Communication – The best modes of communication in Mexico are via email or using WhatsApp.  (WhatsApp is a free application you can download to your smart phone.  It allows you to text, or audio chat for free if connected to a wifi network, or if you have an international data plan on your phone.)

Your main point of contact is our concierge. We will put you in contact with the concierge team after booking your stay.

**YOU WILL NEED TO GET A BRACELET FROM THE PLAYACAR OFFICE TO HELP WITH RE-ENTRY TO PLAYACAR.  PLEASE WORK WITH THE CONCIERGE ON HOW TO OBTAIN THEM DURING YOUR TRIP.

Pool rules:

Please observe the swim pool rules posted on the sign next to the pool, also included in my guestbook.  We have many permanent residents at Rosa Blanca.  Our HOA is strict about the items below, and will notify me if any of these rules are being broken.   

1.  There are no glass bottles or glasses allowed next to the pool area.  We have plastic cups you may take down to the pool.  

2.  Please do not hang drying beach towels over the edge of our balcony.

3.  Do not leave children un-attended in the swimming pool area.     

Please also make use of the pool shower located next to the swimming pool.  It is a great place to rinse off extra sunscreen or sand before getting into the pool, or entering back into our condo.  If you do not have time to use the pool shower, I suggest using a towel to protect our furniture from excess sunscreen.  **Furniture cleaning fees may be assessed if our condo furniture is left stained with sunscreen.      

You may also access the poolside bathroom with the following code!  9876   

Condo amenities:

INTERNET:

Wireless Network

INFINITUM1B1A_2.4 or

INFINITUM1B1A_5

Password:  4ppqcnYPfr

TV / DVD:

The television is a Smart TV and should already be connected to the internet.  You can use the Netflix button to access the Netflix application and enter your account credentials from there.  Please sign out the previous guest if they forgot to sign out.  There are other applications you can access from the menu on the remote. Be sure to log out of everything when you leave.

There is also a Blue Ray / DVD player in the condo.  The DVD player also has the Netflix application.  There can be times where the internet is out in Mexico due to rain, so it is available for movies if needed.

Important check in items:

Our concierge reviewed all of the check in items.  However, here are a few items that are very important to us, as well as, the ones outlined in your rental agreement. 

No smoking:  The balcony is the smoking area.  A large extra fee will be accessed if this rule is broken. 

Use coasters for drinks:  A lot of the furniture is wood. Upon check in and check out, we will review all surfaces to ensure there is not damage, or water marks to the furniture.  Please use the coasters for all drinks.  

Use luggage racks for your suitcases:  These have been provided for your use. 

Use the purified water:

The water in Mexico does not receive as much treatment.  It is fine to shower with or wash dishes, but not a good idea to drink or brush your teeth with it.  I would recommend putting cups in the bathroom near the sinks to remind yourself that you should use those cups for water when brushing your teeth, rinsing your tooth brush, rinsing your mouth.  Close mouth in the shower.  

The water bottles will be refilled by the maid service on a weekly basis.  If you run out of water sooner, please contact the concierge and request to have them replaced sooner.  If you have a rental car, another option is to take the empty bottles to the OXXO in Playacar 2 (located on the map in my directions section of this guestbook).  If you bring in the empty bottles, let the clerk know when you walk in.  Then, you can take the same number of full tanks with you for only a few pesos. 

When you put on a new water tank, please keep an eye out for any water leaking from the tank early on.  In Playa, the water tanks are moved around quite a bit, re-used, and banged around in transit.  Every once in awhile, you may get one that has a crack or imperfection, which is hard to see.  If there is an imperfection in the bottle container, there may be an issue with water leaking down the side of the tank after you have loaded it.  In this case, it is best to save some of the water in the pitchers provided in the cupboard, immediately drain the rest into the mop bucket to pour down the drain.  It is better to catch this early as it occurs typically right after the new water bottle goes on.  If the tank is leaking in anyway, it is best not to ignore it, because it may cause a big water mess in the near future.    

Maid service:

Our cleaning team is scheduled to come every 7 days.  If your stay is 7 days or shorter, you will not see them during your stay.  They will simply do the full cleaning after your check out.  *The cleaning team can come more often upon request for an extra fee.  

