Guide to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen (or ‘Playa’ as the locals often call it), is a coastal resort town in Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Developed from an small fishing town, 70km south of Cancun and 20km west of Cozumel, it forms the centre of the Mayan Riveira.

Compared to it’s rowdy, hectic neighbours, Playa del Carmen provides a more relaxed, peaceful and European vibe for it’s visitors.

Top reasons to visit Playa del Carmen

Tourists who love Mexico, but are seeking a more relaxed atmosphere with smaller, boutique accommodations.

Main areas of Playa del Carmen

Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is the tourist heart of the city, a pedestrianised cobbled street that runs for around 20 blocks. Everything you need in Playa del Carmen - nightlife, restaurants, shops, clubs etc. - is either situated on here, or very close by.

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Top Attractions in Playa del Carmen

Charter fishing

Puerto Aventuras (approximately 10km south) provides better and more professional level boats and crews than the ‘pangas’ in Playa del Carmen.

Playacar

A residential and tourist development, south of the town, with an aviary, golf courses and all-inclusive hotels/resorts.

Shopping in Playa del Carmen

For souvenirs, or ‘artesanias’, remember shopkeepers expect to haggle - so never pay the offered price!

Mexican and Cuban cigars are popular gifts to buy, but note that Cuban are not particularly cheaper than elsewhere, whilst counterfeits are often ‘passed off’ - so be careful to check properly.

• Shopping Centre - Centro Maya, Plaza Las Americas

Eating in Playa del Carmen

Good restaurants in Playa del Carmen for Mexican cuisine are Los Aguachiles, Yaxche and La Floresta.

Local delicacies include:-

• ceviche
• tortilla

Recommended restaurants include La Cueva del Chango, La Vagabunda, Chez Celine, Kaxapa Factory, La Famiglia, Sur, Ula Gula, 100% Natural, Cenacolo, Como Como Osteria Mediterranea, Wicky’s Beach Club, Indigo Beach, Carboncitos, Official Ambasciata D Italia and Tequila Barrel.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Playa del Carmen

• Coffee - Fruta Madre, Ah Cacao Chocolate Cafe, La Ceiba
• Bars - Le Fe, Deseo, El Bistro a la Tortuga, La Mezcalina, Bad Boys Beach Bar, La Casa del Habano, Fat Tuesdays, Sr Frogs, Club de la Cerveza, Wings Army, Kitxen, Beer Bucket, Hangover Bar, EZ, Los Tabernacles La Exquisite, Bar Ranita, Fah, Kool Beach Club, PGs Sandbox
• Clubs - La Santanera, Blue Parrot, Canibal Royal, Coco Bongo, Tabu Night Club, Mandala Playacar, Coco Maya
• Cocktails
• Craft Beers/Brewery
• Karaoke
• Live Music - Karen’s, Fah Restaurant Bar, Zenzi Playa del Carmen, La Boeguita del Medio

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