One Week in Playa del Carmen: Beaches, Jungles & Mayan Ruins

Today I’m sharing how Sam and I spent one week in Playa del Carmen enjoying a mix of beach time, jungle adventures, and day trips to visit Mayan ruins!

For someone who does mostly independent travel – sometimes to destinations that aren’t so easy to navigate – all-inclusive resorts are kind of my guilty pleasure.

I first started going to resorts on family holidays where we all wanted nothing more than to escape winter, I also spent my honeymoon at a resort in the Caribbean, and these days it’s a bit of a treat because it provides the rest and relaxation from full-time travel – which I know sounds like a vacation from a vacation, but trust me, being on the road for months on end can be pretty tiring!

Then back in May, as Sam and I were wrapping up 5 months of solid travel in South America, we got asked if we wanted to work on a fun project called #BarceloStories that would involve filming and hanging out at a resort. With Sam’s love of video and my love of tropical beaches (oh, and video too), our answer was a resounding yes! 

Here’s a little taste of what we got up to with our one week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico!

Playa del Carmen Travel Guide: Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Visiting the Ruins of Tulum

Visiting the ruins of Tulum was really exciting because this was my first time seeing Mayan ruins, and let me tell you, when it comes to Tulum, the Mayans sure knew how to pick out their real estate. The ruins sit right on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, where the shallow shores are the perfect shade of aqua and the sand is powdery fine.

As one of the most visited sites in Mexico, so you can expect it to be busy, but now here’s a tip: if you follow the path towards the water and then turn left, you’ll be able to get your postcard perfect shot of the Temple to the God of Winds, where it looks like you’ve got the place to yourself!

Also, if you want to swim at the foot of the ruins, you can actually do so! There’s a set of stairs that leads all the way down to the water, and while we didn’t have enough time for a swim, there were plenty of people enjoying this spot.

Going on a jungle adventure

One of the half-day trips we took from Playa del Carmen was to Selvetica, a jungle adventure park featuring everything from ziplines and bungees, to ATVs and cenotes. Now, I am the complete opposite of a thrill-seeker, so after grumbling and declaring there was no way I was doing any of the scary activities, I ended up strapped to a bungee. Yeah.

Halfway through watching everyone else go, I thought it didn’t seem quite that high or quite that scary, so I climbed the steps up to the platform to meet my group. “I can do this,” I thought. It wasn’t until I was fully strapped in and they were starting to tighten the bungee cord that I realized, I had changed my mind and didn’t want to do it anymore, but I knew all the imploring was only going to earn me a quick shove off the platform.

So I tighten my grasp, closed my eyes, and let out a groan as that impending shove came and I swung off the platform. Bungee swings are terrifying! It basically feels like you’re free-falling until the cord finally catches your weight, and then you’re stuck swinging back and forth until you lose enough momentum. Once was enough for me.

Next up, for something a little tamer, we did an ATV excursion through a jungle circuit, which earned us all a dust-encrusted face, which was just fine because our next stop was a beautiful emerald cenote hidden from view by lush vegetation.

Exploring Playa del Carmen

Since the resort was right on the edge of Playa del Carmen, Sam and I took the opportunity to walk over and check out the town.

We arrived at the square just in time to see the Dance of the Flying Men (Danza de los Voladores), which was enough to give me clammy hands even though I was standing on solid ground. Basically, this group of men climb to the very top of a pole, where they sit on a square platform. What happens next is a feat of bravado; the four flyers launch off the platform with nothing but a rope around their waists, and they begin to spin upside down around the pole to the beat of a fifth man who remains on top playing a flute and drum. Umm, did I mention this pole is 150 feet high?

Playa del Carmen also has its very own Fifth Avenue and it is the place to shop. The pedestrian-only avenue is packed with bars that boast swings instead of stools, restaurants serving up Tex-Mex, and way too many souvenir shops. I picked up some tequila  and Mexican coffee as gifts, but you can find everything from sombreros to maracas.

Getting plenty of beach and pool time

I don’t know about you, but my main mission when I stay at a resort is to unwind with as much beach time and pool time as possible, and there was no shortage of that at the Royal Hideaway Playacar. The Caribbean Sea was warm yet refreshing and I was down at that beach every chance I got…even if it meant leaving my freckly man shielded from the sun in a cabana every once in a while!

