Sylvia’s Guidebook
Airport Shuttle
USA Transfers is a professional, reliable and clean private shuttle service from Cancun to the Playa del Carmen area. Make your reservations online before you travel and there will be a representative waiting for you when you arrive.
Playa del Carmen, Meksyk
I personally use this shuttle when I fly into Cancun.
Grocery stores
Excellent grocery store a short walk away. Large selection of wine, tequila, and alcohol. Prepared foods, bakery, and even souvenirs
Selecto Súper Chedraui 5a Avenida
Excellent grocery store a short walk away. Large selection of wine, tequila, and alcohol. Prepared foods, bakery, and even souvenirs
This is the Mexican Walmart of Playa del Carmen. This is a great place to buy toiletries, snacks, soft drinks, wine and beer at great prices.
30 Ave. and Constituyentes
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MEGA Soriana
101 30 Avenida Nte.This is the Mexican Walmart of Playa del Carmen. This is a great place to buy toiletries, snacks, soft drinks, wine and beer at great prices.
30 Ave. and Constituyentes
Great spot for fresh vegetables, spices and some artisan foods. They have wonderful
vegetables and a very good selection of foreign items (Italian mostly).
Great granola and a fabulous array of chilis in bins, cheeses and sliced meats. Good
home-baked breads.
Address: 30th Avenue between Constituyentes and Calle 20
Tel: +52 984-873-3334
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DAC Verduras y Frutas
Calle 20 NorteGreat spot for fresh vegetables, spices and some artisan foods. They have wonderful
vegetables and a very good selection of foreign items (Italian mostly).
Great granola and a fabulous array of chilis in bins, cheeses and sliced meats. Good
home-baked breads.
Address: 30th Avenue between Constituyentes and Calle 20
Tel: +52 984-873-3334
Restaurant recommendations
Playa’s restaurant scene is vibrant and constantly changing. Below we’ve included some restaurants that we have either tried or have been recommended to us.
THROUGHOUT TOWN
These spots below are local finds—inexpensive, off the beaten path—and where Mexicans and frequent visitors eat. They are also the handful of spots we never leave town without visiting at least once. You will notice food trucks for “Marquitas”. They are around 40-60 pesos and amazing. Ask for the Playa del Carmen local one made with Nutella, strawberries and cream cheese:)
This is our new favorite restaurant in Playa. The food is absolutely delicious. The service was fast. Reasonably priced. Something for everyone. Not everything is spicy! We eat here at least 2 times per visit! We highly recommend this place
Ferron's Jerk Chicken
This is our new favorite restaurant in Playa. The food is absolutely delicious. The service was fast. Reasonably priced. Something for everyone. Not everything is spicy! We eat here at least 2 times per visit! We highly recommend this place
This is our favorite breakfast place. A great place to relax over a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich on a fresh croissant. Plenty of shaded outdoor seating. They have amazing pastries.
http://www.chezceline.com.mx/
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Chez Céline
Esquina Calle 34 NteThis is our favorite breakfast place. A great place to relax over a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich on a fresh croissant. Plenty of shaded outdoor seating. They have amazing pastries.
http://www.chezceline.com.mx/
Great place to feel like a local. lunch special Tues.- Fri. for $189 pesos. Great food and excellent deal!
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PapaCharly
Calle 30 NorteGreat place to feel like a local. lunch special Tues.- Fri. for $189 pesos. Great food and excellent deal!
One of my personal favorites. Traditional Mexican food (tacos al pastor is one favorite dish) and very affordable. Some of the best chicken fajitas in Playa. Great margaritas too!! Menu is in spanish. There are two locations. This is the more population location.
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El Fogon
Avenida ConstituyentesOne of my personal favorites. Traditional Mexican food (tacos al pastor is one favorite dish) and very affordable. Some of the best chicken fajitas in Playa. Great margaritas too!! Menu is in spanish. There are two locations. This is the more population location.
