Deportivo Mario Villanueva Madrid. When I first arrived in Playa del Carmen, I was eager to find a place to maintain my fitness routine. Luckily, I stumbled upon this stadium, a gem of a sports complex in the city's heart.
Located just a block from the famous Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen and close to the beach, it offers a refreshing escape from the concrete streets and a chance to exercise in a more natural setting.
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Where to Go for a Run in Playa del Carmen?
The track was the first thing that caught my eye. It's well-maintained and perfect for running in Playa del Carmen.
It has plenty of space to accommodate severe athletes and casual joggers like me. I loved that it was free and accessible to everyone, making it an inclusive spot for all fitness levels.
Please keep in mind the following guidelines for using the track:
- Lanes 1 and 2: These are designated for high-speed or fast-paced distances for young athletes doing 100-meter sprints.
- Lanes 3 and 4: These lanes run at a pace of 5 minutes per kilometer.
- Lanes 5 and 6: These are for jogging or warm-up exercises at 6 to 7 minutes per kilometer.
- Lanes 7 and 8: These lanes are reserved for those practicing recreational walking.
The synthetic running track is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, on Sundays, it typically closes earlier. If you plan to run on a Sunday, we recommend arriving earlier to ensure you don’t miss out before it closes.
Football Field at Deportivo Mario Villanueva Madrid
The spacious football field is home to the local team, Inter Playa. While the field is generally accessible, it’s often occupied by the team for training sessions, which can be an exciting spectacle for visitors.
Discover Basketball, Tennis, Calisthenics, and More
I discovered that the complex offers much more than just a running track as I explored further. There are basketball and tennis courts, an outdoor gym, and a rooftop terrace where various classes are held.
From salsa dancing with Tony, a charismatic instructor, to yoga in Playa del Carmen sessions that attract a peaceful crowd, there's something for everyone.
The energy here is fantastic, with a palpable sense of community. It's not uncommon to see families playing soccer or friends catching up while shooting hoops.
Outdoor Gym Playa del Carmen: Calisthenics Area
The calisthenics area is a standout feature, equipped with various bars, Olympic rings, and tires for lifting. This section is partially covered, offering some protection from the sun, but most of the area is open air.
The design allows many calisthenics enthusiasts to work out without crowding each other, making it a popular spot for functional training. This makes it a significant highlight among Playa del Carmen gyms.
Where to Play Tennis in Playa del Carmen?
Tennis enthusiasts can rent one of the two courts at the complex for 100 pesos per hour. The courts are available from 7 am to 10 pm.
They are usually in high demand, so booking them in advance is recommended. There's no limit to the number of hours you can reserve.
For example, if you'd like to play for four hours, you are more than welcome to do so by paying 400 pesos.
You can conveniently make reservations and payments at the 'Information' kiosk between the tennis courts and the cafeteria. This spot is quite popular among those who want to play tennis in Playa del Carmen.
Best Basketball Courts in Playa del Carmen
The basketball courts are a bustling hub of activity, especially popular during the afternoons when impromptu games become intense competitions.
The basketball court also stands out as one of the most multicultural in Playa del Carmen, as people worldwide and visitors come together daily for spirited but friendly matches.
With many eager players, there’s often a wait to get on the court. Still, the vibrant atmosphere and the spirited play make it a great spot to watch and participate.
Salsa in Playa del Carmen at Deportivo Mario Villanueva
There's a multi-purpose palapa at the entrance, up the stairs above the cafeteria.
Many homemakers, local women, and those who want to practice salsa in Playa del Carmen gather here every afternoon, starting at 7 PM, to enjoy dancing and exercising.
This vibrant atmosphere is a vital part of the stadium's great vibe. Watching them dance energetically and hearing salsa music while you train is a classic image of what it means to work out here in the afternoons.
The price couldn't be more accessible; only a voluntary contribution is requested. You are not obligated to pay a specific fee; any amount you choose to contribute is more than welcome.
StreetFit Playa del Carmen
Nestled under the grandstands is StreetFit Playa del Carmen, a hidden gem for fitness buffs. This pay-to-use gym offers a variety of equipment and training options.
The monthly membership costs 700 pesos, with an initial registration fee of 300. There's a specialized area for those interested in martial arts.
CrossFit Playa del Carmen and Mixed Martial Arts
A combined CrossFit and martial arts membership is available for 1400 pesos monthly, while a standalone membership costs 1000.
This innovative space offers a unique training environment that many might overlook if they don't venture inside to ask. It's one of the Playa del Carmen gyms that caters to general fitness and specialized training.
Frontenis Playa del Carmen at Mario Villanueva Stadium
In addition to the tennis courts, the Playa del Carmen Mario Villanueva Madrid outdoor gym also features a frontenis court.
The court is open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM with free access. Please note that space is limited, and dedicated groups of players have been coming here for many years.
We recommend visiting between 12 PM and 3 PM when less crowded. Otherwise, you might have to wait to play or compete for your spot with the long-time community of players.
To access the Frontenis court, enter through the door at the end of the stands on the left side, where the tennis court and calisthenics area are situated.
Cafeteria and Amenities
The on-site cafeteria offers protein shakes, snacks, and electrolytes, catering to those looking to refuel after a workout. Nearby, daily artisan stalls sell handcrafted items, adding a local cultural flavor to the sports complex.
Even if you're not here to train, it's a peaceful spot to enjoy a delicious protein shake and relax in one of the city's most lively and healthy environments.
Location and Parking at Estadio Mario Villanueva Madrid
This stadium is in the heart of the city's tourist zone, at the corner of Avenida 10 and Calle 34, just beside Chedraui Selecto Playa del Carmen.
Finding parking at the main entrance can be challenging, so I recommend looking for parking on Calle 34, where it is less crowded.
Remember that this area has parking meters, which operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and cost 10 pesos per hour. The machines only accept coins, and the maximum payment is 6 hours.
If you are a local, download the Mueve Ciudad app. For motorcycles, use the blue parking spaces; they are entirely free, though availability can be limited.
If you have a bicycle, you can lock it inside the stadium; there is a designated bike area near the basketball courts.
Estadio Mario Villanueva Madrid typically opens from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. However, sometimes, the synthetic track may be closed on weekends.
Deportivo Mario Villanueva Madrid: Conclusion
While Estadio Mario Villanueva Madrid is a treasure in Playa del Carmen, offering diverse activities and a vibrant community atmosphere, it's important to note a few drawbacks.
The restrooms—one located at the entrance next to the tennis courts and another under the grandstands—are often somewhat dirty and lack attention to detail, such as adequate toilet paper.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the stadium is one of the city’s greatest assets and the best outdoor gym in Playa del Carmen.
It’s a place where people from all nationalities come together to share their passion for health and sports, creating a diverse and inclusive community.
The dedicated calisthenics area, complete with Olympic rings, tires, and various bars, attracts a large and enthusiastic community, enhancing the stadium's appeal.
With its many free amenities and only a few paid activities like salsa and Zumba classes or the gym under the stands, this stadium is a standout among fitness Playa del Carmen options.
It's a key spot in the landscape of gyms in Playa del Carmen. Spending an afternoon enjoying the breeze while seated in the grandstands is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Checkout the location here: Deportivo Mario Villanueva Madrid
This is so cool, had no idea it existed.