travel to playa del carmen

Things to know before going to Playa del Carmen to make your trip more memorable

Mar 8, 2022 • 11 min read

Beyond Playa del Carmen’s touristy core, there’s a world of parks, weekend markets and neighborhood restaurants to discover © Emma Shaw / Lonely Planet

Playa del Carmen  on Mexico’s Riviera Maya  might offer the ideal mix of beach-town characteristics.

At the midpoint between party-central Cancún and boho-chic Tulum , this mid-sized city has everything from wellness retreats to raving parties to gourmet restaurants. It’s a favorite among digital nomads and sun-seeking families, thanks to its walkable streets, easily accessible beaches, and proximity to Mayan ruins, coral reefs and cenotes (natural swimming holes).

It’s no secret that Playa del Carmen is a magnet for tourists, yet the beach town maintains a sense of convivial authenticity that appeals to travelers looking for a well-rounded destination. As an expat here, I have learned a thing or two about navigating this energetic beach town. Here are my first-hand tips to help you make the most of your time in Playa del Carmen. 

Planning your trip to Playa del Carmen

Visit during shoulder season for fewer crowds and better prices.

As the fastest-growing town in the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen attracts hordes of travelers, especially during the peak season from December to April. Picture-perfect skies and cool nights are standard – but so are high prices. And the streets practically bulge at the seams during Christmas and spring break.

The low season runs from May to June and from September to November. Despite the soaring temperatures, we recommend visiting during the shoulder season in July and August, when crowds are thinner. While there may be some downpours and a power outage or two if a tropical storm hits, the sun always makes an appearance in between showers.

Choose the best area to stay 

Playa del Carmen may seem small-scale at first, but once you venture out to the various neighborhoods you’ll find a world of verdant parks, weekend markets and authentic taquerias to discover. Centro – stretching from the ferry terminal to Calle 8 – is tourist central and the city’s bustling heart. This is where you’ll find plenty of bumping nightclubs, salsa bars and flashy souvenir stores.

Next door, Gonzalo Guerrero is a lively jumble of international restaurants, taco trucks and supermarkets sprawling to Calle 40. This area suits those who aren’t hard-core partiers but still want to be near the center of the action. Further northeast is Zazil-Ha, an up-and-coming area that appeals to medium-term visitors and creative types with its affordable short-term rentals and co-working spaces.  

South of Centro lies the gated community of Playacar, which caters to couples and families with young children seeking green spaces and tranquility. Here you’ll find several family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, plenty of short-term rentals and one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen . Note that you’ll need be ready to pedal or walk 15 minutes to town.

Check out a different beach each day

The thing that sets Playa del Carmen apart from next-door neighbors Cancún and Tulum is the town’s remarkable access to the sand . In a bid to avoid coastlines jam-packed with waterfront resorts and private beach clubs, Playa del Carmen was laid out to allow the public easy access to most of its beaches. This means that you don’t have to spend extravagant amounts on a beachfront hotel room or an overpriced day pass to enjoy the powder-puff white sand. 

Make reservations for activities and day tours online

It’s wise to book boat tours and day trips well in advance, especially if you’re visiting at high season. (A month ahead will usually suffice.) An exception is the ferry to Isla Cozumel , which has regular departures daily and can be booked at the ferry terminal only one day ahead of travel. Making reservations beforehand also means you won’t have to deal with tourist touts and other pier-side hassles. 

Etiquette in Playa del Carmen

Dress casually .

Leave your denim jeans or high heels at home: the fashion style in Playa del Carmen is low-key and casual. Laid-back backpackers and well-heeled travelers alike tend to sport singlets, board shorts and flip-flops by day. It’s perfectly fine to wear a linen shirt and cargo shorts to a plush dinner and even a night out at Coco Bongo.

The female dress code is just as informal, with coverups, sundresses and sandals the norm. Beachwear is a free-for-all; you won’t be judged no matter what you want to wear. Bring a light jacket for chilly nights if you’re traveling in the rainy season.

Walk everywhere, and seek out the side streets

One of Playa del Carmen’s winning traits is its walkability. With an efficient grid layout, this is a compact city that’s easy to navigate on foot. Most of the action is centered along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), a pedestrianized boulevard lined with knickknack shops, souvenir stands, restaurants and bars. The further you get from Fifth Avenue, the less traffic and more local hideouts you’ll find. 

Rent a bike to go beach-hopping

Playa del Carmen isn’t quite as keen on two-wheeled transport as Tulum – yet. But it’s getting there. The city now boasts a city-wide bike-sharing system, with lime green BiciPlaya bikes for rent from numerous kiosks dotted around town. Download the app, and you’ll be able to unlock a bike and bop around town for just M$98 ($4.80) per day.

The best bike path in the city runs along Tenth Avenue, parallel to the beach, from Playacar residential area to Avenida Constituyentes. You’ll often find pedestrians spilling onto the bicycle lane, so go slowly. Avoid riding on the main avenues as drivers tend to disregard cyclists.

Drive with caution and learn the traffic rules 

If you’re planning to explore the ruins, cenotes and adventure parks surrounding Playa del Carmen, hiring a car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. While it’s relatively easy to drive in Riviera Maya, car rentals in Mexico come with their own set of challenges. You’ll find no shortage of attractive deals online – but they don’t usually include third-party liability insurance (required by law), airport fees and taxes. Be prepared to pay a higher price than your initial quote.

There isn’t a lot of traffic in Playa del Carmen itself, but once you venture to the 307 Federal Hwy, you’ll find a constant barrage of vehicles, particularly at peak hours. Watch out for the “TOPE” signs, as there are more speed bumps than you can count, even on the highway itself. Avoid driving at night, as it’s hard to see all the speed bumps and potholes in the dark. 

Be careful of where and when you withdraw cash

Although credit cards are accepted at more and more small businesses, Playa del Carmen still runs on cash, and you’ll need small bills to enjoy its local taco joints, neighborhood bars and side-street shops. 

Avoid changing money before getting to Mexico, as you won’t get the best rates. Note that not every ATM is safe to use in Playa del Carmen, as there have been cases of card cloning and counterfeit notes. Avoid the ATMs on Fifth Avenue, and always use an ATM inside a bank rather than one on the street. We recommend taking cash out at Cancún airport upon arrival for peace of mind.

Interestingly, banks and ATMs tend to have long lines at the middle and end of every month. That’s when locals get paid, and many of them are eager to withdraw their earnings. ATMs not only have a long wait at these times, but some also run out of cash.

Tipping is appreciated 

With a vibrant restaurant culture, Playa del Carmen has a slew of dining options with varying etiquette and tipping expectations. Ten to 15% is the standard at most restaurants that don’t fall into the high-end or gourmet category. Tipping is not expected in casual cafes and local joints where you order at the counter, though most have a tip jar if you’re feeling generous.

Note that prices listed on menus in Mexico represent the total price; neither taxes nor tips are supposed to be added. Some restaurants offer a suggested sum for tips, which is fine; others sneak the tips into the total price, which is not. Make sure to always check your bill carefully.

Learn some Spanish to blend in

Hassling is common on the streets of Playa del Carmen, especially along tourist-clogged Fifth Avenue and Parque Fundadores . Sure, you can get by without speaking a word of Spanish as English is commonly spoken here – just be prepared to pay gringo prices. If you want to be treated fairly, learn some Spanish vocabulary that goes beyond the standard “Una cerveza, por favor!” (“A beer, please!”). 

For those planning to stay more than a week in town, sign up for an intensive Spanish class at the established International House Riviera Maya . If you already have a basic level, join in the free conversation evenings run by Chichén Itzá Language School to meet new people and improve your language skills over cocktails.