The favorite spot of our most recent guests. Fresh natural juices, the absolute best guacamole ever, amazing meats and wonderful customer service. The owner takes great pride in all of his patrons and views them as his most important guest. Just off Constituyentes on 20th Street
EL CHULETON (taqueria) RES, POLLO, CERDO, SOPAS & MAS
Calle 16 Norte BisThe favorite spot of our most recent guests. Fresh natural juices, the absolute best guacamole ever, amazing meats and wonderful customer service. The owner takes great pride in all of his patrons and views them as his most important guest. Just off Constituyentes on 20th Street
There are two locations in town, one conveniently located on Constituyentes. Delicious fresh fish, shrimp, and mixed ceviche tacos and tosadas, as well as some creative seafood plates. The staff is friendly and the locale is always packed.
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Los Aguachiles
Centro Calle 34 NteThere are two locations in town, one conveniently located on Constituyentes. Delicious fresh fish, shrimp, and mixed ceviche tacos and tosadas, as well as some creative seafood plates. The staff is friendly and the locale is always packed.
This local favorite has excellent arrachera. It’s a kind of skirt steak that is very tender and smoky. You can buy it and take it home to cook or eat it here at the
restaurant. It is definitely one of our first stops when we come to town. The staff is friendly, and menus are in English and Spanish. Menu highlights: This place offers “domestic” or “imported” beef. We definitely recommend THE DOMESTIC. It’s fabulous and cheaper. You get a choice of a baked potato or baked onion as a side. Both are delicious, and the sauces are outstanding!
Address: 1 Sur between 30 and 35 aves.
HC de Monterrey Constituyentes
Avenida ConstituyentesThis local favorite has excellent arrachera. It’s a kind of skirt steak that is very tender and smoky. You can buy it and take it home to cook or eat it here at the
restaurant. It is definitely one of our first stops when we come to town. The staff is friendly, and menus are in English and Spanish. Menu highlights: This place offers “domestic” or “imported” beef. We definitely recommend THE DOMESTIC. It’s fabulous and cheaper. You get a choice of a baked potato or baked onion as a side. Both are delicious, and the sauces are outstanding!
Address: 1 Sur between 30 and 35 aves.
Pozole is a hearty soup with chicken and hominy that comes from central Mexico. It comes with all sorts of sides—queso blanco (white cheese), tortilla chips, and avocado—that you can add in. It is delicious and filling, and surprisingly welcome even when it’s hot.
Menu highlights: Pozole and the enchiladas verdes. The second item was a recent find, they are excellent!
Notes: This places seems to close early. I would recommend getting there around 7:00.
Address: Avenue 30 between Calle 20 and 22
Telephone: +52 984-803-2959
Mi Abuelita POZOLERIA RICA PANCITA MEXICAN FOOD
SN 30 Avenida NortePozole is a hearty soup with chicken and hominy that comes from central Mexico. It comes with all sorts of sides—queso blanco (white cheese), tortilla chips, and avocado—that you can add in. It is delicious and filling, and surprisingly welcome even when it’s hot.
Menu highlights: Pozole and the enchiladas verdes. The second item was a recent find, they are excellent!
Notes: This places seems to close early. I would recommend getting there around 7:00.
Address: Avenue 30 between Calle 20 and 22
Telephone: +52 984-803-2959
This spot is an excellent find. It is located on what is called the most beautiful street in Playa, 38th Street. When you enter the restaurant you will think you are in a tropical forest. The breakfast and lunch are our favorites. They have amazing coffee, freshly squeezed juices,
omelets, empanadas, and so on (please see the online menu for brunch and lunch options). It is a block from the beach.
Address: 38th Street North between 5th Avenue and the Ocean. 52/894-147-0271
www.lacuevadelchango.com (Please see the website for photos)
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La Cueva del Chango
Mz. 4 Calle 38 Nte.This spot is an excellent find. It is located on what is called the most beautiful street in Playa, 38th Street. When you enter the restaurant you will think you are in a tropical forest. The breakfast and lunch are our favorites. They have amazing coffee, freshly squeezed juices,
omelets, empanadas, and so on (please see the online menu for brunch and lunch options). It is a block from the beach.
