Playa Del Carmen, a gem for backpackers, offers a contrasting vibe to its neighboring Cancun. If you find relaxation alone a bit monotonous, incorporating a visit to Playa Del Carmen during your Cancun trip is highly recommended. Especially for those heading to Xcaret, it’s only a 10-minute drive away. Here’s a detailed itinerary to make the most of your three days in Playa Del Carmen with this Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days.
If you’d like to see some itinerary recommendations for 4 to 9 nights in Cancun, check out our post below
Ultimate Cancun Itinerary and Key spots
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Playa Del Carmen
Check-In at Meliora by Bunik for Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days
Our accommodation for this trip was Meliora by Bunik in Playa Del Carmen. Located conveniently, it cost less than 90 USD for two nights. While I stayed in all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Xcaret, I opted for a budget-friendly stay in Playa Del Carmen to save money and experience local travel. There are also numerous all-inclusive hotels in Playa Del Carmen too, so you can choose according to your preference. This is a great start to your Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days.
The accommodation also has a kitchen, so you can stock up on groceries from the nearby grocery store for a quick bite to eat. This is a great place to stay for many reasons
Shopping at Walmart in Playa Del Carmen
After checking in, we headed to the nearby Walmart to buy some essentials. Our accommodation had a kitchen, so we bought groceries to cook light meals during our stay. Walmart in Playa Del Carmen was huge, and we managed to buy eggs, milk, tequila, and other necessities to last us for three days. This visit is an essential part of our Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days.
Currency Exchange in Playa Del Carmen
Next, we visited a currency exchange. Although most places accept cards, the exchange rates in Playa Del Carmen are better than in Cancun, so we exchanged some cash here. There are many exchange places along the streets of Playa Del Carmen, and we found a good one to get our money changed. Including currency exchange is crucial for any Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days.
Dinner at Amate38 in Playa Del Carmen
For dinner, we went to Amate38, a steak restaurant in Playa Del Carmen. From starters to dessert, we tried various dishes. The Empanadas of Chaya were a bit too salty, but the Charcoled Beef Filet was delicious. Pairing it with tequila or beer made it even better. The tacos were, as expected, amazing in the country of tacos. If you’re dining with a companion, I recommend ordering both tacos and steak at Amate38 in Playa Del Carmen. A delightful dinner here is a highlight of your Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days.
Day 2: Cozumel Island Adventure from Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days
Ferry to Cozumel Island from Playa Del Carmen
Cozumel Island, a significant destination for snorkeling and diving, is a 40-50 minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen. Although it was windy during our visit, making snorkeling difficult, the island is renowned for these activities. Two main ferry companies operate here: Ultramar and Windjet. Windjet is slightly cheaper, but both offer spacious and comfortable rides. We purchased our tickets on-site, as availability wasn’t an issue. For schedules and reservations, you can check the Ultramar website.
Tickets are widely available, so it’s better to buy them on the spot (weather, time, etc. may be an issue if you make a reservation).
Make sure to buy tickets from the official offices to avoid higher prices at nearby booths. This ferry ride is a key part
Pricing is also listed on the homepage, and it seems to be around 16-17 USD
Starbucks with a View in Cozumel, near Playa Del Carmen
Upon arrival in Cozumel, we headed to a Starbucks right in front of the ferry terminal. The view from the second floor was stunning, making it a perfect spot to enjoy an iced Americano while soaking in the scenery. A visit to this Starbucks is a must for your Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days.
I highly recommend grabbing a drink at Starbucks on the island of Cozumel to relax and take in the view.
Lunch at Thirsty Cougar in Cozumel
BEST RESTAURANT IN MEXICO
Next, we had lunch at Thirsty Cougar, a highly-rated restaurant with a great view. I tried the steak taco and coconut shrimp, and both were fantastic, especially the steak taco, which was one of the best I’ve ever had. If you visit Cozumel Island from Playa Del Carmen, make sure to try this place. Including this restaurant in your Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days ensures a memorable culinary experience.
I’ve had beef tacos labeled RES on the menu, coconut Shrimp, etc. and of course they were all delicious, but that steak taco was so delicious,,, BEST FOOD IN MEXICO FOR ME (shrimp was also delicious).
Photo Spots and Sunset at No Name Bar in Cozumel
Later, we discovered No Name Bar, a bar located on the first floor of Hotel Barracuda. It turned out to be an excellent photo spot, especially at sunset. We enjoyed some tequila and wine while admiring the beautiful view. Although it’s part of the hotel, you don’t need to be a guest to visit. This bar visit adds a picturesque touch to your journey
After enjoying the sunset, we took the ferry back to Playa Del Carmen, ending our delightful day on Cozumel Island. This marks an adventurous day
Day 3: Wrapping Up and Departure from Playa Del Carmen
Brunch and Departure from Playa Del Carmen
On our final day in Playa Del Carmen, we enjoyed a relaxing brunch before heading back to Cancun airport.
It was a perfect way to wrap up our trip, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences in Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel Island. This final brunch concludes your travel
Playa Del Carmen Itinerary: 3 Days – Conclusion
Playa Del Carmen offers a vibrant and diverse experience distinct from Cancun. From budget-friendly accommodations and local shopping to culinary delights and nearby island adventures, it’s a perfect destination for backpackers and travelers seeking variety. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring local cuisine, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Playa Del Carmen has something for everyone. Don’t miss this gem on your next trip to Cancun
By following this itinerary, you can experience the best of Playa Del Carmen in just three days. Enjoy your trip to Playa Del Carmen and make unforgettable memories
If you are curious about Xcarlet Arte’s Tips & Lifehacks, please refer to the following articles
