Playa del Carmen greets you with the scent of saltwater, the rhythm of music from beach bars, and a breeze that carries both ease and adventure. It’s a place where time slows down—unless you’re chasing dolphins, dodging tourist traps, or wandering ancient ruins. Set far enough from the all-out party scene of Cancun but close to iconic Mayan ruins and natural beauty, this Riviera Maya gem made the perfect base for a week of exploration and relaxation.
Our Stay at Sandos Playacar
We checked into Sandos Playacar, a sprawling all-inclusive resort on the southern end of Playa’s beach strip. The resort itself was beautiful—lush grounds, winding pools, and plenty of beach space. While the resort buffet wasn’t our favorite experience (a mild case of food poisoning reminded us to stick with the à la carte spots), the rest of Sandos Playacar delivered comfort and charm. The beach access couldn’t have been better, and the pool areas were a great place to unwind.
Local Markets and Street Life
One afternoon, we ventured off-resort to explore the local markets. Playa del Carmen’s streets are lined with vendors offering everything from hand-crafted art to fresh coconuts. A tip if you’re staying at an all-inclusive: flip your wristband inside out. Otherwise, you’ll get stopped frequently by vendors claiming they “helped you check in.” It’s a good-natured hustle, but one you can avoid with a simple trick.
Cultural Moments in the Town Square
While wandering through the town square, we came across a performance of the Danza de los Voladores, an ancient Totonac ceremony where performers slowly descend head-first from a tall pole while spinning in circles. It was mesmerizing. The ritual dates back over a thousand years and is meant to honor the gods of fertility and rain. We caught it just before sunset on a Friday—look for the small performance space near the main plaza. There were other cultural presentations as well, giving us a richer glimpse into local traditions beyond the tourist lens.
Poolside Chess with Strangers
Back at the resort, a spontaneous moment became one of my favorites. I made the first move on an outdoor chess board near the pool. Hours later, I passed by and noticed someone had made the next move. This went on for days—each passerby quietly contributing to the game. It became a silent, collaborative vacation ritual, a small but powerful reminder that travel connects us in unexpected ways.
Water Adventures
One of our biggest highlights was swimming with dolphins at Dolphinaris. It was equal parts surreal and heartwarming. The dolphins were graceful and incredibly interactive.
We also went snorkeling on a vibrant reef, where the water was so brilliantly blue and green it looked like we were floating in a sea of Kool-Aid. The water felt warm and weightless, like silk tinted blue. Tropical fish flickered by in electric colors, and the reef swayed like a living tapestry.
Day Trip to Chichén Itzá
We made a day trip inland to visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The towering pyramid of El Castillo is more breathtaking in person than any photo can convey. Walking the grounds gave us a strong sense of the deep history and architectural genius of the Mayan civilization.
Tip: Chichén Itzá gets crowded fast. Arrive right when it opens for cooler temps and better photos.
Evening Entertainment: Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ
One of the most memorable nights was seeing JOYÀ, the Cirque du Soleil show just outside of Playa. (I wrote a separate post on this experience—check it out if you’re interested in immersive, theatrical dining and performance.)
Tip: Book Cirque JOYÀ with dinner—it’s pricey, but totally worth the immersive experience.
Playa del Carmen has a little bit of everything: luxury, culture, history, and the unexpected. Whether it’s playing anonymous chess, dodging tourist traps, or floating in neon-blue water, this trip delivered far more than the usual resort vacation. In the end, Playa del Carmen wasn’t just about beaches or ruins—it was about unexpected moments: silent chess games, hidden performances, and the feeling that travel still holds mystery. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Bonus Tips: