Often lauded as one of the best-kept secrets on the Yucatan Peninsula, Rio Secreto (or Secret River) is an underground river and collection of caves
Rio Secreto is only accessed with a guide. Explore dark caves as you wade through underground pools of water. Go for the adventure and be amazed by the intricately formed stalactites.
Xel-Ha is is a natural aquarium centered on a natural inlet and lagoon that visitors can swim and snorkel through, accompanied by schools of tropical fish, dolphins and turtles. Opinions are split on the benefits of visiting, particularly given that Playa del Carmen's Xcaret eco-park offers virtually the same experience
Both experts and travelers say that Xcaret is a sort of Yucatán-style Disneyland, a large outdoor "eco-park" filled with an aviary, a dolphin aquarium, a turtle sanctuary and a beach perfect for swimming, diving or snorkeling. The park also offers various excursions like dolphin interactions, stingray encounters, shark swims, snuba tours and speedboat rides. Stay the day at Xcaret then enjoy the evening events, which include performances exploring the area's Mayan past. Xcaret is home to a few dining venues as well.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g150812-d11479801-Walking_Food_Tour_in_Downtown_Playa_del_Carmen-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html $59
Swim With Sea Turtles
Who doesn’t want to swim with sea turtles? I’ve always wanted to, that’s for sure. I got my chance at Akumal beach, 30 minutes South of Playa del Carmen. The shallow blue-green water here is home to Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead sea turtles that you can swim with.
To visit Akumal, the cheapest way is to take a colectivo taxi headed for Tulum from the stand located on Calle 2 Norte between Avenida 15 and 20 in Playa del Carmen. Tell them you want to get off at Akumal.
From the highway, it’s a 5-minute walk to Akumal Bay. Bring your own snorkeling gear, life jacket (compulsory since 2017) or rent some there. Swimming with the turtles is free!
Visitors can no longer swim with the wild turtles at Akumal. New regulations prohibit this because tourists were disturbing the turtles and their habitat.
If you’re looking for some authentic tacos, check out El Fogon. It’s a hangout for local taxi drivers. The place is super basic with plastic chairs and Mexican Idol blaring on the TV, but order 3 or 4 tacos pastor, a cold beer, and you’ll be in heaven.
Cozumel is a small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen known for it’s pristine beaches. Normally a stop for cruise ships, you can take a 45 minute ferry over on your own from Playa del Carmen for about $13 USD.
An easy & cheap day trip is renting a scooter and driving it around the island where all the best beaches are.
Ride A Colectivo
You can’t visit Playa del Carmen without using a Colectivo (group taxi). You’ll see these vans cruise down the street picking up locals. It’s an interesting (and confusing) experience if you’ve never tried it before.
They stuff as many people as possible into these things, and rides can cost less than $1.
Destinations are written on the windshield, but if you don’t know the names, it won’t make much sense. A good place to start is by grabbing one at the Colectivo station on Calle 2 Norte from Playa del Carmen to Akumal beach (mentioned earlier).
Remember to tell the driver where you’re going! It’s cheap, fun, and will push you out of your comfort zone a bit.
For points further off in town, taxis are widely available. There should be flat rates between 25-100 MX for downtown and in town destinations, so agree to a price before getting in the car.
Colectivos are small, local taxi vans that can drop you off any place along their route for no more than $2. Check with your hotel about where the van you need leaves from in Playa.
grab a bite for lunch on 5th Avenue, then make your way to Parque Fundadores, a park and a pier full of life, sculptures and traditional Mayan dance. Drink a Negra Modelo beer and enjoy the music of the mariachi band and the spectacle of the Voladores de Papantla – a dance troupe who fly around a pole.
See Mayan ruins right in Playa Del Carmen!
You think you have to go to Chichen Itza to see Mayan ruins? Think again. There are three places you can see these ancient ruins in Playa Del Carmen. These ruins are certainly not large but they are a reminder of the people here before us. Two spots where you can find Mayan ruins are right in the center of Playa and they are hidden from view. You can see where they are in our article on Hidden Playa Del Carmen. The largest ruins are right in the Playacar Phase 1 neighborhood on the south end of town. Best of all, these are all free to go see. You can see a map of this neighborhood in our article on Playacar Phase 1.
Muyil ruins site just south of Tulum. One of the lesser known Mayan ruins in the area.
Eat papas bravas and paella at the restaurants in Playa del Carmen.
Of all the Playa del Carmen restaurants we tried, we really loved El Tapas & Company on Calle 10 Norte between 15th and 20th Avenues.
Try a traditional huevos rancheros (scrambled eggs in a very Mexican style) and drink a freshly squeezed orange, carrot and beetroot juice, and you’ll be ready for the day.
Next, there will be a decision to make: hit the beach in Playa del Carmen, or take a bus to Akumal, a coastal resort only 32 minutes away with a dazzling coral reef where you can snorkel among turtles under the turquoise waters. On your way to Akumal you will pass by Puerto Aventuras where you can see the dolphins and manatees in the marina. However, if you decide to stay in town, go directly to Playa Mamitas, the most popular beach with the best ambience – there are great bars, and sun loungers where you can relax and soak up the sun. https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/how-to-spend-48-hours-in-playa-del-carmen/
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