Playa Bliss: Your Ultimate Guide to the Enchanting Wonders of Playa del Carmen
The small city of Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan coast is the geographic and cultural center of the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico's fastest-growing destinations. It is enjoyable for what it is, but perhaps more for what it's not.
It's not Cancun, the major resort area about an hour's drive north. For those who find Cancun too large and lacking in local character, bustling Playa del Carmen is the cure: cozy, funky, and quite international, though still with a Mexican flair.
But the once small town has been changing quickly: Large numbers of luxury and all-inclusive hotels, boutiques, and restaurants are the norm, and the lovely Playa del Carmen beach is becoming sandwiched between large-scale developments. Some claim this is the fastest-growing city in Mexico, but lovers of the relaxed vibe shouldn't give up on Playa just yet.
Despite the town's growing popularity, the pace remains delightfully slow much of the time. And the core of this pleasant town is young and vibrant. During the day, the downtown beaches always have a lively crowd of locals and tourists enjoying the azure waters of the Caribbean, and the downtown shops and restaurants are alive with customers. In the evening, Playa takes on a more festive air, with groups of friends, families, and strolling musicians filling the street as the local restaurants, bars, and discos compete for their attention.
Though Spanish and English are the most common languages in town, you'll also hear Italian and German spoken by many visitors and expats.
See or Do
Sights —
The ancient Mayan temples overlooking the Caribbean at Tulum.
The town's bustling main square.
The Frida Kahlo Museum.
Memorable Meals—
Nuevo Mexican cuisine in a rustic ambiance at La Cueva del Chango
Fresh Mexican-style seafood at El Pirata.
Walks—
Avenida 5, Playa's main pedestrian walkway, lined with shops and restaurants.
Playa's sandy beaches stretch north and south of the ferry dock.
Especially for Kids—
Snorkeling, dolphin encounters, and cave exploration at Xcaret.
The main tourist area is along Avenida 5 (locally called "La Quinta"), with hotels, restaurants, bars, dive shops, and boutiques. It runs parallel to and just a block or two away from the beach and stretches for more than 20 blocks, beginning at Calle 1, near the ferry dock. The entire street is pedestrian-only until Calle 42.
For all its growth, the town is still quite walkable. The streets are so narrow and parking spaces so scarce that you're better off not driving while in town.
Currency Exchange
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Playa and probably the most common currency used by visitors. If you visit less-traveled areas away from Playa, you will find it more difficult to use U.S. currency. Some ATMs in Playa distribute U.S. dollars, and others have Mexican currency.
You can change foreign currency or traveler's checks at the banks or the many currency-exchange businesses found up and down Avenida 5; There's one every few blocks. If paying in U.S. dollars, pay attention to exchange rates as they often vary quite a bit from window to window and even more from shop to shop.
Tipping
A tip of 10%-15% is sufficient in restaurants. Tip porters about US$1 per bag, housekeepers US$1 per night, and tour guides about US$5 (for a one- to two-hour tour). Taxi drivers don't usually expect tips but offer a few coins if they help unload your heavy bags. If you request a song by a musical group in a restaurant, bar, or elsewhere, expect to pay US$5 per song.
Weather
Playa del Carmen has a subtropical climate, which means it is warm year-round, with highs in the upper 80s F/20s C, although the sea breeze keeps you cool. It is hot and often around 90% humidity in summer (June-August). Hurricane season officially runs from August to November (in recent years it seems to be encroaching into July), and that's when rain is most likely.
Playa del Carmen is laid-back, so dress casually. Something cool, comfortable, and not overly revealing is best for daytime exploring, and don't forget to wear a hat. Some resorts require men to wear trousers and collared shirts in their a la carte restaurants, but in general, this is a part of Mexico where you can wear shorts often.
You may need a light sweater or jacket from December to March on cooler evenings. It's common to see people a bit more dressed up and trendy at the nightspots on Calle 12.
Events
Although Playa observes the national Mexican holidays, such as Cinco de Mayo (5 May) and Independence Day (16 September), the town is slowly adding elaborate festivals and celebrations. One of the largest is Navy Day (Dia de la Marina), on 1 June, and celebrated with civic ceremonies, a fishing tournament, and other competitions.
Playa del Carmen celebrates Carnival, the Fat Tuesday celebration, with parades, live music, dancing, and food stalls.
The biggest event is the International Jazz Festival, organized by the Riviera Maya Tourist Board and held in November at Playa Mamitas.
As the sun sets over the turquoise waters and vibrant streets of Playa del Carmen, I hope this guide has ignited your wanderlust. Whether strolling along the stunning beaches, indulging in local flavors, or immersing yourself in the rich culture, Playa del Carmen is a destination that leaves an indelible mark on the heart. So, pack your bags, embrace the rhythm of this coastal paradise, and let Playa del Carmen be the canvas for your unforgettable memories.
