Planning Your Trip to Mexico: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Mexico is a destination that combines history, culture, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. From the turquoise beaches of the Caribbean to vibrant cities and towns with centuries-old traditions, there’s something for everyone. But before diving into your adventure, it’s important to make sure your trip is safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Here are the 4 essentials you can’t overlook.

1. Passport and visa/FMM up to date: your key to entering the country The first step before traveling is checking your documents. Your passport must be valid for your travel dates, and depending on your nationality, you may need a visa or an FMM (Multiple Immigration Form). Practical tip: check the expiration date and process any documents in advance. This avoids last-minute stress and issues at customs.

Useful info: the FMM can be processed online or at the airport upon arrival in Mexico.

Having your documents ready allows you to start your trip relaxed and focused on enjoying your journey.

2. Travel insurance and recommended vaccines: travel with peace of mind No one wants to think about emergencies on vacation, but being prepared is crucial. Travel insurance covers you in case of medical emergencies, accidents, or even lost luggage. Practical tip: choose a plan that covers medical care and evacuation, especially if you plan adventurous activities or travel to remote areas.

Recommended vaccines: vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, or tetanus may be suggested depending on the region you visit. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.

With insurance in place, you can fully enjoy every moment without worries.

3. Safety: enjoy your trip without stress Mexico is large and diverse, and like any destination, some areas are safer than others. Taking basic precautions will make your trip more relaxed. Do: stay in well-known tourist areas, use official transportation (registered taxis or trusted apps), and watch your belongings.

Avoid: isolated or poorly lit areas, displaying valuables, and using unauthorized transportation.

Following these simple tips lets you explore, enjoy local food, and immerse yourself in the culture without unnecessary stress.

4. Money: managing cash and cards The Mexican peso is the local currency, and while most businesses accept credit or debit cards, carrying some cash is always recommended. Practical tip: withdraw cash from official ATMs and carry only what you need to minimize risks.

When cash is useful: local markets, small shops, rural transport, or tipping at restaurants.

Planning how to handle your money allows you to move freely and make the most of every opportunity during your trip. With these four essentials covered, your trip to Mexico can be more than just a vacation: it can be an unforgettable experience. From the Caribbean beaches to magical towns, local gastronomy, music, and traditions, everything will be ready for you to enjoy every moment safely and comfortably.

Running in Playa del Carmen, México

Playa del Carmen offers several options for running enthusiasts, from peaceful beaches to tree-lined avenues. Here are some of the most popular spots:

South of Cozumel ferry dock One of the most recommended routes is running along the beach south of the Cozumel ferry pier. This section is wide, less crowded, and offers sea views. You can continue up to 10th Street, passing several hotels and the city center. Another option is to enter via the access road on the south side of the Paradisus Hotel and run south to the Canibal Royal beach club, in a quieter area.

Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue is a pedestrian street running from Paseo del Carmen to around 32nd Street. It’s ideal for running in the morning, as it gets crowded with tourists after 10 a.m. There is a recently extended section that reaches 112th Street, with a pathway and only one lane of traffic. At certain points, there are beach access points if you want to continue running to the shore.

Playacar Playacar is a quiet residential area offering a route of approximately 6 km around a golf course. You can start at 26th Street and follow Paseo Xaman-Ha, passing by Bahía del Espíritu Santo. It’s a shaded and safe route, ideal for morning runs.

Trail to Xplor South of Playa del Carmen, along the highway, there is a trail leading to the Xplor eco-park. This route is used by park employees on bikes, and you can spot iguanas that quickly move under the trail when you run by.

Tips for Running in Playa del Carmen

-Run early in the morning for cooler temperatures and less crowded routes.

-Carry water, especially if running on the beach or in areas without nearby stores.

-Use sunscreen and lightweight clothing for sun protection.

Playa del Carmen and Its City Brand: Let’s Playa

Playa del Carmen, one of the world´s most recognized destinations. attracts millions of visitors each year. And recently the city launched its official city brand: Let’s Playa.

What Let’s Playa Represents

The brand name conveys energy, action, and invitation. “Let’s” encourages exploration and participation, while “Playa” reinforces local identity. Together, the name reflects a youthful, cosmopolitan, and multicultural spirit, aligning perfectly with the city’s diverse profile of international tourists, expatriates, and investors.

Brand Objectives

Tourism: The goal is to showcase not only natural beauty but also the authentic experiences the city offers.

Culture and Entertainment: Positioning the city as a cultural hub, promoting international festivals, urban art, music, and gastronomy, making Playa del Carmen a center for lifestyle and leisure experiences.

Business and Investment: Promoting the city as an attractive location for real estate, tourism-related businesses, and emerging sectors like co-working spaces, technology, and specialized services. Let’s Playa aims to encourage both national and international investors to see the city as a place for growth.

Quality of Life: Emphasize Playa del Carmen’s expanding infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and connectivity with Cancun and Tulum, while highlighting the city’s close connection with nature. The brand portrays a balance between modern living and environmental harmony, appealing to digital nomads and residents seeking a high quality of life.

