Not the same as it was!
by waltco
My favorite thing about Playa del Carmen is my memory of how it used to be! Beware that Playa is not a sleepy fishing village with a few tourists (anymore) but more like a small Cancun (of 10 years ago). If you need t-shirts there is no shortage of shops that sell them but don't expect any local art or artisanal goods. And the food costs on 5th avenue are out of sight. If you want to eat for a reasonable price... eat a taco at a local place or at El Venado y el Faisan out on the highway (still the same great food after many years). The restaurants along the main drag (5th ave.) are spotty in quality, uniformaly over-priced and full of surly waiters. And the hawkers somehow think that being insulting will endear them to you. I aplogize to all Playa lovers but as a person who lives and travels regularly in latin america I think one can expect more.
sun caps and water
by jorgec25
when visiting the archeological sites is very important that you bring sun caps or even an umbrella if your skin is very sensitive. The sun is very strong and the shades are almost impossible to find. Also bring water with you, and some confortable shoes.
Before the heavy party!
by caribe_utopico about La Jarrita
Cheaper than other places on Quinta Avenida. These are the same owners of La Jarra.
Great place to make up some time until the real party begins.
Try the Miami Vice drink, althought they can make anything you ask for! the bartender is cool to chat with also and he can tell you about other places to go according to your likes. Absolutely none!
Seafood tacos on the highway
by Dabs about La Floresta
December 2005 update-we stopped here again, riding our bicycles from Playacar to the restaurant. The food is still great, we stuck to shrimp tacos this time and the bill was 89 pesos (about $8) for 5 tacos and 2 soft drinks
This restaurant is a little far from the resorts in Playa del Carmen, located around Calle 8 and highway 307. We actually walked here from town, I think it took us about 20 minutes to walk. We tried the fish tacos, crab tacos and shrimp tacos. I didn't care for the crab tacos, the fish tacos were good and the shrimp tacos were excellent. We had 6 tacos and the bill was 69 pesos (about $6 US).
The shrimp tacos consisted of a couple of large shrimp, batter fried, with a little mayo wrapped in a tortilla. We were the only gringos in the place, usually a good sign that the food is authentic.
Tex Mex at La Parilla
by peggydaly about La Parilla "The Grill"
My first experience here was not so great (a lunch) but i had a breakfast and several dinners here that were really good. Many people will want what the mexican food that is more like that in the US and this is the place to get it.
Mariachis come and play most evenings at around 8. They walk all around the inside so it's a good chance to listen without forking up the $5US for a song like other places. But if you make a request, it is understood you will pay. Just about everything was good. If i could remember what i had that wasn't good, i'd tell you, but i can't.
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Me and a iguana just running around the hotel
Tulum
relax!
5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen
