Playa del Carmen vacations are a time for having fun, trying out new activities on tours and day trips, sampling the amazing restaurants, and – of course – enjoying the crazy nightlife in places like Coco Bongo. But those experiences don’t come cheap and sometimes you may find yourself looking for some activities that are a little less expensive. So, here are 5 of the best free things to do in Playa del Carmen.
Do some window shopping along Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is one of Playa del Carmen’s most expensive streets, full of upmarket restaurants and its fair share of clothing and souvenir stores. But it costs nothing to experience the atmosphere of this popular area, where you’ll likely encounter all manner of street entertainers, artists, and people-watching opportunities.
The southern end of ‘La Quinta’ is without exception the busiest, and you’d best be prepared for vendors attempting to part you from your dollars. But the further north you explore, the quieter – and more attractive – the street becomes.
Watch the daily dance shows at Parque Los Fundadores
At the beginning of Fifth Avenue, close to the Cozumel ferry pier, you’ll find Playa del Carmen’s most famous park, Parque Los Fundadores (Founding Fathers Park). The park is worth a visit in its own right, with an iconic bronze statue of a man and woman holding hands paying tribute to the region’s Mayan population, and lovely views over the beach and ocean.
However, the real draw is watching a show by Los Voladores de Papantla, or the Papantla Flyers. Originating in Veracruz, Mexico, the show begins with five costumed men climbing a 100-foot pole. Then, while one remains at the top playing a flute, the others swing in wide circles suspended by their ankles, gradually descending to the ground. It’s a unique show, and one that’s definitely worth adding to your Playa del Carmen agenda.
Visit the Mayan ruins in Playacar
Most Playa del Carmen visitors assume that, to see Mayan ruins, they need to travel to Chichen Itza or Tulum. But you only need to travel as far as Playacar, immediately south of the downtown, to access a ruin site.
The Mayan ruins in Playacar, called Xaman Há, are smaller than many more famous sites, but these ones are free to enter. Set along an unassuming road through the gated community, you’ll find fragmented sections of Mayan buildings. They’re believed to date back to the 13th century, when the site was a jumping-off point to the island of Cozumel for pilgrims visiting the important Ixchel goddess temple.
See a cenote meet the ocean at Punta Esmerelda
As well as Mayan ruins, another little-known attraction in Playa del Carmen is its cenote at Punta Esmerelda. Not as distinctive as some of the underground cave-like cenotes in other parts of the Mexican Caribbean, this is still worth a look. At Punta Esmerelda, a freshwater cenote meets the ocean, creating a bubbling pool of water that’s great for kids to swim in or adults to wade.
You’ll probably be one of the few non-Mexicans if you pay this place a visit, as it’s a popular spot for locals to visit. It’s worth noting there are few facilities, and no bathrooms, so plan accordingly.
Chill out on a Playa del Carmen beach
One thing you simply have to do in Playa del Carmen is visit the beach. And, although the city’s hotels and resorts would have you believe they own their own beach, all Mexican beaches are actually public property, meaning – in theory at least – you can access any of them for free.
Some of the easiest places to access the beach are at the northern end of Playacar, or at Playa Mamitas where you can enjoy the beach for free, or splash out and make use of the Mamitas Beach Club facilities – one of Playa del Carmen’s most popular beach clubs.
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