Playa Del Carmen in Quintana Roo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the north-western tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, the area boasts stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, picturesque palm trees and of course, sun. The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda sits in the heart of this fantastic city and is the perfect luxury base to discover everything the area has to offer. But what does it have to offer? Here we explore what to do in Playa del Carmen in 24 hours.
Breakfast. Awaken to the sound of the ocean lapping at the shore and the sight of the sun rising over the horizon, and begin your perfect day in Caribbean paradise. Enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a traditional Yucatan breakfast. We recommend Chilaquiles (below). This classic breakfast consists of nachos drizzled in red or green salsa, chicken or eggs, onions, cream and cheese with beans served on the side. While not exactly light on the stomach, it’s certain to fuel you for the rest of your day.
Huevos motuleños is a similar dish that uses eggs, but instead of nachos, tortillas. If you’d prefer something lighter then go for Huevo Rancheros. Literally translated as ‘rancher’s eggs,’ this dish contains chilli, tomatoes, cheese and occasionally refried beans.
Morning. We all love a morning swim (who doesn’t?) but in this fantastic area of Mexico you can go for a swim like no other. Playa del Carmen is famous around the globe for its cenotes (sen-oh-tays). These limestone sinkholes were a central part of Mayan culture and nowadays provide divers and snorkelers with some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen. Diving into a cenote and being part of the unique underwater world is an experience you’ll never forget. If you just plan on snorkeling, then the fairly shallow Cenote Azul is our recommendation as you can get up close to the fish and the stunning rock formations. If you can scuba dive then the flooded cave system of Sistema Dos Ojos (“the system of two eyes”) simply MUST be at the top of your list. While snorkelers can still appreciate the sheer majesty of it, divers are able to make the most of the upto-10m depths.
Other notable cenotes include the Cenote Jardin del Eden (“Garden of Eden”) and Sistema Sac Actun (the “White Cave System”). There are many diving tour operators in Playa del Carmen and BlueBay hotel staff will be able to recommend one.
Lunch. After a morning swim, it’s time to refill the tank, and you’re certainly in the right place for that! There are countless fantastic restaurants in Playa del Carmen to cater for all tastes, but we recommend 500 Gramos Grill on 5th Avenue. This fantastic, family-run restaurant specialises in steak (we recommend the T-bone) but have no fear, there are plenty of vegetarian options available, too.
Other places to consider trying are Falafel Nessya, on Street 4, for some truly outstanding Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, Mr. Dog Del Caribe for juicy burgers and hot dogs, and if you just want a quick snack then no trip to Mexico is complete without trying tamales from a street vendor. This traditional Mesoamerican food is made from a corn-based dough containing a variety of ingredients, including cheese, fruits, veg, chilies and meats, which is then steamed inside a banana leaf. Being so close to the sea, Playa del Carmen is a seafood-lover’s paradise. Many restaurants offer a wide selection of the ocean’s finest, but Pave Real by the Sea is one of the best restaurants in the whole area. Located on the beach roughly 15km north of Playa del Carmen, this is a restaurant that’s worth the journey alone.
Afternoon. Now you’re fully fed and relaxed, it’s time to explore everything the town of Playa del Carmen has to offer. 5th Avenue is the main shopping area and while you can take guided tours, we much prefer to simply walk along the avenue and take in the vibe. Playa del Carmen is unique in that it has never lost its relaxed, bohemian vibe and that can be seen on Quinta Avenida. Everything from clothes through watersports gear to art can be found here.
It’s best to stay in and around 5th avenue until at least the late afternoon and early evening. This is when bars start to open, the atmosphere picks up and people start to let their hair down. Now’s the perfect time to make your way to the seafront and enjoy a cocktail or a beer as the sun goes down.
Nighttime. This is where Playa del Carmen comes to life. Although certainly quieter than neighboring Cancun, there is still more than enough to keep night owls going well into the early hours. Consider starting at the famous Mamita’s Beach Club. Although it’s an unashamed tourist trap, it’s certainly one of the best places to get in the mood while surrounded by young people who want to make the most of their holidays. If you prefer a calmer and more chilled atmosphere then make your way to San Mezcalito on 5th Avenue. Try some of Mexico’s finest Mezcal (obviously) and relax in authentic surroundings.
Moving on into the night, the Deseo Lounge is a slightly hidden but high-end bar that offers a huge range of drinks, plenty of lounging areas and an upscale party atmosphere. Oh, and it has a swimming pool. If you’re one of those people who really likes to stay out late then La Santanera is your kind of establishment. When other bars are winding down, this place is just limbering up. With 3 separate floors of different music and some of the best DJs in the area, this is where you’ll find the party.
To Recover. After a day like that you deserve to relax. If there’s one thing that Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya is famous for, it’s the beaches. Of course, some of them can get crowded, especially in high season. If you want to relax like a local then you need to go the ‘secret beach’ between the Paradisus and Marazul hotel complexes.
Located about 30mins walk north from the main town, this beach is popular with locals and really gives you the chance to feel like you’re in Mexico. The cenote runoff even creates a nice little river to bathe in. This beach can get busy on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but if you can go on a weekday before 4pm, you’ll have your own slice of paradise. So there you have it, the perfect way to spend 24 hours (and a bit more) in Caribbean paradise. Don’t forget that BlueBay runs one of the finest luxury hotels in playa Del Carmen, the 5 star, BlueBay Grand Esmeralda*****.
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