Impact of Let’s Playa

By unifying its communication under a clear and consistent identity, Let’s Playa strengthens the city’s global positioning. It differentiates Playa del Carmen from other Caribbean destinations, projecting a modern, vibrant, and unique image. Beyond a slogan, Let’s Playa represents a community that invites visitors, residents, and investors alike to experience a city full of opportunities, culture, and natural beauty.

A Destination for Everyone

Let’s Playa reflects a city that is more than a tourist hotspot. It’s a place where culture, business, and lifestyle converge, where international visitors can explore unforgettable experiences, and where residents can enjoy an increasingly sophisticated infrastructure and rich quality of life. Through this brand, Playa del Carmen communicates a clear message: it’s a city open to everyone who wants to live, invest, and enjoy life in one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destinations.

Freelancing by the beach: why Playa del Carmen is the perfect place for a working getaway

If you’re a freelancer or work remotely, you’re not tied to a desk—and that opens up a whole world of possibilities. One of them: changing your surroundings, even just for a few days. Playa del Carmen is the kind of place that lets you work and enjoy yourself at the same time, without guilt, without stress, and without falling behind.

Picture this: starting your day with a coffee by the ocean, taking a couple of Zoom calls from a sunny rooftop with strong Wi-Fi, and ending the afternoon with a swim in turquoise water. It’s not a fantasy. More and more people are doing exactly that—for a week, two, or even a long weekend. And the best part? You don’t have to hit pause on your work.

Playa del Carmen has everything you need to stay productive: reliable internet, cozy cafés, friendly coworking spaces, and warm weather almost year-round. The vibe is a mix of local culture and international energy—you’ll feel welcome without feeling like a tourist.

One of the biggest perks of freelancing is the freedom to set your schedule. Why not use that freedom to get inspired somewhere new? Mornings can be for work, and afternoons for cenotes, tacos, walks down Fifth Avenue, or a quick boat ride to Cozumel. No need to wait for a long vacation. Just pack your laptop and go.

Beyond the convenience and infrastructure, Playa offers something even more valuable: energy. That feeling of being alive, of being in a place that shifts your mindset, fills your notebook with fresh ideas, and reminds you to look up from the screen once in a while. Sometimes, that alone makes the trip worth it.

So if you’re looking for a working getaway that actually feels like a break, Playa del Carmen is calling. Bring your laptop, your headphones—and come back recharged, a little sun-kissed, and full of new ideas. Yes, you can work and enjoy life at the same time.

Three unique experiences to enjoy this spring in the Riviera Maya

May is a turning point in the tourist flow of the Riviera Maya. As the Spring Break and Easter vacation crowds fade away, this Caribbean region that includes Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and part of Cancún enters a quieter phase that remains just as vibrant. This month is perfect for those seeking more authentic experiences without the overwhelming tourist traffic. Prices usually drop, service becomes more personal, and although heat and humidity start to rise, the weather still allows for enjoyable outdoor adventures. Nature is at its best, with lush greenery, occasional refreshing rains, and stunning scenery. Here are three experiences worth enjoying in May that reveal a more intimate and enriching side of the Riviera Maya:

1. Hidden cenotes in the jungle: a refreshing swim in Tulum With the rising temperatures, exploring cenotes becomes both a delight and a relief. These natural freshwater sinkholes are part of the world's largest underground river system, found only in this region of Mexico. Near Tulum, you'll find some of the most impressive ones. Gran Cenote offers crystal-clear waters and partially open caves, perfect for swimming or snorkeling while admiring fish and limestone formations. A few minutes away, Cenote Calavera provides a more rustic and adventurous experience, with a circular entrance that lets you jump right into the water. Between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, don't miss Cenote Azul, which is great for families and beginner swimmers, or Jardin del Edén, surrounded by dense vegetation and peaceful nature. In May, these places tend to be less crowded, giving you a more relaxed and personal experience.
2. Reefs full of life: snorkeling and diving in Cozumel Cozumel is a paradise for ocean lovers. Just 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen, this island is known as one of the world’s top destinations for diving. May brings ideal conditions with warm water, clear visibility, and a high level of marine activity. The Cozumel Reefs National Park is an underwater treasure. Whether you're snorkeling near the shore or diving deeper with a guide, you'll see sea turtles, eagle rays, colorful tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs that feel like a different world. You don’t need to be an expert. There are options for all levels, from beginner-friendly tours to advanced dives. What matters is taking the plunge and discovering what lies beneath the surface.
3. Playa del Carmen at your own pace: culture, food and rest Without the rush of high season, Playa del Carmen becomes easier to enjoy. Fifth Avenue, its main pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, bars and markets, feels more relaxed. You can take your time, stop wherever you like, and soak in the atmosphere. As the day warms up, the beach offers the perfect escape. Punta Esmeralda is a favorite among locals, with a small freshwater lagoon. Playa Mamitas, more tourist-oriented, offers comfort and great views of the Caribbean Sea. Afternoons are perfect for a cold drink by the beach or a seafood dinner as the sun sets. May invites you to enjoy the region without pressure, at your rhythm, and with all the beauty that makes the Riviera Maya such a special place.