Playa del Carmen Attractions

Playa del Carmen attractions may be categorized into a variety of classifications. Beaches, adventure, culture, arts, and all types of entertainment. This article is focused on arts and entertainment. We will of course have more info on both Chichen Itza and Tullum – but they deserver their own article. Plus I’ll be writing about my own experience at both of these iconic sites.

Playa del Carmen Attractions

Depending on what you want to do there is literally something for everyone in Playa del Carmen. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, one can enjoy the beautiful beaches, arts and lots of culture. Or if you are in need of retail therapy visit Quinta Avenida or Fifth Avenue (pedestrian-only) which runs parallel to the beach. It is like one giant market featuring various vendors selling tchotchkes, knick-knacks and other artsy treasures to bring home. I’ll be posting a This is also the same street where the art walk happens each Thursday evening. See our art section below. See our Retail shopping article coming soon.

Parque los Fundadores

Adjacent to Fifth Avenue is Parque Los Fundadores which also known as the Founding Father’s Park. Many call it Parque Fundadores or even Parque de Fundadores. Whatever you choose to call it, it’s a lovely area to relax and people watch. The first thing you see is the famed Portal Maya bronze sculpture. Standing over fifty feet tall, there is no way you will miss it. The artwork, created by Arturo Tavarez, depicts a man and a woman uniting in a joyous way. Its name, Portal Maya, translates to the Mayan Portal. You will find a tiny white stucco church to the left of Parques de Fundadores. The Nuestra Señora del Carmen chapel is used for weddings, and small gatherings.

*The Papantla Flyers Mayan Dancers; Photo by Richard Bilow*

Danza de los Voladores

Also at Parque Fundadores you will likely notice a large pole. This is where an acrobatic act may take place at any time. So, be on the lookout. Of cultural significance, Danza de los Voladores or “Dance of the Flyers” a fascinating ceremony which calls upon the rain to come. While the Papantla Flyers swing from the pole, they resemble raindrops falling from the skies above. We caught several sunset performances (see above photo). It was fabulous.

In addition to this Mayan group, we had the chance to see an Aztec Warrior Dance as well. The performers donned authentic aztec costumes, and created quite a spectacle. The dances take place at the park near sunset. Visit our instagram to see videos and photo of both of these ceremonial dances.

Along with all the shopping, dining and partying, Fifth Avenue is where you will find many of Playa del Carmen’s art galleries. Unfortunately, some do NOT have websites. We have provided them when possible with all of the addresses. However, finding your favorites can be a journey of discovery during your visit.

The Art of Playa del Carmen

Gastón Charó Gallery (see image above) started as an artist studio. It has evolved into a safe place for over forty artists to exhibit all types of media. Charó himself is a talented artist working within cubism, surrealism as well as expressionism. Gastón Charó Gallery, Calle Quinta Avenida 173, entre 6 y 8, Centro, At Jardín de Marieta, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico; https://es.gastoncharo.com

Founded by Luis Alarcón, the Residencia Art Project consists of residences, open studios, a showroom, and more to support local artists. Residencia Art Project, Avenue and Playa Shangri-La, Calle 38 Lote between 5th, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico; https://residenciaartproject.com/

Additional galleries include:
Roa Art Studio, Av. CTM, Luis Donaldo Colosio, 77728 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico; https://www.jacoboroa.com/
Amate Gallery, 5ta.avenida.entre calle 12 y calle corazón, Playa del Carmen, Mexico; https://www.facebook.com/amategallery/
Koopoil Gallery Playa del Carmen 5ta av entre 40 y 42; https://www.instagram.com/koopoil/
Art Gallery Playa, 5th Avenue cor. 48th street, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Entertainment

If you love Cirque Du Soleil, you may want to see Joya. The show can be experienced about 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen, within a popular theme park and resort called Vedanta World Riviera Maya. The grounds opened in 2023. However, the theme park section is scheduled to officially open to the public in 2026.

Cirque Du Soleil’s Joya is open to all of the public, even if you are not staying at the resort. Unlike most shows, this experience offers vip tickets that come with dinner. You can purchase a non-dinner ticket as well.

The show is inspired by the monarch butterfly’s journey and features a rambunctious teenage girl which the story revolves around. The famed Canadian acrobatic troupe Cirque du Soleil puts on quite an outstanding show. Joya, KM 48 Carretera Federal Riviera Maya, Mexico, within the VidantaWorld Riviera Maya; https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/joya

Another show you may be interested in an energetic variety show called the Coco Bongo Show & Disco. This is right there in Playa Del Carmen. Located just a block from 5th Avenue (mentioned at the top of this article), it features acrobats dangling from the ceiling, as well as comedians, dancers, live music, and more. Don’t forget to put on your dancing shoes. Visit the website for more in-depth information. Coco Bongo Show & Disco, Calle 12 Norte, esquina con Av. 10 Norte, Col. Centro, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico; https://www.cocobongo.com/show/playa-del-carmen

So, the above Playa Del Carmen attractions are ETG’s picks for Best Culture & Art Must-see Destinations. ETG encourages our readers to visit Mexico’s tourism websites for additional information – https://visitmexico.com/or https://www.visit-mexico.mx/