Things to do in Playa Del Carmen

Food and Travel

Oct 28

By: casey harding-brown

I have traveled to Mexico over 20 times in my life but somehow never made it to the Quintana Roo side. With it’s crystal blue waters and white sand beaches, I was easily convinced to join a friend’s birthday get away. My original trip was cut short due to “real world” responsibilities but I made the most out of my long weekend there. Below you will find my recommendations for your trip to Playa del Carmen (and surrounding areas).

1.See the Cenotes

This is MUST if you’re on this side of Mexico. These famous sinkholes provide a beautiful oasis to swim and explore in. There’s cenotes in caves as well as open air, some you can swim or scuba dive in and others are simply for viewing. There’s many options, it just depends on what you want to do. I highly recommend going to ones you can swim in as it was a magical and healing experience!

2. Visit the Tulum Ruins

Equally fascinating in history and architecture, the tulum ruins shouldn’t be missed. You can get in and out in as little as half an hour or stay and venture longer, depending on your tolerance to the heat (the cenotes were a well welcomed cool off after our sweaty time at the ruins!)

3. For a fine dining experience, eat at Oh La La!

With over 2k 5 star reviews, we knew this was a must try for our group of foodies. The presentation was as impressive as the flavors and the restaurant itself was charming and elegant. Be prepared to spend as much money as you would on a dinner in the US though-one thing I learned about Quintana Roo is it’s definitely more pricey than it’s more western or central counterparts.

4. For a casual, local dining experience, eat at El Fogon

Don’t let the line that wraps around the side of this taqueria deter you-it moves fast and it’s worth the wait! An open air restaurant where you can see, smell (and feel!) the meats cooking, this taqueria satisfies most of your mexican cuisine cravings. I indulged in two tacos, a torta, and fresh mango juice. For three of us to have a full dinner (and leftovers!) it was only $35 USD so it’s easy on the bank account.

5. Indulge in a spa day

Tucked away at the top of floor of a quaint hotel, The Bric Spa is the perfect spot to unwind and relax. Massages and facials (at reasonable prices) are administered by small hard working staff. From the second you enter until you pay (as you sip your cucumber, lime, ginger water and nibble on your vegan chocolate energy ball), the experience is muy tranquilo.

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Woman Owned Ice Cream Shops to Support in Denver

Ever since coming off my hormonal birth control, my monthly pre-period craving has become the world renowned classic, otherwise known as gelato, helado, or ice cream. I’m declaring this a safe space for what I am about to say (or should I say write) next is definitely controversial; Until recently, ice cream was never top of my list. To clarify, I am not a psychopath. If ice cream cake was presented at a birthday party, I would be excited about the upgrade from your standard yellow cake with chocolate frosting. If I found myself in Italy, you bet I was seeking out dulce de leche gelato. My dad routinely ended his night with a generous bowl of some sort of chocolate, coffee, nut combo before falling asleep with his head on my mom’s lap, no later than 9:30pm. It was readily available and normalized as an everyday treat, yet for whatever reason it wasn't my go to. I didn’t have anything against it per say, it just never called to me. Until recently that is. And ever since my hormones came back to their normal selves, I have been a mad woman on the hunt for the best ice cream in Denver.

Yes, yes it may officially be fall but with temperatures hovering in the 80’s all week, I say ice cream season is still in full swing. Also, who doesn’t like ice cream year round? Why should we confine such a delectable dessert to one season?! Plus many places now offer seasonal flavors such as pumpkin chocolate chip. Whatever the weather may be, I hope you enjoy indulging in these woman owned ice cream shops as much as I did.

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