Stories and guides from Playa del Carmen expats
Playa del Carmen residents can expect improvements in their power supply with the installation of new electrical lines by the CFE, following years of outages and public pressure.
New businesses in Playa del Carmen despite economic challenges, but small operators like Vale's bike rental face increased competition and higher costs.
Playa del Carmen has activated rain preparedness measures to prevent flooding and ensure essential services remain functional during the rainy season.
Starting this year, Playa del Carmen will regulate Airbnb rentals, requiring property owners to obtain a license from the city council. This move aims to control the impact on the local housing market while preparing the town for increased tourism.
Beach access at Playa Pelícanos is temporarily closed due to erosion, posing a risk to visitors.
Playa del Carmen plans to build new substations to reduce power outages, but improvements are not expected until the end of 2026.
Riviera Maya offers world-class eco-parks (Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor adventure), crystal-clear cenotes (Gran Cenote, Dos Ojos caves), ancient Mayan ruins (Tulum clifftop coastal, Coba 138-ft climbable pyramid), pristine Caribbean beaches (Akumal sea turtles, Puerto Morelos reef), adventure activities (snorkeling Great Mayan Reef, whale sharks June-Sept). Plan 1 week minimum, base in Playa del Carmen.
Xenotes tour explores four cenote types in 8 hours: zip-lining/rappelling at Fire Cenote, kayaking at Water Cenote, swimming Earth Cenote's stalactites, descending Wind Cenote-all with guides, lunch, transport for $150-180.
PDC Spring Break 2026: Mamitas/Kool Beach Clubs, Fifth Ave nightlife (Coco Bongo shows, Palazzo club), Xcaret/Xplor parks ($100-150), cenotes, Tulum ruins. $50-100 daily. Book early-March peak.
Romantic Playa del Carmen: Chez Celine (French), La Perla Pixan (Rosewood), Axiote beach dining. Perfect for honeymoons and couples.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Riviera Maya ranks among top family destinations with eco-parks (Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor), safe beaches (Playacar, Akumal), cenotes, and family resorts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