Address: 38th Street North between 5th Avenue and the Ocean. 52/894-147-0271
www.lacuevadelchango.com (Please see the website for photos)
Really good food and Spanish Wines.
Calle 10 entre Av. 15 y 20 (across from the Municipio).
011 52 984 187 7421 (make reservations if after 5:30 pm)
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150812-d3846768-Reviews-El_Tapas
_Company-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
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El Tapas
LB Calle 10 NteReally good food and Spanish Wines.
Calle 10 entre Av. 15 y 20 (across from the Municipio).
011 52 984 187 7421 (make reservations if after 5:30 pm)
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150812-d3846768-Reviews-El_Tapas
_Company-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
Located on 38th Street in Playa, this is one of our favorite breakfast and pastry places.
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LABRIOCHE de Playa - 5ta
Located on 38th Street in Playa, this is one of our favorite breakfast and pastry places.
Great mix of Jamaican and Vietnamese cuisine. Chef Marvin and his wife Stephanie are great hosts. This place accepts CASH ONLY.
Rockas Beach Town Grill - Jamaican Asian Fusion Calle 38
Great mix of Jamaican and Vietnamese cuisine. Chef Marvin and his wife Stephanie are great hosts. This place accepts CASH ONLY.
This restaurant has two locations. One conveniently located on 5th Avenue near 28th street and one on the corner of 38th street and the beach. Live entertainment in the evenings. Great breakfast specials.
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La Vagabunda de la 38
Local 1 Calle FlamingoThis restaurant has two locations. One conveniently located on 5th Avenue near 28th street and one on the corner of 38th street and the beach. Live entertainment in the evenings. Great breakfast specials.
One of our new favorite restaurants. Near the corner of 38th Street and 5th Avenue. Fresh fish and shrimp. Cool ambiance
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Mariskinky
One of our new favorite restaurants. Near the corner of 38th Street and 5th Avenue. Fresh fish and shrimp. Cool ambiance
Mariskinky
Money Exchange
Most places take VISA and US Dollars, fewer take AMEX, but your best bet is to exchange your US dollars to pesos - this will give you the best bargaining power in stores, markets, excursions, etc. There are many of these booths throughout the shopping area to exchange USD, Euros, etc. for Mexican pesos.
Fifth Avenue
5 Avenida NorteThe Juice Man (Eleseo)
Go see Eleseo to buy freshly squeezed orange juice. His stand is on the corner of 20th Avenue and 12th Street (across from the ADO bus terminal).
Calle 12 Nte 20
20 Calle 12 NorteDessert spots
There are several of these shops located throughout Playa del Carmen. They specialize in “all things chocolate”. Be sure to try one of their delicious brownies.
Ah Cacao Chocolate Café
Calle 30 NorteBest desserts
Aldo's Italian gelato
5,Xamanha, Solidaridad, 77720 5 Av. Nte.The gelato is to die for!
Chez Céline
Esquina Calle 34 NteDelicious French pastries
Excursions
There are MANY kiosks on the streets offering deals to island excursions. Shop around and negotiate prices. www.tripadvisor.com is another great resource for day trip ideas.
The island you can see from Playa del Carmen - you take the 35 minute ferry there (check the schedule but typically leaves every hour on the hour). You can buy tickets directly at the ferry station. There are many people selling tickets for renting
mopeds on the island. Expect to pay around $25 per moped for the whole day. We used JM Rentals and had a great experience. Be sure to take a video all around each moped to account for any pre-existing marks, dents, etc before you leave the rental place. It is loads of fun as you can moped all around the island stopping at your leisure at the many restaurants along the way. We recommend snorkeling in Playa Palancar on the south tip
of the Island. Its also a great spot to relax on the beach and grab a drink. The other cool spot to go to is called Coconuts Grill. The views from this cliff restaurant are incredible. The beaches on the west side of the island are where you want to swim and the beaches on the east side have incredible views.
