Playa del Carmen, Mexico Riviera Maya: Xcaret eco-park, Xel-Ha snorkeling, Xplor zip-lines (2+ miles, 150ft high), cenotes, Tulum/Coba ruins, Akumal turtles, Sian Ka'an Biosphere. 5-7 days minimum. Nov-Apr best.
Rachel Chen 31
Latest Blogs
Showing 15 of 205 blogs
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Rachel Chen Playa del Carmen, Mexico Xenotes visits 4 cenotes in one day: rappel 45ft, zip-line 100ft, kayak, swim underground. $150-180 includes transportation, equipment, lunch, guides. 6-7 hours, ages 6+, 285lb max.
Rachel Chen 27
Playa del Carmen, Mexico A Playa del Carmen local's guide to tipping in Mexico — how much at restaurants, all-inclusive resorts, and how to spot tips already included on your bill.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Best PDC day trips: Tulum Ruins (40mi, 90 peso entry), Cozumel (ferry), Chichen Itza (2.5hr). Central location puts ruins, islands, cenotes within 1-2 hours.
Rachel Chen 51
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Drive from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza takes 2.5-3 hrs covering 120 miles via Highway 180D (toll road 450-500 pesos). Options: drive yourself (most flexible, economical for groups), ADO bus (750-900 pesos round trip), or tours (800-4,000 pesos with guide/lunch). Leave 5:30-6:30 AM to arrive at 8 AM opening, beat crowds.
Rachel Chen 42
Riviera Maya Family Guide: The Ultimate Family Vacation
Tips & Guides Playa del Carmen, Mexico Riviera Maya ranks among top family destinations with eco-parks (Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor), safe beaches (Playacar, Akumal), cenotes, and family resorts.
Rachel Chen 37
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Xcaret Children's World: splash pads, shallow pools (2-3"), mini slides, adventure playgrounds, animal encounters (butterfly pavilion, touch tanks, aviary), underground river floats (78°F, life jackets), calm beach snorkeling, Mexico show—ages 2-12.
Rachel Chen 37
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Ek Balam: hidden Mayan ruins 2 hours from PDC. You can still climb the pyramid. Less crowded than Chichen Itza. 30 min north of Valladolid.
Rachel Chen 43
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Top Playa del Carmen: Fifth Avenue shopping/dining, pristine beaches, cenotes (Cenote Azul), Tulum ruins day trips, Cozumel/Isla Mujeres ferries. 3-5 days ideal for beaches, culture, and adventure.
Rachel Chen 56
Playa del Carmen, Mexico The Sunday tianguis in Playa del Carmen is a bustling open-air market in the Colosio neighborhood, centered on 10th Avenue between Calle 54 and 58. From 9 AM to 4 PM, find fresh fruit, clothing, tools, second-hand goods, and incredible street food at local prices. A complete guide to shopping like a regular.
Sofia Martinez 106
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Discover Playa del Carmen's best local favorites: El Fogon taqueria (15-25 peso al pastor tacos), La Cueva del Chango (jungle garden restaurant), Calle 88 beach (fewer vendors), and Santanera mezcal bar - authentic places expats frequent beyond Fifth Avenue tourist traps.
Rachel Chen 37
Playa del Carmen, Mexico The must-do things in Playa del Carmen for 2026 include swimming with wild sea turtles at Akumal Bay, exploring underground rivers at Rio Secreto, and experiencing authentic street food. These essential experiences blend Caribbean natural beauty with Mayan cultural heritage.
Rachel Chen 25
Playa del Carmen, Mexico Best Riviera Maya family activities: Xcaret eco-park, Xel-Ha snorkeling, Tulum ruins, cenote swimming. Playa del Carmen has the best family resorts and beaches.
Rachel Chen 60
The Complete Guide to Playa del Carmen Community Groups: WhatsApp, Facebook & Telegram (2026)
Community Playa del Carmen, Mexico Over 100 active community groups for expats, digital nomads, and locals in Playa del Carmen — organized by fitness, business, spirituality, events, parenting, and more. Your complete 2026 directory to finding your people in PDC across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram.
Rachel Chen 52
Playa del Carmen, Mexico The Xel-Ha zip bikes offer a unique aerial adventure combining cycling and ziplining through the Riviera Maya jungle canopy, with circuits taking 15-25 minutes at rider-controlled speeds and family-friendly thrills for ages 8+.
Rachel Chen 20
