Mexican Street Food Crawl in Playa del Carmen: Local Tastings

Five or six stops where locals actually eat, plus tequila and a chance to shop

A 3-hour walking food tour of Playa del Carmen led by a local guide who takes you past the tourist strip to the spots where residents eat, shop and hang out. You'll taste food at five or six local venues, sample tequila, and browse local fashion and souvenirs at the end. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and beverages are included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore local food and shopping

• Visit 5 or 6 local food spots
• Sample local delicacies at each stop
• Participate in tequila tasting
• Shop for local fashions and souvenirs

The Experience

The tour runs three hours on foot through the parts of Playa del Carmen that don't cater to cruise ships. Your guide is a local who knows which food stalls, family-run restaurants and market spots are worth your time. You'll stop at five or six different places, tasting what each one does best — carnitas, tamales, regional specialties, whatever the day's stops offer. The food comes in samples, so you're trying things without committing to a full plate at every corner.

Partway through, there's a tequila tasting at a local shop, where you also get a special discount if you want to buy. Water, sodas and fresh fruit juices are included throughout the walk, so you're not thirsty between stops. The guide handles the route and the timing; you just show up ready to eat and walk in comfortable shoes.

At the end of the tour, you'll have time to check out the local shopping venues for clothes and souvenirs before heading back. Bring cash if you plan to buy anything — the discount at the tequila shop applies to purchases there, and the same goes for the shops you visit at the end.

What’s included

• Professional local guide in English or Spanish.
• five or six food tastings at different local venues.
• tequila tasting with a special discount on purchases.
• water, sodas and traditional fresh fruit juices throughout the tour.
• time to browse local fashion and souvenir shops at the end.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rockstarcrawls

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to eat the way locals do instead of at places built for tourists, and you're comfortable navigating Playa del Carmen on foot with a guide who knows the real spots.

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Top questions

What kind of food will I actually taste on this tour?

The tour stops at five or six local food places, and what you taste depends on which venues the guide takes you to that day. Carnitas and tamales are mentioned as reliable options, but you'll also try regional specialties and whatever each spot specializes in. Samples come at each stop, so you're tasting without eating a full meal.

Is this tour good for someone who doesn't speak Spanish?

The guide conducts the tour in English or Spanish, so you can choose the language that works for you when you book. The guide will explain what you're tasting and where you are as you walk.

How much walking is involved in three hours?

The tour is on foot and covers the local food and shopping areas of Playa del Carmen, stopping at five or six venues. It's suitable for all physical fitness levels, and you'll be moving between stops at a pace that lets you eat and look around. Wear comfortable shoes.

Can I buy things during the tour, or is it just tasting?

You can buy at the tequila shop during the tasting — you get a special discount there — and at the local fashion and souvenir shops at the end of the tour. Bring cash for purchases. The food tastings themselves are included, but shopping is optional.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the guide, food tastings at five or six stops, tequila tasting, and beverages (water, sodas and fresh fruit juices). Gratuities and hotel pickup are not included. Bring cash if you plan to shop, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.