Knowing that the Riviera Maya receives more than 15,000,000 tourists every year, a day in Playa del Carmen does not sound enough, right? There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city and its surroundings that, to really live all it has to offer, it would take a whole year (or more). This is one of the reasons why there are so many recurring tourists who never get tired of coming back over and over again. There is always something different to discover!
Certainly, it is also one of the reasons why so many tourists have become local. Every day you hear stories of those who came on vacation and ended up staying forever. That was my case; therefore, I am going to share my favorite itinerary of a day in Playa del Carmen. I invite you to try it, but be careful, maybe one day is not enough to see everything it has to offer, but it’s more than enough to fall in love and decide to stay forever.
Sunrise on the beach
6:00 am.
If you aren’t an early bird like myself, make an effort. I promise it will be worth it. Playa del Carmen is not a place to sleep.
This destination has a privileged location. Thanks to this, we can daily enjoy one of the most wonderful natural shows: the sunrise on the beach.
Choose the beach of your choice and watch as the sun peeks out caressing the sea. The sky and its clouds are also protagonists of this natural art work full of colors.
Don’t forget that in autumn and winter the sun rises at 7:00 a.m. approximately.
Hike on the beach and Hatha Flow Yoga
7:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
after having given a gift to your senses by watching the sunrise, continue pampering your body to balance your day.
While the sun, the sea, the sky and the clouds perform for you, start walking on the beach towards CTM Avenue. Let the fine white sand sneak between your toes. It is the most relaxing sensation. When you reach CTM Ave., head towards 5th Avenue. There you will find “Yoga by the Sea”, one of my favorite yoga studios which offers Hatha Flow classes at 8:30 a.m., a multi-level class that combines classic Hatha Yoga with fluid sequences to create a balanced and complete experience. You will be renewed!
Energizing breakfast
10:00 a.m.
In Playa, there are plenty of places to enjoy a good breakfast. Whether you want something sweet accompanied by coffee, or a much more consistent dish, you can find a perfect place for it. Next to the yoga studio there is a very rustic little restaurant called El Sangharito. Besides being famous for its healthy combinations of natural juices and delicious chilaquiles, it’s one of my favorites!
If you are looking for something healthier, also on CTM Avenue, but walking towards the beach, you will find The Pitted Date. This cozy restaurant and bakery offers 100% vegan and healthy breakfasts from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Try their bombelette or bagelwich… I can’t stop thinking about them!
Enjoy the beach
12:00 pm. – 6:00 pm.
If you are staying in a place facing the sea, do not hesitate to spend the afternoon on one of their lounge chairs. Otherwise, and if you are looking for a more exclusive experience, Playa Mamitas is for you. It is located on 28th Street and the beach.
Being the trendiest beach club, the youngsters who frequent it and the live music give it a festive atmosphere. You can rent sunbeds and beach umbrellas. In addition, it has a swimming pool, a delicious restaurant, massage services, and well-equipped bathrooms. Just the perfect place to relax all day at the beach.
Playacar Phase 1 is another favorite. To get there, you only need to walk a few minutes south from the ferry dock that goes to Cozumel. It is a place with fewer tourists and more sand. There are no facilities, so it is necessary to bring your own beach umbrella, food and drinks.
Go for a walk along La Quinta Avenida
7:00 p.m.
5th Avenue is the main street of Playa del Carmen. It is parallel to the coast and works as a pedestrian promenade for tourists and locals. The avenue is full of a variety of street artists. You can go for a walk and enjoy their art or sit down to dine on the terrace of one of its international restaurants.
There are also lots of luxury boutiques, souvenir shops and street vendors. So while you walk, you can take advantage and go shopping!
Enjoy the nightlife
9:00 pm.
Playa del Carmen comes alive at night! 5th Avenue, especially the area on 12th Street, is one of the best nightlife places in the city. There are numerous bars and clubs that are very worthwhile. Among them you will find the famous Coco Bongo.
If you’re like me and prefer a night of drinks, but quieter, visit Catch, a restaurant on the rooftop of the Thompson hotel, you’ll love it. They usually have events and live DJs.
If you follow my itinerary, I assure you that you will want to stay forever!