Health and safety in Playa del Carmen

What to know about cartel activity in playa del carmen.

An unfortunate string of shootings has plagued Playa del Carmen in recent months, sounding alarm bells in the tourism industry. Two Canadian tourists were shot dead in Hotel Xcaret in January 2022, and the manager of Mamitas Beach Club was found murdered in the same week. The Mexican authorities have admitted an increasing presence of drug-related crime in Playa del Carmen. 

Be mindful that the crimes here are usually organized and cartel-related, and violence tends to be targeted rather than random acts of terror. Playa del Carmen, for the most part, is safe for tourists and expats who steer clear of illicit activities. The only way most tourists interact with cartel members is when they buy drugs – and make no mistake: all the dealers are part of a cartel.

It is important to always keep your wits about you and stay vigilant. Keep yourself informed of the latest happenings in Playa del Carmen before you travel.

Don’t be alarmed by the presence of police and military

Don’t be surprised to find military troops and police cars whizzing through the streets of Playa del Carmen: recent incidents have caused a need for heightened security. Several police checkpoints have been set up along the 307 Hwy, including one at the Playa del Carmen exit. 

Since the police will do random checks and ask for your documents, make sure you have your rental contract and valid driver’s license within easy reach. If you’ve violated a traffic rule, there’s a chance you’ll be asked to pay a fine. Tickets are never paid on the streets, so any request for cash is a request for a bribe. Ask politely to have the ticket written and offer to pay it at a police station instead. This way, you won’t be feeding corruption, and the fine will usually cost you less than the bribe.

Don’t do drugs or get drunk on the streets

With a raving bar scene, Playa del Carmen inevitably has its fair share of petty theft and robberies, which tend to happen at night. Solo travelers should avoid getting drunk alone or taking drugs on the streets. Stick with your group if you plan on late-night shenanigans. Keep an eye on your drink, and don’t accept drinks from strangers. 

Be aware of common scams

Mexicans are a friendly bunch – yet it can be hard to differentiate between genuine hospitality and a sales gimmick. Follow the rule of not trusting anyone selling on the streets and you’ll do just fine. When a local approaches you saying, “Do you remember me? I’m your waiter!” just smile, nod and walk away. It’s almost certain that your “friend” is just trying to lure you into their overpriced shop.

A common scam in Playa del Carmen (one familiar to expats) is the distraction scheme. A couple usually approaches and offers to clean the bird poop from your hair or the tomato ketchup on your back, distracting you and thus swiping your valuables while your guard is down.

Know the price you should pay before getting in a taxi

Uber does not operate in Playa del Carmen, but official white-and-green cabs are readily available. They tend to charge tourists more than residents, so check with a local to suss out how much you should pay. Always agree on a price before getting in: a ride within Centro should not be more than M$50 ($2.50). Alternatively, ask your Airbnb host or hotel concierge for a reliable driver that you can contact through WhatsApp.

Don’t drink the tap water

The water in Playa del Carmen is not potable, and you should never drink water from the faucet. It is OK, however, to brush your teeth using it, and many find local tap water acceptable for rinsing vegetables, cooking pasta and washing rice. The water served at restaurants is always purified drinking water, and so is the ice, so feel free to ask for a “vaso de agua” when you dine out.

Several companies in Playa del Carmen deliver large 20-liter barrels of purified water right to your doorstep. You can also stock up at any OXXO convenience store in town; there’s one at almost every corner in the town center.

You might also like: The best beaches in Playa del Carmen for spring break relaxation A guide to Playa del Carmen for digital nomads A perfect weekend in Playa del Carmen

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Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide

How to get there, things to do & more.

Updated April 2024 ⋅ Written by Laura Schulthies ⋅ Edited by Daniel Mode

Welcome to Playa Del Carmen Mexico

Playa Del Carmen is a jewel along Mexico’s Riviera Maya . The beaches, the water, the amenities, and the nightlife are just a few of the things that make Playa del Carmen a top Mexican Caribbean destination. With proximity to nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there’s a little something for everyone in “Playa”. Below is our guide to making the best of your visit including many of the top things to do in Playa del Carmen. We hope you enjoy!

Playa Del Carmen is a jewel along Mexico’s Riviera Maya . The beaches, the water, the amenities, and the nightlife are just a few of the things that make Playa del Carmen a top Mexican Caribbean destination.

With proximity to nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there’s a little something for everyone in “Playa”. Below is our guide to making the best of your visit including many of the top things to do in Playa del Carmen. We hope you enjoy!

Playa Del Carmen Map

A Bit Of History

Hundreds of years ago, Playa del Carmen was an important Mayan stop along the pilgrimage route toward the nearby island of Cozumel, considered a sacred place at the time.

What we now call Playa del Carmen was once known as “Xaman-Ha,” which in Mayan means “waters of the north”.

Over the years, Playa, as it is commonly known, became a vital city of commerce and trade . Due to the frequency of pilgrims, trade seekers, pirates and European explorers, the city flourished.

Playa Del Carmen Today

Today, travelers and locals visit the city for relaxation, nature, culture and a less expensive but no less beautiful travel destination than Cancun . Playa is said to be one of the fastest-growing cities in Latin America and is the jumping off point for the scuba and snorkeling destination of Cozumel .

Is Playa Del Carmen Safe?

Playa Del Carmen is a generally safe destination for traveling in Mexico. Due to the large tourism scene and a high number of travelers, petty theft and scams aren’t uncommon but aren’t a huge threat either.

It is wise to keep a close eye on your belongings and don’t leave your valuables unattended, including drinks and beverages, as it is a large party town. While drug cartels are present, tourists are not the target.

Overall, Playa Del Carman is statistically one of the safest towns in Quintana Roo.

Where is Playa Del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean seashore. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya coastal area, Playa del Carmen is almost exactly in the middle between the cities of Cancun and Tulum, just about 35 miles from each.

Playa del Carmen is also the jumping off point for Cozumel island, with ferries departing every hour.

The Best Time to Visit Playa Del Carmen

The tropical climate in Playa Del Carmen is fairly predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83° F) it’s the rainy season that visitors should pay attention to.

January – April

The weather is picture perfect, but “peak season” means lots of tourists and higher prices. The ocean, cenotes and swimming pools (that aren’t heated) can still be a little chilly for some.

May – October

The hottest and most rainy months of the year still offer plenty of wonderful sunshine and fantastic warm water for snorkeling & diving. The hurricane season peaks in September and October so keep an eye on the forecasts and definitely get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean fewer crowds and lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time.

November – December

Many consider the autumn-winter months to be the best time to visit Playa del Carmen. The hurricane season has passed by this time, and the humidity is low. It can be a little “cool” in the evenings so bring a warming layer.

 When Is Playa Del Carmen Hurricane Season?

Playa Del Carmen hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak in September and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Playa Del Carmen are low (five hurricanes have hit the Yucatan in the past 40 years), but hurricanes traveling near Playa Del Carmen can still cause severe weather. Be sure to check weather reports ahead of time and get travel insurance during these months just in case.

How to Get to Playa Del Carmen & Around

There are a few ways to get to Playa del Carmen and around the city.

Arrival by Air

There is currently no international airport in Playa Del Carmen so visitors must first fly to Cancun and then travel 1 hour overland to reach Playa Del Carmen (see below). Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the largest airport in the region and hosts more than 20 million visitors a year.

  Search for great deals on flights to Cancun here .

Airport Shuttles to Playa Del Carmen

Group or Private Shuttles can be pre-arranged to pick you up at the Cancun Airport and take you to your Playa Del Carmen accommodation. Group shuttles may stop at numerous hotels before yours, so this method could take a bit longer than a private shuttle (while being a bit cheaper).

