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Playa del Carmen is such a fun place to visit. It’s beautiful with a vibrant culture and a huge party scene, but by far, one of the best things to do here is eat!
We have traveled (and continue to travel) extensively throughout Mexico, and Playa del Carmen is one of those places we always come back to. Even though it is very touristy, there’s so much to do here, from swimming with turtles to visiting nearby Mayan ruins. Of course, we’re always impressed by the delicious food here, and we love going on food tours.
In fact, doing a food tour in Playa del Carmen is the best way to find authentic Mexican food. While there are many incredible restaurants in Playa del Carmen, I love the variety of dishes you can try on a tour. You’ll find way better fare on a food tour than at a hotel buffet, and they’re also a great way to meet new people and see another side of this popular resort city.
So if you’re thinking of doing a food tour in Playa del Carmen, keep reading. We’ve listed our top 5 picks, plus some tips before you book!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Playa del Carmen is a foodie’s paradise, and taking a food tour is a great way to try a variety of authentic dishes. We especially like this Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour, which takes you down art-filled streets, to a produce market, and to local eateries where you’ll try unique dishes along with classic tacos – yum!
Best Food Tours in Playa Del Carmen
1. Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour
We love walking food tours because you don’t just get to eat a ton, you also get to see more of the city you’re staying in. That’s definitely the case with this Playa del Carmen tour, which has you visiting authentic eateries and checking out street art along the way.
Your guide will take you to some amazing food spots and show you where the locals like to eat in Playa del Carmen (spoiler alert: it’s not Señor Frogs!).
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with eating at touristy places. But since Mexico is celebrated for its awesome, flavorful cuisine, you just can’t pass up the chance to eat like a local while you’re here.
Your guide will take you to spots that you’d probably otherwise have missed and get you to try new dishes that you may never even have heard of! It’s easy to play it safe and just order familiar dishes like tacos, but this tour will make sure that you get to try all manner of delicious food. However, don’t worry – a stop at an incredible taqueria is included as well!
Personally, I loved walking through the local produce market, which had some fruits I’d never seen before. Here, we tried fresh fruit juices, which were super refreshing on a hot day. We also ate several savory dishes and then finished off the tour with Mexican popsicles and ice cream – the perfect cold treat after walking around all day.
In between yummy food stops, your guide will tell you more about Playa del Carmen and show you some of the city’s coolest street art. We think that this would be such a great tour to do on your first morning or evening in the city, as it’s an amazing introduction to the city and its food.
The tour costs $69 USD per person, and you can go at 10 am or 5 pm. It lasts for around 3 hours, and there are vegetarian options available, so no worries if you don’t eat meat. The tour covers all your food and drinks, tips for waitstaff, plus your knowledgeable tour guide. You’ll just need to join your group at the meeting point and wear comfy walking shoes.
Get to know the city through its cuisine. Book this walking food tour right here!
Vegan Mexican Walking Food Tour
Often, finding a good food tour can be difficult for vegans. You either have to have lots of substitutes, so you don’t get the same experience as everyone else. Sometimes, you just have to skip dishes altogether! Fortunately, there’s no need to worry about that when you book this Vegan Mexican Walking Food Tour.
Mexican cuisine is pretty meat-focused, so it’s a real pleasure to discover the best plant-based options around. We love the fact that the spots you go to aren’t super Westernized or catered towards foreigners, as you might expect. Instead, your guide will take you to a traditional Mexican market and plenty of local restaurants where you’ll discover the meat-free side of Yucatecan cuisine.
There’s a ton of variety, too, from vegan tacos and ceviche to sweet treats made with tropical fruit. You also get to learn more about veganism and vegetarianism in Mexico. And don’t worry, you’ll eat a ton! We’re not actually vegan, but we loved all the food and were super satisfied by the end.
Another thing we love about this tour is that it takes you to many neighborhoods outside of the main tourist center, which you may never otherwise have ventured to! It’s great to see the more authentic, local side of this booming resort town.
Tours are available every day but Sunday and often require a minimum of 2 people per booking. You should plan to meet your group at the corner of Juarez and 10th Ave and slowly make your way to the endpoint. The tour costs $74 USD per person and starts at 4 pm, so don’t make a restaurant reservation on the same night! It lasts 3 hours, so it could easily count as dinner.
Whether you’re vegan or just want to try something different, you can reserve this walking tour in advance.
Related Read: For an adventurous experience, try taking an ATV tour in Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen Food Tour
This top-rated food tour is another excellent option for people who want to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in Playa del Carmen. It’s a 2-hour tour that takes you to street stalls and family-owned, hole-in-the-wall restaurants to show you real Mexican cuisine.
One thing that we really appreciate about this tour is that you get to learn a lot about the history of Mexican food. Your guide will teach you about how modern-day Mexican food was shaped by both Mayan and Spanish culture.
You also get to visit a local farmer’s market and learn how different fresh ingredients are used to make different dishes. You might even pick up some cooking tips you can use to wow people back home!
