Playa del Carmen, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, is a destination that combines natural beauty, vibrant culture and exceptional hospitality. Ideal for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike, this coastal paradise offers an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a vacation here, be sure to consider Barceló’s Occidental Xcaret Hotel, a gem that promises to make your stay a memorable one.
Why Visit Playa Del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen is famous for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here, the weather is warm most of the year, making it ideal for enjoying the sea in any season.
The city is a melting pot of cultures, with a vibrant arts and music scene. From festivals to local art exhibitions, there is always something to discover.
What To Do in Playa Del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen, along with Cancun, are two jewels of Quintana Roo, each offering a distinct tourist experience. While Cancun stands out for its large resort hotels, Playa del Carmen is known for its offer of more intimate hotels and more personalized tourism. This destination has become one of the fastest growing in Latin America and is characterized by its cultural diversity with a mix of inhabitants from Mexico, Argentina, Italy, United States, among other countries.
Here are some not-to-be-missed activities in Playa del Carmen:
SAYAB Planetarium
Recently inaugurated in Playa del Carmen, the SAYAB Planetarium is coordinated by astrophysicist José Vicente Hernández.
It offers a variety of activities, including shows that you need to schedule in advance and virtual reality experiences. Be sure to marvel at the celestial vault and stars of our galaxy during your visit.
Playa del Carmen Cultural Center
This center is a key point for the cultural development of the city. Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., it offers exhibitions, music, theater and conferences. It is recommended that you check the program and schedules to see what it has to offer during your stay.
Fifth Avenue
You can’t miss Quinta Avenida if you are in Playa del Carmen. It is the heart of commercial and tourist activity in the area, offering a wide variety of restaurants, popular bars, boutiques and attractive stores, all just 100 meters from the beach.
Festivals
For lovers of the arts, Playa del Carmen offers several festivals throughout the year. Before your trip, check which of them coincide with your dates. You can find everything from the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival to the BPM electronic music festival. There are events for all tastes.
Swim with Dolphins
If you travel south of Playa del Carmen on the road to Tulum, you will find Dolphinaris in the Riviera Maya, a center where you can interact and swim with dolphins. This activity offers a great opportunity to learn about these intelligent mammals while enjoying a day full of family fun.
You can swim with a dolphin, act as a trainer for a day, get a kiss from these friendly animals, and watch them jump and swim with agility. At the end of the day, you’ll take home a memorable experience and understand why this is one of the most popular activities in the area.
Beach Club
A beach club offers the amenities of a hotel on the beach without the need to stay at one. They provide lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels, and access to bar and restaurant services with excellent food, as well as restrooms and a swimming pool. All this allows you to enjoy the ocean without worrying about bringing and remembering to bring all the accessories you need for a day at the beach. If you have never been to a beach club before, this is the ideal place to start.
Costs and Recommendations
Daily budget: A typical day in Playa del Carmen can vary significantly in cost, depending on the activities. It is advisable to plan between $50 and $200 USD per day per person to enjoy it comfortably.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between November and April, when the weather is drier and temperatures are ideal.
Premium Accommodations with Barceló’s Occidental Xcaret Hotel
Barceló’s Occidental Xcaret Hotel, located in the breathtaking Riviera Maya near the Xcaret ecological and archaeological park, offers a first-class lodging experience in an all-inclusive setting. This luxurious resort features 765 rooms and suites, all with terraces or balconies offering views of the hotel’s lush gardens and river formations.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including seven swimming pools, a dolphinarium with daily shows and a private beach on a tranquil white-sand bay.
For foodies, the resort offers a wide range of culinary options with 11 restaurants ranging from international buffets to a la carte restaurants, as well as 11 bars, including a nightclub. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the Royal Level offers personalized services and luxury amenities.
In addition, the hotel provides unlimited access to Xcaret Park, allowing guests to explore more than 40 cultural attractions and exhibits of Mexican art and traditions, all included in their lodging package.
Find out more about this magnificent hotel and book your stay here: https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/occidental-at-xcaret-destination/
Restaurants Not To Be Missed
Local Cuisine: Try “El Fogón” for authentic tacos al pastor, or visit “La Perla Pixan” for a traditional Maya dining experience.
Haute Cuisine: For a special night out, make a reservation at “Plank” where gourmet dishes are prepared on cedar planks, offering a unique touch to your dinner.
Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
Plan ahead: Book tours and activities before you arrive to ensure availability.
Protect yourself from the sun: Always use sunscreen, especially during outdoor tours.
Explore beyond Playa del Carmen: Consider visiting Tulum or Cozumel for a broader adventure.
Playa del Carmen promises not only beautiful beaches and fun in the sun, but also an experience rich in culture and adventure. With stays like Barceló’s Occidental Xcaret Hotel, your vacation will be as comfortable as it is exciting.