Terry’s Helpful Hints
Relaxation
On a great part of Coco Beach, is a quiet beach club (sometimes a good party can break out at the pool). The service is excellent and the food and drinks are reasonably priced. Best of all it's only 2 blocks from our condo at the shore and about 4 blocks from our Ipan Condo
160 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martina Beach Club
AlbatrosOn a great part of Coco Beach, is a quiet beach club (sometimes a good party can break out at the pool). The service is excellent and the food and drinks are reasonably priced. Best of all it's only 2 blocks from our condo at the shore and about 4 blocks from our Ipan Condo
Lately, in Playa Del Carmen it is hard to say when the beaches will be nice or overtaken by the seaweed. Buccanos is where we go to find a quiet clean beach club. They typically charge $10 per person but they give you a refund equal to your fee if you buy from the bar or restaurant. We like to rent a buggy and spend half the day exploring the island and half a day relaxing at the beach. (see tips on buggy rental)
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buccanos
Lately, in Playa Del Carmen it is hard to say when the beaches will be nice or overtaken by the seaweed. Buccanos is where we go to find a quiet clean beach club. They typically charge $10 per person but they give you a refund equal to your fee if you buy from the bar or restaurant. We like to rent a buggy and spend half the day exploring the island and half a day relaxing at the beach. (see tips on buggy rental)
City/town information
Here are some nearby towns that you might want to visit. All are only a short drive or ferry away.
This is a great day trip. Leave early as its a full day. It takes about 2 hours to get to Holbox as it's an island and you will have to park and ferry over. The only island transportation is via golf cart so grab one and explore the island. Make sure to leave time for the beach as it's a must-see. they are also known for their lobster pizza so for lunch look for a local restaurant in town.
220 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Holbox
This is a great day trip. Leave early as its a full day. It takes about 2 hours to get to Holbox as it's an island and you will have to park and ferry over. The only island transportation is via golf cart so grab one and explore the island. Make sure to leave time for the beach as it's a must-see. they are also known for their lobster pizza so for lunch look for a local restaurant in town.
Tulum may be a great day trip. You can get there by bus but it is slow and cheap. By taxi, it's the most convenient or by renting a car. Renting a car is a great way to see all the other interesting stops along the way. (see my advice on car rentals). Tulum is a small downtown away from the beach. the beaches are the best in the area but are sometimes hard to get to as the beaches are on a small street with very little parking. There are some places that give you beach access but we have found its best to find a small hotel that will allow you to use their beach are and chairs for a fee, such as a beach club.
999 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tulum
Tulum may be a great day trip. You can get there by bus but it is slow and cheap. By taxi, it's the most convenient or by renting a car. Renting a car is a great way to see all the other interesting stops along the way. (see my advice on car rentals). Tulum is a small downtown away from the beach. the beaches are the best in the area but are sometimes hard to get to as the beaches are on a small street with very little parking. There are some places that give you beach access but we have found its best to find a small hotel that will allow you to use their beach are and chairs for a fee, such as a beach club.
Cozumel is a great day trip. Take the ferry over and rent a buggy and explore the island or if you like to snorkel they have a great park to do so. If PDC has seaweed on the beaches we go to a Buccanos Beach club for some clean beaches.
255 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Miguel de Cozumel
Cozumel is a great day trip. Take the ferry over and rent a buggy and explore the island or if you like to snorkel they have a great park to do so. If PDC has seaweed on the beaches we go to a Buccanos Beach club for some clean beaches.
Akumal is best known for its turtle viewing. If you are interested in viewing turtles underwater this is your best bet. Depending on the time of year you could also see some hatch and make their way to the sea.
416 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Akumal
Akumal is best known for its turtle viewing. If you are interested in viewing turtles underwater this is your best bet. Depending on the time of year you could also see some hatch and make their way to the sea.
Puerto Aventuras is about halfway between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. It can be a great stop to grab lunch and watch the dolphins. Puerto Aventuras is not like other Mexican towns as it's mostly made up of condos and homes. It's more of a resort town and marina but it has a few great restaurants to grab lunch and a drink.
176 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Faro Puerto Aventuras
Carr. Tulum - CancúnPuerto Aventuras is about halfway between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. It can be a great stop to grab lunch and watch the dolphins. Puerto Aventuras is not like other Mexican towns as it's mostly made up of condos and homes. It's more of a resort town and marina but it has a few great restaurants to grab lunch and a drink.
Puerto Morelos has a unique personality, it is an authentic fishing village typical of the Mexican Caribbean with a calm, bohemian and relaxed atmosphere that allows you to connect with the simplicity of its people. It is an adventure destination where wonderful natural attractions such as mangroves, cenotes, and an exuberant jungle stand out.
359 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos has a unique personality, it is an authentic fishing village typical of the Mexican Caribbean with a calm, bohemian and relaxed atmosphere that allows you to connect with the simplicity of its people. It is an adventure destination where wonderful natural attractions such as mangroves, cenotes, and an exuberant jungle stand out.
