While your vacation will be mostly filled with relaxing on the beach and a good dose of adventure with KayTours. Every vacation should have a spontaneous day of exploring the place you're visiting. Playa del Carmen is one of the best places to stay in Quintana Roo. It has everything—beach, outdoor adventure, and luxury spas and resorts. But what makes Playa del Carmen even more attractive are the numerous activities you can do on your own, including museums, parks, golf, and more. Here are the top 10 things to do in Playa del Carmen when you're not relaxing on the beach or visiting Mayan ruins in Tulum.
Sense, The Rosewood Spa
Tucked away in the Mayakoba resort is Sense, The Rosewood Spa. If you're looking for deep relaxation, luxury treatment, and optimal wellness, this is the place to go for the best massage. The "spa bridge" winds through a jungle within the resort where little huts are scattered throughout for a private massage. Before your massage, enjoy the steam room, ice bath, hot showers, and jet bath. Guests will receive juice and other healthy treats, as well as the option to customize oils and music.
Fundadores Park
Enjoy the beach while also getting a glimpse of culture in Playa del Carmen. Fundadores Park, or “Founding Fathers Park”, is great for people watching and hitting the beach like a local. Complete with beautiful sculptures, a kids’ pirate ship playground, and traditional Mayan dance performances, this seaside park is the perfect daytime destination for the whole family.
Look for the Nuestra Senora del Carmen Church. This scenic church is surrounded by tropical plants and sits with the ocean in the background. It’s a popular place for weddings.
You’ll also find the iconic Portal Maya statue at Fundadores Park. The sculpture celebrates the Mayan calendar, and it is 16 meters high, or about 52 feet tall.
If you’re lucky, you’ll have the chance to witness the flying Papantla performers, who fly around a 30-meter (98 feet) pole and launch themselves tied with ropes to descend to the ground.
L'Aquarium Playa del Carmen
This 3-floor aquarium is in the Plaza Corazon building in Playa del Carmen. The purpose of this aquarium is to have an education center to explain more about the surrounding marine life. The goal is to promote the conservation of endangered ecosystems. The aquarium has more than 200 species in 45 exhibits, including corals, sharks, jellyfish, starfish, rays, and all kinds of fish. The aquarium goes to great lengths to make sure the conditions are as similar to sea life as possible.
3D Museum of Wonders
If you’re looking for a fun time with family or friends full of laughter, epic photos, and entertainment, then look no further than the 3D Museum of Wonders. All of the artwork is created with 3 dimensional illusions that will completely throw you off! Become one with the art and pose for some jaw-dropping photos. This interactive museum is ideal for honeymooners, kids, and groups of friends. Unlike most museums, here you can touch whatever you want and take photos!
Xplor Park
At Xplor Cancun Park you can ride the highest zip lines in Cancun and Riviera Maya, ride amphibious vehicles through 10km of rocky jungle paths, bridges and caves, ride an underground raft through underground rivers within caverns, wade through stalactite rivers, and ride through the jungle on a zip line hammock! Need to refuel? Xplor has unlimited smoothies and juices and a delicious BBQ buffet.
For the ultimate experience, visit after 5:30 p.m. for Xplor Fuego, which offers sunset views from the treetops, bonfires, and moonlit jungle and waters.
Xcaret Eco Theme Park
Xcaret is children’s paradise. With the recent development of “Children’s World”, kids can now adventure through hanging bridges, water sliders, cenotes, and a parakeet habitat. There is also a playground that is one with the jungle. But, there is fun for the whole family and honeymooners! Don’t miss the scenic tower where you can witness a panoramic view of Xcaret Park and the Caribbean Sea. The tower rises to a height of 80 meters and features 360-degree rotation.
To learn more about Mexico’s history visit Xcaret’s Hacienda Henequenera. The 19th century mansion showcases ancient machinery used for the henequen production during its golden age at Yucatan, symbol of the old haciendas of the time. Here you’ll also find the Museum of Mexican Folk Art.
At the highest point of the park you can visit St. Francis of Assisi Chapel. In the Hacienda Henequenera you can visit the Chapel of Guadalupe, which is a beautiful example of 20th century neoclassical architecture, resembling a countryside chapel.
Don’t miss the Mexican cemetery, caves to the Mayan village, and archaeological sites. Ride a raft through Paradise River and lastly, relax with a glass of wine at the Vino de Mexico wine cellar.
Rio Secreto
Immerse yourself into a crystal museum, or the Mayan underworld! Rio Secreto is made up of geological formations, crystal clear fresh water, and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Rio Secreto is one of Mexico’s most unique nature reserves, and environmental conservation is highly valued here.
Golfing in Playa del Carmen
Visit the el Camaleon golf course at Mayakoba resort for a game of golf through diverse landscapes of forest, jungle and beach. The spectacular setting alone is worth a visit. The golf course includes 18 holes, par 72.
Playacar Golf Club is the first all-inclusive golf resort in Mexico. The 18-hole course is built among lush foliage, making it a scenic, but challenging course.
There’s also Grand Coral Golf, which was created by golf course designed and legendary hall of fame golfer Nick Price. This 18-hole course winds through a natural jungle landscape and is accessible to all skill levels.
Tequila Academy
While you’re in Mexico you can’t miss professional tequila tasting at Tequila Academy. For the ultimate experience book a tasting in the rooftop pool. You can customize your tasting by including Mezcal and appetizers. If you’d rather stay home, book at private tequila tasting at your rental space.
Stroll 5th Avenue at Night
Lastly, for the perfect evening to end your vacation, stroll the popular 5th avenue after sunset for a relaxing, entertaining time. Grab a cocktail and try some of the best food in Playa.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to write in the comment section below or send us an e-mail to: contact@kay.tours.