If you are staying for an extended stay beyond a week, the cleaning crew will notify you of their arrival ahead of time.  In the closet drawers, you will find a set of clean sheets for each bed.  If you would like to have the sheets changed, please set the clean set of sheets on the bed the morning of cleaning day.  This let’s our team know you would like to have them changed as well.  They will wash the other set for you while they are here. Please fold them and set aside for the next cleaning day.  

Windows:

Please keep small windows closed in bathrooms and laundry room.  We live in the jungle, and it’s likely you will have gecko visitor if those windows are left open. 

Kitchen area:  Most kitchen sinks in Mexico do not have garbage disposals because the humidity will erode the moving parts.  Please do not pour grease down the drain, or put food in the drain.  These items are best to dispose of in the trash.  A fee may be accessed if this rule is broken, or the drainpipe needs replacement.  **Please be mindful of opening the cupboard next to the bar light.  It is easy to hit the light if you are not careful.  

Trash:  The trash collection closet is found outside in the next parking lot over from our building.  Open the door and put your unwanted trash in here.  Please be sure to close the door to keep out wild animals.     

Grill:  We have provided a charcoal grill for your use.  **Please be sure that you leave all vents open on the grill when using.  

If you are going to use the automatic starter cubes, it is best to leave the patio area while they burn off and heat up the charcoals, this way you are not inhaling the fumes.  It takes about 25-30 minutes to completely burn and at this point, the charcoals will be ready for cooking.  We have also provided a charcoal starter chimney as well, if you are familiar with those.  In the laundry room, you will also find a set of grill utensils in a labeled tub.  They are only to be used with the grill, as they are metal and specifically made for the grill.  Do no use any of the kitchen utensils for grill cooking.  In the laundry room, you will also find charcoal.

How to light the oven:

In Mexico, using the oven requires lighting the pilot for the oven.  It functions similarly to a gas grill.  The gas must be turned on, open the oven door, and use the grill lighter in the small circular hole you see in the middle towards the front at bottom.  See picture below. 

Beach items:  In the laundry room, you will find several blue portable beach chairs, coolers, and small umbrellas.  I also have a couple of low beach chairs.  Please feel free to use these items at the beach nearby is Playacar.  All items, including the chairs, carrying bags, beach towels, coolers, umbrellas must be returned or a fee to replace them will apply. The path to the beach is noted on the map in my section titled “Directions”. 

I’ve also recommended several beach clubs, which there is no shortage of in Playa.  These places will provide you with chairs, shade, and accommodations for the afternoon, if you order food or drinks.  

*Please do not use the large brown gravity chairs outside the condo.  These are not for the beach, but rather for relaxing on the balcony.  

Energy Consumption / Using the Air Conditioners:

Each air conditioning unit has an individual remote controller.  These units can be turned on or off.  There are no other settings.  

Playa Del Carmen is a very energy conscious city.  The city restricts the amount of electrical current going into any private residence.  So, please do not turn on all 3 air conditioners in the condo at the exact same time, or it will trip the breaker and we will need to reset it for you, which may cause a minor inconvenience to you. 

Anytime you leave the condo, please check to be sure the air conditioners, all fans, and most of the lights are turned off.  

If you are planning to run the washing machine / dryer, please be sure you are only running 1 air conditioner unit at this time.  The city of Playa is trying to help conserve electricity consumption, so they have all residencies set up to control the consumption. 

Using the clothes washing machine:

PLEASE DO NO USE THE WASHING MACHINE ON THE MAXIMUM WATER LEVEL AS IT WILL FLOOD THE LAUNDRY ROOM.  THE DRAIN CAN NOT DRAIN FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP UP WITH THE MACHINE FLOW!!!!

Lavadora – These are the controls for the clothes washing machine.  You can choose from the settings on left. 

Manchas Dificiles – Tough stains

Ropa Blanca – white clothes

Ropa de color – colored clothes

Voluminosos – Bulky items, towels

Extra Delicado – Delicate

Lavado Express – express wash

Centrifugado Extra – extra spin

Once you have chosen your selection, you will find 3 other controls. 

Toque Personal – We typically leave it with the following 3 settings on:  lava, enjuaga, centrifuga    (You can make the selections by pushing the “seleccion” button.)

Next, select the temperature of the water.  

Frio – Cold

Tibio – Warm

Caliente – Hot

Choose the level of water. 

