9 New Routes Transform Playa del Carmen Tourism

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — In a move to diversify its tourism offerings, the local Secretariat of Tourism in Playa del Carmen has created nine new routes for visitors. These routes feature attractions beyond the municipality’s traditional beaches, designed to allow national and international travelers to discover the destination’s broader riches.

“Three of these routes have already been launched successfully, the others are being worked on and will be ready in the coming months,” said Estefanía Hernández, head of Tourism for Playa del Carmen, in an interview.

She commented that the Historical Route is already in development, consisting of six prominent cultural points in the municipality with relevant information about the destination’s history.

Historical Route — This soon-to-launch itinerary links six key cultural landmarks throughout the municipality. Visitors can explore colonial architecture, public art, plazas, and interpretive signage that tell the story of Playa del Carmen’s evolution.

Wellness Route — Already active, this route begins with 12 meditation or mindfulness stations on public beaches. The next phase will integrate offerings such as temazcales, spas, holistic retreat centers, and outdoor fitness spaces, catering to visitors seeking rejuvenation and calm.

Pet-Friendly Route — This route taps into the growing segment of travelers who bring pets. By partnering with pet-friendly parks, cafés, beaches, and lodging, the route aims to keep those furry companions included in the local tourism economy.

Sea & Fishing Route — In development, this route will partner with local fishing cooperatives (including the Turística Pesquera Cooperative). The plan is to offer recreational fishing experiences in under-explored zones, combined with fresh catch tasting menus and behind-the-scenes visits to cooperative docks.

Honey & Jungle Route — Drawing on regional indigenous tradition, this route intends to visit some 32 communities that produce melipona (Maya stingless bee) honey. Travelers will be able to tour apiaries, see how bees are cared for, and observe local production of honey-based soaps, candles, and other artisanal goods.

City Art Route — This urban route will map murals and public art across Playa del Carmen, bringing visitors into local neighborhoods. Hotels and businesses may open their doors to host small exhibitions, artist talks, or guided tours of private collections.

Cycling Route — Already underway, this bike trail runs between Xcaret and central Playa del Carmen. Ambitious plans call for extending it northward to Puerto Aventuras and Puerto Morelos, eventually forming a continuous ~40 km corridor of scenic coastal and jungle views.

Community Tourism Route — This socially focused route links communities that practice biocultural tourism. Featured stops are Punta Laguna (famed for spider monkeys), Campamento Hidalgo (a Maya cultural zone), and Uxuxubi, a protected reserve with abundant birdlife. Tourists might join guided nature walks, community-led workshops, and cultural exchanges.

Cenote Route / Cenote Corridor — Playa del Carmen is coordinating with regional and state authorities to create a Cenote Corridor between Quintana Roo and Yucatán. Each cenote included will be evaluated for sustainability, water quality, accessibility, and responsible management. The goal is to link cenotes from Playa del Carmen to destinations in Yucatán (like Valladolid and Mérida), thereby encouraging visitors to explore beyond beach zones.

These new routes reflect a broader shift in Riviera Maya’s tourism planning: promoting sustainable, diversified experiences across nature, culture, community, and wellness, rather than focusing solely on coastal attractions. The Cenote Corridor in particular has been positioned as a major regional strategy to redistribute tourism flow and support lesser-visited areas.