9 Days in Playa del Carmen: Practical Tips and Insider Recommendations

After spending nine days exploring Playa del Carmen on our honeymoon, I learned so much about how to actually enjoy this destination rather than just survive it. We came here for the first time as a couple determined to experience as much as possible—and the Reddit community was instrumental in helping us plan. Now I want to give back and share everything we discovered about accommodation, food, practical tips, and activities in Playa del Carmen.

Accommodation: Choose an Airbnb, Not a Resort

This is the most important decision you'll make. Book an Airbnb instead of staying at an all-inclusive resort. It's three to four times cheaper, gives you freedom to explore on your own schedule, and you'll genuinely enjoy your stay more.

We stayed at Miranda Condos, which had everything we needed: a rooftop pool, gym, 24/7 front desk and security, and it was right by the beach and walking distance to 5th Avenue. The neighborhood is calm with excellent restaurants and cafés nearby. The key is choosing a location that balances proximity to the action with actual peace and quiet.

Resort food and all-inclusive deals sound convenient, but they limit you and quickly become repetitive. You'll see far better food options by exploring on your own.

Practical Tips for Getting Around and Staying Safe

Rent a Car

Get one. Public transport works fine for basic trips, but if you want flexibility and the ability to explore beyond the tourist zone, a car is essential. We rented from EasyWay in Playa del Carmen. Communication was smooth through WhatsApp, prices were fair (around 30 USD per day), and there were no problems with the rental process. Gas is cheap in Mexico, making a car rental an economical choice.

Use Cash—It's Easier and Cheaper

You can pay with a card in most places, but it's easier and usually cheaper to pay in pesos. Withdrawing cash is simple, but be strategic about which ATMs you use.

ATM Strategy

Use ATM machines located inside bank branches rather than standalone machines. We used Banorte (which charges a 62 peso withdrawal fee), and Scotiabank is also a good option. Avoiding sketchy ATMs protects both your card and your safety.

Mosquito Repellent is Essential

You will need it. There are lots of mosquitoes both during the day and at night, especially near jungle areas and after sunset. Buy local spray and reapply often. This is not optional if you want to enjoy your time outdoors.

Toilet Paper Goes in the Trash

Do not throw paper into the toilet. The pipes are narrow and designed differently than in North America—it will clog easily. Dispose of paper in the trash can provided. Trust us on this one.

Safety is Not an Issue

We felt completely safe everywhere we went. You will get offered weed and cocaine occasionally, especially on 5th Avenue. Just politely decline and move on—it's a minor annoyance, not a threat.

Coconut Electrolyte Water

Sold in OXXO convenience stores, this is perfect after runs or hot days out exploring. It's inexpensive and genuinely refreshing.

Where to Eat: The Complete Food Guide

Breakfast Spots (Where We Came Back Multiple Times)

Ojo de Agua – We went four times. It's the perfect mix of Mexican and modern cuisine with lots of healthy options. The peanut butter açaí bowl was incredible, as were the salmon and tuna sandwiches. Avocado truffles and cochinita toast were favorites. Waffles, motuleño eggs with chorizo, excellent juices, and top-quality coffee made this our most-visited restaurant.

Que Huevos – A cozy place with good juices and decent breakfast options, though not quite as extensive as Ojo de Agua. The breakfast burrito was excellent.

Arcana – Our post-run stop every morning. They serve immunity shots (the "Wake Up Call" is the best), açaí bowls, overnight oats, and excellent coffee. Everything is organic and the jungle-like atmosphere makes you feel like you're starting your day in paradise.

La Cueva del Chango – A beautiful Mexican spot surrounded by trees and plants. When you sit down, they offer chocolate and vanilla buns—take them. The juices and sauces are exceptional, and the motuleño eggs and chilaquiles with avocado and fried eggs are delicious.