And the same goes for the pool, because who does’t want to claim a poolside daybed, enjoy colourful drinks, and alternate between reading a book and cooling off with a quick dip. Sign me up!

Savouring all the food and drink

One of the cool things about staying at the Royal Hideaway Playacar was that they had a lot of experiences geared at foodies. We had one morning where we learned to make a killer guacamole from scratch, and then after stuffing our faces with nachos and guac, we had a tequila and mezcal tasting.

These two distilled alcohols are considered to be ‘cousins’ because they are both made from the agave plant, however, tequila can only be made from blue agave and it has to be produced in a geographically designated area, while mezcal is made from the fermented juice of other agave species and it is produced throughout Mexico.

Going back to the food, the one evening that really stands out in my mind was the night they had a Mexican dinner and show. All the guests filled the crescent shaped dining booths in the auditorium, and on stage they had traditional dance performances from each state in Mexico; each with its own distinct costume and style. Dinner that evening was a buffet, so it was fun getting to sample authentic Mexican dishes, and not just the ‘Mexican food’ we are accustomed to in North America.

If you need a little inspiration, here are some ideas of foods to try in Mexico on your visit!

And then it was time to say goodbye. Our week in Mexico flew by and I know that our time there was hardly an introduction to the country, but on the way to the airport I turned to Sam, “we need to come back to Mexico!” Our first visit was all about rest and relaxation, but next time, I want the flavours of Mexico City, the colours of Guanajuato, the ruins of Palenque, and so much more.

Build-Your-Own Playa del Carmen Week: Routes, Tips, Day Trips & Delicious Detours

Where to Base Yourself in Playa del Carmen

Playacar (gated community just south of town)

• Why stay: Quiet, beachy, resort-forward, leafy paths for morning walks, easy hop into town.
• Heads-up: Fewer independent eateries on your doorstep; you’ll walk or taxi to 5th Avenue.

Centro (near 5th Avenue/Quinta Avenida)

• Why stay: Cafés, taco joints, gelato, markets, live music; the heartbeat of Playa.
• Heads-up: It’s lively. Bring earplugs if you turn in early.

North End (Coco Beach & beyond)

• Why stay: Newer condos and rooftops, calmer pockets, quick stroll to sand.
• Heads-up: Construction pops up; double-check current building works on your street.

Xcalacoco/Mayakoba area (north of town)

• Why stay: Nature paths, lagoons, upscale resorts that feel like little worlds.
• Heads-up: You’ll taxi for most outings unless your resort runs shuttles.

Getting There & Getting Around: Transportation Guide

From Cancún International Airport (CUN) to Playa del Carmen:

• ADO bus: Clean, comfy, air-con coaches direct to Playa del Carmen’s downtown terminal.
• Private transfer: Door-to-door ease for families, late arrivals, or lots of luggage.
• Taxi at airport: Usually pricier than pre-booked; if you do it, agree on the fare first.
• Rental car: Handy for ruin/cenote days; park in paid lots or hotel garages overnight.

Local movement along the Riviera Maya:

• Colectivos (shared vans): Budget-friendly between Playa–Tulum and Playa–Puerto Morelos.
• Ferries: Playa ↔ Cozumel run all day; sit up top for that sea breeze.
• Taxis: Everywhere; confirm the price before you hop in.
• On foot: Playa’s core is deliciously walkable.

One-Week Itinerary Ideas (Pick a track or mix-and-match)

Day 1 — Settle & Splash
Beach time, pool time, golden-hour stroll on 5th Avenue, early night (or rooftop nightcap).

Day 2 — Tulum Ruins + Beach Picnic
Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat. Photograph the temple perched above the water, then laze on the sand beneath the cliffs.

Day 3 — Jungle Adventure
Zipline/ATV/bungee swing if you’re brave; rinse the dust in an emerald cenote. (Closed shoes + swimsuit.)

Day 4 — Cenote Hopping
Pick two: an open cenote (sunlit, swimmable) + a cavern cenote (stalactite magic). More on etiquette below.

Day 5 — Cozumel Snorkel Day
Ferry over, snorkel a reef or drift along the shore. Tacos al pastor as a victory dinner back in Playa.

