We may be in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and blessed with more sunny days than most. But we do get some rainy days here.
When that happens don’t let the rain ruin your Riviera Maya vacation, there are still so many things you can still do! So, here are our favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains to give you a little inspiration.
1. Visit an underground Cenote
What better way to get out of the rain than by venturing into the Mayan underworld!? Cenotes are a must see in the Riviera Maya and they come in many different formations. Although the open Cenotes are great on hot sunny days to cool off from the heat, visiting a close one is an ideal way to spend a rainy day in Playa del Carmen. You could even choose to go Scuba Diving in one!
Our favorite closed Cenotes to visit is Chikin Ha, Xibalba, Ta’akbilha, Dos Ojos, and Suytun.
2. Pamper yourself
Did someone say ‘spa day’?
You have worked hard all year for this vacation so what better way to spend a rainy day than relaxing and unwinding in a Spa? You will be spoilt for choice of Spas in Playa del Carmen offering everything from massages and facials to mud baths and seaweed wraps.
If you want something a bit special though you should look out for Spas offering Mayan Massages.
Spas in Playa del Carmen can really vary in prices from the super luxurious day spas down to the more local salons offering treatments. No matter your budget you should be able to find a spa who can offer you some pampering easily here.
Our favorite Spa in Playa del Carmen is Mayakoba is pricy but totally worth it!
Another fantastic option on 10 Avenida, if you want something closer to downtown is GH Spa and Bridal their facials are amazing!
3. Go to the movies
If it's raining at home paying a visit to the movies is always a great option. Here in Playa del Carmen, it’s no different.
In fact, visiting the movies here is a lot cheaper than it is in most other countries, plus many of the films are shown in English. All you have to look out for is the words ‘SUB’ if you see that on the screening time then that means the movie is in its native language and subtitled in Spanish.
There are several big movie theaters here in Playa del Carmen just outside of the downtown area. Your best bet is to check the times and decide which one to go to and then take a taxi. The most popular cinemas are at Las Americas Shopping Mall and Centro Maya.
4. Go shopping
Thanks to the shopping malls in Playa del Carmen you can shop till you drop, without getting wet. The ones in the downtown area are on the smaller side and a little spread out. But if you don’t mind taking a taxi there are larger malls, Centro Maya and Plaza de Las Americas, a short ride away.
Or if you want to do some serious shopping you could even take the ADO bus to Cancun. From there take a taxi where you can spend the day shopping at either Puerto Cancun or Plaza Las Americas.
5. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
It may not be a big museum, but the Frida Khalo museum just off 5th Avenue is well worth a visit, especially if it is raining.
A guided tour is included in the price and you can ask for an English guide if your Spanish isn't great. The guide will take you through a chronological journey of Kahlo’s life from birth right up until her death.
The whole story is told through her artwork and there are some parts which are very interactive making it a really interesting place to visit.
Even if you aren’t a Frida fan it’s worth a visit to understand a bit more about why she is such an icon, not just in Mexico, but across the world.
Opening hours are 10am-8pm Monday-Sunday
6. Cirque de Soleil Joya
Whether it is raining or not, a visit to see Cirque de Soleil’s Joya is a must, especially if you have children.
It is so much more than just a show, it is a whole evening full of magic and surprise. It is one of the more expensive nights out you can have but it really is worth every penny.
There are several different options, some of which include a meal. If you do choose the dining option, they even make a performance out of the serving of your food. Expect the unexpected!
If you don’t choose the dining option we would recommend you still eat there at their restaurant. The food and service are some of the best in the Riviera Maya, and the prices are actually very reasonable, considering what you get for your money.
Be sure to arrive early as you will regret it if you don’t.
7. Rio Secreto
The Rio Secreto, or secret river, should be top of your list of things to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains.
It is an eco-park located 25 meters underground in a series of caves. You won't find a better family fun activity to do in the rain than this.
You make your way through the cave system, lead by an expert guide, by swimming, and walking the 8 miles. Expect to see beautiful crystal clear water, stalactites and stalagmites, and a few other surprises along the way.
The park is open every day from 8am-3pm Monday-Sunday
8. Visit the 3D Museum
If even the mention of the word “museum” makes your kids' yawn never fear, the 3D Museum in Playa del Carmen is not your average museum. And it is one of the best Playa del Carmen activities to do in the rain.
It is the only museum of its kind in the Americas and if nothing else you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun in there. With over 60 3D painted artworks from artist Kurt Wenner, it really is a mind-bending experience.
The museum is open from 9am-10pm Monday-Sunday
9. Take a cooking class
If you enjoy cooking then why not polish off your kitchen skills, by taking a cooking class in The Riviera Mayas premier cooking school?
The school is located in Mayakoba Resort, El Pueblito. The classes are small so you get plenty of attention in the state of the art kitchen.
From cupcake decoration to learning classic French cooking techniques you name it, they can teach it to you. It's a sure fire way to impress your friends and family at your next dinner party.
So there you have it, our top 9 things to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains!
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