Min>Medium

Tall>Maximum

Using the dryer

*Please empty the lint catcher in between each drying load. 

Timed drying is best.  

Ironing board: In the laundry room, you will also find an iron and an ironing board.  

Hair dryers: These are found in the white baskets under the sink and on the closet shelve.  

Floor fans in bedroom closets are for bathroom use:

In each bedroom closet, you will find a floor fan.  It is not common in Mexico to have ceiling fans built into the bathroom.  These fans are handy to circulate air in the bathrooms when showering, and helps towels dry too.  

Using the safe:

In the master bedroom, you will find a safe.  Our neighborhood and building is safe, and I trust my cleaning team implicitly.  However, I think it’s always a good idea to put your passports, credit cards you didn’t clear for use on the trip, or valuables in the safe.  If you would like to use it for valuables, please see directions below:

To reset the code, open the door and there will be a red button on the inside, press the button until you hear a “beep beep.”  The yellow light on the front of the safe should now be lit up.  Now, you can create a new code by choosing 4 numbers and press letter “b.”  To open, use the same 4 numbers and letter “b”.  

**Please leave the safe open and empty when you check out

Medical attention:

Urgent Care:  There is an urgent care facility just outside our gate near the Hertz car rental.  It is not 24/7.  They have a doctor there, can treat you, and provide prescriptions.

Pharmacies:  They are literally everywhere.  If you need a prescription for something visit one with a consultario (doctor) in house to write your prescription.     

Doctor available for house calls – If you are in need of a doctor, and would prefer the doctor come to you, we recommend the following Dr. Bernardo Diaz.  He also speaks English.  It is expensive for in home service, but it will be far less expensive than going to the hospital emergency room, and you will get the same quality of service as the hospital.  If you are really really sick, don’t hesitate to call him.  

• Hotel & house visits
• 24 hour service
• Speaks English and Spanish
• Referrals to Specialists
• Emergency Service

His office is located at Calle 20 between 1st and 5th Avenue

dr.bernardo20@hotmail.com

PlayaDoctor.com

Phone 1:  From within Mexico:  044-984-745-0294 or from outside Mexico:  52-1-984-745-0294 

Phone 2:  From within Mexico 044-984-169-3447 or from outside Mexico 52-1-984-169-3447

Hospital – We are very close to the hospital Hospiten.  It is just south of the Sam’s on the same side of the frontage road we are off.   

http://hospiten.com

Hospital (Playa): Hospiten 984-803-1002. Press "O" when the recorded announcement comes on. The front-desk people speak English.

Address for Hospitan:

Lote 1 Manzana 30, Playacar Fase II

Avenida Balamcanché, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, QROO

984 803 1002

Ambulance (Playa: Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Phone: 065 (anywhere in Mexico)

Police (Playa): 066 (ask for an "English-speaking" operator: say "en Ingles, por favor""

Fire department (Playa): 611

("Bomberos" - "bomba" means "pump" in Spanish)

Lifeguards (Civil Proteccion) (Playa): 984-877-3053

Tow Truck (Playa): 984-803-8839

Consular Agency Playa Del Carmen
(US Consulate)

"The Palapa," 

Located at Calle 1 Sur (between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20)

Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The U.S. Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen is open for business Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please make an appointment by calling the office phone during normal office hours or send an email to: ConAgencyPlayadelC@state.gov containing information about the service you require, your contact information and a preferred time for your appointment within normal office hours.  Emergency cases are accepted as walk-ins.

011-52-984-873-0303 (direct dial from the U.S.) 

202-370-6708 (Vonage dialing from the U.S.)

01-984-873-0303 (dialing from outside Playa Del Carmen but within Mexico)

01-984-873-0481 (Alternate from outside Playa del Carmen but within Mexico)                                                                                              

Email: ConAgencyPlayadelC@state.gov

Using ATMS:

Once you arrive, you will need to take out money.  Cash is the most convenient way to pay for things here. The best way is to use an ATM to withdraw money.  It will come to you in the form of pesos.  (I typically withdraw $3000 -$4000 pesos at a time.  It is more convenient to me to simply withdrawal what I need v. going to a currency exchange place, where they will also request your passport which I do not carry around town with me.)      

