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How to Spend 1 Day in Playa del Carmen
Located about an hour south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is a popular Riviera Maya destination. Enjoy its white sand beaches and access to numerous outdoor and cultural activities on a visit. Here are some ways to enjoy 24 hours in Playa del Carmen.
Morning: Get to Know the Area
To visit the ruins of Tulum, an ancient Maya archaeological site about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, opt for an express tour with an early morning start—leaving you time in the afternoon to enjoy the beach or another activity. Or stay in Playa del Carmen and get to know the local cuisine on a food tour. Alternatively, head about 15 minutes south of town to one of three outdoor adventure, jungle, and eco-archaeological parks—Rio Secreto, Xplor, and Xcaret—where all kinds of family-friendly activities are available such as ziplining and swimming in underground rivers.
Afternoon: Discover the Natural Environment
Head out to sea on a half-day catamaran cruise for the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Look for tropical fish and sea turtles and admire the scenery as the boat glides along the coastline. Cruises often include lunch and drinks on board. If you’d rather stay on land, head into the jungle on a buggy tour that introduces you to the lush landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula. Drive or ride in an open-air 4-wheel-drive buggy, and stop to swim in a cenote, a natural underground swimming hole.
Night: Eat, Drink, and Be Entertained
You have another chance to sample local cuisine and learn more about the town of Playa del Carmen on an evening food tour. Or, perhaps, you’d rather relax and watch the sunset from the water on an evening cruise. Enjoy Vegas-style entertainment with a Riviera Maya twist at a Cirque du Soleil show, which offers dinner and Champagne options, or go dancing with a nightclub pass to some of Playa del Carmen’s top nightlife venues.
10 Tours and Activities
Jungle Buggy Tour from Playa del Carmen Including Cenote Swim
Journey deep into the Riviera Maya on this guided jungle buggy tour from Playa del Carmen. Steer a 4x4 buggy for about 18 miles and admire the lush forest scenery during this thrilling drive. Make a stop at a ranch for a refreshing swim and snorkel at a cenote. Hotel transport included.
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From
USD108.05
From
USD108.05
Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in the Riviera Maya with Light Dinner and Open Bar
Set sail along the magnificent coastline of the Riviera Maya aboard a luxury catamaran and gaze at the soft hues of sunset. Relax with a cocktail from the open bar while you're served snacks by an expert crew and captain. Hotel transport is provided from most hotels for this excursion.
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From
USD99.00
From
USD99.00
Xcaret Park Entry Ticket with Night Show included *Official Product*
Guarantee your entry to Playa del Carmen’s Xcaret eco-archeological park by booking your entrance ticket in advance. Combining nature with history, culture, and cuisine, Xcaret boasts more than 40 attractions that guarantee a fun-filled family day out. Witness an exhilarating equestrian show, marvel at nature in the Butterfly Pavillion and on Jaguar Island, and delve into Yucatan history at the Mexican Folk Art Museum. Upgrade to an Xcarat Plus ticket for free use of lockers and snorkel equipment, a buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and a beer.
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From
USD102.85
From
USD102.85
Xplor Park All-Inclusive Admission
Enjoy a day of Riviera Maya adventure at Xplor Park with all-inclusive access to underground river trips, amphibious vehicle trails, and zip lines. Paddle, swim, drive, and soar: all equipment is provided, along with dressing rooms and secure lockers. You’ll have the whole day to explore the park at your own pace, with a break to refuel with a lunch buffet, smoothies, and juice.
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From
USD146.66
From
USD146.66
Rio Secreto Plus Tour in Playa Del Carmen
Explore Rio Secreto in Playa del Carmen, including additional access to new features with a Rio Secreto Plus admission ticket. Visit the new 'Dry Route', which includes a visit to the Salón de la Paz for a fantastic sound and light show and a 25-minute guided walk on the interpretive nature trails. Bike through the forest and go rappelling, then continue to Rio Secreto's natural underground rivers and impressive caves filled with unique rock formations. Fuel up with a buffet lunch and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. Use of all equipment and transport from the welcome center are included.
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From
USD109.00
From
USD109.00
VIP Nightclub Tour in Playa del Carmen
Dance the night away at three of Playa del Carmen’s swankiest bars and clubs on a VIP nightclub tour of the town. Enjoy an exclusive experience of Playa del Carmen’s famous nightlife as you sip unlimited drinks in bustling beach bars and cosmopolitan clubs with a lively guide. Slink past velvet ropes as you skip long lines, allowing more time for drinking and dancing to prominent Mexican DJs.
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From
USD99.99
From
USD99.99
Tulum Express Half-Day Tour from Playa del Carmen
Visit the Maya city of Tulum on a 6-hour tour from Playa del Carmen, and explore temples, pyramids, and history at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. See the site on a two-hour guided tour, then enjoy an hour to explore on your own, snap photos, or visit the Tulum beach. This 6-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off at Playa del Carmen hotels, as well as entrance fees at the Tulum Archeological Site.
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From
USD43.00
From
USD43.00
Playa del Carmen Food Tour
Bring your appetite on this foodie tour in Playa del Carmen. By taxi and on foot, an in-the-know guide whisks you to five of the best restaurants and street stalls not frequented by tourists, where you will sample authentic Mexican cuisine, made up of Maya and Spanish influences. At an open-air farmer’s market, learn how fresh ingredients are used in dishes. Discover places and foods that you never would have found on your own!
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From
USD70.66
From
USD70.66
Walking Food Tasting Experience in Downtown Playa del Carmen
Get beyond the tourist restaurants on a 3-hour culinary walking tour of Playa del Carmen, as you discover the city’s locally-owned cafes and street food stalls. Come hungry for tastings and drinks at five locations, and get an insider introduction to the Playa del Carmen food scene.
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From
USD78.45
From
USD78.45
Transportation from Cancún + Cirque du Soleil® JOYÀ
Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic color of the Cirque du Soleil® show 'JOYÁ' in the heart of the Riviera Maya jungle during an enthralling show. Take your seat in the atmospheric custom-built theatre to witness the spectacle of the Cirque; watch as an alchemist and his granddaughter set out on a quest to discover the secrets of life, accompanied by mythical creatures. Depending upon which package you purchase, sip sparkling Mercier champagne as you enjoy gourmet gastronomy and watch the surreal scenes unravel.
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From
USD139.42
From
USD139.42