PLAYA DEL CARMEN : le bon plan du Mexique en 2026 ?

Upon arriving in Play del Carmen a few days ago, the speaker, Dim, admits to initial skepticism about the destination, which is often considered overly touristy, Americanized, and potentially complicated given Mexico's current situation. Despite these reservations, he quickly highlights the city's significant advantages: beautiful beaches, abundant shops, pleasant accommodation, and opportunities to meet people, essentially everything needed for comfortable living. This video aims to share his first impressions of this part of Mexico. Dim expresses his joy at being back in Mexico, a country he particularly loves as it was his first destination as a digital nomad almost five years prior, where he spent six months. He describes it as one of his favorite countries, appreciating the people and atmosphere, and deems it perfect for both tourism and digital nomads. To begin, he introduces one of the most beautiful beaches near Play del Carmen, Pllyakar beach. This large, vast beach features palm trees, white sand, and the ocean. However, it's not easily accessible, as most access points are through hotels or villas. Dim recounts walking for an hour to find a small, discreet access point, allowing him to film an intro on this stunning beach. He observes many American and Canadian tourists enjoying all-inclusive resorts, beer in hand, alongside others walking or engaging in sports. It's an idyllic setting, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming. Dim then introduces himself, explaining he has been a digital nomad for over five years, working while traveling the world. He has created many videos about Asia and is currently focusing on Latin America. For aspiring or current digital nomads, he offers a private community with tips and advice, connecting over a hundred digital nomads globally, as well as an academy to help others become digital nomads. Links to these resources are provided in the video description. Addressing a common concern, Dim discusses the presence of sargassum, or seaweed, on the beaches. He confirms that in February, when the video was filmed, the beaches were "infested" with sargassum, which also carries an unpleasant smell. He notes that staff, particularly near hotels, work to remove it, often bagging it, but the sheer volume makes complete clearance impossible. This issue is primarily localized to the Cancun and Play del Carmen areas, unfortunately detracting from the otherwise magnificent postcard scenery of white sand and palm trees. Regarding the best time to visit, Dim recommends November to April for a dry, pleasant climate, with temperatures typically between 25 to 30°C. He mentions that evenings might occasionally require a light sweater or jacket. He advises against visiting between May and June due to hotter and more humid conditions, and especially between July and September, which is the rainy season. Thus, November to April is considered the high season, offering the most enjoyable experience in Play del Carmen. For a meal, Dim chose El Baro Café, a slightly more secluded spot than the popular Quinta Avenue restaurants. Here, he raves about chilaquiles, his favorite Mexican dish. He describes them as "Doritos-like" triangles or crackers topped with a cheese sauce, with options for chicken, eggs (vegetarian), or plain. His order included avocado and he chose salsa verde, which he prefers over salsa roja. He found the chilaquiles "delicious" and highly recommended the café, also noting its pleasant atmosphere with a small waterfall and spaces suitable for working. He enjoyed a fresh orange juice and an iced vanilla latte with oat milk. Next, Dim introduces La Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, describing it as the most popular and essential avenue in Play del Carmen. It's a hub for dining, shopping, and general activity, including the Quinta Allea shopping center and street performers like Batman, Spider-Man, and The Mask. While there are many shops selling souvenirs, glasses, hats, and Mexican-themed items, he leaves it to viewers to judge the value. Dim enjoys walking along the lively avenue, which is busy morning, noon, and night. He cautions about touts, advising a simple "No gracias" to avoid hassle. Regarding accommodation, Dim strongly advises against renting directly on Quinta Avenida due to excessive noise and a constant party atmosphere. He suggests finding accommodation very close to the avenue but not on it, allowing for quick access while ensuring a peaceful night's sleep. He points out that the avenue is also home to many popular, Americanized stores like Starbucks, H&M, and Zara. Dim acknowledges the criticism that Play del Carmen, particularly in the state of Quintana Roo, is "very Americanized," impacting prices. He plans a dedicated video on the cost of living. For those seeking a more authentic Mexican experience without traveling too far, he recommends the Yucatan or Campeche states, with Yucatan being his favorite. He observes a significant presence of American, Canadian, and particularly Quebecois tourists in Play del Carmen, noting how many speak French with a Quebec accent. Addressing safety concerns, Dim reassures viewers that Play del Carmen and the broader state of Quintana Roo are safe. He emphasizes that people are enjoying themselves on beaches, in restaurants, and throughout the city, with no critical state, lockdown, or curfew in effect. He extends this reassurance to Yucatan and Campeche as well. Towards the end of the day, Dim visits a spot he prefers in Play del Carmen for its local feel, noting that straying slightly from Quinta Avenue reveals more authentic local life. He points out small shops offering cheaper souvenirs than those on the main avenue. He then introduces another beloved Mexican treat: marquesitas, described as a Mexican version of pancakes. He orders a unique combination of Nutella and Philadelphia cheese, a common local pairing. He describes the preparation of the crepe-like dessert on a hot plate, with various filling options including jams, peanut butter, and different chocolates. Despite initial skepticism about the Nutella and Philadelphia combination, he finds it surprisingly good and highly recommends trying marquesitas, though he jokes about the high calorie count. The evening atmosphere in this local area is lively, with people singing karaoke, creating what he calls "the real Mexico." Dim concludes by hoping viewers enjoyed the video. He announces an upcoming video on the cost of living in Play del Carmen, detailing his expenses and showcasing his "exceptional" accommodation. He reiterates the call to action for digital nomads to check the links in the description or pinned comment, and encourages viewers to like, comment, and subscribe for future videos on Mexico.