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 8 people, so it’s a great way to meet other travelers. There’s quite a bit of walking involved, so it can also help you to get your bearings in Playa del Carmen. The tour also includes some short taxi rides to harder-to-reach spots.
You’ll need to join your group by 10 am at the meeting spot. After 2 hours of walking and tasting yummy cuisine, you’ll end up at Paseo del Carmen. This open-air mall is perfect if you want to do some shopping and work off all that food.
The tour costs $71 USD per person, including all food, drinks, and your guide. It’s available Tuesday through Saturday at 10 am and lasts 2 hours. It requires a minimum of two per booking and is the kind of tour that’s suitable for everyone: families, couples, or groups of friends!
To learn about the best local eateries from passionate guides, book this experience online.
Playa del Carmen Mexican Cooking Experience and Local Markets Tour
This market tour and cooking class has to be one of the best food tours anywhere in Mexico! I mean, if you want to discover real Mexican cuisine, then what better way to do it than to attend a cooking class in the home of a local resident?
On this tour, your host, Alma, will meet you in front of the Silva Store. Then, you’ll head to a local produce market, where you’ll shop together for the ingredients you’ll be using to cook your meal. As you walk around, Alma will tell you stories about the neighborhood and share what life is like for the locals in Playa del Carmen.
Then, you go back to her home to participate in a cooking class, which Alma teaches along with her aunt. They make you feel so welcome and will have you laughing the entire time. Mexican culture is very food and family-oriented, and this tour gave us such a beautiful window into both.
This cooking class is also very hands-on. You’ll learn how to make so many different Mexican dishes, including tamales, salsa, guacamole, and tortillas. But more than that, you’ll also hear so many stories about Mexican culture and history and how Playa del Carmen has changed over the years!
Once the cooking is done, you’ll all sit down together and eat the food that you’ve made. You can also prepare some mango margaritas to wash it all down with, which is a nice extra.
If you really want to immerse yourself in the food culture of Mexico, this is an amazing way to do it. You’ll come away with a full belly and a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
The class costs $145 USD per person, including everything we mentioned. It’s also suitable for vegans and vegetarians, but we’d give your hosts a heads-up when you book the tour. It’s offered on weekdays starting at 9:30 am, lasts about 5 hours in total. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to spend a day in Playa del Carmen!
For a hands-on experience, secure your spot in this authentic Mexican cooking class!
Mexican Street Food Crawl in Playa del Carmen
We love this street food tour because it gets you off the beaten tourist track and shows you Playa del Carmen’s coolest local haunts. You get to eat so many unique foods that you won’t find in popular tourist restaurants, like grasshopper tacos!
You also get to try authentic local dishes like Yucatan-style barbecue pork and pozole, which is a rich, brothy stew with lots of different garnishes. It’s one of my fave dishes here and definitely has those comfort food vibes. And to finish it all off, you even get to do a tequila tasting, which is always fun.
This tour is more suitable for couples and groups of friends than families with kids. Tours depart at 5 pm, so it could even be a really fun way to kick off a night out in Playa del Carmen.
You’ll be transported around the city in a minivan, so it’s nice if you’re not in the mood to walk everywhere. Plus, your guide will keep things fun and upbeat. As you try all of the different dishes, you get to learn a lot about traditional Mexican food and the stories behind many of the country’s classic dishes.
This tour costs $60 USD, lasts for 3 hours, and begins and ends at the ADO Bus Terminal. Since it includes a ton of food, transport, and a tequila tasting, we think that this is pretty good value for money. It’s also available every day but Sunday, so it’s easy to fit into your Playa del Carmen itinerary.
Insider tip: We think it could be a good idea to do this tour earlier on during your stay in Playa del Carmen because then you’ll know all the best places to go back to!
For a unique street food crawl (complete with tequila), you can reserve this tour right here!
Related Read: If you’re looking for a great place to party, read about our experience at Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Is Playa del Carmen a great place for a food tour?
Yes! Although Playa del Carmen is a tourist hotspot, lots of locals live in the area, and the best local food places often get overlooked. With a food tour, you can discover some of the best authentic Mexican food that Playa del Carmen has to offer and try lots of different dishes along the way. Honestly, food tours are some of the best tours in Playa del Carmen!
Are food tours in Playa del Carmen safe?
Yes, they are.
Safety in Mexico is a top concern for travelers – and that includes food safety! Luckily, Mexico has pretty good food standards, and we’ve never gotten sick from doing food tours here. The tours only visit the best places that they know are clean, so you know you can trust them. Plus, all of the tours we’ve mentioned have tons of 5-star reviews, so we’re not alone in saying this!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Playa del Carmen
While we hope you enjoy food tours as much as we do, we really encourage you to get out and explore all that Playa del Carmen has to offer. There are so many amazing things to do, and we’d love to share some of our favorites:
- Check out Chichen Itza – This Wonder of the World should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s one of the oldest Mayan ruins and is truly amazing to walk around. This site houses the temple of El Castillo, which shows ancient Mayan knowledge of our planetary system. If you’re interested in learning more about this ancient relic, check out our extensive guide on visiting Chichen Itza. If you want a full day of hands-on learning and exploring, I recommend this guided tour that includes food, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and most entrance fees. You just have to show up and enjoy!
