Free-$$ Playa del Carmen's main street, La Quinta Avenida, runs parallel to the shore and serves as a pedestrian walkway for travelers and locals. The avenue is several miles long and is lined with an assortment of street performers, restaurants, hotels, hostels, condominiums and bars, making it one of the best nightlife spots in the city.
$$$-$$$$ Río Secreto is open daily starting at 9 a.m. Tours are available directly through the attraction's website and through other vendors like Viator and Playa del Carmen Tours; prices vary by company. If you have your own transportation, tickets cost $89 for adults and $44.50 for kids ages 4 to 12 (children must be at least 4 years old to participate). If you’d like to book a package that includes round-trip transportation, expect to pay about $120 per adult. Wetsuits, life jackets and lockers with keys are available to visitors at no extra cost. Río Secreto is located about 6 miles southwest of Playa del Carmen.
$$$-$$$$ Yucatán-style "Disneyland" - large outdoor "eco-park" filled with an aviary, dolphin aquarium, turtle sanctuary & beach to swim/snorkel/or dive in. Other excursions like dolphin interaction, stingray encounters, shark swimming, scuba tours, and speedboat rides.
$-$$ Famous ruins that has been dated as far as fifth century A.D. <100 miles west of Playa del Carmen. Depart around 8:15 am from ADO station on 5th Avenue. Ride takes more than 3.5 hours due to many public bus stops. Option: Drive a rental car.
$$ Me & CK enjoyed this during our 1st visit to Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen's 3D Museum of Wonders offers an array of exhibits and illusions that tie in Mayan culture and many of the famous attractions you can see throughout the country. What sets it apart is the fact this 3D museum lets visitors jump into and be part of many of the exhibits and artworks. This leaves visitors feeling both confused and exhilarated at first, and, of course, it makes for some really great pictures for travelers to take home.
$$$ Cirque du Soleil Joyà tells the story of a teenage girl who spends time in a mysterious jungle with half-human, half-animal masters that have historical Mayan roots. The 80-minute show features everything you would expect from Cirque du Soleil, including fire dancers, aerial performances, acrobatics, sword fights, and beautiful costumes that fit with the Mayan jungle theme. Cirque du Soleil Joyà is performed at The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Riviera Maya, which is approximately 13 miles north of central Playa del Carmen. If you don't book transportation with your ticket, you'll have to take a taxi to reach the resort. Shows run Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m.; an additional 9:15 p.m. show is offered Tuesday and Saturday. Show-only tickets start at 2,296 pesos (about $136) for adults. The cost of a one-way taxi is approximately $40 for one to four passengers.