Food scene
This is a very different kind of restaurant experience. It is in a cave and the views are like nothing you will see in the states. The food is not all that good but a very cool atmosphere. It is a little away from 5th Ave. so you will need to take a taxi. I would also recommend making reservations although it's never been that busy when we were there. The proper pronunciation is Aloosh.
250 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge
Mz 217 Lt2 Av Benito JuárezThis is a very different kind of restaurant experience. It is in a cave and the views are like nothing you will see in the states. The food is not all that good but a very cool atmosphere. It is a little away from 5th Ave. so you will need to take a taxi. I would also recommend making reservations although it's never been that busy when we were there. The proper pronunciation is Aloosh.
Chez Celine is our favorite breakfast spot. It's very popular so expect a wait. It's close by the condos on 5th Ave and 34th St.
984 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chez Céline
Esquina Calle 34 NteChez Celine is our favorite breakfast spot. It's very popular so expect a wait. It's close by the condos on 5th Ave and 34th St.
One of our favorite Italian restaurants. It's far from our condos but we feel it's worth it. It may just be a tradition with us as we've been going there for so long. It is small, usually hot, and most of the time there will be a wait to get in.
Calle 4 Nte 150, entre 15 Avenida Nte y 10 Avenida Nte, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
135 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Romeo Trattoria Pizzeria
150 Calle 4 NteOne of our favorite Italian restaurants. It's far from our condos but we feel it's worth it. It may just be a tradition with us as we've been going there for so long. It is small, usually hot, and most of the time there will be a wait to get in.
Calle 4 Nte 150, entre 15 Avenida Nte y 10 Avenida Nte, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
If you are up for the walk this is our favorite "off the beating path" restaurant for street tacos and other local food. Great prices and every review is a glowing recommendation.
Av. 20 entre Constituyentes y, C. 16 Nte. Bis, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
EL CHULETON (taqueria) RES, POLLO, CERDO, SOPAS & MAS
Calle 16 Norte BisIf you are up for the walk this is our favorite "off the beating path" restaurant for street tacos and other local food. Great prices and every review is a glowing recommendation.
Av. 20 entre Constituyentes y, C. 16 Nte. Bis, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
I've not been there but I have had two separate guests give it raving reviews. They said the mini tacos are a must, drinks are an experience at your table from a bar cart and the customer service is top-notch. They have great music and indoor and outdoor seating.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Porfirio's Playa del Carmen | Restaurante de comida mexicana
Calle 12 NorteI've not been there but I have had two separate guests give it raving reviews. They said the mini tacos are a must, drinks are an experience at your table from a bar cart and the customer service is top-notch. They have great music and indoor and outdoor seating.
Great Meditteranean Restaurant at the base of the building. Easy to grab lunch. Dinner can be a little busy and you might have to wait for a table but worth a short wait.
Moshe Cube
Great Meditteranean Restaurant at the base of the building. Easy to grab lunch. Dinner can be a little busy and you might have to wait for a table but worth a short wait.
Away from the tourist area of 5th avenue where the locals go is some of the best Italian food we have ever had and at very reasonable prices. My wife's favorite dish is stuffed fish mine is just about any pasta. If Lasangna is your choice go early as they run out often. There is not much of a wine selection but you can bring your own bottle and pay a corking fee. The Selecto Súper Chedraui (grocery) at 10th Ave and 34th have an amazing selection of wine. PapaCharly can sometimes be a wait but you can call and make a reservation especially if there are more than 2 of you. It's only a short walk and very much worth it.
123 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
PapaCharly
Calle 30 NorteAway from the tourist area of 5th avenue where the locals go is some of the best Italian food we have ever had and at very reasonable prices. My wife's favorite dish is stuffed fish mine is just about any pasta. If Lasangna is your choice go early as they run out often. There is not much of a wine selection but you can bring your own bottle and pay a corking fee. The Selecto Súper Chedraui (grocery) at 10th Ave and 34th have an amazing selection of wine. PapaCharly can sometimes be a wait but you can call and make a reservation especially if there are more than 2 of you. It's only a short walk and very much worth it.
Close by eatery with great breakfast lunch and dinner. This a great place to start your day and it's right around the corner from Ipana. The staff is very friendly and the service is excellent.
La Orgánica Playa del Carmen
Close by eatery with great breakfast lunch and dinner. This a great place to start your day and it's right around the corner from Ipana. The staff is very friendly and the service is excellent.
Adventure
If you would like to experience swimming in a cenote this is might be the easiest. It is looked near Tulum so I suggest you plan on a few experiences while in the area. The water is cold so be prepared.
410 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gran Cenote
If you would like to experience swimming in a cenote this is might be the easiest. It is looked near Tulum so I suggest you plan on a few experiences while in the area. The water is cold so be prepared.
HTL Rentals in my opinion is the best place to rent a buggy on the island of Cozumel. (Cozumel only. see car rentals for PDC) To do so book directly through their website. You will see people who imitate representing them but they charge for their services. You can get to their office by a short walk from the ferry pier. www.htlrentals.com
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
HTL
y Calle 4 NteHTL Rentals in my opinion is the best place to rent a buggy on the island of Cozumel. (Cozumel only. see car rentals for PDC) To do so book directly through their website. You will see people who imitate representing them but they charge for their services. You can get to their office by a short walk from the ferry pier. www.htlrentals.com
The Yucatan has many adventuras places. Here we booked a tour that allowed us to zipline, repel, and drive ATVs. Look on Viator for what best fits your group.
