Not your usual Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen list
Being one of the fastest-growing cities in Latin America, Playa del Carmen has many new Top Things to Do all year long. Whether visiting this coastal paradise for the first time or being here hundreds of times, Playa del Carmen is always ready to surprise you.
And If you're the kind of traveler that enjoys opening up new horizons, you will find these unusual Top Things to do in Playa del Carmen list, more than exciting.
Take a scenic flight over jungles and ruins
Visiting the Riviera Maya is a dream in itself, but seeing it from above is an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
Join professional pilots on a flight over the Riviera Maya as you get a picture-perfect blend of nature and culture.
Enjoy the sight of turquoise coastlines and white coral sand, and take panoramic views from the archeological sites and picturesque towns and cenotes.
Art Walk
Art lovers will have a first-hand insight into the cultural scene happening in Playa del Carmen. Join the art walk every Thursday for a soirée infused with colorful displays, as you support local artists. A great opportunity to buy art and to take a night stroll through 5th Avenue, which takes place mostly from 24th Street until 32nd Street.
Gastronomy Walk
Foodies from around the world: this one is for you! As the old saying goes: "If you want to find the best food in town, visit locals' favorites." If you agree with the popular wisdom and like to get authentic gastronomy, there are many Culinary Walks like Eating with Carmen, that show you hidden culinary gems. These food tours will take you to Playa del Carmen's most unassuming neighborhoods to dive into traditional food from Mexico.
Take adventure to new limits
Every new attraction brought by Grupo Xcaret becomes almost a mandatory Top thing to do in Playa del Carmen. This themed-park company specializes in exalting the best Mexican nature and culture have to offer. And you cannot miss their new experiences for anything in the world:
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Xenotes
This tour takes you to explore four types of cenotes: semi-open, the open gran cenote, ancient, and the cavern blue cenote as you enjoy rappelling and zip-lines, kayaking and swimming, or even cliff jumping. Your chance to access the heart of the Mayan jungle.
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Xavage Park
Show off your skills paddling or kayaking along the canals, climbing the Ropes Course, or flying on zip-lines. Add a little bit of adrenaline to your Xavage Tour on board a jet boat that will take unpredictable turns; driving an all-terrain vehicle; or taking whitewater rapids.
Mayan Ruins of Xel Ha Archaeological Site
Leave the crowds behind and step into the world of ancient Mayans —shared only with the iguanas that rule the place. The Xel-Ha ruins are located in the jungle, with access to the Xel-Ha lagoon (now shared with the eco-park of the same name). The first dwellings date back to 100 BC through 400 A.D., but it was not until 400-700 A.D. that a more complex and organized society emerged with Peten-influenced stone buildings like plazas, temples, and residences.
Explore the structures, the paintings, and the murals, as you learn more about this fascinating site that played an important role in the spiritual development of the Maya.
One thing is guaranteed: Any of these options will give you something new to talk about with friends and family!
Enjoy!