Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes

Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes

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About this experience

Experience the real flavors of Mexico’s Riviera Maya on our Playa del Carmen Food Tour. Discover local hangouts, Mayan heritage, coastal traditions, and the vibrant community behind the city’s cuisine. We’ll stroll through residential neighborhoods, visit a family restaurant and a colorful market, explore ancient ingredients and traditions, and learn how Playa evolved from a quiet Mayan crossing to a lively seaside town. More than a tasting, this tour connects food, culture, and history—revealing the true spirit of Playa del Carmen through its dishes and its people.

Along the way, we’ll also pass through lively community spaces that highlight everyday local life—from sports and social gatherings to the creative energy that fills the streets—adding a deeper connection to the culture that shapes the flavors you’ll enjoy.

Available options

Playa del Carmen Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Yucatan Dishes

What's included

Guacamole

Horchata De Piña

Taco De Pescado

Tequila Tasting

Panuchos De Cochinita Pibil

Helado De Chocolate Maya

Quesadilla De Al Pastor

Our Delicious Secret Dish!

Detailed itinerary

Walk along Playa del Carmen’s most iconic street, a lively pedestrian corridor filled with boutiques, artisan shops, street performers, cafés, and colorful murals.

Browse small family-run stalls offering handmade crafts, textiles, carved wooden masks, woven bags, jewelry, and other locally made goods.

Explore the vibrant street art scene between 34th and 38th Streets, where bright murals and creative graffiti highlight Playa’s urban culture.

Pass through quieter local neighborhoods featuring fruit stands, corner shops, small homes, and an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Playa del Carmen.

What's not included

Pick-up and Drop-off

gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations’ availability, weather, and other circumstances.

Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.

This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Meeting point

Our tour will start at Aldo's Gelato, Quinta Avenida Norte, Calle 38 Nte B-Local 3, Centro, 77710 - Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

Important notes

• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time to check-in with their guide.
• Our Secret Food Tours Guide will have an orange umbrella at the meeting point for easy recognition.

• Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can. [playadelcarmen@secrettours.com]
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.
• Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.

• The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
• Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

About Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal city in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Mayan heritage. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering everything from world-class resorts to ancient ruins and vibrant nightlife.

Top Attractions

Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)

A vibrant pedestrian street stretching over 20 blocks, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers. It's the heart of Playa del Carmen's nightlife and shopping scene.

Cultural/Shopping/Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Xcaret Park

An eco-archaeological park offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural performances, and adventure activities. It's one of the most famous attractions in the Riviera Maya.

Nature/Adventure/Cultural Full day Moderate to Expensive (around $100-$150 USD)

Cenote Azul

A stunning natural sinkhole with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It's a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the jungle.

Nature/Adventure Half day Budget (around $5-$10 USD for entrance and gear rental)

Tulum Ruins

Ancient Mayan ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking blend of history and natural beauty.

Historical/Archaeological Half day to full day Budget (around $10-$15 USD for entrance)

Musa (Museo Subacuático de Arte)

An underwater museum featuring over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged in the waters off Playa del Carmen. It's a unique snorkeling and diving experience.

Art/Nature/Adventure Half day Moderate (around $50-$80 USD for snorkeling tours)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cochinita Pibil

A traditional Yucatecan dish made with marinated pork, slow-cooked in banana leaves. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with pickled onions and habanero salsa.

Main Course Contains pork, gluten-free if no marinade contamination

Ceviche

A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It's a refreshing and light dish perfect for the tropical climate.

Appetizer Gluten-free, dairy-free, can be made vegetarian with vegetables

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. It's a popular street food dish with a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Street Food Contains pork, gluten-free if no marinade contamination

Panuchos

A Yucatecan specialty made with fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and habanero salsa. It's a flavorful and satisfying snack.

Appetizer Contains chicken, gluten-free if no cross-contamination

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Cenote exploration Zip-lining ATV tours Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the most popular time to visit with perfect weather, low humidity, and minimal rain. It's ideal for beach activities, exploring ruins, and enjoying outdoor adventures.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution

Playa del Carmen is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Cancun International Airport • 70 km (43 miles)

By bus

ADO Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are frequent and cover most areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown (Centro) Playacar Zona Hotelera Colosio

Day trips

Cozumel

80 km (50 miles) off the coast • Full day

A beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling. It's a popular day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Tulum

60 km (37 miles) south • Half day to full day

A charming town with ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and a bohemian vibe. It's a popular destination for history lovers, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts.

Akumal

30 km (19 miles) south • Half day

A small coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, as well as its population of wild sea turtles. It's a great spot for snorkeling and relaxation.

Festivals

Festival of the Mayan Culture • November Playa del Carmen International Film Festival • November Carnaval de Playa del Carmen • February or March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat at popular attractions
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation to avoid scams and ensure safety
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover the authentic culture and beauty of Playa del Carmen