Shared shuttles are between $45 to $55 per person, while a private minivan shuttle can be booked for anywhere from $80 to $290 per van. We recommend getting a private shuttle if you are in a group of 2 or more people.

  You can easily book ground transportation from the Cancun airport to your Playa del Carmen hotel here .

Rental Cars In Playa Del Carmen

Renting a vehicle in Playa Del Carmen or at the Cancun airport may be the most convenient choice depending on how much exploring you plan to do on your own. It is an easy and affordable option. Rental cars typically run between $35 – $40 per day  at the Cancun airport or in Playa Del Carmen.

If you rent a car at the Cancun airport, head down the only highway southbound. Driving to Playa del Carmen from Cancun is straightforward and takes just under an hour from the airport.

  Search for great deals on rental cars at the Cancun airport here.

  Search for great  deals on rental cars in Playa Del Carmen here.

Buses in Playa Del Carmen

One of the most affordable transportation options to Playa from Cancun is taking the ADO Bus (Autobuses de Oriente), which takes a little more than one hour. A one way ticket from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is roughly $15 per person. You can check out the ADO bus schedule here . Busses do not stop at hotels, only central bus stations.

Taxis in Playa Del Carmen

Taxis in Playa Del Carmen are an easy way to get around. Flag them down on the road or have your hotel call one for you. Prices are around $5 – $18 locally. Traveling outside of town to cenotes and other attractions can add up though.

If you want to take a taxi to Playa Del Carmen from Cancun, they are everywhere on the street in Cancun and will take you straight to your accommodation in Playa Del Carmen. Be sure to discuss the prices in advance so you don’t get overcharged. Taxis from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen are convenient but can be quite expensive. Typically around $60 dollars.

Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen

Playa's top highlights.

There is so much to do in Playa. From live shows to sailing cruises and more, it’s really easy to make each day in Playa del Carmen a special experience. Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy!

1. Experience The Adventure Parks

About 20-30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen are a cluster of world famous adventure parks that are unlike anything you’ve probably experienced before.

The most famous is Xcaret with its meandering canals you can swim through, incredible beach coves, cultural shows, jungle hikes and so much more. They are a little pricey, but the adventure parks are widely considered a must do in the area.

Other very popular parks include Xplor with its caves, ziplines, rafting and ATV’s, Xel-Ha with its waterslides, snorkeling, mangrove tubing and other water activities, Xplor Fuego nighttime torchlight adventure, Xenotes cenote experience, Xoximilco floating fiesta and the oddly popular Xenses optical illusion park.

2. Visit A Cenote

Talk about healing properties. The cenote choices in the Playa del Carmen area are vast and diverse as there are literally dozens of incredible locations nearby.

You can swim, scuba dive, snorkel or just walk through one of these breathtaking and powerful forces of nature.

  Check out this epic VIP Private Cenote Tour that visits three fantastic cenotes.

  Take a look at this highly reviewed cenote cave exploration tour .

  This cool best cenotes for Instagram tour takes you to some of the most famously beautiful cenotes including Suytun Cenote.

  Check out this popular small group tour that includes a visit to the Tulum and Coba Mayan ruins and a swim at a couple of cenotes. Tour picks up at hotels in Playa Del Carmen.

  For more cenote info and great cenote recommendations, be sure to check out our Ultimate Cenote Guide .

3. Stroll Fifth Avenue

The primary pedestrian street in Playa Del Carmen is the broad La Quinta 5th Ave which runs parallel to the beach and is lined with vendors, bars, restaurants, tour shops, performers, tequila tasting rooms and everything else you’d imagine. Stretching from Ave. Constituyentes in the north to Calle 1 (1st Street) in the south, this is where the action is.

This wide street’s proximity to the beach makes wandering here the perfect activity after you’ve enjoyed a few hours on the gorgeous sand. Fifth Avenue ends in a large outdoor retail mall by Fundadores beach and the ferry terminal to Cozumel.

  ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Standard health insurance likely doesn’t cover you while outside of the country so travel insurance will cover any emergency medical needs as well as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), flight delays, missed connections and more. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here .

4. Get Out On The Water

There are many wonderful day cruises available from Playa del Carmen and the surrounds. Keep it simple and take a sunset sail with cocktails, a snorkeling adventure or even rent a private yacht for the day.

Feel like exploring further? There are several spectacular islands easily within reach of Playa del Carmen as well. Isla Mujeres tours make for an incredible day trip via catamaran or party boat and typically include fantastic snorkeling and then lunch on the island.

The more remote Isla Contoy meanwhile is an uninhabited nature preserve, perfect for getting away from it all to check out wild birds and desolate beaches. Robinson Crusoe eat your heart out.

If a sailing adventure isn’t your cup of tea, just take the ferry across the channel to the world-famous Cozumel for a relaxing day at a beach club !

  Explore Palya del Carmen day cruises here .

  Here are a number of excellent day tours to Isla Mujeres. While most tours to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy depart from Cancun, many also include pickup in Playa del Carmen and other parts of the Riviera Maya.

  These are the top rated tours to Isla Contoy .

5. Have A Beach Day

There are a lot of great beaches in the Playa del Carmen area. Fundadores is the bustling main beach along the strip in Playa del Carmen center and is always great for lounging and people watching. Restaurants and vendors are scattered along the beach so grabbing a ceviche or a cervesa is easy.

Playacar beach is a bit further south, a long walk or a short taxi ride from Centro, and is a bit more idyllic. Playacar is a residential neighborhood, so the beach is well-groomed and the vibe is more quiet and peaceful.

*Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the Caribbean coast of Mexico (Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, etc.) from April to August. Many resorts and beaches remove the seaweed from the sand daily, but it can pile up by the water’s edge and be stinky in places where it’s not removed. For this reason, we suggest getting a hotel with a nice pool area for swimming or spending some time on the islands of Cozumel or Isla Mujeres which are largely protected from the seaweed.

6. Take A Day Trip To Chichen Itza

If you’ve never been to a Mayan ruin, why not start with one of the best! Chichen Itza is an epic collection of temples and monuments that are worth the trip to get there.

Around a two-hour drive from Playa del Carmen, many people combine the adventure with a swim at a cenote on the way back to cool off.

You can rent a car and do the drive yourself, but most people book either a private tour guide or take a group tour for simplicity. This also allows you to zonk out in the van on the way back! Note that tours “from Cancun” also usually pick up in Playa del Carmen as well. Also, group tours typically do not include the park entrance fee of $30 USD per adult or $5 per child.

  This top rated group tour to Chichen Itza includes pick up throughout the Riviera Maya (including Playa), a buffet lunch, a trip to Valladolid and swimming in a cenote on the way back.

  Here’s a great private tour .

  Don’t mind getting up absurdly early? Check out this awesome sunrise tour to Chichen Itza !

7. Explore The Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

This wild little day trip isn’t what you normally think of when you think of Playa del Carmen, but dont let that stop you from taking a break from the sunshine and trying out a new adventure!

Rio Secreto (The Secret River) is an underground cave/cenote system filled with stalactites, stalagmites and beautiful fresh water that you’ll spend the day wading and swimming through.

Small group tours include guide, transport, lunch, wetsuits, hard hats, water shoes and more. This is widely considered an unforgettable experience.

  This is definitely one of the most popular tours and has an option for hotel pick up for convenience.

8. Explore The Tulum Mayan Ruins

The Tulum Mayan Ruins archaeological site is a must see in the area. The energy of this magical, ancient place is what has been calling tourists here for centuries. The ruins are perched over the sea in a breathtaking locale near the town of Tulum.

Guides are available at the entrance if you are keen to really understand the historical significance of the place, but strolling solo is always a pleasure too.