Day 6 — Big Ruins Day
Choose one: Chichén Itzá (iconic), Coba (jungly causeways), or Ek Balam (ornate carvings & smaller crowds). Pair with a cool-off cenote.

Day 7 — Resort Reset & Foodie Finale
Spa, sun lounger, then a self-guided taco crawl and a final beach sunset.

Cenotes 101 (Feel confident, look cool, float happy)

Types you’ll meet:

• Open cenote: Pond-like; sunshine splashes and lily-pad vibes.
• Semi-open: Cave mouth with sky windows for dreamy light beams.
• Cavern/cave: Headlamp territory; otherworldly stalactites, echoey and surreal.

Good-to-know etiquette:

• Rinse before you swim. Showers remove sunscreen/oils so the cenote stays healthy.
• Reef-safe sunscreen only—or better yet, swim in a rashguard and skip lotion.
• Lifejackets: Often offered/required; pick one that fits comfortably.
• No touching formations: Stalactites are delicate; admire with your eyes.
• Quiet charm: Voices carry underground—embrace the hush.

Cenote Day Checklist

• ☐ Swimsuit + microfiber towel
• ☐ Water shoes (rocky steps happen)
• ☐ Dry bag (phone + cash + cards)
• ☐ Small bills for entry/lockers/snacks
• ☐ GoPro/waterproof case (optional)
• ☐ Reef-safe sunscreen only if needed (rinse first!)
• ☐ Light sweater (caverns are cooler)

Mayan Ruins Beyond Tulum (Which one’s for you?)

Ruin-day tips:

• Arrive early, hydrate, and wear a hat.
• Respect roped-off areas; they protect fragile details.
• If a guide approaches and you’re curious, say yes—you’ll see stories in the stones you’d miss otherwise.

Beach & Snorkel Notes (Because you came for the water)

• Beach reality check: Water color and clarity are usually stunning, but sargassum (seaweed) can drift in with the seasons. Resorts and the city groom beaches; bring flexible beach plans just in case.
• Snorkel sweet spots:
  • Cozumel reefs (boat trip or beach clubs with access).
  • Puerto Morelos (short ride north; calm reef by boat).
  • Cenotes (clear water, fish, and shafts of light for dreamy footage).
• Gear: Pack your own mask if you’re picky; otherwise rent where you go.
• Sun sense: Rashguard > sunscreen; the reef will thank you.

Eat & Drink: What to Try (and how to order with confidence)

Yucatán flavors you’ll want on your plate:

• Cochinita pibil: Slow-roasted pork, tangy with citrus and annatto, tucked into tacos or panuchos.
• Panuchos & salbutes: Puffy or refried-tortilla cousins with toppings galore.
• Tacos al pastor: Carved off the spit with pineapple—late afternoons/evenings are prime.
• Ceviche & aguachile: Fresh, zippy, perfect on hot days.
• Marquesitas: Crispy crepe filled with cheese + Nutella (trust the combo!).
• Churros & paletas: Fried cinnamon spirals and fruit pops for a sweet wander.
• Agua fresca: Jamaica (hibiscus), tamarindo, horchata—coolers for every mood.
• Micheladas & palomas: Savory beer cocktail vs tequila-grapefruit refresher.

DIY Taco Crawl (Easy, fun, budget-friendly)

1. Arrive hungry after a beach hour.
2. Start with al pastor at a busy stand (turnover = freshness).
3. Walk five minutes; try cochinita or poc chuc at a local spot.
4. Finish with marquesitas from a cart.
5. Bring small coins; street eats are a cash-friendly world.

Money, Safety & Smooth Moments

• Currency: Mexican pesos stretch farther; use bank ATMs (indoor/attached to banks).
• Tipping:
  • All-inclusive: Staff work hard—tip bartenders/servers/housekeeping as you go.
  • Independent restaurants: 10–15% is appreciated; check if service is already included.
  • Tours: Guides and drivers rely on tips; a few small bills go a long way.
• Street smarts:
  • Keep valuables minimal; split cards/cash.
  • Confirm taxi fares before riding.
  • At night, stick to well-lit, busy streets.
• Respectful travel:
  • Don’t remove shells/corals or touch wildlife.
  • Drone rules vary; always check and avoid flying over crowds/ruins.
  • Ruin etiquette: no climbing on fenced structures, no litter, shoulders covered in active temple areas if requested.

