Family Adventure in Playa del Carmen

Saying Goodbye with a Splash (and a Zip!)

As our final day in Playa del Carmen dawned, a bittersweet feeling hung in the air. We were excited for one last adventure, but sad to see our family vacation nearing its end. Today was all about embracing the thrill of Xplor Park and savoring the diverse culinary scene of Playa del Carmen.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel, Hotel Suites El Campanario, fueling up for the action-packed day ahead. The kids, Aminata and Ibrahim, were practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. After a quick drive, we arrived at Xplor Park, ready to dive into a world of underground rivers, zip lines, and jungle trails.


Experience the thrill of adventure at Xplor Park, Playa del Carmen's premier theme park with zip lines, underground rivers, and ATV rides.
Xplor Park is truly an adventurer's paradise. The park is nestled in the lush Mayan jungle. The first thing that caught my eye was the sheer scale of the place. We decided to start with the zip lines. Strapped into our harnesses, we soared through the air, the wind rushing past our faces as we took in the panoramic views of the jungle canopy. Aminata, ever the daredevil, screamed with delight, while Ibrahim, initially hesitant, soon joined in with enthusiastic whoops. Fatoumata, surprisingly, enjoyed it a lot more than she thought she would, which made me happy to see.

Next up was the amphibious vehicles. I took the wheel, navigating the winding jungle trails, splashing through puddles, and maneuvering over rocky terrain. The kids loved the bumpy ride, and Fatoumata kept reminding me to slow down, although I suspect she enjoyed the thrill just as much as the rest of us. The highlight was driving through the dark, flooded caves, the headlights cutting through the darkness as we explored the mysterious underground world.

After the adrenaline rush, we decided to explore the underground rivers. We chose the river rafting activity, paddling our way through the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites that adorned the cavern ceilings. It was a serene and awe-inspiring experience, a welcome contrast to the high-octane activities we had just enjoyed. I couldn’t help but think about the incredible natural beauty hidden beneath the surface of this vibrant region.

By lunchtime, we were all famished. Xplor Park has a fantastic buffet, and we devoured a variety of dishes, from traditional Mexican cuisine to familiar favorites like burgers and pasta. The kids were particularly fond of the fresh fruit smoothies, a refreshing treat after our adventurous morning.

Adventure is worthwhile.

With our energy levels replenished, we tackled the last activity on our list: swimming in the underground river. The water was cool and refreshing, and we floated along, admiring the rock formations and the play of light and shadow. It was a tranquil and mesmerizing experience, a perfect way to wind down after a day of thrills.

As the sun began to set, we reluctantly left Xplor Park, our bodies tired but our spirits high. We had conquered our fears, embraced new experiences, and created memories that would last a lifetime. Back at the hotel, we showered and changed, ready for our final culinary adventure in Playa del Carmen.

For our last dinner, we decided to explore the local culinary scene. After a bit of research, we settled on three restaurants: La Perla Pixan Cuisine & La Carboneria for breakfast, Lido Beach Club Restaurant for lunch, and Ilios for dinner. I really wanted to give the family a wide range of options, and I think I succeeded!


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Suites El Campanario, your gateway to Playa del Carmen's vibrant attractions and stunning beaches.
We started our culinary journey with breakfast at La Perla Pixan Cuisine & La Carboneria. This charming restaurant is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant seduced us with its open, thatched-roof dining room, canopied, plant-filled patio, and rattan, full moon lampshades. We indulged in a variety of traditional dishes, from huevos rancheros to chilaquiles, savoring the rich flavors and vibrant spices. The kids, surprisingly, enjoyed the spicy kick of the Mexican cuisine, a testament to their growing palates. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and we felt like we were dining in a traditional Mexican home.


Experience authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist at La Perla Pixan Cuisine & La Carboneria in Playa del Carmen.
For lunch, we headed to Lido Beach Club Restaurant, a beachfront gem known for its relaxed vibe and delicious seafood. We snagged a table with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and ordered a variety of dishes, from fresh ceviche to grilled fish tacos. The seafood was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and we savored every bite as we listened to the gentle lapping of the waves. Aminata and Ibrahim built sandcastles while waiting for the food, and Fatoumata and I enjoyed a leisurely conversation, soaking in the sun and the sea breeze. The staff were very friendly, and the service was great.


Experience delightful dining at Lido Beach Club Restaurant in Playa del Carmen – where culinary excellence meets breathtaking beach views.
As evening approached, we made our way to Ilios, a Greek restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and authentic cuisine. From what I heard, Ilios honors the different nuances of traditional Greek gastronomy, taking the cuisine from all regions of Greece to a new level of elegance and sophistication amidst decor inspired by the conspicuous landscape and rugged beauty of the Greek peninsula. As we stepped inside, we were immediately transported to a taverna in Greece, with its whitewashed walls, blue accents, and the sounds of traditional Greek music filling the air. We ordered a variety of dishes, from moussaka to souvlaki, savoring the rich flavors and aromatic spices. The kids were particularly fond of the baklava, a sweet and flaky pastry that was the perfect ending to our meal. The service was impeccable, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome.


Discover the flavors of Mexico at Ilios in Playa del Carmen – where exquisite dining meets vibrant atmosphere.
As we savored our last bites of baklava, a sense of contentment washed over me. We had experienced so much in Playa del Carmen, from thrilling adventures to cultural discoveries to culinary delights. We had explored ancient ruins, swam in turquoise waters, and tasted the flavors of Mexico and Greece. But most importantly, we had spent quality time together as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As we walked back to our hotel, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible journey. Playa del Carmen had exceeded all our expectations, and we were already planning our return. As I looked at my family, their faces glowing with happiness, I knew that this was just the beginning of our travel adventures. There are more places to see, cultures to explore and foods to try as a family.

Tomorrow, we will be heading back to Montreal, back to our everyday lives. But we will be taking with us the warmth of the Mexican sun, the taste of authentic cuisine, and the memories of a truly unforgettable family vacation. I am sure that Aminata and Ibrahim will be talking about this trip for years to come. And who knows, maybe this will inspire them to explore the world and appreciate different cultures as they get older. I know that Fatoumata and I will cherish this trip forever.

As I reflect on our time here, I realize that travel is more than just visiting new places. It's about connecting with different cultures, trying new things, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. It's about broadening our horizons and appreciating the beauty and diversity of the world we live in. And as we prepare to leave Playa del Carmen, I know that we will be taking with us a piece of this vibrant and magical place, a piece that will stay with us forever.

Thank you, Playa del Carmen, for an unforgettable family adventure.

Even though this is the end of our trip, it is not the end of our adventures. I will be posting more about our travels in the future. Stay tuned!