Unique Things to Do in Playa del Carmen: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

The best unique things to do in Playa del Carmen are exploring lesser-known cenotes like Casa Cenote (turtles, mangroves, underground river), shopping at Mercado 28 for authentic tacos and local goods, and taking a street art tour around 30th Avenue's outdoor murals. Skip 5th Avenue tourist shops, these hidden gems offer authentic experiences at better prices. Tianguis traveling markets feature organic produce and homemade salsas, while Cenote Cristalino offers uncrowded cliff jumping with fresh ceviche on-site.

Explore Underground Rivers and Cenotes

The Riviera Maya sits atop an extensive network of underground rivers and cave systems. While major parks offer cenote experiences, exploring lesser-known cenotes provides a more intimate connection with these sacred waters.

Casa Cenote

This open-air cenote near Tulum connects to an underground river system that flows to the ocean. The mix of fresh and salt water creates unique visibility conditions, and you might spot turtles, fish, and even the occasional crocodile (they're harmless and shy). Mangroves line the edges, creating a jungle atmosphere unlike the more popular swimming holes.

Cenote Cristalino

Just off the highway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this cenote remains relatively uncrowded despite its accessibility. The crystal-clear water reveals every detail of the rocky bottom, and platforms at various heights invite cliff jumping. A small on-site restaurant serves fresh ceviche and cold drinks.

Discover Local Markets

Skip the tourist shops on 5th Avenue and explore where locals actually shop. These markets offer authentic experiences and much better prices.

Mercado 28

This sprawling market in downtown Playa del Carmen sells everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. The food stalls serve some of the best tacos in town, with recipes passed down through generations. Come hungry and curious, and be prepared to practice your Spanish.

Tianguis Market

Held on specific days in various neighborhoods, these traveling markets bring together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. The organic produce, homemade salsas, and fresh tortillas offer a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. Ask locals for the current schedule and location.

Take a Street Art Tour

Playa del Carmen has developed a vibrant street art scene, with murals covering walls throughout the city. Local artists have transformed ordinary streets into outdoor galleries, with pieces ranging from traditional Mexican imagery to contemporary political commentary.

The area around 30th Avenue features some of the most impressive works, many created during annual art festivals. Self-guided walks let you discover hidden pieces in unexpected places, while organized tours provide context about the artists and their messages.

Visit a Working Cacao Farm

Several small farms near Playa del Carmen offer tours demonstrating traditional chocolate-making techniques. The ancient Maya considered cacao sacred, using it in religious ceremonies and as currency. These tours explain the journey from pod to chocolate bar, usually ending with tastings and the chance to make your own treats.

Explore the Jungle on Horseback

While ATV tours are popular, horseback riding offers a quieter way to explore the Mayan jungle. Several ranches near Playa del Carmen offer guided rides through forest trails, often including visits to small cenotes accessible only by horse or foot. The pace allows for wildlife spotting and genuine connection with the landscape.

Catch a Local Lucha Libre Match

Mexican wrestling isn't just for tourists. Local arenas host weekly matches where costumed wrestlers perform athletic feats and dramatic storylines. The atmosphere is electric, with families cheering their favorite heroes and booing the villains. It's pure entertainment that transcends language barriers.

Cook with a Local Family

Several families in and around Playa del Carmen open their homes for cooking classes. Unlike resort-based experiences, these intimate sessions take you to local markets for ingredient shopping, then into home kitchens where recipes have been perfected over generations. You'll learn techniques for mole, tamales, and regional specialties rarely found in restaurants.

Swim with Whale Sharks

From June through September, the waters north of Playa del Carmen fill with whale sharks, the world's largest fish. Tours depart early morning for the feeding grounds near Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy. Swimming alongside these gentle giants, some reaching 40 feet in length, ranks among the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on the planet.

Explore Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

This UNESCO World Heritage Site protects over 1.3 million acres of tropical forest, wetlands, and marine environments. Day trips from Playa del Carmen include boat tours through mangrove channels, floating down natural lazy rivers, and visits to small Mayan ruins within the reserve. The biodiversity here far exceeds what you'll encounter at developed beaches.

Join a Dawn Yoga Session on the Beach

Several yoga instructors offer early morning sessions on public beaches before the crowds arrive. Practicing sun salutations as the Caribbean sunrise paints the sky creates a meditative experience impossible to replicate elsewhere. Most sessions welcome all levels and require no advance booking.

Hunt for Bioluminescence

Certain times of year, usually summer months with new moons, the waters around Playa del Carmen glow with bioluminescent plankton. Nighttime kayak tours to secluded lagoons reveal this magical phenomenon, where every paddle stroke creates streams of blue-green light. The experience feels otherworldly and photographs poorly, making it a memory you carry rather than share.

Attend a Temazcal Ceremony

This ancient Mayan sweat lodge ritual offers spiritual cleansing and physical detoxification. Held in dome-shaped structures, ceremonies involve heated volcanic stones, herbal steam, and traditional songs led by a shaman. The intense experience provides insight into pre-Columbian traditions still practiced in the region.

Day Trip to Lesser-Known Ruins

While everyone visits Tulum and Chichen Itza, smaller archaeological sites offer exploration without crowds. Muyil, at the edge of Sian Ka'an, features a tall pyramid overlooking a lagoon, with almost no other visitors. Kohunlich, deeper into the jungle, displays enormous stone masks on its temple facades. These sites require more effort to reach but reward adventurous travelers with authentic discovery.

Final Thoughts

Playa del Carmen's true character reveals itself away from the resort zone. By seeking out local markets, hidden cenotes, and authentic cultural experiences, you'll discover why this corner of Mexico has attracted travelers for decades. The best memories often come from unexpected encounters and unplanned adventures, so leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous exploration.

Related Playa del Carmen Guides

• Explore Playa del Carmen
• Leisure & Activities in PDC
• Food & Dining in PDC

Tour operator in PDC? List your business on ExpatsList.