  To join a great group tour that includes transport from Playa del Carmen, English speaking guide, and a fantastic side trip to swim at a local cenote, check out this tour .

 For more info on visiting the Tulum Ruins, check out our Tulum Ruins Visitors Guide .

9. Enjoy The Nightlife

Walking south on the La Quinta 5th Ave pedestrian street towards 1st Street will take you to the nightlife party area. Here you can safely stop in at some of the numerous clubs and tourist bars. Far and away the most famous club to dance and drink the night away is Coco Bongo with its massive interactive stage shows and wild dancefloor.

  This VIP package for Coco Bongo has loads of five-star reviews on TA and includes hotel transport, premium drinks, skip the line privileges and more.

  Feel like seeing more of Playa’s nightlife? This VIP nightclub tour hits multiple clubs and comes with a party guide, free drinks all night, VIP access and more. Tylenol the next day not included.

10. Relax At A Beach Club

There is no better way to spend a day in Playa del Carmen than relaxing at one of the fabulous beach clubs. There are many fantastic beach clubs to choose from and a beach club for every occasion.

Are you looking for a fun party? You got it. Would you prefer something a bit more low-key and relaxing? They have them.

A few of our favorites include Coralina Daylight Club , which is well equipped with stunning ocean views, lounge chairs, and an electric atmosphere with a live DJ. Lido Beach Club is all about fantastic food, music, and good vibes. Martina Beach Club is a top choice if you are looking for a low-key beach club to chill out for the day.

11. Experience Alux Cave Restaurant

The Alux Cave Restaurant provides a mind-blowing and truly unique dining experience that takes the cake when it comes to finding a place to enjoy a meal “with a view”. The entire restaurant is built inside a natural cave! Alux Cave Restaurant is just outside Playa del Carmen and is reachable by rental car or taxi.

The menu at Alux features traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist and a wide selection of international wines. Make sure to try the Pork Belly Tacos, or the Salmon Tartare.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants in Playa del Carmen available to choose from, but Alux is a totally different experience, unlike any other.

12. Swim At A Rooftop Pool

Rooftop pools are perfect for soaking up the sun in Playa del Carmen. Whether solo, traveling with your family, or looking for a romantic spot to relax, there is a rooftop pool for you. After a busy day exploring the sights, what better way to relax than to have a cocktail while lounging at a rooftop pool?

For beautiful ocean views, check out the Be Playa Hotel rooftop pool, which has a vibey laid back atmosphere and provides a small but cozy retreat. This adults-only pool even offers tables and chairs that sit in the shallow water. If you are not staying at the hotel , you can gain access to the rooftop pool for around $12 USD (200 MXN), and it’s open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Keep in mind there is a minimum consumption of $18 in drinks per person, including sun bed with minimum consumption $70 per sun bed that subject to availability.

Another excellent rooftop pool can be found at The Fives Downtown . With a long infinity pool that faces the ocean, it’s one of the largest rooftop pools in Playa del Carmen. Relax in comfortable lounge chairs and order from the full food and beverage menus. There’s also additional restaurant seating in the back for dining or working.

For a full on party vibe with DJ’s and more, check out Deck 5 right on the beach.

13. Visit The Gaston Charo Art Gallery

If you love art, you must visit the Gaston Charo Art Gallery in Playa del Carmen. Charó’s work depicts a combination of surrealism, cubism, and expressionism. This gallery perfectly expresses art as a universal language that goes beyond country borders to unify people.

The Gaston Charo Art Gallery also exhibits the work of several local artists, offering a wide variety of styles and techniques to satisfy all tastes in art.

14. Wander Parque Los Fundadores

The Parque Los Fundadores is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Playa del Carmen. Also known as Founding Fathers Park, this large oceanfront park is located in the center of town on 5th Avenue and is home to various trees and plants.

Whether you want to take a stroll, enjoy a picnic, or rent bikes, exploring the park is a great way to experience Playa del Carmen. The park has a playground for kids, making it the perfect place to spend time with the whole family.

The real stars of the show at Parque Los Fundadores are the sculptures. You have probably seen photos of the Portal Maya, a 52.5-foot-high arch sculpture of a man and woman in bronze. It’s the perfect frame for a photo with the ocean behind it.

The Parque Los Fundadores is also where you will find the famous Playa del Carmen sign!

15. Take A Food Tour

If you want to find the best authentic Mexican food in Playa del Carmen, we recommend taking a food tour. If you want to try a variety of Playa’s delicious food, there are several highly rated tours to choose from, each with a different focus.

This highly recommended Walking Food Tour is a fantastic way to try some of the best tacos in town and other street food favorites like tamales and elote. You will get an insider’s view of the food scene and learn about popular dishes and ingredients used in authentic Mexican cuisine. You will also visit places that most tourists will never see while trying some authentic local food.

   Check out this highly recommended Walking Food Tour .

   If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’re in luck! Check out this highly rated Vegan Food Tour .

   Are you more interested in a cooking class? Take a look at this top rated Cooking Class And Market Tour .

Where To Stay In Playa Del Carmen

There are all types of wonderful accommodations in Playa Del Carmen. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For information about the different neighborhoods and great hotel recommendations, check out our Playa Del Carmen Hotel Guide.

For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Playa del Carmen Hotel Guide

What To Eat In Playa Del Carmen

You can find mouthwatering food everywhere you go in this vibrant city. The vast majority of the Playa del Carmen’s restaurants are in Centro (downtown) and the North End (the area just north of Ave. Constituyentes).  If you’re looking for some great places to eat in Playa, be sure to check out our Playa Del Carmen Restaurant Guide .

For great restaurant recommendations, check out our Playa Del Carmen Restaurant Guide

What To Pack For Your Trip!

The Mexican Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure, one can easily have the trip of a lifetime here. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a list to help you pack and included some of our favorites as well. Check out our What To Pack For Your Mexico Vacation Guide .

Check out our Packing List For Beach Vacation!

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

Cancun, islands, tulum and more.

Playa Del Carmen Restaurant Guide

Playa Del Carmen Hotel Guide

The Best Playa Del Carmen All Inclusive Resorts

Riviera Maya Visitors Guide

The Best Riviera Maya All Inclusive Resorts

Akumal Visitors Guide

The Best Akumal All Inclusive Resorts

Puerto Morelos Visitors Guide

The Best Puerto Morelos All Inclusive Resorts

The Best Cancun All Inclusive Resorts

The Best Tulum All Inclusive Resorts

The Best Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts

Much more to explore..., share this post, this post has 7 comments.

My family will be traveling to Mexico in a few months and would love to visit Playa Del Carmen but we are all afraid to drive. Do you know if the roads are fairly easy to navigate or is it better to hire transportation? Thanks in advance!

It is very easy to drive from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen and to drive in the areas around the city. Driving to cenotes, etc. is very straightforward. Inside Playa Del Carmen however, it’s much easier to take taxis or walk.

I just wanted to write to say how great these Mexico Visitor Guides are. All of the guides on this site are very detailed and answer any questions I may have about certain places. Great job!

Hey thanks! We are always updating with additional information as well, so check back often.

I’ve never been to Playa del Carmen, but I am definitely putting it on my list after seeing these photos. Looks beautiful.

We have never been to Mexico and your Playa guide really inspired us to go! This guide made our trip fun and so so easy. We went expecting to stay for 3 days and we ended up extending our trip for an additional two weeks. Not only did we use this Playa guide but the Cozumel guide also. So helpful! Thank you so very much for putting it together.

We love Playa so much and come visit at least every couple of years. This guide was so helpful in making our trip even more memorable this year. Thank you to all who wrote it.

