Playa del Carmen is a coastal city in Mexico which is blessed with a wide variety of beaches and a vibrant scene of water sports and sea activities. The place is also well known for its downtown area which is filled with dozens of shopping outlets and lip-smacking food. However, this is not all that this wonderful city has to offer. Come to this city and experience some of the most exquisite cuisines in all of Mexico. Unwind and forget your trouble at one of the many scenic beaches. In this article, we will look at the 10 best non-touristy things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
1. Bring out the adventurer within at Aktun Chen cavern
The Aktun Chen Natural Park and cavern is the perfect place to experience the adventurer within you. This rainforest park features an underground river for swimming. Enjoy breathtaking views as this place offers you plenty of ways to navigate the scenic beauty. You can use a zip-line and explore the deeper ends of the cave. The park provides an incredible level of safety, so be assured that you can enjoy the various activities with your kids. The staff here is known to be helpful and professional, which further adds to the overall experience.
Aktun Chen Natural Park
Address: Carretera Cancún-Tulúm Km 107, 77780 Akumal, Q.R., Mexico
Website: Aktun Chen Natural Park
Opening hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm (daily)
Price: 23 USD onwards
2. Take Spanish classes at Taan Spanish School
Spanish is among some of the most commonly used languages in the world. Since you are visiting Mexico, why not take a deeper dive in the local tradition and culture. There is no better way to do this than learning the language. You can take Spanish classes just for fun or even go pro. In fact, knowing a second language can do wonders to your career as well. Additionally, you can apply your new skill to have a conversation with the local population in their native tongue which can lead to deeper connections.
Taan Spanish School
Address: Zona urbana A Solidaridad, Balam Tun, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Website: Taan Spanish School
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 142.5 USD (weekly)
3. Experience fishing in the Riviera Maya (from USD 449.0)
Located a couple of hours drive from Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya is a must visit spot for tourists new to the city. This scenic location offers some of the most picturesque beaches and ruins in the city. It features plenty of resorts for couples and families, making it perfect for a weekend stay. The waters of Riviera Maya are blessed with a diverse set of aquatic life, which makes it a fishing hotspot. Take your family and loved ones on a fishing trip and if you are lucky, you might just spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
Riviera Maya Private Half-Day Fishing Trip
Duration: 4 hours
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Take a ride on a luxury cruise (from USD 99.0)
Experience the awe-inspiring coastline of Riviera Maya on a luxury cruise that will take you on a two-hour journey along the magnificent waters. Enjoy complimentary snacks with an open bar. The tour gives you the option for a hotel pick and drop service, adding to the convenience. Embark on this wonderful cruise experience and share a romantic outing with your partner. Enjoying the scenic sunset and click some amazing photos of the coast.
Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise with Open Bar
Duration: 2 hours
5. Brush up your Salsa dancing skills at La Bodeguita del Medio
La Bodeguita del Medio is a popular pub which features writings on the wall with framed photos with some of the most well-known celebrities. It offers the best mojitos in the region and the food offerings are quite tasteful. That’s not all, Bodeguita del Medio also offers Salsa lessons for people with varied dancing skills. This serves as a great bonding opportunity for couples as dancing is a great way to connect with your partner. You can even show off your skills once you are back home.
La Bodeguita del Medio
Address: 5ta Avenida, Calle 34 Nte Esq, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Website: La Bodeguita del Medio
Opening hours: 1pm - 2am (daily)
Price: 40 USD
6. Indulge in delicious Yucatecan food (from USD 78.0)
Enjoy a three-hour culinary tour across the various cafes and street food places in Playa del Carmen. Indulge in food and drink experiences across five locations as you get to experience the lip-smacking Yucatecan food. This tour also consists of visits to the traditional family-owned restaurants where you get to enjoy the local delicacies and for an authentic cultural experience.
Walking Food Tasting Experience in Downtown Playa del Carmen
Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes
7. Sip on a Mojito
There is nothing better than unwinding after a hard day with a delicious Mojito. Various restaurants serve their own personal recipes, which gives you the opportunity to experience unique combinations that you would find only in Playa del Carmen. Check out this place for a refreshing experience.
The Roof Bar
Address: 5th Avenue between 4 and 6 streets, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Website: The Roof Bar
Opening hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)
Price: 10 USD
8. Get a traditional Mayan massage
Once you have had time to enjoy the outdoors, why not experience a traditional Mayan massage. It helps rejuvenate and revitalize the mind and body, leading to an ultimate sense of peace and well-being. The Mayan massage is incredibly helpful in relieving muscle tightness and body pain. Therapists go through extended training sessions to ensure that your massage session is professional, pain-free and enjoyable.
Veronicas Massage Gold
Address: 1 Av. Norte entre Calle 24 y 26, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Website: Veronicas Massage Gold
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
Price: 30 USD
9. Get adventurous with parasailing (from USD 75.0)
Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned professional, the three-hour parasailing tour takes you across the gigantic ocean as you glide across the deep seas and sandy beaches. Experience the view of a lifetime as you feel the rush of wind against your face. Parasailing gives you an inherent sense of peace and calm. The operators are well-trained to ensure complete safety while the tour organizers offer snacks and beverages during the tour. Additionally, hotel pickup and drop-off services are also provided for your added convenience.
Parasailing in Playa del Carmen with transfer
Duration: 3 hours
10. Party hard with pub crawl tours (from USD 25.0)
Playa del Carmen is known for its vibrant nightlife. The place is a hotspot for some of the most happening pubs and bars across the country as tourists from all over the world come here to party. This pub crawl is a must-have experience that lasts up to four hours. You get the opportunity to meet people, make new friends as you enjoy your drinks, play various games. Lose yourself to the DJ’s tunes. The best part of this pub crawl is that it’s easy on the pocket.
Pub Crawl Playa del Carmen
Book your next vacation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
So as you can see, Playa del Carmen holds plenty of unearthed treasures that are simply waiting to be experienced. Whether it’s learning a new language, getting a massage or even taking to the skies with parasailing, there is something in store for everyone. Travel to Mexico the next time you are craving some “me” time.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×