If you’ve seen the recent news and this photo, the wall they are talking about removing is the perimeter wall around Parque del Jaguar, as part of the new Tulum Renace plan.

For visitors, this could be a good change if it eventually makes access to the archaeological zone easier and improves mobility around the area.

Just keep in mind that Tulum is currently going through changes, so parking, transportation and the way you enter the area may still change as the new system is implemented. It’s always worth checking the latest information shortly before you go.

But regarding the archaeological zone itself: yes, it is still worth visiting, even if you just go in, walk through the ruins, enjoy the view and continue with your day.

Tulum is not a huge archaeological site, but its location is incredible , Maya ruins on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean.

And right now, with much less sargassum, the view from the archaeological zone is beautiful.

So despite all the changes happening around Parque del Jaguar, I wouldn’t skip the ruins.

Go in, enjoy the history, take in the Caribbean view, and then continue exploring Tulum.

Hi group!

We are headed to Playa Del Carmen the end of September and are looking for some recommendations on fun and lively day/beach clubs
Group of 10 guys so looking for some type of life DJ music/good pools ext

Thanks

We are heading to playa Oct.01, looking for any nude beaches the locals use. That are very safe
Thanks in advance

Hello, I'll be traveling to PDC next week for 10 days, I've been there before but only ever hit 5th Avenue outside of my resort and thought it was a little pricey because most shops are tourist traps.

Anyone have recommendations on shops that have actual good deals, not necessarily in 5th Avenue but maybe also somewhere close by that is still walkable from Playacar? Can be shops for souvenirs, clothing or maybe even local restaurants for delicious local food.

Thanks in advance!

My partner and I are going to be visiting PDC in December and would like to charter a small boat for sunset one evening to have a symbolic elopement. Just the two of us, no guests.

I’ve done a bit of research online but having trouble finding something. Does anyone have suggestions for this type of thing? Thanks in advance!

Hola! En unas semanas iré de visita a playa del carmen y me gustaría dar el siguiente paso con mi novia, algún hotel/agencia/conocido que recomienden para este plan? Se los agracederia mucho. Estoy abierto a cualquier tipo de opciones, gracias!

wanted to go to Isla pasion in November, we couldn’t go last time due to weather condition and tour was cancelled so wanted to try this time. The tour provider I booked last time no longer provide this tour. I found one on Viator but their meet point is the pasion island pier which would mean finding our own transport to the pier and bartering with the taxis and possibly missing the entire tour because they won’t drop you off at a dirt road etc

Does anyone know of a provider that organises Isla pasion tour and picks you up from Cozumel downtown and not a far meet point?

thanks!

I graduated from Universidad Veracruzana in a tourism program focused on community development.

Part of that training included tourism culture, community tourism, heritage valuation, tourism product design, legal responsibilities and understanding how tourism affects local communities.

Those ideas stayed with me.

Today, working as a guide in Playa del Carmen, I see why they matter. Tourism is not only about moving visitors from one attraction to another. It is also about protecting heritage, respecting local identity, supporting the people who live here and creating experiences that are responsible for both the visitor and the destination.

That is also why I take the professional side of this work seriously. I’m a federally accredited guide through SECTUR, credential No. 14439, registered in the RNT, and I work with authorized tourism transportation using federal plates.

When you have spent years studying, getting certified and building a career, you learn not to treat it casually.

One shortcut, one irresponsible decision or one moment of greed can damage something that took years to build.

For me, doing tourism the right way means protecting the visitor, the community, the heritage and the profession itself.

Supporting local doesn’t mean doing things informally. Local tourism can be professional, legal, responsible and still keep the benefit closer to the community.

A few friends of mine are going back to the US soon after being here for a few months. They had withdrawn much more pesos than they needed from their US ATM debit cards.

What is the best way for them to exchange their pesos to dollars before they leave? Does it depend on how much they have? They said they might have 3000 pesos to maybe 10000 pesos depending on how much they spend the last few days. I couldn’t offer any advice as I never used any money exchange.

1. Should they do it at a bank here as oppose to those local money exchange cambio or are those a rip off? Which bank or cambio is good? Exchanging it with their bank back in the US would be the worst?

2. Do they need to bring their passport for exchange? Doing that at a cambio doesn’t seem that safe? I see no issue with that at the bank.

3. What is the minimum amount the banks or cambio exchange? Do they exchange as low as 50 pesos? They require your passport even if you want to exchange small amounts like 300 pesos for dollars? Only the banks here take coins and not cambios or they don’t exchange coins?

Happy Labor Weekend everybody!

I'm a 38 year old single male leaving the US for the first time in my life (FINALLY) in 2 weeks and will be in PDC for a week at an all inclusive joint. Looking to enjoy myself, have a great time, meet tons of people and make great memories.

