What to Do on a Rainy Day in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The pitter-patter of holiday raindrops can thwart best-laid plans – especially in Mexico’s tropical Playa del Carmen, where all you want to do is hit the beach. Luckily, this popular playa on the Riviera Maya has a few tricks up her sleeve to keep you entertained in the wet season (June to October) and beyond that, on the odd day her guidebook-cover good looks don’t shine their brightest.
A morning of Mayan adventures
Hungry? Rise, shine and head for brunch in one of the many restaurants along La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). You can feast on foods from around the world on La Quinta, including waffles at Madrez Café and French-style patisserie at Chez Céline, plus must-try Mexican breakfast dishes such as huevos a la mexicana (scrambled eggs with onion, tomato and chili) or molletes (bread with fried frijoles and cheese).

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
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An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Next, time for some retail therapy. You can explore thriving Mexican crafts by visiting Vidrio Soplado Mexicano, a glass-blowing warehouse and shop, where masters of the art will show you how to mold molten recycled glass from an unappealing blob into a beautiful blue-rimmed glass, speckled flower vase or elaborate chandelier.
Alternatively, take cover from the downpours by visiting Río Secreto, an all-weather adventure where you can busy yourself with an underground river tour, caving excursion or bike ride, sheltered beneath the tropical jungles that surround this riverine wilderness. Adventure enthusiasts might also head to one of the area’s large eco parks (Mexican-style theme parks, based around natural jungles, caves and rivers), such as Xcaret and Xenotes, where there’s kayaking, abseiling, zip-lining and more to try.
Food, culture and fun in the afternoon
After an active morning, you’ll be hungry, so have a late lunch. Try the best in traditional Mexican gastronomy at the Frida Kahlo Restaurant, a fine-dining affair where the plates are a paean to the portrait artist and painter. Enjoy the guacamole primavera and the authentic mole verde while you listen to the beats of son jarocho (regional folk music).
Hmm, siesta time… Sure, normally you’d be doing this on the beach. But let’s take it inside this afternoon, with a spa treatment at one of the area’s hotels. Top billing goes to the Sense Spa at the Rosewood Mayakoba, a 15-minute cab ride north of town, where non-guests can treat themselves to ancient Maya rituals and all manner of rubdowns, including the 150-minute Cenote Temazcal Purification treatment or a consultation with a resident shaman. There’s also a Banyan Tree in Mayakoba, with Asian-accented treatments.

In the evening
Rested and restored, it’s time to party. The first permanent Cirque du Soleil show in Mexico, Joyà, is a great bet for dinner, drinks and entertainment all under one roof at the Vidanta Riviera Maya Theater.
The story follows a teenage girl, suddenly catapulted into the heart of the mysterious jungle of her ancestors, as she meets a cast of bendy, balance-y half-animal, half-imaginary characters. End your day with a couple of drinks at some of the nice bars along La Quinta – especially Kitxen and La Perla Pixan – for live music and mezcal-laced cocktails.
So, there you have it. Bad weather doesn’t have to dampen the fun in Playa del Carmen. It’s a lively setting, come rain or shine.
Additional reporting by Joe Varley.
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