Top 5 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen in 2025

1. Walk Along 5th Avenue

The Heart of Playa del Carmen

5th Avenue (La Quinta Avenida) is the heart of Playa del Carmen. It’s a pedestrian colorful street about 3 miles long that runs through much of the downtown area, and it’s where everything happens. Along the way, you’ll find:

• Local shops perfect for picking up souvenirs, summer clothes, and beach essentials.
• International brand boutiques toward the far end of the avenue.
• The street is always crowded and full of energy during the day, but at night, especially late,it tends to quiet down, so it’s good to be more mindful if you’re heading to a nightclub or bar.
• Restaurants, bars, piano bars, and nightclubs (including the famous Coco Bongo).
• Street performers and live shows.
• Many tour agencies (though be cautious, as some can be tourist traps).
• The ADO bus station is also located on 5th Avenue. This is the main bus that connects Playa del Carmen with Cancún Airport, Tulum, and other nearby cities.

The street is very accessible, just a couple of blocks from the beach, and there’s a bike lane along 10th Avenue. If you want to explore by bike, you can download the BICI Playa app and start pedaling. The most tourist-friendly section goes from 2nd Street to 12th Street.

Pro Tips for 2025

Rent a bike using the BICI Playa app and explore this beautiful beach town. The most tourist-friendly section goes from 2nd Street to 12th Street.

Hotel tip: If you’re staying near 5th Avenue, check online reviews for noise levels, it’s lively at night.

2. Visit Chichén Itzá, A Cenote, and Valladolid

Chichén Itzá: A World Wonder

If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, this is an absolute must. Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, will leave you speechless. I booked the tour with Civitatis, and it was fantastic—friendly guides, comfortable transportation, and everything was very well organized

How does the tour work?

You’ll be picked up at designated meeting points. First, small vans collect different groups, and then everyone gathers at a central location to board large, air-conditioned buses. The ride to Chichén Itzá takes about 2 hours.

Note: The entrance fee to the archaeological site is included, but there’s an additional mandatory tax that must be paid before boarding the bus. You’ll likely receive a separate payment link.

Upon arrival, the groups are usually split by language (English or Spanish). You’ll get a guided tour of the site, followed by free time to explore on your own.

Keep in mind: this is a very popular destination, attracting over 2 million visitors per year, so expect crowds. Inside the site, you’ll find many local vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs. At the entrance/exit, there are small food stands and restrooms.

The visit usually lasts around 2 hours. While you can go on your own, a guided tour is definitely the safest and most convenient option.

Important: If you bring a professional camera, there’s an extra fee that must be paid on-site.

Chichikán Cenote

On our tour, we visited Chichikán Cenote, a magical place full of energy. Upon arrival, a Mayan shaman performs a welcome ceremony, which makes the experience even more special.

The cenote offers:

• Buffet-style restaurant (included)
• Lockers with keys to store your belongings
• Mandatory life jackets (approx. $3 USD)

I didn’t swim, but the view from below is breathtaking—perfect for photos.

Tip: Most cenotes close at 5:00 PM for safety reasons. As daylight fades, visibility decreases—especially in closed cenotes—raising the risk of accidents or internal currents.

Cultural Insight: Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with water, considered sacred by the ancient Maya, who believed they were portals to the underworld.

There are two main types:

• Open cenotes, like Chichikán
• Closed (cave-like) cenotes, which are darker with stone ceilings

Some people find them relaxing to swim in, while others feel uneasy due to the depth and low visibility. Closed cenotes may also have bats and fungi, including one that can cause histoplasmosis, a rare respiratory condition.

Valladolid

Colonial Charm

This town is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss. With quiet streets, historical landmarks, and colorful architecture, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing stroll.

We visited the Church of San Servacio, located right in front of the main square. The tour gives you about 30 minutes to explore, but if you can, stay overnight—it’s well worth it.

3. Paddleboarding in Playa del Carmen

A Unique Ocean Experience

Playa del Carmen is a paradise for water lovers, and one of my favorite activities here is paddleboarding. The calm, crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot—especially if you’re a beginner.

I highly recommend Aloha Paddleboard, a local company located downtown. Prices typically range from $40 to $55 USD per person, and the experience includes:

• A short introductory lesson
• All necessary equipment
• (In some packages) Photos of your experience

Whether you’re going solo or with a group, it’s a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the ocean.

You can choose between sunrise or sunset sessions, and they offer private or group lessons.
Book easily through platforms like Viator or Booking.com.

A must-try if you want to connect with nature and enjoy Playa from a new perspective!

4. Cozumel Island

A Caribbean Escape

This stunning Caribbean island is perfect for a day trip or even a weekend getaway.
Just hop on a ferry from Playa del Carmen, and you’ll be in Cozumel in under an hour!

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and a relaxed island vibe.

Top things to do in Cozumel:

Snorkeling & Diving – The island is world-famous for its vibrant coral reefs.
Explore by Scooter or Car – Rent a vehicle and discover hidden beaches and scenic views.
Relax on the Beach – Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the calm surroundings.

Cozumel is picturesque, peaceful, and easy to explore—an absolute must-visit during your stay in Playa del Carmen.

I’ll be sharing a full guide to Cozumel in a separate post with all the details!

5. Other Activities: Musical Bingo & Yoga

Musical Bingo at Roma Spaghetti

One of the most unexpected and fun experiences I had in Playa del Carmen was discovering Musical Bingo at a charming little Italian restaurant called Roma Spaghetti, just steps from 5th Avenue.

It’s held every other Saturday — be sure to check ahead of time, as it’s not weekly.
Cost: $50 MXN per person (around $3 USD).

The event includes great music, fun games, and awesome prizes like wine, desserts, and dinners. The vibe is super family-friendly and international, with people of all ages and nationalities joining in.

Sometimes, they even host salsa dancing or street dance sessions right in front of the restaurant. A fun, unique night out you won’t forget!

Yoga at Deportivo Villanueva

If you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with your body, I highly recommend yoga classes at Deportivo Villanueva. They offer yoga, dance, and other fitness classes at budget-friendly prices — starting from just $100 MXN (around $6 USD) per session.

To see current class times and monthly schedules, check out their Instagram page, which is regularly updated.

6. Bonus: Visit the Tulum Ruins

Explore Mayan History by the Sea

Location: Located about 38 miles (61 km) south of Playa del Carmen.

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Last entry: 3:30 PM

Entrance Fee: Approximately 500 MXN (about $26 USD)

How to Get There

By Car:
You can drive there yourself; parking is available near the entrance.

By ADO Bus:

• Departs from 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.
• Drops you off right at the ruins entrance.
• Round-trip cost: approx. 126 MXN (~$7 USD)
• You can take the same bus back or catch a taxi to Tulum Centro ADO for more return options.
• Tickets available online or directly at the station.

By Colectivo (Shared Van):

• A budget-friendly and popular local option.
• Cost: around 60 MXN (~$3 USD) each way.
• Vans leave every 15–30 minutes when full.
• Departure Point: Calle 1 Sur & 50 Avenida Norte (in front of the Chedraui supermarket).
• For the return trip, head back to the same drop-off location.

By Organized Tour:

• Great if you want a full-day experience.
• Often includes a cenote swim and snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal.
• Perfect if you’re looking to combine activities — though going on your own is also a great, flexible option.

Should You Hire a Guide?

While it’s not required to enter with a guide, it’s highly recommended if you’re interested in learning the rich history and cultural significance of the ruins. A guided tour will add depth and context to your visit.