ATMs:  Be aware of safe ATMs to withdraw money.  Safe ATMs are located at the base of the bank buildings like HSBC, Bananorte, Bancomer, CI banco, Scotia, etc…   It is also safe to use ATMs at major stores like Chedraui, Walmart, Mega, Oxxo, 7-11.  (I recommend against using floater ATMs in the streets.  It is best to pay cash in general.)  

*It is a good idea to notify your bank that you are in Mexico before you come, or notify them as soon as you get here.  This way they do not put a hold on your cards while you are here.  If this happens, you have to call the bank verify your identity so they can release them. 

Exchanging currency: These are all over town.  I think the best rates are the ones at the grocery stores.  You must take your passport along to exchange currency. 

Grocery store:

Before considering a trip to the grocery store, consider the many wonderful grocery delivery services we have available in Playa Del Carmen.  Loqsea is a good one. They will also go to multiple stores, such as DAC (Playa’s equivalent to Whole Foods.)  It is inexpensive and convenient to schedule your grocery deliveries. Chedraui is also offering delivery now.

https://loqsea.com/?___store=english

It is best to consider everything you might need.  Here are some staple suggestions to grab:  trash bags, paper towels, salt and pepper, bread, eggs, extra toilet paper, butter, coffee, food, microbactin, ice!  

We do provide a tank of purified drinking water for guests. 

Our address for shipping groceries:

Condominio Rosa Blanca B1, Paseo Coba mz 15-lt 40-41, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77717

While there are many delicious restaurants in Playa Del Carmen, sometimes it is nice to have a quick breakfast at home, or have a night in where you enjoy the evening cooking here.  Our condo is equipped for anything you like to do.  

Grocery stores:

Chedraui located at 45th and Benito Juarez

It is best to taxi here.  Taxis are easy to catch to and from the grocery store.  They are often driving up and down our streets.  **There is also a taxi stand outside the Avenida 10^th security entrance to our neighborhood, just a couple minutes on foot.  (Please see my Directions / Maps section.)  

Mega and Walmart are some of the others in town.  

Preparing food:

If you are planning to prepare foods in the condo, such as vegetables, lettuce, or fruits, please properly prepare them with the Microbactin solution before eating.  There is usually a bottle of it near our kitchen sink, it can also be purchased at all grocery stores (including the Chedraui grocery store nearby) in the fruit and vegetables section.  You will fill a bowl with water and add the solution to the bowl, put those foods in and soak for 10 minutes.  Then, remove them and place them on a plate or napkin to dry (do not rinse).  This will protect you from any bacteria those foods may have accumulated during harvest or transport.  The instructions on the bottle tell you exactly how many drops to add and to the exact measurement of water. 

Foods that are cooked with heat (served hot), or manufactured are safe to eat on their own.  Most restaurants have already taken care of the process of treating foods before they serve them to you.  I would be cautious about eating large portions of lettuce.  Ceviche and guacamole are ok in moderation. 

I would avoid raw food as much as possible.

Transportation:

If at anytime during your stay you would like to book transportation back to the airport, we can arrange through Ariel below.  Ariel can also help book adventures, day trips, and private tours as well.  I provided a list of recommendations in the document titled “Recommendations” which was sent prior to your arrival.  You will also find the list here in our Guest Book.    

Ariel

Pasion Naturaleza Mexico transportation:

http://pasionnaturaleza.com

pasionnaturalezamexico@hotmail.com

+52 1 (984) 140 2230  (also on WhatsApp)

In Playa Del Carmen, there are many transportation choices:  foot, bike rental, taxi, rental car, ADO Bus, and Colectivo (group van).  Taxis across town are inexpensive, typically around $90-$110 pesos.     

In the Directions section of the guestbook, I have provided maps of our neighborhood, and the city.  *Please feel free to take one with you.  

Taxis

There is taxi stand located near the Avenida 10th security gate entrance about a block up the street.  Once you walk out this gate, you will see many taxis.  Sometimes, you will also see them driving through out neighborhood.  Rides across town are inexpensive, usually around $5.  

If you need to call one, here are some contact numbers.  You may want to wait for it out front, as there are not posted street addresses on buildings in Mexico.  It’s almost easier to just go grab one yourself, rather than have one come to you. 

