Explore like a local: A Curator's Guide to Experiencing the Riviera Maya

Hey there! I'm Lorenza, one of the enthusiastic Local Curators at Maya Luxe. Following in the footsteps of my colleague Coral (link to the previous article), I'm thrilled to share some of my secrets with you. But let me start by telling you a little more about myself. I was born in the vibrant city of Mexico City but found my home in the mesmerizing paradise of Cancún. Eventually, I followed my heart to settle in the charming and relaxed Playa del Carmen, a place that I now call home.

Being a Local Curator at Maya Luxe, I get to experience the very best of this magical destination, and my mission is to share its hidden gems and insider tips with you. Whether you're a food lover seeking culinary delights, a night owl looking for the best spots to dance the night away, or a nature enthusiast eager to explore the wonders of the region, I've got you covered!

Let's dive in!

Culinary Gems

Los de Pescado

Avenida Tulum Mz. 7-Lt. 32 20, 77500 Cancún, Q.R.
As you step out of the airport in Cancún, "Los de Pescado" is an absolute must-visit spot before heading to Playa del Carmen or Tulum. I would highly recommend the ceviche and Atún tostadas. They also have a great selection of sauces to add to your fried fish and shrimp, and they all are super tasty.

Lara and Luca

Diag. Aeropuerto MZ 29-LT 4, fase II, Playacar, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.In Playa, treat yourself to a delightful breakfast at Lara and Luca. This place is kind of out of the way so you need a car, but is totally worth it. Each meal comes with homemade yogurt with passion fruit and granola.

La Floresta

Calle 14 Nte, Ejidal, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

For lunch, indulge in the flavors of La Floresta, the seafood is very fresh here. It is simple, fresh, and casual, and if that sounds great to you then you will enjoy dining here.

La Trattoria del Centro

Calle 26 Nte S/N 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico

For a savory dinner, this place is a must, I recommend you order the house-made gnocchi (with pesto, sun dried tomatoes, and almonds), the seafood soup or one of the woodfire pizzas with arugula, prosciutto and cherry tomatoes.

Amate 38

Calle 38 Nte S/N Col. Gonzalo Guerrero 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico

To taste the true essence of the region, head to Amate 38, where you'll find mouthwatering Yucatecan dishes that will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. The Lime and Chaya soup is amazing!

Umi Rooftop, the Thompson Hotel Playa del Carmen

¿Looking for Gastronomic Wonders with Stunning Views?

For an unforgettable dining experience with breathtaking views, UMI rooftop at the Thompson Hotel is the place to be, or, If you're looking for a charming café with fantastic photo opportunities, Somos Crisol is your perfect spot.

Picks for Unforgettable Nights

After an evening with a delicious dinner venture to a night filled with music, dancing, and fun at some of my favorite nightclubs:

Coco Bongo - 10 Av. Norte S/N Col. Centro 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico
Clandestino - Calle Quinta Avenida S/N Col. Centro 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico
Mandala - Calle 12 Nte S/N 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo Mexico

If you prefer bars over nightclubs, The Admiral is my personal favorite in Playa del Carmen, offering the most scrumptious Fish & Chips in town.

For the best cocktails in town, head to Lido Beach or Mu Burgerhouse. I recommend trying a Gin Tonic infused with your favorite ingredients or an Aperol Spritz while enjoying a picturesque view of the beach at Lido Beach.

Exploring the Wilderness

If you're a nature lover seeking thrilling adventures, our Mayan Jungle Expedition is an absolute must. This unique experience combines cenotes, zip lines, canoes, and a delicious traditional lunch for an unforgettable journey into nature.

To immerse yourself in the region's rich culture and history, explore the awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, and Muyil. Our expert guides will provide fascinating insights and answer any questions during your visit.

Festival de Vida y Muerte Celebrations at Xcaret

Don't Miss the Vibrant Festivals

If you're lucky enough to visit between late October and early November, don't miss the "Festival de Vida y Muerte" at Xcaret. It's a mesmerizing celebration of the Day of the Dead, where you can experience traditional food, music, and activities from a different Mexican state each year.

Family-Friendly Hotspots

For a perfect day with your loved ones, take a leisurely stroll along the iconic 5th Avenue. This vibrant street is filled with handicrafts, ice cream parlors, cafés, and restaurants, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a day without a set plan.

To explore the cenotes of the region, I highly recommend our private excursions, where we take care of all the logistics for a stress-free adventure. If you prefer, we can arrange a private transportation service to the cenotes of your choice.

Shop Like a Local

When it comes to buying authentic souvenirs, the 5th Avenue is your go-to spot. But my favorite place is a quaint alley next to La Quinta Alegría, where local artisans showcase their beautiful creations.

While exploring the area, don't miss the chance to shop at La Quinta Alegría, where you can indulge in some retail therapy and treat yourself to ice cream or coffee.

My Best-Kept Secrets

One of the lesser-known but unforgettable spots is La Caleta Tankah, where you can enjoy a peaceful day by the beach and swim in the rare experience of freshwater merging with the sea.

For that picture-perfect Instagram shot, seek out natural backdrops with lush plants, palm trees, or flowers. Playa del Carmen's Xaman Ha ruins within Playacar Phase 1 provide an ideal setting for capturing magical moments.

Want to learn a fascinating secret before I go?

Quintana Roo is said to have emerged from the sea millions of years ago, creating an interconnected network of caves like an underground river. Many of these caves remain unexplored, so always follow guided paths to avoid getting lost in this vast uncharted realm.

Ok, that’s all from my part. I hope these tips will elevate your Riviera Maya experience to new heights! If you want to turn your vacation into an unforgettable journey, feel free to contact me. Let's work together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

See you soon!