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Explore Playa del Carmen

Plan Your Trip to Playa del Carmen: Best of Playa del Carmen Tourism

Travel advice, discover the best of mexico with meliá.

Essential Playa del Carmen

A high-low food tour of Playa del Carmen

Browse collections

Epic eco-park adventures.

Calling all food lovers

For the party animals

Next-level natural wonders

Eye-popping heritage sites

Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing playa del carmen.

Try to use at least a little Spanish. “Hola” and “gracias” go a long way.

It is best to carry plenty of cash with you when visiting ruins, cenotes, and adventure parks. ATMs can be hard to find.

Playa del Carmen is easy to get around on foot, but if you are going to take a taxi, make sure you negotiate the price first!

mexico02010

Playa Del Carmen is the hidden jewel south of Cancun in Mexico.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most romantic places on earth. From cute little spots to watch the sunset, to delicious candlelit dinners at award-winning romantic restaurants, to diving inside a sacred Mayan cenote.

Thel Lina C

From water sports — such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving — to magnificent white sandy beaches and delicious food; Playa del Carmen is the perfect Caribbean destination where you can relax and have fun.

Playa del Carmen may not compete with his older cousin, Cancun, for nightlife and entertainment, but if you are looking for a more chilled-out vibe, sophisticated venues, live entertainment, and even hidden bars; it could be for you!

What is the best way to get there?

The closest international airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun International Airport. Buses, shuttles, and taxis head to the town from the airport. It’s about a 45-minute journey.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Mexico from overseas, use the government’s  Visa Wizard  to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Peak season in Playa del Carmen is December through March, when the sunny skies and calm warm waters are ideal for a beach break. Expect temperatures around 74-77°F (23-25°C). To dodge the crowds and peak season price hike, opt for the quieter months of October and May.

Temperatures rise even higher in summer (as does the humidity), but it’s also hurricane season from June to Sept., when storms and showers are common.

Playa del Carmen is small enough to get around on foot, and it’s easy to walk between the town and the beach.

Taxis are easy to find in Playa del Carmen and can be hailed on the street.

Colectivos (shared taxis) connect Playa del Carmen with nearby towns and towns.

Regular ferries depart from Playa del Carmen for the island of Cozumel, an about 45-minute journey.

ridesharing

Uber is not currently available in Playa del Carmen.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Eastern Standard Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. There are two plug types — one with two flat pins and another with two flat pins and a grounding pin.

What is the currency?

Mexican peso. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes, in town. Draw money out before heading out on day trips or smaller beach towns.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes, in town. It’s worth carrying cash for markets, street food stalls, and entrance tickets.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not obligatory in Mexico, but waiters and hotel staff will have become accustomed to it in Playa del Carmen.

Restaurants

A service charge is added to the bill at some restaurants; otherwise tipping 10-15% is standard practice.

Hotels/Resorts

$1-$2 US tip for bellmen and housekeeper is the norm.

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Try to speak the language

English is widely spoken in establishments frequented by travelers, but learning a few Spanish phrases will be appreciated.

Bring your own sunscreen

Items such as sunscreen are considered luxuries in Mexico and can be vastly overpriced.

Be prepared to haggle over prices, particularly at markets and street stalls (although food markets and shops typically have fixed prices). A good starting point is to half the initial asking price, then work up from there.

• Hotel Xcaret Mexico
• Hilton Playa del Carmen, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort
• Paradisus Playa del Carmen - Riviera Maya
• Fairmont Mayakoba
• Hotel Xcaret Arte
• Rockas Beach Town Grill
• The Traveler's Table
• Rio Secreto
• Quinta Avenida
• Cenote Chaak Tun
• Xenses Park by Xcaret
• Full Day Tulum Ruins Tour Cenote and Swimming with Turtles
• Half-Day Sea Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling Tour from Cancun & Riviera Maya
• Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote tour
• Xplor Park All-Inclusive Admission - With Lunch and Drinks
• VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

Playa del Carmen

• 1 Understand
• 2.1.1 From the Cancún airport to the city center
• 2.1.2 From the Cozumel airport to the city center
• 2.4 By boat
• 3.1 Orientation
• 3.2 On foot
• 3.3 By bike
• 3.4 By e-hailing
• 3.6 By taxi
• 3.7.1 City bus
• 3.7.2 Intercity bus
• 3.7.3 Shared vans
• 3.7.4 Bus tours
• 5.1 Skydiving
• 5.2 Charter fishing
• 5.3 Private yachts and vessels
• 5.5 Theme parks
• 5.6 Water parks
• 5.7 Out of town trips
• 6.1 Spanish classes
• 8.1 Street food
• 8.3 Mid-range
• 8.4 Splurge
• 10.1.1 in the center:
• 10.1.2 near the center:
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 10.4 Resorts
• 11.1 Wifi Spots
• 12.1 Consulates
• 13.1 To the east
• 13.2 To the south
• 13.3 To the west
• 13.4 To the north

Playa del Carmen , or just "Playa" as it is also commonly referred to by locals, is a large coastal resort town in Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Approximately 70 km south of Cancún and 20 km west of Cozumel island, it is at the center of the Mayan Riviera and offers a more relaxed atmosphere and smaller boutique lodgings.

Understand [ edit ]

Playa del Carmen is less internationally recognized than its northern sister city, Cancun . However, this comes with many added benefits. Unlike Cancun, which has a reputation of being incredibly touristy, Playa del Carmen retains an authentic Mexican feel due to its smaller size despite still being a tourist destination. Also, Playa del Carmen can be far less crowded and hectic than Cancun year-round. The resorts and hotels are also much newer in Playa del Carmen. To summarize, anything one can find in Cancun - be it gorgeous beaches, great nightlife, or delicious cuisine - one can also find in Playa del Carmen, but in a much more authentic and relaxed environment.

Quinta Avenida, also referred to in English as 5th Avenue, is the main tourist thoroughfare in Playa. It is a pedestrian only, cobblestone lined street which spans approximately 20 blocks. Along 5th Ave. you will find a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping opportunities and various overpriced services. In Playa, nearly everything starts from this street. If you have more local fare in mind, head a few avenues (they are counted in jumps of five, the next one besides fifth avenue is tenth avenue) inland and prices as well as the number of gringos tend to fall. Towards the south there is a gated community full of air bnb rentals and hotels called "playacar". You might be able to just walk in, but security will stop cars and possibly pedestrians at the entrance gate.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

The main airport for Playa is Cancún International Airport ( CUN  IATA ). You could also check flights to the Cozumel airport ( CZM  IATA ), which is much closer than CUN, or the new Tulum International Airport ( TQO  IATA ), which is almost 2 hours by taxi or bus from Playa.

From the Cancún airport to the city center [ edit ]

From all terminals of the Cancún International Airport depart ADO buses directly to Playa del Carmen. The price is M$240 ( pesos ) (Sep 2023). Purchase a ticket right before exiting the terminal or at a kiosk right at the bus. Buying it in pesos will save you a few dollars. Tickets for children are half-price. The ride takes about 50 minutes. The buses arrive in the Terminal Turistica of Playa del Carmen.

Private transfers are another way to get from Cancún's International Airport to your hotel, condo, or beachfront home in Playa Del Carmen or Playacar, and can be booked online in advance.

Once you wander outside of the terminal into the crowd of transfer service agents, if you have booked ahead of time, feel free to tell other agents which service you are looking for. The agents look out for each other and will likely point you in the right direction. It can be extremely crowded, so you are better off asking for help rather than wandering around looking for the right agent and getting in the way

Some local businesses offering these services are:

• Cancun Airport Transportation , Calle 54, La Luna, 505, 77533 Cancún, Q.R. , ☏ +521 998 980 0248 , [email protected] . ( updated Jan 2021 )
• Discovery Mundo Transfers , ☏ +52 55 4161 4826 . 24 hr daily . Airport transfers and general transport.  