Taxi (Playa): car up to 4 passengers - call 984-877-3859 or 984-877-3860; 

van up to 9 passengers - call 984-877-3857 or 984-877-3858

Bus

Bus station is called ADO.  It’s located on 5^th street and Benito Juarez, just right as you begin your walk down 5^th street.  (across the street from the little white church.  The buses are clean, safe, have bathrooms, and are not too expensive.  You can take a bus to the airport, or places like Chichen Itza, Tulum or nearby towns. 

Bike

If you decide to rent a bike, always be cautious when riding!  Stay focused!!  Do not drink alcohol and ride.  And, I would suggest against riding bikes with younger children or infants.  There is a bike rental place in town, just up on the left past the Hertz car rental.  You are liable for your injuries, and the bike rental places will ask you to sign a waiver saying so.         

Colectivo  

A “Colectivo” is a shared van ride that can take you to other nearby towns.  The price to ride is very reasonable.  If you would like to find out more information or pick up locations, please visit this site:

http://www.travelyucatan.com/collectivo.php

Rental car from Hertz

If you are planning to rent a car, you may do so at the Hertz near my condo.  It is located on the left in the first mall of shops you pass walking into town on my Directions map.  If you prepay for your rental car, bring printed proof of payment with you.  Otherwise, you can simply pay at the front desk.  Expect an additional charge to be added for Mexican insurance, which is mandatory.  

Hertz - Playa del Carmen at Plaza Paraiso

Avenida 15,Unit 41 PB, Between Calle 3 Sur and Avenida 10 Centro

Playa del Carmen, 77710   

For reservations: https://www.hertz.com/rentacar/reservation/#itinerary

Driving laws

Please be mindful of the traffic laws.  Read this section carefully!  

• A Tope is a raised bump in the road.  They are typically found in the middle of the highways and major streets to slow down cars.  Always slow down for them, as you could damage your rental car.  
• Do not park on yellow line.  If you are parked inappropriately, the police will take the license plate from your rental car, and you must pay a fee to retrieve it before you can return your rental car.  
• You must yield to pedestrians walking across a raised Tope.  This is considered a pedestrian walkway, and they have the right of way.  
• Be aware there is a dedicated bicycle lane along Avenida 10.  There is also a dedicated bicycle lane alongside the highway leading up to the Chedraui grocery store.  Please always be cautious of bicycles when driving a rental car, most of them are tourists too and don’t know who has the right of way.  
• A blinking green light means the same as a yellow light.  There is no right or left on red.  You may wait until the light is green, this means all go.  It is safer because the pedestrians are following the flow of the lights as well.  
• Drive slow and patiently every day.  
• There are many parking lots along Avenida 10.  They are called “Estacionamientos”
• You will see “federales” stops along the highway.  This is nothing to be alarmed about.  They are doing their job protecting citizens.  Always wear your seatbelts in the car.  You will also see local tourism police driving around with their lights on constantly.  They are not pulling people over, just disregard.     

Playacar Fase 2 is a beautiful neighborhood.  Many of the houses are painted in white.  So for the first day or two, it may be hard to remember exactly where Rosa Blanca is located.  It would be best to print out this map before you come here so you have a copy on hand.  I have also provided copies in the guest book for quick reference.  (They do not use numbered addresses in Mexico, only descriptions.  Here is the google maps location for Rosa Blanca:

Condominio Rosa Blanca B1, Paseo Coba Mz 15-Lt 40-41, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico 77717 

Rosa Blanca is the building in red below - Unit B1.  

YOU MAY NEED TO SHOW THIS MAP TO A TAXI DRIVER:

Directions to Rosa Blanca

If you are coming in from the Avenida 10 entrance, take a right at the security gate.  As you drive down the street, you will see another security entrance coming up on your right hand side.  DO NOT TURN.  (it is just a land marker)  Take an immediate left on the Retorno (u-turn) just past this security gate.  It will drive you straight into my building parking lot.  You will see very tall bushes and a wall of electricity meters in my parking lot when you drive in.  

If you are coming the entrance off of the highway near Sam’s club, the first thing you will need to do is go through a security gate, then drive down the street.  Please go straight.  You will encounter the first set of Topes.  (Please count.)  Keep going straight.  Do not make any turns, as Rosa Blanca will be on the right side of the road you are on now coming up in just a minute.  Then, you will encounter the second set of Topes.  You are here!   After this set Topes, Rosa Blanca will be directly on your right.  Please turn in where you see a wall of electricity meters.  (Our building is also in front of a Retorno).

