Sometimes you just want to leave the confinement of your house but are worried about spending too much money if you go out. However, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya offer plenty of activities that do not require you to bring your wallet. You should probably avoid tourist trap areas, where prices are driven up and they charge for almost anything. If you really want to enjoy the region at its finest, and are looking for free things to do in Playa del Carmen, then make sure you do some of the following activities.
Playa del Carmen Beach
Well, this is obvious. But the beach is the first place to not spend money at. Sure, going to a beach club is nice from time to time – there’s no doubt about that. However, the beach is free. If you bring your towel, umbrella and chairs, there’s no need to spend a single penny while there. You can also pack your own food and drinks and have a picnic on the beach.
Akumal Bay
This gorgeous little town is located about 25 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. Meaning “place of turtlesâ€, Akumal is the perfect place to go snorkeling to spot green, loggerhead and sometimes even some hawksbill sea turtles if you’re lucky. Although many people will offer tours and a guide, you can enter the ocean on your own and explore the waters.
Visit the Parks
Playa del Carmen has a lot of parks to spend a nice, sunny day at. You can visit La Ceiba with its many trees offering shade and its free book library. Or you can stroll through its paths and enjoy the nature surrounding. There is the park at the city center, as well, with free WiFi and plenty of places to sit down for a picnic. Many people bring their dogs to this park, as well.
Fifth Avenue
While spending money on Fifth Avenue is quite easy, it can also be a great place to go for a stroll and unwind. You can walk into stores for window shopping, perhaps splurge on a soda, and enjoy the warm weather. It’s a great place for people-watching, as well. You will definitely enjoy some culture there as well.
Visit Some Shopping Centers
Although not comparable to the big malls you might be used to back home, Playa del Carmen has quite a few shopping centers. Mostly new. You can go for a nice stroll through them, enjoy the local and international shops, and perhaps enjoy a nice cool ice cream. Most of these are shaded and offer air conditioning, which means they are great for cooling off and seeking shade from the heat or rain during rainy season. Sometimes, you can see street performers dancing or doing other stuff in exchange for a tip.
Playacar
If you enjoy walking, you should check out Playacar. They have a few hidden Mayan ruins there that you can visit for free. This is a great way to learn about the history of the region at no charge. Ruins in Tulum or other popular areas are usually rather expensive, although equally as interesting.
Visit an Animal Shelter
Our furry friends need all the love they can get. So, if you’re a dog person visit one of the various animal shelters in Playa del Carmen where you can volunteer your time taking the dogs for a walk. They love all the attention and affection they can get. They usually ask for volunteers to take the puppies to Fifth Avenue to get them adopted, so it’s free time put to good use.
Witness the Papantla Flyers
Last but not least, you can witness the daredevils of Papantla at the end of the Fifth Avenue. It is free to watch, although they do ask for tips at the end. The show is a traditional dance from the state of Veracruz. The men fly down from about 150 feet in the air. There are five men performing, which includes playing the flute and drums in the air.
As you can see, there isn’t need to be spending money every time you go out. There are plenty of free things to do in Playa del Carmen. And if you want to be able to enjoy these free activities on a regular basis, you can have your own home in paradise.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
