Please wait, we are processing your request...
Need Some Help?
- From Mexico: 01 800 020 4320
- From USA & Canada: 1 800 511 2709
- International: +52 998 287 3612
Even though Playa has an accelerated growth rate, the heart of the city remains a series of pedestrian streets and walkways that permit visitors to stroll in and out of shops freely. You are allowed to drink on these pedestrian streets to quench your thirst on those hot days or nights.
La Quinta Avenida (or 5th Avenue) is Playa's main pedestrian walkway and seaside promenade. Stroll along this famous cobblestone street and discover all sorts of shops. You can find an eclectic blend of buildings, modern open-air shopping centers, folk art shops, brightly painted hotels and inns, large restaurants with huge thatched roofs and small, cozy eateries where you can find shelter from the heat. There are also hot and trendy that lounges make up the chic and cosmopolitan scene of Playa del Carmen.
Attractions in Playa are not limited to its sizzling nightlife or its beautiful beaches. There is much more here waiting to be discovered: cenotes (sinkholes), eco-parks (such as Ixcaret and Xel-ha), an aviary in Playcar, and the reef barrier located 328 feet off the coast, are just some of Playa's unique natural attractions.
There is no better way to discover Playa than by letting the locals themselves show you around. There are several tour companies that offer an array of tours in Playa del Carmen. You can either go on the tours on your own or hire one of these experts to take you. What ever option you choose, explore the Mayan world and let it captivate you.
The word "cenote" stems from the Mayan word "tz'onot," meaning "abyss." These underwater reservoirs or springs have formed over thousands of years through a series of geological events and climate changes. Cenotes are part of an intricate underground cave and river system. Many times the vaulted ceilings of the caves collapse and uncover the mouth of the cenotes, which are awe-inspiring, fresh water ponds that were the only source of fresh water for people in pre-Columbian times.
Many cenotes are connected to one another through a series of caverns that are filled with crystal clear waters. Considered sacred by the Maya, these cenotes are central to their religious beliefs and the inspiration of many tales and legends. Nowadays, you can swim, snorkel, or dive in these natural ponds and even explore some of the caverns that lay below the ground.
One of the most breathtaking cenotes is located south of Playa del Carmen. Known as Nohoch Nah Chich, this 6-mile long meandering cave system runs from the coast to the Caribbean Sea. Visit other cenotes nearby: Cenote Cristalino, Cenote Azul, and Kantun Chi.
Akumal means "land of turtles" and it is a place where turtles come back to this beach to lay their eggs every year. This was the first destination in the area to attract visitors from all over the world. Long before Cancun was developed, about 50 years ago, divers started coming here by boat, lured by the natural beauty of the place.
To this day, Akumal remains a natural attraction, rich in wildlife, both on land and in water. It features a healthy and well-preserved part of the Mesoamerican reef barrier and is the ideal place to explore it. It also offers pristine, crystal clear water and a laid-back atmosphere, close to Playa del Carmen but without all the noise and excitement.
Eco-parks are quite popular here and are a splendid way to appreciate the wildlife and the natural attractions in the area, but with all the modern conveniences. Eco-parks offer recreational activities for you to interact with nature.
Xcaret is probably the most well-known of the eco-parks. It has a man-made underwater river, a cove for swimming with dolphins, and it features different shows and exhibits, such as a re-enactment of the Mayan ballgame, "Pok Ta Pok," which depicts the battle between life and death. As the evening unfolds, Xcaret lights up the night with a fantastic show that highlights the best of Mexican folklore and ends with a moving musical extravaganza that you just can't miss.
The Xaman Han Aviary is located in Playacar and is named in honor of the original name of Playa del Carmen. Set in a 2-hectare property, the sanctuary is home to birds native to Mexico, with a population of about 200 birds from 4 different species. Visitors can see the birds and learn about them, take pictures and admire these feathery friends.
Because of its calm and crystal clear waters, Playa del Carmen is the ideal place for sports, both land and water based. The wonderful ocean breeze creates a smooth ride for windsurfers, weaves between beach volleyball players as they spike the ball over the net or blows past those running behind the ball on a soccer field. In Playa del Carmen, you can do all sorts of activities on the beach, such as riding jet skis, taking scuba diving lessons, going kayaking, or sailing in a catamaran, to name a couple of activities. There is also yoga, dancing, or general fitness training in town.
There is a lot of music and dancing in Playa del Carmen and even raves that last entire days. Visitors enjoy dancing till the wee hours of the morning in Playa del Carmen's sensual atmosphere.
It is no surprise that important record labels for dance music like the Ministry of Sound or Hed Kandi, which sponsor big events in cities like London, Ibiza, New York, Berlin, and Barcelona, have set their eyes on Playa del Carmen for hosting their popular beach raves, featuring world-famous DJs like Bob Sinclair and Paul Van Dyk.
Mamita's Beach Club hosts a number of important events throughout the year like Fashion Playa, a famous runway show where models are clothed in the latest trends and Winter Beach, a festival with a series of winter parties to warm up the holiday season. This 10-year old club is probably the most popular club in all of the Riviera Maya and has established itself as Playa's most chic place. Playa del Carmen also hosts the famous Riviera Maya Jazz Music Festival every year. This successful event features world-famous performers and is admission free.
