Visiting Mayan Ruins
A popular activity in the area is a visit to one of the many Mayan ruins. There are many small ruins actually in Playa del Carmen, a few are along 5th Avenue. The closest Mayan city of ruins is in Tulum. These are about an hour away and are easy to visit from Playa. These are the only ruins on a cliff and are quite striking. (Arrive early before the tour buses and take sunscreen and an umbrella for shade). About two hours from Playa are the ruins of Coba. These are large, beautiful ruins spread out across many acres. We like to use the bikes to get to the different buildings. The tallest pyramid here is still open to climbers and one of the reasons it is so popular. Three hours away are the famous Chichen Itza Ruins. Well-known worldwide for their size and beauty, this is one of the most popular sites in the Yucatan. But you can no longer climb the large pyramid here. Also about 3 hours away from Playa del Carmen are the ruins of Ek Balam. These are smaller and closer together than the ruins of Coba, but every bit as stunning.
Visit Cozumel
Many people like to take the ferry to Cozumel for the day. This can be fun if you want to snorkel at one of the parks or reefs near the shore. No swimming on that side of the island, but it is beautiful with some fun bars and restaurants. There is no electricity on that side of the island, so everything closes down when the sun sets. The ferry is about $16-$18 USD per person one way. There are two different ferry companies, and they take turns with one running almost every hour. Don’t buy a return ticket until you are ready to come back. You buy your tickets at one of two booths right outside the ferry boarding area. The ride over takes 30-45 minutes.
Visit Cenotes
Cenotes are the sinkholes that have formed all over the Yucatan in the limestone crust of the earth. In them you will find beautiful, crystal clear water along with small fish and some interesting underwater formations. You can swim, snorkel, even jump off cliffs, or sit on the edge of the rocks and get a fish spa. Be prepared, though, the water is cold! You have many options if you want to visit a cenote. You can find them in some of the large, organized theme parks such as Hidden Worlds, or you can go to others not in a theme park. Most have a small entrance fee (except the large parks which have a big fee!). One of the closest to Playa are the cenotes Cristallino and Azul. These and 3 others are all located about 15 minutes south of Playa on the west side of the highway. There isn’t much food, but they do have snacks and some have restrooms. If you’ve never seen one, they are worth a visit. Be sure and take bug spray as you will be walking a bit in the jungle to get to each one.
Shopping
If you like shopping on vacations, you are in luck! Right across the condo we have the GIANT Paseo de Carmen shopping mall which leads straight into the famous and most happening place, Fifth Avenue! There is just so much to explore at Fifth Avenue, including performers, restaurants, shopping areas, and so much more!
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
There are many great places to go scuba diving and snorkeling. The reefs are just amazing and they are SUPER pretty full of sea life! Playa del Carmen offers access to some of the best diving spots in the Western Hemisphere, especially just offshore near Cozumel. Travelers say you can’t come to Playa del Carmen without taking a dip under the sea to explore its colorful population of fish. Many diving companies have set up shop in Playa: One of the most popular is the Playa-based Scuba Playa, which caters to amateurs and experts alike. Scuba Playa runs a variety of dive charters, including reef dives and local cenote dives, and you can even use this company to book seasonal whale shark adventures. Playa Scuba Dive Center is another well-reviewed company that organizes scuba tours. The variety of options and staff members at both companies received praise from previous divers. Meanwhile, those looking to snorkel can borrow equipment from their hotel, buy equipment in town or try an excursion with Scuba Playa, The Snorkel Shop or Playa del Carmen Tours.
3D Museum of Wonders
Playa del Carmen’s 3D Museum of Wonders offers an array of exhibits and illusions that tie in Mayan culture and many of the famous attractions you can see throughout the country. What sets it apart is the fact this 3D museum lets visitors jump into and be part of many of the exhibits and artworks. This leaves visitors feeling both confused and exhilarated at first, and, of course, it makes for some really great pictures for travelers to take home.
Xcaret Theme Park
Both experts and travelers say Xcaret is a sort of Yucatán-style Disneyland, a large outdoor “eco-park” filled with an aviary, a dolphin aquarium, a turtle sanctuary and a beach perfect for swimming, diving or snorkeling. The park also offers various excursions like dolphin interactions, stingray encounters, shark swims, snuba tours and speedboat rides. Stay the day at Xcaret then enjoy the evening events, which include a dinner show that showcases more than 500 years of Mexico history through historical reenactments, traditional dance and live music. Xcaret is home to a few dining venues as well.
Past visitors were big fans of Xcaret, noting that the park was filled with attractions, things to explore and activities to enjoy, though some do say it can get very crowded.