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San Miguel de Cozumel
The island you can see from Playa del Carmen - you take the 35 minute ferry there (check the schedule but typically leaves every hour on the hour). You can buy tickets directly at the ferry station. There are many people selling tickets for renting
mopeds on the island. Expect to pay around $25 per moped for the whole day. We used JM Rentals and had a great experience. Be sure to take a video all around each moped to account for any pre-existing marks, dents, etc before you leave the rental place. It is loads of fun as you can moped all around the island stopping at your leisure at the many restaurants along the way. We recommend snorkeling in Playa Palancar on the south tip
of the Island. Its also a great spot to relax on the beach and grab a drink. The other cool spot to go to is called Coconuts Grill. The views from this cliff restaurant are incredible. The beaches on the west side of the island are where you want to swim and the beaches on the east side have incredible views.
Located one hour south of Playa del Carmen, there are many tour companies that go to Tulum. You can pair it with a snorkeling trip to the nearby Akumal Beach and one of the many many cenotes in the area. You will not want to miss snorkeling in a cenote. The Yucatan Peninsula has the world’s largest underground river - the waters are so clear leaving you with majestic underwater views. We have heard good things about a company called NS Vacation Tours. You can find their excursion packages on trip advisor or call them locally for the best deals.
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Tulum
Located one hour south of Playa del Carmen, there are many tour companies that go to Tulum. You can pair it with a snorkeling trip to the nearby Akumal Beach and one of the many many cenotes in the area. You will not want to miss snorkeling in a cenote. The Yucatan Peninsula has the world’s largest underground river - the waters are so clear leaving you with majestic underwater views. We have heard good things about a company called NS Vacation Tours. You can find their excursion packages on trip advisor or call them locally for the best deals.
It’s worth blocking out a half day to explore Sian Ka’an, a 780,000-acre ecological reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site that borders Tulum. The preserve has
Mayan roots—Sian Ka’an means “origin of the sky”—and guides of Mayan descent lead eco-friendly boat tours through the preserve’s lagoons and natural canals (Boutique
Mexico tours launch from Muyil Archeological Reserve, Carr. 307; 800-480-7197;
boutiquemexicotravel.com; group tours from $60 per person). You’ll stop to see a 1,200-year-old Mayan dwelling, likely used by merchants who managed trade between
the Yucatan’s interior and coastline, as well as lagoons where manatees and crocodiles are known to lurk. And don’t miss the canal float in crystal waters shaded by mangroves
and blooming orchids. (If you speak Spanish, get in touch with the boat owner via WhatsApp for
boat reservations and more information: Ismael, 011-52-983-124-8001)
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Sian Ka'an
It’s worth blocking out a half day to explore Sian Ka’an, a 780,000-acre ecological reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site that borders Tulum. The preserve has
Mayan roots—Sian Ka’an means “origin of the sky”—and guides of Mayan descent lead eco-friendly boat tours through the preserve’s lagoons and natural canals (Boutique
Mexico tours launch from Muyil Archeological Reserve, Carr. 307; 800-480-7197;
boutiquemexicotravel.com; group tours from $60 per person). You’ll stop to see a 1,200-year-old Mayan dwelling, likely used by merchants who managed trade between
the Yucatan’s interior and coastline, as well as lagoons where manatees and crocodiles are known to lurk. And don’t miss the canal float in crystal waters shaded by mangroves
and blooming orchids. (If you speak Spanish, get in touch with the boat owner via WhatsApp for
boat reservations and more information: Ismael, 011-52-983-124-8001)
Owned by a Mayan community, it is located off of the highway down a dirt road. Take a guided snorkeling tour of the pair of caves to see freshwater fish, as well as unusual rock formations and nesting swallows. At Nicte Ha (Carr. 307, Km. 1; no phone; no web; tickets, $5.50) a smaller, lesser-known cenote on the way to Dos Ojos, thrill seekers can jump in from a rocky cliff into the water (there’s also a stair-stepped
pier) and float among bright green lily pads.