From the Cozumel airport to the city center [ edit ]

Take a taxi for the 2.5 km to the Cozumel ferry terminal. From there take a boat to the center of Playa de Carmen for US$13 (Feb 2022). More details are stated further below in "By boat" . In front of the nearby Terminal Turistica are taxis which bring you to your accommodation.

By bus [ edit ]

The 20.623022 -87.075179 1 ADO Terminal Turistica is right in the heart of Playa del Carmen on 5th Ave. The ADO buses from the airport only arrive in this Terminal. Upstairs are a Santander and BanBajío ATM.

And there is the 20.629548 -87.074219 2 ADO Terminal Alterna in the city center at Calle 12 Nte & Avenida 20 Nte. ADO buses from destinations further away like Bacalar, Chetumal and Mérida only arrive in this Terminal.

Coming from Cancun, Valladolid or Tulum you can choose in which Terminal you would like to arrive. Bus travel is relatively inexpensive, you can either travel second class, or first class, which is sometimes also called 'Express' although it is not notably any faster at all. First class buses cost around 40% more and will have toilets and TVs on them, but both classes have air conditioning.

A second class ticket to Chetumal on the Belizean border costs about M$300 (Jan 2022) and takes around 4½ hours. For getting to know the schedule of a second class bus, the employees inside the ticket booth of a Terminal show it to you on their LCD screen.

By car [ edit ]

Highway 307 is the only highway that passes by Playa. As you approach Playa from Cancún, the highway divides. Keep left and you will take the raised freeway past the city, keep right and you'll be able to access the city streets. The first east-west artery to Playa is Avenida Constituyentes, which works well for destinations in northern Playa tourist zone. The second is Avenida Juárez, which leads to the town's main square, the ADO Tourist bus terminal and the Cozumel ferry dock.

By boat [ edit ]

From Cozumel there are two competing companies which ship you across: Winjet and Ultramar. The price is M$260 (Dec 2023), or about US$13/26 one-way/return (Feb 2022). Both companies operate from the main ferry dock 20.620797 -87.074904 3 Ferry Terminal on the south end of the city, just south of the plaza. Boats leave every hour, from 08:00-20:00, and the ride is 30 minutes. A second dock (Muelle Constituyentes) is sometimes used by Ultramar.

Get around [ edit ]

Orientation [ edit ]

Because the layout of downtown Playa is a rectangular grid, getting around is very easy.

The main east-west street, Avenida Juárez, connects Highway 307 with the town square, El Zócalo, near the beach. As it does so, it crosses several numbered north-south avenues that run parallel to the beach, all of which, interestingly enough, are multiples of five. Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the closest to the beach, is closed to traffic from the Zócalo to Calle 6 (and some blocks beyond, in the evening).

Almost the entire town is north and west of the town square, El Zócalo. The east-west streets parallel to Avenida Juárez are numbered Calle, with even numbers to the north of Juárez and odd numbers to the south. The other main east-west street Avenida Constituyentes is located where you would expect to find Calle 18.

To the south of the downtown is "Playacar" a golf-course development of private residences and a dozen resort hotels.

On foot [ edit ]

Playa is pedestrian friendly town and you can basically walk to everything. The heat may be a problem, however. The main north-south pedestrianized street, 5th Ave, does not allow cars except in the early morning hours for deliveries. On 5th Avenue are many hotels, restaurants, and small shops. The north-south thoroughfare Avenida 30, five blocks west of 5th Ave, is where the large stores are located. To walk from the town square, El Zócalo, and Avenida Juarez to Avenida Constituyentes takes only about 10 minutes.

By bike [ edit ]

A bike is a fun alternative to walking; there are a number of bike rental shops at the north end of 5th Ave. Bike paths exist on some streets but it seems to be totally random which ones get them and which don't. Where they exist, they are generally segregated from foot and motorized traffic and in a state of good repair.

By e-hailing [ edit ]

There is no e-hailing service which serves Playa del Carmen.

Car rentals are readily available at a number of locations at the north end of 5th Ave. Large companies, National, Hertz, etc. are convenient, as well as local agencies, which are generally less expensive.

• 20.62449 -87.07516 4 Easy Way Playa del Carmen Rental Car , 10th North Avenue, between 2nd y 4th Mza 7, lote 7, Loc 1. Quintana Roo , ☏ +52 999 930 9500 , toll-free: +52 1877 640 32 79 , [email protected] . ( updated Feb 2019 )

By taxi [ edit ]

5th Ave. ('Quinta Avenida' or '5ta Av.') is a pedestrianized street and taxis are available at various intersections along its length. A taxi taken from a 'sitio' (place where taxis park) will cost a few dollars more than a taxi hailed on the street. It costs US$7 to get to Playacar, and about M$30-50 (Feb 2022) to get around the rest of Playa. In the evening and at night, some taxi drivers demand way more. Ask for the price before entering.

By public transport [ edit ]

City bus [ edit ].

There are some city buses and shared vans which cover Playa del Carmen. The destinations are marked on the windshield. It's best to ask a local or a bus driver for an advice which and from where you can take one.

Intercity bus [ edit ]

Scheduled bus service to the main destinations in the region (e.g. Tulum , Cancun airport, Cancún , etc.) depart from both the ADO Terminal Alterna and ADO Terminal Turistica . To tourism destinations like Xcaret and Xel-ha go buses from the ADO Terminal Turistica . The ADO bus goes directly to the entrances of Xcaret and Xel-ha.

Second class local Mayab and Oriente buses also leave from the ADO Terminal Turistica and ADO Terminal Alterna . These buses stop more frequently en route and drop off alongside the Highway 307 to Tulum, requiring walking from the highway to the entrances of Xcaret or Xel-ha. The schedule of the second-class buses is not provided online. You can see the schedules on the LCD screen of the employees in the ticket booth of the Terminal.

The last buses from Cancun and Tulum depart about midnight back to Playa del Carmen.

Shared vans [ edit ]

The very frequent 20.626079 -87.083572 5 Colectivos in the direction of Tulum and Cancun depart 500m outside of the center near Chedraui (on Calle 2 between Av 10 and Av 15). To both Cancun or Tulum it costs M$50 (Feb 2022) and somewhat less when leaving somewhere on the route. They depart from 4:30am to 10:30pm. Colectivos are cheap government regulated air-conditioned vans which transport people on Highway 307, which runs north/south along the coast between Tulum and Cancún . Pick-up times for these collectivos vary, roughly every 5-10 minutes. Pick-up/drop-off can be done along the freeway. The vans may only be marked with "Playa", which means "Playa del Carmen".

There are also vans either ran by individuals or tour vans returning empty from a drop off that will pick you up alongside Hwy 307. The easiest way to catch one is to wait at a bus stop and extend your hand out (like a handshake). Sometimes a van will flash their lights which is asking if you want them to stop. Prices vary, but can be as cheap as M$3. They pickup up and down the entire length of the highway. Most all speak English. They drop you off only along the highway at your choice. No door to door service.

Bus tours [ edit ]

Organized bus tours are available from a variety of companies that cross the Riviera Maya & Yucatán (Tulum, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Mahahual, Ek Balam, Celestun, Rio Lagartos, Mérida, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Coba, Sian Ka'an, Xcaret, Xelha, etc.). There are a lot of so-called "travel agencies" on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Most of them are time-share offices. One reliable travel agency is Solatino Tours & Travel. The owners have day trips covering the whole area.