Quintana Roo
The Yucatan has many adventuras places. Here we booked a tour that allowed us to zipline, repel, and drive ATVs. Look on Viator for what best fits your group.
Rio Secreto is a must-do adventure. Mexico reveals its newly-discovered underground river: Very few places in the world boast conditions that make it possible to witness the extraordinary beauty of an underground river. Rio Secreto is a fantastic journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Come and experience this magical journey with us on your next vacation in Mexico.
244 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto is a must-do adventure. Mexico reveals its newly-discovered underground river: Very few places in the world boast conditions that make it possible to witness the extraordinary beauty of an underground river. Rio Secreto is a fantastic journey into a unique system of underground rivers and ancient caverns that reveals both the astonishing interaction of time within the interior of our planet and the miraculous existence of our lives. Come and experience this magical journey with us on your next vacation in Mexico.
Shows
JOYÀ, the first Cirque du Soleil resident show in Mexico, combines culinary and performing arts in an intimate theater setting to engage the audience's five senses. Drawing on Mexico's history and heritage, JOYÀ tells the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter embarking on a quest to uncover the secrets of life. Don't miss the opportunity to taste extraordinary dishes and live an unforgettable night exclusively at the Cirque du Soleil Theater at Vidanta Riviera Maya. JOYÀ, a thrilling, whimsical show in which joy, courage, and friendship conquer all
315 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro Vidanta "Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ"
Km 48 Cancun - ChetumalJOYÀ, the first Cirque du Soleil resident show in Mexico, combines culinary and performing arts in an intimate theater setting to engage the audience's five senses. Drawing on Mexico's history and heritage, JOYÀ tells the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter embarking on a quest to uncover the secrets of life. Don't miss the opportunity to taste extraordinary dishes and live an unforgettable night exclusively at the Cirque du Soleil Theater at Vidanta Riviera Maya. JOYÀ, a thrilling, whimsical show in which joy, courage, and friendship conquer all
A well-known club with all-you-can-drinks and shows. This place does not get started until late. Buy your tickets online and go for VIP unless you like being in a mosh pit. Check it out online to learn more.
970 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coco Bongo
A well-known club with all-you-can-drinks and shows. This place does not get started until late. Buy your tickets online and go for VIP unless you like being in a mosh pit. Check it out online to learn more.
Grocery Store
Walmart is a great place to go if you're staying longer and need supplies. If you're up for the walk it's a little over a mile from our condos but I recommend grabbing a taxi back. It's about 70 pesos each way.
679 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Walmart Playa Del Carmen
30 Avenida NorteWalmart is a great place to go if you're staying longer and need supplies. If you're up for the walk it's a little over a mile from our condos but I recommend grabbing a taxi back. It's about 70 pesos each way.
Another large everything stores much like Walmart and it's a little closer. Check it out online to get a feel for what they have. Best to use peso or credit card for purchases.
741 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
MEGA Soriana
101 30 Avenida Nte.Another large everything stores much like Walmart and it's a little closer. Check it out online to get a feel for what they have. Best to use peso or credit card for purchases.
This is a new Grocery store that just opened Nov 2022. It should have everything you need and best of all it is just around the corner from Ipana Condos and only 5 blocks from The Shore at 46th Condos. There is parking underground if you have a car.
Selecto Súper Chedraui 5a Avenida
This is a new Grocery store that just opened Nov 2022. It should have everything you need and best of all it is just around the corner from Ipana Condos and only 5 blocks from The Shore at 46th Condos. There is parking underground if you have a car.
Sightseeing
If you decide to take a trip to Cozumel and rent a buggy make it a point to stop by the Rast Bar on the south end of the island. Here you will find a hole in the wall and a great place to see the waves crashing on the island and a better place to relax in a hammock and have a cold one.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rasta Bar
If you decide to take a trip to Cozumel and rent a buggy make it a point to stop by the Rast Bar on the south end of the island. Here you will find a hole in the wall and a great place to see the waves crashing on the island and a better place to relax in a hammock and have a cold one.
No trip to Mexico is complete without a visit to one of the famous Mayan ruins. Different than the popular Chichen Itza or Tulum, the Coba ruins have a more authentic look, with trees and bushes growing from the pyramid stones. The remote location, the fewer tourists, and the access to the pyramid’s peak make Cobá one of the most beautiful Mayan sites of Yucatan. It is about an hour and a half away so it can be a full day. There are many combo tours that do Coba and Cenotes.
Coba archaeological site, 77793 Q.R., México
No trip to Mexico is complete without a visit to one of the famous Mayan ruins. Different than the popular Chichen Itza or Tulum, the Coba ruins have a more authentic look, with trees and bushes growing from the pyramid stones. The remote location, the fewer tourists, and the access to the pyramid’s peak make Cobá one of the most beautiful Mayan sites of Yucatan. It is about an hour and a half away so it can be a full day. There are many combo tours that do Coba and Cenotes.