Things to do in Playa Del Carmen
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Xcaret
Xcaret is 10km south of Playa del Carmen. It has Disney-esque activities, high price tags and questionable environmental records that include allegedly importing the beach and using explosives to clear debris when creating Xcaret.
reviewed
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Alux
About three blocks west of Hwy 307, the Alux is an amazing must-visit. It’s a restaurant-lounge situated in a cavern: stalactites, stalagmites, pools and all.
reviewed
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Dive Sites
Playa is one of the best places on the coast to dive and snorkel. You can grab a snorkel and mask and dive in right from the beach, but the most spectacular underwater sites are at the offshore reefs. Playa is a popular jump-off spot for exploring the mysterious underwater caves and cenotes (sinkholes) in the region. Several outfitters in town offer instruction, certification courses, and scuba and snorkeling trips.
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John Gray’s Place
The sister restaurant to John Gray’s Kitchen in Puerto Morelos, it has a dark-wood bar downstairs, and the same spectacular food. Crab cakes melt on the tongue, set off by a dash of Asian vinaigrette and a few cilantro leaves. Chicken with cilantro pesto is a favorite. Norah Jones croons in the background as you polish off your glass of wine. Calle Corazón is between Calles 12 and 14.
reviewed
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Buenos Aires
In a new location, this Argentinean-owned steak house is well known for its parrilla, an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord (M$350 for two people). Waiters bring your meat to you on a skewer. You can also sample ribs, empanadas, burgers and other ‘lighter’ fare.
reviewed
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Xel-Há
Xel-Há is 45km south of Playa del Carmen. It has Disney-esque activities, high price tags and questionable environmental records that include allegedly importing the beach and using explosives to clear debris when creating Xcaret.
reviewed
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El Diez
In a loving nod to Diego Maradona, El Diez serves up pizzas and parrilladas (Argentinian-style barbecues) just the way the master would have wanted them. And, the outside seating on La Nueva Quinta makes for some great people-watching.
reviewed
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La Guacamaya
Locals love this large open-air restaurant. Veggies beware: if it doesn’t have hoofs, it’s unlikely to make it on the menu. Try the tablazo, a monstro mixed grill with every cut of meat imaginable for less than M$100.
reviewed
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Babe’s
Babe’s serves some excellent Thai food, including a yummy home-style tom kha gai (chicken and coconut-milk soup) brimming with veggies. There’s another Babe’s along the Nueva Quinta between Calles 28 and 30.
reviewed
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Tequila Barrel
With a large dancing area in back, this sparkling clean bar and grill between Calles 10 and 12 pours a huge selection of tequila and other spirits, and spins old rock and Motown CDs.
reviewed
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Club Náutico Tarraya
One of the few restaurants in Playa del Carmen that dates from the 1960s. It continues to offer good seafood at decent prices in a casual place on the beach with a nice view.
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Restaurant 100% Natural
The trademarks of this quickly establishing chain – fresh juices, salads, various vegetable and chicken dishes and other healthy foods – are delicious and filling.
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Fisherman’s Cooperative
Found at a beachfront kiosk near Avenida Constituyentes, Fisherman’s Cooperative offers four-hour trips that run from M$2000 to M$2500.
reviewed
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Yucatek Divers
Yucatek Divers, between Calles 2 and 4, has German, French, English, Spanish and Dutch speakers, and offers limited-mobility dives.
reviewed
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International House
International House has Spanish classes (M$2860), a residence hall (M$390 per night) and homestays (M$455 per night).
reviewed
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Alltournative
Alltournative offers packages that include ziplining, rappelling and kayaking, as well as custom-designed trips.
reviewed
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Señor Tacombi
This converted Volkswagon bus is one of the town’s most innovative and cheapest snack shacks. Go for the tacos.
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Asadero Olmeca
Get great grilled chicken from Asadero Olmeca, next to the Tulum-bound colectivos.
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El Cuerno de Oro
Hearty, home-style set meals are served in this casual eatery near the bus station.
reviewed
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Phocea Riviera Maya
Great ocean diving and cenote dives. French, English and Spanish are spoken.
reviewed
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Q
Playa 69
This gay dance club has erratic hours and normally gets going late.
reviewed
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