MAP OF DOWNTOWN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

The food in Playa del Carmen is a highlight for our trips each year.  The some of the restaurants can change over time, but here some of our current favorites.

Classics:

Lara Y Luca - breakfast/brunch

Don Sirloin - cheap tacos

Yum Yum - thai food

Ferron's - jerk chicken and ribs

Choux Choux - breakfast/brunch

Mu Burger - tasty burgers

Babe's Noodles & Bar - thai themed noodle dishes

Chez Celine - crepes / pastries

El Fogon - cheap tacos

El Pirata - fresh fish caught daily

Don Chendo - chicago style deep dish pizza

New finds:

Roma Spaghetti - great pasta and very inexpensive

Piola - great cocktails and decent pizza

Tacos Sanchez - upscale tacos and great drinks

The Lost Tiki - tiki drinks and asian fusion tacos

Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge - super cool cave dining experience

La No. 20 Cantina - slightly upscale, busy and fun place with mariachis

Amate 38 - great drinks and traditional playa food done well

The following are recommendations on exciting things to do in Playa including great beach clubs in town, nearby adventures and attractions, and nearby towns to visit.  

If you go to the beach for the day, please feel free to take our beach towels with you.  Obviously, bring them back please. Most beach clubs do not provide towels.  

Favorite Beach Clubs in downtown Playa:

Fusion Beach Club 

This is great beach club for all day lounging.  They always have good music and good service. 

Calle 6 and the beach

Lido Beach Club

This is a beach club with swings at the bar.  They have good food and attentive service.  There are plenty of lounge chairs and beds on the beach for relaxing.

Between Calle 10 and Calle 12 and the beach

Martina Beach Club

Beach club on the other end of town.  Younger crowd and usually dance music oriented.

Mamita's Beach Club

Same as above. Beach club on the other end of town.  Younger crowd and usually dance music oriented.

Favorite Attractions and Adventures:

The Playa Del Carmen area offers some of the most unique and unforgettable attractions.  Below, you will find a list of suggestions.  If you have chosen to rent a car, you may simply drive up and purchase a ticket at the front door as you go in.  

If you are without a car, it is easy to book a tour to most of the places below. He can assist you with booking tours as desired, or provide transportation.  

Ariel with Pasion Naturaleza Mexico transportation:

http://pasionnaturaleza.com

pasionnaturalezamexico@hotmail.com

+52 1 (984) 140 2230  (also on WhatsApp)

Xel-ha

This has always been our favorite excursion in the area.  They offer snorkeling, cliff diving, inner tubes through the jungle, bike rides through the jungle, and more.  The food here is also very good and is included in the price.  It is lots of fun for all ages.  You can get here easily via a booked tour, or rental car.  

http://www.xelha.com

Xplor

This is another great excursion near Playa del Carmen.  They offer zip lining, swimming through cenotes, paddle boats through cenotes, jungle ATV driving, and more.  The food is also included in the price.  You can get here easily via a booked tour, or rental car.  

http://www.xplor.travel

Xcaret

This is another popular daily excursion.  It is filled with lots of entertainment and education related to Mexico.  They have lots of live shows and even have underground rivers to swim and snorkel.  You can get here easily via a booked tour, or rental car.  

http://www.xcaret.com

Rio Secreto

This venue is a completely underground river connecting a series of caves.  It is definitely a one-of-a-kind place to check out some stalactites and stalagmites if you are feeling adventurous.  You can get here easily via a booked tour, or rental car.  

http://www.riosecreto.com

Chichen Itza

This is one of the 7 wonders of the world for a reason.  If you can use a day to travel here and tour the Mayan ruins, it is worth your time.  We would recommend renting a car for a day, or signing up for a group tour.  There are plenty of guides offering tours off of 5^th Avenue.  You can get here easily via a booked tour, or rental car. 

http://chichenitza.inah.gob.mx

Kantun-Chi

What a fabulous place to relax.    This five Cenote venue offers natural beauty and swimming all in one.  It is quiet and spread out.  There are a lot less tourists here.  In addition, they have a guided swimming cave tour which takes about an hour.  It is best to drive here.  Make sure they understand you would like to have lunch as well when you purchase the ticket at the door.  I believe it is an additional charge.  I would suggest a rental car for this trip.  

