With 48 hours in Playa del Carmen, you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities dedicated to the natural beauty and culture of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are a few ways to create a 2-day itinerary that highlights the best of the region.
Day 1: Get to Know the Local Attractions
**Morning:**About 15 minutes south of central Playa del Carmen, a collection of three adventure, jungle, and eco-archaeological parks—Rio Secreto, Xplor, and Xcaret—offer a variety of family-friendly activities including ziplining and swimming in underground rivers. Spend a few hours, or the whole day, at the one that best suits your group.
**Afternoon:**Head out to sea on a half-day tour by catamaran to go swimming and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters. Look for sea turtles and tropical fish, and admire the scenery as the boat glides along the coast. Cruises often include drinks and lunch on board.
**Night:**Learn about Playa del Carmen’s culinary culture on an evening food tour, or enjoy Vegas-style entertainment with a Riviera Maya spin at a Cirque du Soleil show, with dinner and Champagne options to suit your budget and preferences.
Day 2: Choose Your Own Adventure
**Morning:**Take advantage of Playa del Carmen’s position near the sea, jungle, and ancient ruins on a day tour. If you prefer the water, book a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres. For history and adventure, choose a combo tour to Tulum with ziplining and swimming in underground caves. Or visit Xel-Ha aquatic park for snorkeling.
**Afternoon:**For a shorter excursion that doesn’t take up the whole day but still provides adventure, opt for a half-day jungle buggy tour, where you traverse the lush environment in an open-air 4x4, stopping to swim in a cenote, a natural underground swimming hole.
**Night:**Hop aboard an evening cruise for a relaxing way to watch the sunset, and then amp up the energy with a nightclub pass to some of Playa del Carmen’s top nightlife venues, where you can mingle with locals and other visitors and dance ‘til you drop.
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