- Book a Catamaran Cruise – There’s nothing quite like seeing the world from the water. If you like to venture into the open seas, we absolutely love sailing on catamaran cruises. For one of the best deals out there, check out this catamaran cruise from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres. You’ll get a delicious lunch, snorkeling opportunities, and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.
- Xplor Adventure Park – If you’re always looking for your next thrill ride, then you’re going to love Xplor Adventure Park. You’ll zipline, see waterfalls, ride ATVs, and more. If you want to guarantee your spot plus have access to activities not included in standard admission, we suggest getting this all-inclusive Xplor package that includes food and drinks.
- Go Shopping! – I absolutely love shopping in Mexico, so if you’re like me, trust me when I say Playa del Carmen is a shopper’s paradise! Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is lined with shops, boutiques, markets, and restaurants where you can take a load off and enjoy the sights. If you prefer one-stop shopping, head to the Quinta Alegría Shopping Mall, where you’ll find a variety of stores like Pandora and American Eagle Outfitters.
- Head to the Beach – Look, we wouldn’t be talking about Playa del Carmen if we left out the “playa.” If you’re looking for pure relaxation, we recommend heading to Mamitas Beach, which has plenty of umbrellas and loungers, as well as tons of food options nearby. If you want a more secluded space, check out Playacar Beach. There’s plenty of shade, and you’ll love looking into the stunning clear water. Just be sure to bring snacks, as the seclusion also means there are no restaurants around.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
There are a TON of great places to stay in Playa del Carmen, so it can be a bit difficult knowing where to even begin! The hotels here cater to all kinds of budgets, age ranges, and more, so to help give you a good overview, I’ve included some of my favorites below:
El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel – $$$
If budget isn’t an issue for you, then the luxury world of hotels at Playa del Carmen is at your fingertips! When it comes to enjoying out-of-this-world hospitality and comfort, El Taj Oceanfront and Beachside Condo Hotel really can’t be topped. With its very own infinity pool and elegant suites, every corner of this hotel is Instagram-worthy!
El Taj’s ASI restaurant serves delicious gourmet food that dazzles the taste buds, and if you’re feeling ultra-relaxed in your room, you can request the chef to come to your suite and prepare your meals there! While I haven’t personally been here, you can bet that this is on my bucket list.
A one-night stay at El Taj starts at $185 USD, which I think is actually pretty good value considering all the luxuries that come with it! To snag the best rooms, I’d suggest checking your dates and booking your stay online here.
Soho Playa Hotel – $$
Whenever I’m visiting on a moderate budget and don’t fancy staying in a resort, my personal pick is the Soho Playa Hotel, which I’ve visited a couple of times now and is a real gem! It’s just a stone’s throw away from the beach, has its own pool, and all rates include free breakfast.
The rooms here are also super modern and are really clean – a one-night stay here starts at $94 USD per night and can be booked online here.
The Palm at Playa – $$
The Palm at Playa is a lot like the Soho Playa Hotel – it’s in a similar price range, but I’d say it’s a little bit more on the luxury end. It’s also located right near the beach and has its own on-site restaurant, which blends local flavors with a European twist – I really recommend the amazing fish tacos!
The rooftop palm garden is the perfect retreat when it’s super hot out. Take it from me that this feels like a luxury hotel without the price tag. Rooms here start at $150 USD per night, and for the best price, it’s best to book online in advance.
Che Playa Hostel and Bar – $
Visiting Playa del Carmen doesn’t have to be super expensive! In fact, for those traveling on a budget, I’d highly recommend Che Playa Hostel and Bar, which is an adult-only hostel and one of the best in town!
It’s really well-located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen and even has its own rooftop pool and bar. While it’s nothing crazy, this gives it a really chilled-out social atmosphere and the clean facilities and helpful staff make the whole stay a blast.
Rates here are some of the best you’ll find in town, with a bed in a dorm starting from as low as $27 USD per night. You can check out the rates for yourself over on Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
You have to take advantage of the amazing food scene in Playa del Carmen – and the best way to do this is on a food tour. These tours take you to authentic places and teach you all about the local cuisine, some even teach you how to cook the dishes yourself! After reading our guide, we hope you feel inspired to book one of these great food tours in Playa del Carmen. We’re sure you’ll leave with a big smile and a full belly.
To learn more, read our other blogs about Mexico. As we mentioned, we’ve traveled all over this country and love helping fellow travelers. To get started, just click on one of the links below. Thanks for reading!
5 BEST Tours to See Turtles in Tulum, Mexico
12 Things to KNOW Before Going Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
8 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Lucha Libre Tour in Mexico City