in the air challenge guests to conquer a series of obstacles before descending to solid ground. Those who don't mind getting splashed will have the times of their lives rafting down the manmade canals. Xavage is also an offroader's paradise, with an impressive course over fields of tires, rocks, and narrow bridges.
1 Get Weird At Le Lotus Rouge
Visitors to Le Lotus Rouge will know they're in for a treat before stepping foot in the door. The former residential home has been transformed into an artistic oasis. Every corner is saturated with masterful decor intended to bring out the creative sides of its guests. Aside from being an immersive art experience, Le Lotus Rouge is also a full-service restaurant and bar that features live music, dancers, and other performances.