Need to give your wallet a break? Here are some suggestions to get outand enjoy Playa without spending a peso
CRYSTAL MITCHELL
Being on vacation doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Experiencing Playa del Carmen canbe exciting and free! Here are five free activities for you to try.
Parque La Ceiba, a natural park found hidden in the western part of Playa, named after a sacred tree, is home to activities such as yoga, a book club and movie club. A kid’s play area is open every day and you can check their schedule for other events. Once a month you will find a flea market with different vendors and an aerial dance show given by the kids on the Aerofobia team from an actual ceiba tree!
Parque Los Fundadores, found between 5th Avenue and the ferry to Cozumel, is most recognized for the Portal Maya sculpture, intricate sand sculptures, great vendors of local foods, like fresh fruit and shows in the afternoons. At certain times of the day, you can see the Papantla Flyers who will notify you with magical flute music that their high flying aerobatics show is about to begin. This aerial rain dance comes from an ancient culture of central Mexico.
Caminarte, or “art walk”, is a Thursday night event starting at about 6 p.m. where local artists set up their creations along 5th Avenue. You can find airbrush artists, sculptures, glass blowers and more walking along this famous avenuebetween Calle 18 and 38, and is a great way to meet the local artists.
Avenida La Quinta (5th Avenue) is the “boardwalk” of Playa del Carmen where you can find people from all walks of life. People watching and window shopping are very entertaining along this well-known strip.
Playa del Carmen is the home of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world which is perfect for free exercise like long beach walks or jogs. Watching the sunrise on the beach is just right for early risers. There is no price you can put on the magnificent show that Mother Nature brings you and the show is different every day!