Lunch and Dinner: Local Gems

El Fogón – Simply amazing. It's highly recommended in the Michelin Guide and totally deserves the recognition. The mango margarita was incredible, and everything we tried—guacamole, tacos, tortas, gringas, melted cheese, alambres, and pico de gallo—was top quality. We went three times, and every visit was perfect. The atmosphere is lively, prices are great, and the staff works incredibly hard. Tip them well. Do not miss the torta al pastor con queso.

The No-Name Food Truck (between Taquería El Jarocho and a burger truck) – One of the best local experiences we had. This is a small family business run by an old lady as the boss with her kids cooking and serving. Locals line up every night. There's a self-serve table with pickled onions, cucumbers, radishes, and spicy sauces. You sit on plastic chairs, eat with your hands, and it is absolutely fantastic. Super cheap and incredibly tasty. Order the jamaica drink.

Birria de la 30 – The owner came out and served us himself, recommending the classic tacos and broth. Delicious and authentic. Try the taco dorado con queso and agua de sabor. Ask for extra cilantro and dip your tacos in the broth.

La Perla Pixan Cuisine and La Carbonería – Great drinks, good juices, and excellent octopus and fish tacos. Modern Mexican food, friendly staff, live band, and TVs for watching sports.

La Negra Tomasa (Tulum) – Seafood only, and one of the best meals of our trip. The aguachile sauce was incredible—we literally drank it. Salmon tostadas were incredibly fresh, tacos pulpo and tacos gober were amazing, and you should definitely try the Piñada.

Taquería La Bendición de Dios (Valladolid) – Located in someone's backyard. They offered us a taste of everything, and it was all delicious and cheap. Try the tortas and pibihuas.

Activities and Experiences Worth Your Time

Running in Playa del Carmen

Every morning we ran 5K along 5th Avenue. There are plenty of runners and great energy early in the morning. Go around 7 am before it gets too hot. There's also a track and sports stadium in El Centro (at the intersection of Calle 34 and Av 10) where you can run in the evening after it cools down with other locals.

Chichén Itzá

Definitely worth visiting, even though it's a long drive. Note that it's one hour behind Playa del Carmen time. Get there around 8 or 9 am before the big tourist buses arrive. Roads are good, but bring cash for tolls. On the way back, consider stopping in Valladolid to eat at local homes—people are kind and welcoming, and the food is incredible.

Cenotes

We visited Cenote Azul, Dos Ojos (both near Tulum), and Suytum in Yucatán. All were beautiful and worth visiting. You can just show up and pay a fee to enter—no reservation required for most. Bring snorkel gear if you have it, or rent it there.

Cozumel Snorkeling

Take the Xcaret Ferry, which runs every hour. Buy tickets online. We booked a snorkeling tour with Mario El Cielo (Abrimar), and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We visited three snorkeling spots with about 14 people on the boat. They provided all gear and served ceviche with nachos, fruit with tajín and salt, beers, and tequila shots. The atmosphere was amazing, with music playing and everyone having fun. We saw sharks, starfish, rays, and lots of colorful fish.

Beach Clubs

We went to Tantra Tulum and had a great experience. Prices were reasonable, and the food and drinks were excellent. The basic entrance was 4000 pesos for two people, which includes sunbeds and an umbrella, and you get half of that back as credit for food and drinks. Make a reservation at least a day in advance—they have an online map where you can pick your spot. The beach was clean and beautiful, the staff was super nice, and parking was easy (200 pesos for the day).

Skip the Resort Day Pass

There's an app called Resort Pass where you can book day access to hotels. We booked a luxury resort experience for the day thinking it would be special, but we were disappointed. The beach and pool were nice, but the food and drinks were bland, the alcohol was cheap, and even the guacamole was bad. Lesson learned: go to a beach club or eat local street food instead. You'll have a much better experience.

The Bottom Line

If you're planning a trip to Playa del Carmen, explore as much as you can, eat local food, move around, and skip the all-inclusive resorts. Mexico is full of life, flavor, and warmth, and Playa del Carmen is the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Stay in an Airbnb, rent a car, eat from family-run businesses, and embrace the energy of the local community. That's where the real magic happens.