Things to Avoid in Playa del Carmen
A popular beachside town along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen has a lot going for it. This includes tropical beaches, great atmosphere and nearby natural spectacles.
However Playa has gotten itself the reputation of a tourist trap in recent years, and as such many do loathe it given it can somewhat lack in authenticity.
In this guide we’ll explore various ways to keep your experience in Playa del fresh and authentic, and also how you can avoid overpaying for things or getting scammed.
10 Things to Avoid in Playa del Carmen
Here we’ll now take a look at 10 of our very best tips for exploring Playa del Carmen.
Not only will these save you time and money, you’ll also have an overall more hassle-free experience here when following these guidelines.
Carry Cash for the Cheapest Food
The great thing about Playa is that we can also find inexpensive places to eat, such as taco stands in plazas as well as some low-key restaurants. However these places usually only accept cash, so make sure to bring plenty out with you.
Avoid Getting Black-out Drunk
Of course you’re here to enjoy yourself, and partying is a popular thing to do here in Playa. However be cautious on how far you go – since tourists have previously been robbed or assaulted when they drank too much. Be sure to read more about safety in Playa del Carmen.
Use Local Colectivos instead of Taxis
As you may already know, Playa del Carmen is strategically located on a highway which connects the town to many awesome attractions. Using colectivos to get between them is safe, and also much cheaper than traditional taxis.
Be Careful with Street Food
We highly recommend trying street food because it’s authentic and gives us an opportunity to try local foods from the region.
However you’ll want to only eat at places that are busy, and also those that you are recommended to visit to avoid getting an unsettled stomach (for example you can ask your accommodation for some good options). You’ll also want to be careful with the water in Playa del Carmen while you are here too.
Head to Other Nearby Beaches
If you simply want sand and sun, then the main beach in Playa will do just fine. However if you’re after less crowds and more beautiful waters, then consider venturing out on trips to beaches like Puerto Aventuras and Xpu-Ha which are close-by.
Avoid Paying Full Price for Souvenirs
Along the Quinta Avenida we’ll find tons of great souvenir shops. However locals have a knack of raising prices for foreigners, so it’s good to know that you are allowed to barter for a better price. It’s a bonus if you can speak Spanish, but it’s not necessary here.
Peak Season is from December to April
Whilst renowned for the best weather (clear blue skies and little rain), everyone else also has the same idea which will drive up crowds and overall prices. If you’re looking to save, then we recommend visiting Playa del Carmen in the shoulder months of late April and November (which still have good weather).
Avoid Staying too Far Away from the 5th Avenue
The safest area in Playa del Carmen is the beach and adjacent Quinta Avenida. Anything further in-land until Avenida 35 is fine, however the intersecting streets after can get quite unsafe and isn’t recommended for tourists to stay in (especially after the motorway bridge).
Leaving your Phone or Wallet in your Back Pocket
Although police presence is good here, pickpocketing still remains an issue, and especially so in more crowded areas such as along the Quinta Avenida. It’s best to keep these in your front pockets, and also to avoid bringing important documents like your passport out with you.
Avoid using Normal Sunscreen and use Biodegradable Sunscreen instead
Playa can get really hot, so it’s important to stay lathered-up to avoid getting burnt. Even better is to use an environmentally-friendly sunscreen to avoid damaging your natural surroundings.
Have you got travel insurance for Playa del Carmen?
Things to Avoid in Playa del Carmen
And that’s all for our guide on the key things to avoid in Playa del Carmen.
Whilst a renowned town to visit and perfect basecamp to explore the surrounding region, Playa definitely can feel overtouristy at times.
It’s important to know how to avoid getting scammed or having issues, and in this guide we’ve covered 10 of our very best tips in order to do so.
We wish you all the best during your travels. Be sure to check out our Playa del Carmen Itinerary for more ideas on what to see and do during your time here.
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