Things to see
Cenote Jardin del Eden / $$ / Google Maps
7am — 5pm. Closed on Saturdays. Open cenote with clear water and a cliff to jump from. Diving here is also possible. Entrance is $200MXN. Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino are also close by, but since Cenote Jardin del Eden is a bit more expensive and further down the road, it can get less crowded. You can catch a frequent mini colectivo bus to Tulum and ask to get drop off at Cenote Jardin de Eden for $35mxn. To get back to Playa del Carmen, wait for a colectivo on the highway on the opposite side of the entrance to the Cenote.
Address: Jardin del Eden Cenotes, 77734 Quintana Roo, Mexico
Quinta Avenida / Google Maps
Main touristic street in Playa del Carmen, full of stores, restaurant and bars. It’s fun to walk around in the afternoon and at night to see what Playa del Carmen offers to its visitors.
Address: 5 Av. Nte., Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
La Ceiba Park / Free / Google Maps
Closed on Mondays. Ecological park inside Playa del Carmen where you can cool off, admire nature, and attend cultural events throughout the week.
Address: Diagonal 60 X calle 1 y, C. 3 Sur s/n, Ejidal, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Parque Los Fundadores / Free / Google Maps
Park with the famous “Portal Maya” statue next to the beach and the Fifth Avenue. Take a picture and enjoy the “Danza de los Voladores” show, a traditional Mesoamerican ritual involving dancers hanging from a pole doing acrobatics.
Address: Av Benito Juárez, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Playacar Ruins / Free / Google Maps
Small Mayan ruins inside a residential area in Playa del Carmen. They are free and open to the public.
Address: Fraccionamiento Playacar private Resort, Coral Negro, Playacar, 77717 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Where to eat
Tacos de Birria El Compa / Mexican / $ / Google Maps
Street taco cart right beside Mega Supermarket. Famous for its quesabirria and arrachera tacos.
Address: 30 Avenida Nte. 101, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Moras en la Casta / Mexican / $$ / Google Maps
Casual restaurant with a cool vibe, great music and a selection of Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Try the tacos with Jamaica and tree chile sauce. morosenlacosta.com
Address: Calle 10 Nte LB, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Taquería Gomez / Mexican / $ / Google Maps
5pm-2am. Gomez is well known by the locals for its tacos. Staff recommendation: Tripa dorada taco (crispy guts).
Address: Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Cecina de Yecapixtla La Carniza / Mexican / $ / Google Maps
One of the local secrets, a little far away but worth the trip. Get the cecina tacos, by itself or with guacamole. Cecina is a soft sun dried beef seasoned with lemon. Try the Aguas frescas too. Closed on Tuesdays.
Address: Av 45 Norte y 52 Norte, Luis Donaldo Colosio, 77728 Q.R., Mexico
Marley Coffee / Café / $$ / Google Maps
Bob Marley inspired café. Very comfortable seating and a bar with chairs and power outlets.
Address: 10 Avenida Nte. & Calle 2 Nte Local 2C, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Nativo / Drinks / $ / Google Maps
Fruit shakes of different kinds to cool off. Try the Chipita for a super refreshing drink. They come in a big container for around $50 pesos.
Address: Lt 2, 30 Avenida Nte. Mz 26, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.
Walmart / Supermarket / Google Maps
Big supermarket where you can find all kind of different local products, fruits, beers, hot sauces, tortillas, etc.
Address: 30 Avenida Nte., Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Transport
Cozumel Ferry / Google Maps
Ferries from Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island. Ultramar and Winjet have hourly ferries from Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Price for one way ticket: Around $220 MXN.
Address: Av Benito Juárez 239, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
ADO Terminal Turística / Google Maps
Bus station right by Fifth Avenue with buses to Cancun, Tulum and other main destinations in Quintana Roo. www.ado.com.mx
Address: 5 Av. Nte. LTE 2, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico.
Collectivo mini buses to Tulum / Google Maps
Mini colectivo bus station to Tulum or to Cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
Address: C. 1 Sur Mz28 Lt06, Ejidal, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Other destinations
Isla Cozumel / Google Maps
Next to Playa del Carmen on the map is Isla Cozumel, an easy-to-access island with world renown diving, Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches. To reach the island, visit the Cozumel ferry next to Parque Los Fundadores. Ultramar and Winjet have hourly ferries from Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Price for one way ticket: Around $220 MXN. Buy the tickets at the booths in front of the ferry to avoid higher prices.