See [ edit ]

• 20.62193 -87.074703 1 Portal Maya . Oceanfront bronze statue and archway  
• 20.623803 -87.074301 2 La Quinta Avenida . A pedestrian street.  
• 20.627881 -87.087231 3 Parque La Ceiba .  
• 20.627026 -87.073504 4 3D Museum of Wonders .  
• 20.629169 -87.073606 5 Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen .  
• 20.625874 -87.071165 6 Playa del Carmen Lighthouse .  
• Small Maya Ruins around the "Playacar" gated community.

As the town is part of the 1970s master plan to develop the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula as a tourist hotspot and barely existed as a hamlet half a century ago, the small Maya ruins are everything regarding historical architecture.

Do [ edit ]

Skydiving [ edit ]

• Skydive Playa are based at the airport.

Charter fishing [ edit ]

You may see many boats on the beach in Playa del Carmen waiting for a deep sea fishing charter. Most of these boats are unlicensed and provide the bare necessities. They are generally small "pangas" which may or may not even offer shade. The equipment is generally sub-par. The professional charter fleet is in Puerto Aventuras which is about 10 km south of Playa. Puerto Aventuras is the oldest and nicest marina on the Riviera Maya. The protection is so good that the Cozumel Ferries park there in bad weather. There are numerous charter boats available from 29 ft (8.8 m)-47 ft (14 m). For not much extra money (if any) you can upgrade to a private boat. Just walk past the charter boats and you will find private boats. These boats are privately owned by affluent owners who maintain them with an open check book. Some of them offer their boats for occasional charter. The extra effort is well worth it.

Private yachts and vessels [ edit ]

With the closest port to Playa del Carmen at 25 min away there is different options for private luxury yachts, vessels or catamarans, whether to enjoy a day out doing sport fishing, drinking, tanning or celebrating something you can try Playa Yachting for good options.

Diving [ edit ]

Scuba diving and snorkeling is plentiful around Playa, though the reefs are off the shore require a boat to get to. The offshore reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef , the second largest coral reef system in the world. All hotels have a dive shop, though many can be found on 5th Ave. Better open-water scuba diving can generally be found in Cozumel so if this is the focus of your trip it is best to stay there. Excellent snorkeling is at Puerto Morelos , roughly halfway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, and in the lagoon at Akumal, on the way to Tulum. Several dive shops in Playa del Carmen do offer cenote diving south of town.

Cenotes are cavernous freshwater sinkholes which are found all over the Yucatán Peninsula. Many of them are open to the public for swimming, diving, and exploration. Many are open, however some of them are partially underground and the caves associated with these cenotes can run for miles underground. Cenotes also vary in size with openings as little as a foot wide to as large as a small lake. The water clarity in these cenotes is often unsurpassed, often exceeding 60 m (200 feet), and makes for exceptionally good swimming. Some of the bigger cenotes are available as tourist destinations, many are locally owned, and many more still are either undiscovered or undeveloped. Entrance to the commercial cenotes is correlated to the amount of development (i.e. if there are washrooms, restaurants, showers) with fees ranging from US$1-20.

Two good cenotes within 15 minutes drive of Playa del Carmen with facilities are Cenote Chaak Tun and Rio Secreto. Both provide wetsuits, life jackets, shoes, etc, and run guided tours of 1½-2 hours involving walking and swimming through underground caves with beautiful rock formations, with the occasional fish below you, and bats above. No personal photography is allowed at Rio Secreto but their photographer will sell you photos for US$100. Cenote Chaak Tun allows photography, but lighting conditions are challenging, and you may be better buying photos from them for US$30 (from your trip and stock photos).

Cenote Chaak Tun is open 9-5, with guided tours leaving every 30 min or so. Entry is M$500/US$30 plus tip for the guide. Rio Secreto entry is from USD79 (different tour options available).

• 20.62607 -87.07111 1 Abyss Dive Center and Training Facility .  
• AlwaysDiving . A good place to do your diving or scuba diving classes. Scuba diving for everyone, from beginners to professionals.  
• Cenote Dive Center ( in the town of Tulum ). For cenote snorkeling tours or cenote dive excursions.  
• 20.62763 -87.07275 2 Scuba10 ( Avenue 10 between 10 & 12 St ). Great option if you want to do cenote diving with an experienced operator in Playa del Carmen.  
• 20.650767 -87.075463 3 Advanced Diver Mexico , 77712, Fuente de Cervantes 15, Santa Fe del Carmen , ☏ +52 984 135-3305 , [email protected] . 08:00-20:00 . Dive shop, providing cenotes & cave diving experiences in Playa del Carmen, tech training and support. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 20.70032 -87.01268 4 Dive X , Blue Bay Resort , ☏ +52 984 165 7313 , [email protected] . 08:00-18:00 . Great dive center if you are looking to dive in Cenotes or experience a dive with bull sharks. ( updated Aug 2021 )

Theme parks [ edit ]

• 20.580555 -87.119809 5 Xcaret (ecopark) . – An eco-archaeological park. Here you can admire tropical flora and fauna typical of the region as well as different expressions of the Mayan culture. In its facilities you can find an archaeological site, snorkeling in underground rivers, beach, butterfly pavilion, orchid greenhouse, regional fauna breeding farm, Mayan village, jaguar island, among others. For additional cost visitors can swim with captive dolphins; enjoy the Temascal and Spa services. At night you can admire the unique night show “Xcaret México Espectacular” which features a variety of performances from ancient Mayan culture to traditional Mexican music and dances.  
• 20.59961 -87.11768 6 Native Park Playa del Carmen . ( updated May 2023 )

Water parks [ edit ]

• 20.6327 -87.10438 7 Chanolandia . ( updated May 2023 )

Out of town trips [ edit ]

• 20.215086 -87.429257 8 Tulum Archeologicial Site – 65 km. The only major Maya archeological site to overlook the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is believed to be one of the most important ceremonial sites for the Maya people. It dates back more than 7 centuries and shows the remains of a huge walled city with roads, homes and businesses by the sea. The major highlight of Tulum is El Castillo which is a large pyramid that sits on a forty-foot cliff. ADO buses from the Terminal Touristica run 1 hr and cost M$104 (April 2022). On the ADO website and app the stop is called "Tulum zona arqueológica".
• 20.491283 -87.725294 9 Coba – 110 km. A beautiful site; it was one of the largest Maya cities in ancient times, but much is still hidden under lush jungle. It boasts the tallest pyramid of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Nohoch Mul. Muyil boasts a lake surrounded by many Maya constructions.
• 20.056024 -87.544517 10 Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve – 130 km. It's a wonderful nature preserve, just an hour south of Playa for the ecologically minded. Day tours available from Playa. One group offering tours is Sian Kaan Community Tours , mentioned here because it is run by a local Maya community, so your tourist dollars go directly to the community. That apart, it's great value for money (includes a tour of Maya ruins at Muyil, a float down a stream through the mangroves which other companies did not seem to offer, an experienced nature guide who points out the flora and fauna, boating through a lagoon, and not least, a delicious home-cooked Maya meal).
• 20.502462 -87.233832 11 Puerto Aventuras – 20 km. About 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
• 20.847736 -86.875134 12 Puerto Morelos – 35 km. Either "Puerto" is a much shorter drive than to Cancun and less expensive. In Cancun, fishing the waters, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean, can be extremely rough.

Learn [ edit ]

• The Little Mexican Cooking School ( Cooking in Paradise ). 10:00-16:00 . The cooking school offers a fun day of learning how to cook all your favourite Mexican foods and teaches you about the flavours and ingredients used in this fascinating cuisine. The school has classes during the week in CAsa CAribe ([email protected]) with an experienced local (English-speaking) chef. Students receive an apron and recipes to take home with their memories. US$90-130 .  

