Welcome to Zazil-Ha.
 

When we were choosing a spot in Playa del Carmen, we fell completely in love with Zazil-Ha, and we know you’re going to love it too.
 

If you aren't familiar with the layout of Playa, Zazil-Ha is the coastal neighborhood sitting just north of the hectic downtown core (roughly between Calle 38 and CTM Avenue). According to us (and many others share that same thought) it is the ultimate "sweet spot." It keeps you close enough to walk to all the fun, but far enough away that you can actually get a quiet night's sleep.
 

 

Why we love this neighborhood:

• It’s incredibly walkable: You can leave our door on foot and hit the beach, amazing restaurants, local coffee shops, and the grocery store all within 5 to 10 minutes. You really don't need a car here.

• The "Calle 38" vibe: We are right by Calle 38, which is hands-down the most beautiful street in Playa. It’s lined with massive, wild jungle trees and has some of the best restaurants in town built right into the nature.

• Better, calmer beaches: The beach access points up here are a lot more laid-back and less crowded than the chaotic public beaches down by the main ferry pier.

• Fewer tourist traps, more community: Zazil-Ha has a huge community of expats, remote workers, and locals. Because of that, the restaurants and cafes here are incredible, unique, and priced for people who live here and not just tourists passing through.

• The pretty side of Quinta Avenida: The famous Fifth Avenue pedestrian street runs right through our neighborhood, but up here, it transforms. Instead of neon lights and aggressive vendors, this stretch is mellow, shaded by trees, and perfect for a morning stroll to grab an iced coffee.

 

How to get to the beach from the condo:

Getting to the water is super easy from our place. The absolute best way to go is to head down Calle Flamingos and use the public pedestrian pathway right next to The Reef Coco Beach Resort. It takes you straight through to the sand, lands you right by the water, and skips all the traffic.

 

Staying in Zazil-Ha: What to Know

To help you hit the ground running, here is a quick heads-up on how things work in our corner of Playa:

• The Local Supermarket: For your main grocery run, head over to Chedraui Selecto on Avenida 10. It’s an upscale supermarket with an amazing bakery, organic section, and a great wine selection. We always grab the big 5-liter water bottles there because you can't drink the tap water.

• Ultra-Convenient Corner Spots: If you just need a quick snack, ice, or emergency toiletries, there is an Oxxo convenience store right on the corner of our street. Even better, there is a pharmacy literally next door to us for anything health-related.

• Laundry Done for You: If you need some clothes washed during your stay and yo do not want to wash yourself, you don't have to go far. There are two cheap local laundry places (lavanderías) just a two-minute walk away. You just drop your bag off, and they usually have it washed, dried, and neatly folded on the same day for a few pesos.

• Cash vs. Card: Most of the sit-down restaurants and cafes around here take major credit cards. However, you will definitely want some Mexican Pesos cash for tipping, a quick taco or a beer, or paying for taxi rides.

• Getting Around: Because we are north of the main hub, finding a taxi on CTM Avenue or Avenida 10 is incredibly easy if you want to venture further out. Just make sure to agree on the price with the driver before you hop in, as they don't use meters. Check our Taxi page for more information.

• Safety & Vibe: Zazil-Ha is highly regarded as one of the safest, most peaceful pockets of the city. You will see people jogging, walking their dogs, and pushing strollers at all hours. It feels like a real neighborhood, so just use normal common sense and you'll feel right at home.