Tips on Avoiding Playa del Carmen Tourist Traps

Playa del Carmen Tourist Traps

Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Visitors flock to the city in search of the palm-lined beaches and expansive coral reefs. There is also a lively nightlife, plenty of shops and tasty restaurants to enjoy. With so many visitors each year, Playa del Carmen does have several tourist traps that you should avoid unless you plan on shelling out some cash.

Tackling the 5th Avenue Jaunt

Fifth Avenue is the main street down the center of town in Playa del Carmen. If you are looking for a tasty meal or to grab a drink with friends, it is definitely the place to go. Unfortunately, it requires a bit of patience to walk along the street. From the minute you step foot on the sidewalk you are inundated with chatter from the shop owners. Each one promises a larger selection and cheaper prices. You will also encounter the Mayan Gods in war paint and featured garb. Maintain a good sense of humor and refuse politely. If you do decide to purchase something, make sure you count your change after it has been handed to you.

Explore the Town on Your Own

You may be tempted to join in one of the local excursions to the most popular spots in the city. It’s best to grab a public bus and explore the area on your own. The excursions are crowded and overpriced and you will spend more time at expensive souvenir stands than the spots of interest.

Visiting the Mayan Monuments

Historical spots like Talum are very crowded. There are many tour groups coming through at all times of the day. If you want to get pictures you need to be very patient and expect a long wait.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Playa del Carmen.