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Taking a long weekend off my schedule, I flew from Vancouver to Cancun for a 3-day, 3-night getaway. Playa del Carmen, a charming resort town in Quintana Roo, Mexico, is an oasis of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, magical cenotes, historic archaeological sites, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food. Away from the bustling tourist hubs of Cancun and Tulum, Playa Del Carmen - Caribbean bliss offers a refreshing change of pace.
I stayed at my friend’s place, who has been living in Playa for a while and helped me map out a perfect 3-day itinerary. Arriving in the early afternoon, my first stop was Parque Los Fundadores. This picturesque park, known for its iconic sculpture, is a perfect spot for photos. Adjacent to the park is Playa Incluyente, a lively beach where the sea breeze sets the tone for your Playa adventure.
Next, we headed to Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the vibrant heart of Playa del Carmen. This lively street is lined with fantastic restaurants, cafes, and shops, all accompanied by the hum of live music. After soaking in the energy of Quinta Avenida, we moved on to Coco Beach. Sitting by the mesmerizing Caribbean waters felt surreal, even though I was slightly let down by the seaweed (sargassum) on the beach. We wrapped up the day with a laid-back dinner and drinks, letting the relaxed vibes sink in.
The second day began with a rejuvenating ice bath on the beach. My friend, an ice bath instructor with ReConnect, recommended this experience, and it was the perfect way to kick-start the morning. Invigorated, we set off to explore Cenote Azul and Playa Xpu-Ha.
Cenote Azul is an open-air cenote with crystal-clear pools of varying depths. The water was so transparent that you could see the bottom, and if you stayed still, tiny fish would offer a natural exfoliation experience.
From there, we headed to Playa Xpu-Ha, a hidden gem far from the usual crowds. The serene beach, with its pristine white sand and tranquil waters protected by the Mesoamerican Reef, felt like paradise. Renting lounge chairs from a nearby shack, we spent the afternoon indulging in delicious food and drinks, fully immersed in the idyllic surroundings.
On the final day, we rented a car from America Car Rental for a road trip to Chichen Itza in Yucatán. The drive took about 2.5 hours, and we arrived at one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After purchasing tickets at the entrance, we spent two hours exploring this magnificent archaeological site, marveling at its rich Mayan history and stunning architecture. Guided tours are available for those looking to delve deeper into the Mayan culture.
On our way back to Playa del Carmen, we stopped at the charming town of Valladolid. This quaint town, with its colorful colonial buildings and vibrant energy, felt like it deserved more time to explore. Surrounded by numerous cenotes, Valladolid is definitely on my list for a longer stay next time.
Playa del Carmen offered the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. From the vibrant Quinta Avenida to the serene Playa Xpu-Ha and the historic grandeur of Chichen Itza, every moment was unforgettable. A quick getaway turned into a soulful journey, and I can’t wait to return to this beautiful corner of the Caribbean.
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