Dos Ojos Cenote Maya MYSTERY
Owned by a Mayan community, it is located off of the highway down a dirt road. Take a guided snorkeling tour of the pair of caves to see freshwater fish, as well as unusual rock formations and nesting swallows. At Nicte Ha (Carr. 307, Km. 1; no phone; no web; tickets, $5.50) a smaller, lesser-known cenote on the way to Dos Ojos, thrill seekers can jump in from a rocky cliff into the water (there’s also a stair-stepped
pier) and float among bright green lily pads.
A series of theme parks flanks the Mayan Riviera’s Highway 307, which runs south from Cancún nearly all the way to Belize. Experiencias Xcaret owns five parks, but its first,
Xcaret (Carr. Chetúmal–Puerto Juárez km 282; 855-326-0682; adults, from $99; children, $49) remains the biggest draw. It now fills 200 acres and sees more than a million visitors every year, with activities that show off the region’s natural and cultural riches. With options ranging from dolphin swims to butterfly sanctuaries, it’s worth mapping out the day’s plans before diving in. Start off at the Henequen Museum, where you’ll find handicrafts from all over Mexico, including a collection of toys. Zoologist
wannabes won’t want to miss Spider Monkey Island or the park’s latest addition, a new aviary, where endangered macaws and parrots fly overhead. You can also snorkel
through the extensive network of cenotes, or underground rivers, teeming with small freshwater fish. At night, stick around for dinner and Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, an
impressive music and dance performance on the history of the country. It features colorful costumes and no less than 300 performers. It won’t be long before the words
¡Viva México! are rolling off of your tongue.
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XCARET
XcaretA series of theme parks flanks the Mayan Riviera’s Highway 307, which runs south from Cancún nearly all the way to Belize. Experiencias Xcaret owns five parks, but its first,
Xcaret (Carr. Chetúmal–Puerto Juárez km 282; 855-326-0682; adults, from $99; children, $49) remains the biggest draw. It now fills 200 acres and sees more than a million visitors every year, with activities that show off the region’s natural and cultural riches. With options ranging from dolphin swims to butterfly sanctuaries, it’s worth mapping out the day’s plans before diving in. Start off at the Henequen Museum, where you’ll find handicrafts from all over Mexico, including a collection of toys. Zoologist
wannabes won’t want to miss Spider Monkey Island or the park’s latest addition, a new aviary, where endangered macaws and parrots fly overhead. You can also snorkel
through the extensive network of cenotes, or underground rivers, teeming with small freshwater fish. At night, stick around for dinner and Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, an
impressive music and dance performance on the history of the country. It features colorful costumes and no less than 300 performers. It won’t be long before the words
¡Viva México! are rolling off of your tongue.
Take a ferry from Cancun and enjoy "Island of Women". Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, 13 kilometers off the coast from Cancún. It's a vacation destination known for beaches such as northern Playa Norte, resort hotels and for snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. At Punta Sur, the southern tip, there's a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles. We love to rent golf carts to tour the island. It's fun to park your cart and stop and one of the many restaurants with spectular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
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Isla Mujeres
Take a ferry from Cancun and enjoy "Island of Women". Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, 13 kilometers off the coast from Cancún. It's a vacation destination known for beaches such as northern Playa Norte, resort hotels and for snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. At Punta Sur, the southern tip, there's a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles. We love to rent golf carts to tour the island. It's fun to park your cart and stop and one of the many restaurants with spectular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a very well organized place where you can snorkel for hours in their inlet river and see many beautiful and colorful fish. There are also lots of fun additional water
related activities including a ropes course over the water, zip lining into the water, a center with a rope swing, a cliff jump, as well as other activities you can pay additionally for. Their swim with dolphins experience is so well done and makes for an unforgettable memory. If you buy the all inclusive, it includes all you can eat and drink all day long at their numerous bars and restaurants. The food is excellent. Guests have booked through Luxuri Principe Maya Tours. Remember you can always negotiate the price on excursion trips. This company went above and beyond to ensure a wonderful experience and a great price. They are located in a kiosk at the corner of Quinta and 12th streets.