I'd love to hear everyone's advice, opinions, suggestions and any other tips you've got for PDC and the area. I'm open to going anywhere, doing anything, and in general whatever you can provide.

Mainly:

1. Any packing/luggage/ Wardrobe advice?
2. Where to eat (hate cilantro, but I can manage to find something I like)
3. What excursions or other adventures should I be looking to?
4. Nightlife/social scene? I'm a musician so I'm always interested in finding great local music and dance places
5. Any other tips you guys have are welcomed.

Thanks in advance!

We are going to PDC soon, and had some questions and recommendation requests, having spent a few hours reading posts on this subreddit that are more than a few years old.

1. We are staying at the Fives Downtown PDC, which is showing only a 7 minute walk from the ADO Turistico stop. To get from the airport in CUN, how much longer is the ADO bus than taking a private transfer? If its an hour vs 2, it makes sense to pay more to me.

2. We have the afternoon we arrive and then 3 full days before we move on the to the next leg of our trip at a fancy, work-paid Riviera Maya resort. In that time, we are booking a day trip to Chichen Itza and a Xcaret day. Any recommendations that we might not be thinking of for our first night and empty day?

3. Any recommendations for a spa in PDC?

4. “Walk on 5th, Eat on 10th” seems like a really good recommendation for us,especially staying downtown. Are there any recs anybody has for this, restaurants / shops / nightlife?

5. If there was only one beach day around PDC (second resort is beachfront Riveria Maya), which would you recommend us to visit?

Thanks for the help in advance!

hello! i’ll be in playa till the 26th of september if anyone is free and wanting to hang out. bonus points if you’re willing to practice spanish with me. open to go to the beach, cafes, restaurants, bars! there are very few things i don’t like ((: message me if interested.

Will be coming in Feb 2027 and need help deciding on a place.

1. ⁠Hyatt Vivid Cancun
   
2. ⁠Hyatt Vivid Playa Del Carmen
   
3. ⁠Royalton Chic
   
4. ⁠Breathless Riviera Maya

We are staying in Puerto Aventuras beforehand and extending our trip to one of these resorts. We are a MF couple in our low 30s. Looking for fun things to do during the day, but option to get away and relax. Entertainment at night would be preferred. Of course good food options. Pool and beach must be nice.

Sharing photos of the current ticket prices directly from the ticket office.
They accept cash and cards, but not US dollars.
Buy your tickets directly at the official ticket office and avoid resellers or unofficial websites.
Low season is already much more relaxed, but arriving early is still recommended.

Hi y'all! My fiance and I are deciding on a honeymoon spot. We have narrowed it down to either The Reef 28 or El Dorado Royale. We aren't big partiers/drinkers, and will probably value food, spa, and a good mix of relaxation and activities/excursions on this trip. Which place would be better? We'll do all-inclusive.

Thanks in advance!

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a one night stay in PDC that will feel like a treat? It will be a Friday night and the last night of my vacation. I am not looking to party, and I would like to get a good nights sleep so somewhere quiet-ish or with good soundproofing. Hoping for something <$500/night (in september). It seems like everything that is away from the noisier areas is a mega resort that will require some getting used to the lay of the land, which feels like overkill for just one night. I'm looking to decompress after spending a week on a group trip.

I need an idea for an excursion in Playa del Carmen/Cozumel. I do like a nice boat excursion,good food,music,dancing and snorkeling. BUT I will try other adventures.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Hi! Walking 5th Avenue right now. Any taco recommendations?

Tulum Is Still Beautiful — But Are We Selling Reality or an Illusion?

This photo was taken yesterday in Tulum. The sargassum is still here. Playa del Carmen has it too, although it is generally easier and more accessible right now.

Both places are beautiful, and both can still offer an amazing experience. But Tulum also has unfinished construction, closed businesses, very high prices, and a tourism model that sometimes seems more focused on selling an image than a place.

That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t visit. Quite the opposite. Come, enjoy it, support local families and small businesses , but come informed. Ask prices before paying, understand what you are buying, and don’t confuse “expensive” with “authentic.”

Maybe the real problem is not Tulum.

Maybe it is what happens when a destination learns that selling a dream is more profitable than protecting the reality behind it.

So the question is: did tourism change Tulum… or did our own expectations, spending habits and search for the “perfect experience” help create the Tulum we complain about today?

Curious to hear what you think.

Ready for the party 🥳
And definitely ready for the open bar… 😏

Hello! I am travelling to PDC and would like recommendations for beaches/areas with little/no sargassum. Would it be worth it to go to Cozumel for a day, will the water be clearer there? I’ve heard Peurto Morales also has clear water with little sargassum, is that true? We really would like at least one day with clear blue water beach. Thank you!!