http://www.kantunchi.com/images/imagebox/loading.gif

Other full day tours available from Ariel:

Tulum - Coba ruins

Aldea Maya – Cenote

Nado con las Tortugas

Isla Contoy - Isla Mujeres

Biosfera Sian Ka´an   http://www.visitsiankaan.com

Tiburon Ballena (whale sharks)

Other nearby beaches or towns:

(Transportation necessary)

Xpu-ha

This is a very beautiful beach that is not very crowded.  The entrance may be difficult to find off the highway, but it is worth the effort.  It costs 50 pesos per person to park and use the facilities.  But after that, you can pop up your own beach chair or lay out on a towel as long as you like.  The water is very calm here if you want to take a swim.  There are a couple of bars and restaurants if you would like to eat and drink as well.  I would suggest a rental car for this trip.  

Town of Tulum

This is another beach town south of Playa del Carmen, 45 minute drive.  It has a smaller set of Mayan ruins to tour as well.  The beaches of Tulum are very stunning, and it can make for a very laid back day.  I would suggest a rental car for this trip.  You may also take the ADO bus there, and catch a taxi around.  http://www.tulum.com

**Our favorite beach club in Tulum is Ziggy's if you decide to go there.  Beautiful beach and great food. $70USD per person minimum spend.

http://ziggybeachtulum.com

Akumal / Yal-Ku Lagoon

The small town of Akumal is famous for snorkeling with the sea turtles.  It is very easy to rent some gear and hit the water for the day.  They also have a full service beach club and restaurant if you want to hang out on the beach after snorkeling.  The Yal-Ku lagoon is another great snorkeling spot that is about 3 miles up the beach from the center of Akumal.  You can very easily enjoy both locations in one day.  I would suggest a rental car for this trip.  

Isla Holbox

Tiny island north of Cancun.  It's a very rustic place with a laid-back vibe.  Not many paved roads there, but easy to walk around.  The beaches are not crowded at all.  There is a 15 minute ferry ride required to get there, but it is cheap to ride and easy to figure out.  There is overnight parking available if you decide to drive a rental car to Chiquila and take the ferry.

Nightclubs and Bars:

Fah

Outdoor seating with live music and food.  Seems like local bands are playing there every night in the high season.

Between Calle 8 and 10 on Avenida 5

Zenzi Beach Club

This is a great beach club for some decent food and live music.  On Friday and Saturday night, you are sure to catch some good bands and dancing.  This is another one of my most favorite spots.  

Calle 10 and the beach

La Bogadito is a great place to catch a live Cuban band every Friday night.  

Calle 34 and Avenida 5^th  (starts early)

Additional recommendations:

3D Museum of Wonders:

https://www.viator.com/Playa-del-Carmen-attractions/3D-Museum-of-Wonders/overview/d5501-a25670

Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum:

New in town and probably something better to do with kids.

https://louistussauds.com.mx

Golf:

Our condo is situated on the 13^th hole of one of the best golf courses in the Riviera Maya.  You may book tee times at the site below.    

Hard Rock Golf Club Riviera Maya:  52 984 873 4990 

https://www.hardrockhotels.com/riviera-maya/world-class-golf.aspx

The Reef Club:

As a guest of our neighborhood Playacar, you will have access to the Reef Club Resort down the street the other way past the 10^th street security gate.  Our concierge will provide you with the Reef Card (valid for 4 persons), which essentially gives you permission to access their beach.  For an extra daily charge of $50-$100 per person (depending on season), you will get a “day pass.”  This gives you access to all of their facilities, gym, buffets throughout the day, water aerobics, and unlimited bar!  Spa services are an additional fee.  

If you would simply like to use the beach, and not purchase the “day pass”, then please bring with you a towel from our condo.  And of course, remember to bring it back with you. 

The Reef Club is popular, so plan to arrive in the morning by 8:00 a.m. to make the most of your full day, if you are planning to purchase the “day pass.”  

Mexico Lindo Cooking School:

Mexico Lindo Cooking is a culinary experience of a lifetime.  Spend an amazing day full of stories, and learning about ancient culture.  Enjoy the flavors, learn the traditions and prepare a real gourmet Mexican feast along with world-class chefs.   Transportation is included in the class fee, and they will dispatch someone to pick you up and take you back to Rosa Blanca.    

http://mexicolindocooking.com