Pack Like a Pro (and keep it light)

Beach & Resort Essentials

• ☐ Swimsuits (rotate 2–3) + cover-up
• ☐ Flip-flops + comfy sandals
• ☐ Wide-brim hat & sunglasses
• ☐ Rashguard (sun and reef-safe)
• ☐ Lightweight outfits for warm nights
• ☐ Reef-safe sunscreen & aloe

Jungle & Adventure Day Pack

• ☐ Closed-toe shoes
• ☐ Quick-dry tee/shorts
• ☐ Insect repellent (use away from cenotes)
• ☐ Collapsible water bottle
• ☐ Compact first-aid (bandages, electrolytes)
• ☐ Waterproof phone pouch

Responsible Travel Mini-List

• ☐ Reusable tote for markets
• ☐ Collapsible coffee cup/water bottle
• ☐ Biodegradable toiletries
• ☐ Small trash bag (car snacks become car wrappers)

Playa del Carmen vs. Cancún vs. Tulum (Quick Comparison)

Playa del Carmen Trip FAQ

1) What’s the best time of year to visit Playa del Carmen?

The dry, cooler season (roughly late fall to early spring) is popular for sunny days and comfy evenings. Summer brings heat, humidity, and occasional tropical showers—pack light clothing and plan early outings if you visit then. Beach conditions (including seaweed) vary by season and currents, so keep plans flexible.

2) Is Playa del Carmen safe for first-time visitors?

Yes—with normal city smarts. Stick to well-traveled areas at night, use bank ATMs, and agree on taxi fares in advance. Resorts and core streets are patrolled and busy; trust your instincts and keep valuables minimal.

3) Do I need pesos, or can I use cards and dollars?

You’ll want pesos for small purchases, tips, colectivos, and street food. Cards are widely accepted in resorts and many restaurants. Dollars appear in touristy spots but pesos usually get you better prices. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels.

4) How many cenotes should I plan for in a day?

Two is the sweet spot: pair one open cenote with one cavern for variety. Add a leisurely lunch and a nap—you’re on vacation! Remember to rinse before swimming and keep voices low in caverns.

5) Is a rental car necessary?

No. You can do a full week with ADO buses, colectivos, taxis, and tours. Rent a car only if you love independent exploring or have a list of far-flung cenotes and ruins to hit in one go.

6) Can I visit Chichén Itzá, Coba, or Ek Balam in a day from Playa?

Absolutely—choose one per day. Budget a full day for Chichén Itzá; combine Coba or Ek Balam with a cenote for a balanced outing. Go early and bring a hat and water.

7) What should I wear to the ruins and in town?

Breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. At active worship spaces or community visits, bring a scarf or light layer to cover shoulders if requested. In Playa, resort casual by day; smart-casual for nicer dinners.

8) How does tipping work at all-inclusives?

It’s not mandatory, but it’s appreciated and truly boosts service staff. Tip bartenders per round or bar session, servers at meals, and housekeeping daily. Keep small bills handy.

9) Can I swim at the base of Tulum ruins?

Yes—there’s a staircase down to the beach near the cliffs (openings can vary with conditions). Bring a small towel, water, and reapply sunscreen after you leave the water. Pack out any trash.

10) What’s the deal with seaweed (sargassum)?

It’s a natural phenomenon, and arrivals ebb and flow with currents and seasons. Resorts and the city often clear it, but it can affect water clarity. If it rolls in, swap to a cenote day or ferry to Cozumel, which sometimes sees different conditions.

11) Where can I snorkel without a full day tour?

• Cozumel ferry + beach club access to a house reef.
• Puerto Morelos by short boat hop from town.
• Cenotes for crystal-clear dips (not reef fish, but gorgeous visibility).

12) Any quick Spanish phrases that help?

• Hola, buenos días/buenas tardes (Hello, good morning/afternoon)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much is it?)
• La cuenta, por favor (The bill, please)
• Sin popote, gracias (No straw, thanks)
• Gracias / Por favor (Thank you / Please)