Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico, North America, Places I Have Visited

Playa Del Carmen (PDC) is one of my favorite places to visit (I have been there twice)! Both times, I stayed for 3-4 days. It is about 40 mins away from Cancun. The place that I actuated stayed in the second time I went to PCD was in Playacar (just south of PDC). The beaches here are beautiful! This beach city is known for its beach clubs, and its Fifth Avenue strip boasting shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and hotels. PDC is hottest mid-July to August, so keep that in mind!

Relaxation

My shot glass from Playa del Carmen!

Visa Information: U.S. Citizens are not required to have a tourist visa to enter Mexico if their stay will be less than 180 days. Nigerian Citizens are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Mexico. Additional information can be found on the VisaHQ website.

Where to fly into: Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN). I like to use Google Flights or Kayak to search for tickets. Tickets are usually cheapest September to November. From here, you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to PDC (40 minute drive, on average).

Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). As of November 2016, 1 MXN is equal to $0.051 USD. It is safest to change money at the airport; however, the exchange rate that they will give you will be lower. You can also obtain MXN from using your foreign debit card at the ATMs or at casa de cambio (exhcange bureaus).

Spending: I always have, at least, the equivalent of $40 USD/day (times the days I plan to be in Mexico) on me, in case (especially for excursions and club entry fees). I can use my credit/debit card at all other times.

Transportation: I like to take private cars around Mexico. Don’t be nervous to haggle the price because, often, private car drivers set their own prices. Even though I did not use Uber and Lyft while I was in PDC, this is always an option. You can always request a taxi to pick you up. The bus system is also easy to navigate if you want to save money. You can also obtain more information about transportation from the Visit Mexico website.

Where to stay:

HOTELS: As I have said, I have been to PDC twice. Specifically, I stayed in Playacar the second time that I visited. The first time I went to PCD, I stayed at Hotel Riu Palace Mexico, which is often $150-200 a night per person with its all-inclusive option; this means that the price you pay to stay at the hotel includes unlimited food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). You can also choose the option without the all-inclusive feature; this will make your stay at the hotel cheaper. The option without the all-inclusive feature is a good option if you aren’t a big eater/drinker or if you only want to eat a few meals at the hotel (you will have to pay per meal) because you plan to eat other meals locally (outside of the hotel). In terms of Hotel Riu Palace Mexico, I, especially, love this hotel because it has liquor dispensers in the room. 🙂 In addition to Hotel Riu Palace Mexico, there are other great hotel options (that I have researched or gotten great reviews about) in Playa Del Carmen (including those with all-inclusive options): Occidental at Xcaret Destination, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, Paradisus Playa del Carmen la Esmeralda, Hotel BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, Sandos Playacar Beach Resort, The Royal Playa del Carmen, and Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, amongst others.

PRIVATE HOMES/VILLAS: The second time I went to PDC, I stayed in a private villa that I rented a 4-bedroom villa for the weekend ($300 USD/day). Even though I had access to this villa for my business trip (pictures aren’t available per owner’s request), you can find beautiful villas on Airbnb or VRBO, from $30 USD+ for a one-bedroom apartment.

Hotel Riu Palace Mexico

Liquor dispenser in the room at Riu Palace

Things to do:

ACTIVITIES – There are tons of things to do in and near PDC! One tour company that I love is Playa Del Carmen Tours.

Xplor Park is an eco theme park. It is 5 mins outside of PDC. Activities include: zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, swimming in underground rivers, spelunking and hammock splash. I had such a great time visiting this park. Along with your ticket, you have the option to add transportation for an additional cost.

Xplor Park

Xcaret is also an eco theme park. It is next-door to Xplor. This park has underground rivers, dolphin swimming, snorkeling tours, etc. Along with your ticket, you have the option to add transportation for an additional cost.
Cenote Chaak Tun is another underground cave you can visit for underground swimming. When you make your booking, you can add on transportation for an extra fee.

NIGHTLIFE –

Coco Bongo Nightclub is my FAVORITE club that I have ever been to! There is a location in PDC as well as Cancun. I have been to both locations. You can choose to book an option that includes transportation on a large bus. The tour operator has time to get you in the mood to party. You also get VIP service with this option: quick entry into the club, a table (often a standing table, and unlimited drinks. You do not have to choose this option, but I would definitely recommend it.
La Vaquita is one of my other favorite clubs! It is a hotspot that boasts an amazing light show.
Senor Frogs is a popular bar in many cities; the one in Playa del Carmen is defiitely one of my favorites!
Fusion bar and Restaurant is a great place to visit too. It gets quite packed at night. During the day, it is a great spot to get appetizers and drinks.
Pinche Gringo Sports Bar is a great place to watch the game, eat some good bar food, and drink.

Ready to head out! Not sure why I was posing like that. LOL.

Super tired after a FUN night! #Blur

RESTAURANTS – Here are some of my favorite places to eat in PDC:

Mar de Olivos : $3-12 USD. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is known for its amazing seafood.
Pavo Real by the Sea : $30-85 USD. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is great for a romantic dinner on the beach. They have seafood, as well as meat options.
Nau : $10-30 USD. TThis restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a seafront restaurant. It has seafood and meat options.
Imprevist : $20-40 USD. This restaurant serves daily brunch, breakfast, and dinner. It has vegetarian, seafood, and meat options.
Puerto Cocina Urbana : $3-11 USD. This restaurant serves daily brunch, lunch, and dinner, with breakfast on Sundays. It has vegetarian, seafood, and meat options.