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XEL-HA
20 Av. LabnáIt’s a very well organized place where you can snorkel for hours in their inlet river and see many beautiful and colorful fish. There are also lots of fun additional water
related activities including a ropes course over the water, zip lining into the water, a center with a rope swing, a cliff jump, as well as other activities you can pay additionally for. Their swim with dolphins experience is so well done and makes for an unforgettable memory. If you buy the all inclusive, it includes all you can eat and drink all day long at their numerous bars and restaurants. The food is excellent. Guests have booked through Luxuri Principe Maya Tours. Remember you can always negotiate the price on excursion trips. This company went above and beyond to ensure a wonderful experience and a great price. They are located in a kiosk at the corner of Quinta and 12th streets.
If you are daredevils then don’t miss a trip to Xplor(Carr. Cancún–Tulum km 282; 855-326-2696; adults, from $107; children, $53), Experiencias Xcaret’s newest park. Zip
lines crisscross the skies throughout the 146-acre green space; the tallest begins at a height of about 150 feet, affording views of the Caribbean and even Cozumel, and ends over a waterfall. Families can also strap into 4×4 mini jeeps and drive miles of jungle and cave trails. You can also explore caverns by raft, paddling on an underground river
surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Refuel on healthy Mexican favorites like fragrant mangos and crunchy jicama at Xplor’s El Troglodita restaurant.
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Xplor Park przez Xcaret
Km 282 Puerto JuarezIf you are daredevils then don’t miss a trip to Xplor(Carr. Cancún–Tulum km 282; 855-326-2696; adults, from $107; children, $53), Experiencias Xcaret’s newest park. Zip
lines crisscross the skies throughout the 146-acre green space; the tallest begins at a height of about 150 feet, affording views of the Caribbean and even Cozumel, and ends over a waterfall. Families can also strap into 4×4 mini jeeps and drive miles of jungle and cave trails. You can also explore caverns by raft, paddling on an underground river
surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Refuel on healthy Mexican favorites like fragrant mangos and crunchy jicama at Xplor’s El Troglodita restaurant.
This is another theme park that falls under the Xcaret family. There are things like a salt river (so you float), a zip line, a mud bath experience, and trust games/exhibits that test your balance and all six senses. https://www.xensespark.com/
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Xenses Park
This is another theme park that falls under the Xcaret family. There are things like a salt river (so you float), a zip line, a mud bath experience, and trust games/exhibits that test your balance and all six senses. https://www.xensespark.com/
AKUMAL is a small but well-established beach town on a thriving reef between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s one of the best spots on the coastline to snorkel with turtles,
which are attracted to the bay’s underwater sea grasses. Hire a guide or rent gear from the Akumal Dive Center (Carr. 307, Km. 104; 011-52-984-875-9025;
akumaldivecenter.com; tours, $20, rentals from $5) and observe on your own. Then fill up on shrimp ceviche at a waterfront table under a palm frond palapa at the casual La
Buena Vida restaurant (Beach Rd., Lote 35; 011-52-984-875-9061;
labuenavidarestaurant.com; lunch for two, $25).
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Akumal
AKUMAL is a small but well-established beach town on a thriving reef between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s one of the best spots on the coastline to snorkel with turtles,
which are attracted to the bay’s underwater sea grasses. Hire a guide or rent gear from the Akumal Dive Center (Carr. 307, Km. 104; 011-52-984-875-9025;
akumaldivecenter.com; tours, $20, rentals from $5) and observe on your own. Then fill up on shrimp ceviche at a waterfront table under a palm frond palapa at the casual La
Buena Vida restaurant (Beach Rd., Lote 35; 011-52-984-875-9061;
labuenavidarestaurant.com; lunch for two, $25).