A Deep Dive into the Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue
If you’re visiting Playa del Carmen and are curious about Mexico’s burgeoning craft beer scene, this tour to the brewery with tasting and free time on Fifth Avenue offers a thoughtfully curated experience. For around $100 per person, you’ll enjoy a mix of local brewery insights, flavorful tastings, and a relaxed stroll along one of Playa’s most vibrant streets. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours, beginning with a hotel pickup, making logistics simple and stress-free, especially in a lively area like Playa.
What we really appreciate about this experience is its well-balanced focus on educational insights and leisure. First, visiting Chela de Playa Fábrica, the first microbrewery in Quintana Roo, gives you a behind-the-scenes look at craft beer production—an authentic peek into local brewing craftsmanship. Then, the visit to Chela de Playa bar offers a tasting of their four distinctive craft beers, complemented by a Mexican snack, which makes the experience both flavorful and casual. Finally, the free time on Fifth Avenue invites you to soak up the lively local vibe, browse shops, or simply people-watch.
One potential consideration is the duration of travel time, which can vary significantly—up to 45 minutes—due to traffic. This might impact those with tight schedules or who prefer a more leisurely pace. Still, the flexibility to explore Fifth Avenue afterward makes it a great option for those wanting a taste of local culture combined with craft beer.
This tour best suits beer enthusiasts, curious travelers, and those who enjoy a mix of education and leisure. It’s especially fitting for visitors who want to learn about local brewing, taste authentic Mexican craft beers, and enjoy a relaxed stroll in Playa’s bustling streets.
Key Points
- Authentic Brewery Visit: You get to see how Mexico’s first craft brewery in Quintana Roo makes its beers, with explanations from a brewing expert.
- Tasting Experience: The two-hour stop at Chela de Playa bar includes sampling four different craft beers and enjoying a Mexican snack.
- Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle make the journey comfortable and hassle-free.
- Free Time on Fifth Avenue: After the tasting, you have about an hour to explore Playa’s iconic shopping street at your own pace.
- Value for Money: For around $100, you receive brewery tours, tastings, snacks, and free time, making it a well-rounded experience.
- Small Group Atmosphere: With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate, friendly vibe.
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A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience
This tour is a well-structured blend of education, flavor, and leisure, perfect for those who want to dive into Playa del Carmen’s local craft beer scene without sacrificing the leisure of wandering the city afterward.
Starting with the Brewery
Your adventure begins with a pickup at your hotel or residence, which is a simple and practical way to start your day. The journey to Chela de Playa Fábrica varies in length, but the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle makes the ride pleasant—even if traffic slows things down. Once you arrive, expect about 30 minutes of close-up time with the brewing process. The guide, likely an expert or knowledgeable staff member, will explain what goes into a good craft beer, covering ingredients, brewing techniques, and the unique qualities of Mexican craft brewing.
What’s really valuable here is the behind-the-scenes insight. As one traveler noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the process without overwhelming us,” making it accessible even if you’re not a beer connoisseur. This stops isn’t just about tasting—it’s about understanding what makes Mexican craft beers special.
Tasting at Chela de Playa
Next, you’ll head to the Chela de Playa bar on Fifth Avenue, a lively hub on Playa’s most iconic street. Here, you’ll sample four different craft beers—a true highlight for beer lovers. Included in the price is a taster of each beer, giving you the chance to compare styles, flavors, and aromas. The bar has a relaxed vibe, and with about two hours to enjoy the tasting, you can savor each sip and chat with your guide or fellow travelers.
A noteworthy bonus is the Mexican snack included—a cauliflower taco (vegetarian option) or a Mexican Chicharrón Gordita. These snacks add a local flavor to your tasting experience, making it more than just about beer. Several reviews mention how much they appreciated the authentic food pairing, noting, “The snacks complemented the beers perfectly and added to the overall enjoyment.”
Exploring Fifth Avenue
After the tasting, you are given around one hour to explore Fifth Avenue. This bustling street is full of shops, street performers, cafes, and local vendors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to buy souvenirs, enjoy street food, or simply people-watch. The guide will meet you afterward, making sure you’re comfortable and ready to return to your hotel.
Some might find an hour a bit short for a thorough exploration, but it’s enough to soak up the lively atmosphere. Travelers have commented, “It’s a great way to experience Playa’s vibe without feeling rushed,” which is exactly what this free time offers.
For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Playa del Carmen
- Cielo y Cielito With Transfer, Catamaran, 5 hours Open Bar and Lunch
- Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres Snorkeling with Buffet and Open Bar
- 2×1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers
- Private Boat to Isla Mujeres with Open Bar from Playa del Carmen
- Mexican Beer & Seafood Madness in Playa del Carmen
- Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling with Lunch and Open Bar Onboard
Transportation & Practicalities
Transportation is included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned, crucial for comfort after a day of tasting and sightseeing. The tour operates seven days a week from 5 pm to 10:30 pm, making it a flexible option for evening plans. With a maximum of 15 travelers, it maintains an intimate feeling, avoiding the overcrowded tour bus vibe.
The price of $100.08 may seem a bit steep at first glance, but when you consider the brewery visits, tastings, snacks, and free time, it offers genuine value, especially for those interested in local craft beers.
Booking & Cancellation
Booking is straightforward, with confirmation upon reservation. Plus, the flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—giving peace of mind should your plans change unexpectedly.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience suits beer enthusiasts eager to learn about Mexican craft beers and enjoy a relaxed, informative outing. It’s also a good fit for travelers wanting a taste of Playa’s vibrant street life without a full day commitment. The small group size fosters a friendly and engaging atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer more personal interaction.
If you’re someone who appreciates local flavor, authentic experiences, and a good story behind your drinks, this tour will tick all those boxes.
Final Thoughts
This Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue combines the best of local craft brewing with the lively spirit of Playa del Carmen’s street scene. It’s a thoughtful, well-paced way to indulge your taste buds and learn about Mexico’s craft beer movement. The inclusion of a guided brewery visit, tasting of four distinct beers, snacks, and free time on Fifth Avenue makes this a complete package—especially valuable for those looking to deepen their local experience.
While the travel time can vary, the overall experience is a friendly, authentic, and flavorful way to spend an evening. Whether you’re a craft beer novice or aficionado, the tour offers a compelling snapshot of Playa’s emerging beer culture, wrapped in a relaxed and personable atmosphere.
FAQs
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including travel time, brewery visit, tasting, and free time on Fifth Avenue.
Is transportation included?
Yes, your pickup from your hotel or residence and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle are included.
What does the tasting include?
You’ll receive a tasting of four different craft beers at the bar, along with a Mexican snack—either a cauliflower taco or a Gordita.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Is there a limit to group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Is this suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on craft beer tasting, non-drinkers or children can enjoy the brewery visit and explore Fifth Avenue separately, but the main activity involves alcohol.
This tour offers a friendly, engaging way to explore Playa’s local craft beer scene while enjoying the city’s lively street life. Perfect for curious travelers, beer lovers, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet authentic experience in Playa del Carmen.
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