Spanish classes [ edit ]

• 20.62373 -87.0783 1 Don Quijote Playa del Carmen , Calle 6 Norte, Centro , ☏ +52 984 873 0755 . 09:00-17:00 . Don Quijote offers Spanish language courses for international students for all ages and levels. Small classes of no more than 5 students per class. Start any Monday. ( updated Dec 2023 )
• 20.62873 -87.07377 2 International House Maya Riviera ( Calle 14 off Quinta Avenida ).  
• TAAN Spanish School , Different locations throughout Playa del Carmen , ☏ +52-55-4169-2530 , [email protected] . 09:00-18:00 . Spanish school offering a full cultural immersion. ( updated Jun 2016 )
• Viva Idioma, Spanish school ( different places in Playa del Carmen ), ☏ +52 998 123 89 87 , [email protected] . 07:00-19:00 . The Viva Idioma, Spanish school offers one-to-one and group classes with certified spanish teachers. Language stays with homestay or student house. Activities: Salsa, Yoga, etc. ( updated Mar 2021 )

Buy [ edit ]

ATMs with low withdrawal fees in the center are: • BanCoppel (inside the Coppel store) • BanBajío (inside the Terminal Touristica upstairs) • Banco Azteca (inside the electra store) • (city)banamex • Santander and • Banorte (in the middle of the centro).

There are several money exchanges along the Quinta Avenida with fair conversion rates.

For buying groceries, there are Oxxo and 7-eleven around. There are three large supermarkets in or near the centro: • 20.629276 -87.076334 1 Wal-Mart ( 30 Ave and Calle 8 ).   • 20.63145 -87.074108 2 Comercial Mexicana MEGA ( 30 Ave and Constituyentes ).   • 20.625272 -87.084944 3 Chedraui ( Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Playacar ). It has a variety of good, fresh and low-priced fish and meat for cooking.   • 20.618462 -87.092728 4 Sam's Club ( Hwy 307 in front of Playacar ). Membership-only warehouse  

The touristy part of Playa is laden with shops selling 'artesanias'. These basically sell the same products - shirts, bracelets, and souvenirs, but for varying prices depending on the mood of the shopkeeper and your haggling /seduction skills. Haggling is accepted in the less formal shops in Playa, as in the rest of the Yucatán, though it is worth remembering that if you are able to afford an international vacation your income is many times higher than the storekeeper's (most of whom struggle just to pay the very high rents).

It is possible to buy Mexican and Cuban cigars here, but Cuban cigar prices are not particularly cheap. Counterfeits are commonplace in Mexico, so due diligence in the selection of cigars is advisable. If you are young or have long hair, many shop keepers are likely to also offer you marijuana. Marijuana is illegal in Mexico, though its use is widespread among tourists.

There are two large shopping centers on the outskirts of town: Centro Maya (on the right of Highway 307 heading towards Tulum - opposite Playacar) and Plaza Las Americas (entrance is on the right side of Hwy 307 as you head to Cancún, by the large traffic circle with statue at the entrance of Playa del Carmen). Both shopping centers have multiscreen cinemas and large supermarkets (Soriana and Chedraui, respectively).

• 20.6217 -87.0764 5 Paseo del Carmen , Quinta Avenida 10 . A high end tourist shopping mecca with open courtyard featuring all your essential American/European gotos like Haagan-Daz, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and Old Navy next to the Cozumel ferry.  

Eat [ edit ]

There are dozens of restaurants in Playa, with foods of every type and price range: try to stay away from 5th avenue to get decent prices - usually 2 blocks only will make a huge difference. There are also various pizza stands with prices ranging from M$10-20, most of them remain open up to 06:00 when bars begin to close.

As is the case in much of Mexico, the street food is not to be missed. Simply walk south down 5th Ave until you reach the pier and taxi stand. There are generally five or six carts there serving tacos of various types. Every seafood taco is generally outstanding, along with the carnitas, pollo, and chorizo. Also, try the stuffed poblano tacos. Tacos are typically in the US$2-3 range. For the best and freshest tacos arrive mid-morning before the lunch rush as the carts are setting up.

Street food [ edit ]

All these are in the city center:

• 20.624506 -87.076656 1 Food stalls and street carts ( At the corner of Calle 2 Nte and 15th Ave, right outside the NE side of Parque Leona Vicario at the Monumento a los Pescadores ). There are carts every morning where all the hotel and shop workers stop for breakfast. Gathering starts at around 06:00, they stay there until around 11:00. One is enough to fill most people. These can be put together in different combinations and if you want something specific (like eggs alone), they will cook it on the spot. In the evening along the Calle 2 Nte. there are tasty options like: a hot dog for M$25 a hamburger for M$40 tacos a long torta for M$60 gringas and a big burrito for M$60 ( updated Sep 2023 )

Budget [ edit ]

• 20.622977 -87.073781 2 La Tarraya ( On the beach between Benito Juarez and Calle 2 Nte ). Specializing in seafood, it's almost certainly the cheapest place on the beach, with ceviche, fried fish, and beer to wash it down. The atmosphere is slightly spoiled by cheap white plastic tables and very clinical white lights after sunset, but at these prices that's par for the course, and the quality and quantity of the food itself is excellent. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.626096 -87.073927 3 Eat Bar , 10 Avenida Norte LB entre calle 6 y 8, Centro , ☏ +52 984 187 5247 . Hot dogs and grill items. Amazing and affordable Middle Eastern food. Fresh food and great flavor. Cool little place that serves vegan as well. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.625319 -87.077063 4 Asadero el Pollo , 20 Avenida Nte. 652 . Don't let appearances deceive you. The place does not look fancy but the roasted chicken is delicious. It is adapted for national and foreign visitors. The place is busy, you have to wait a few minutes especially at lunchtime. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.626358 -87.076352 5 The Lost Tiki , Calle 6 Nte 20 . A place that makes you feel like in Hawaii. Excellent food, drinks, atmosphere and service. Amazing people working over there. Very cool vibe. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.628205 -87.074624 6 Kaxapa Factory , Local 7 Calle 10 Norte SN Entre Av 15 y 20 Avenues Mz 105 Lote 8 . A place to taste Venezuelan food. its owner has a charisma and a humility that makes you feel at home. Recommended are the cuchapas and the patacones pepiao. Lots of different choices and also vegetarian options. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.627038 -87.072878 7 La Cochi Loka , Calle 10 Nte 27 . Great Tacos and a nice shady patio area to eat them in. Excellent flavor, good service. Delicious cochinita pibil tacos. Lovely little spot. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.625914 -87.074876 8 Falafel Nessya , Calle 6 Norte entre avenida 10 y 15 . The falafels are yummy, soft and zero dry. The humus is spot on. The Chef really looks like he loves making the food, is friendly and smiles. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.632738 -87.073964 9 El Fogón , Av. Constituyentes . Great tacos especially the pastor (pork).Big portions and great varied drinks. The guacamole is delicious. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 20.623679 -87.079307 10 HC Monterrey , Calle 1ra Sur # 190 ( Calle 1 Sur between 15th and 20th Avenidas, well off the tourist strip of the Quinta Avenida, and a second restaurant on Constituyentes between 25th and 30th Avenidas, opposite the MEGA hypermarket ), ☏ +52 984 169 1347 . The arrachera nacional is so tender it almost melts in your mouth. The meat is served simply with a foil wrapped potato and half of an avocado. If you are looking for something a little different, but truly delicious, try HC. With prices around M$85 a person for the meat alone and M$135 for the full meal, make sure to get there early, they are open until only 19:00.  
• 20.632779 -87.080118 11 El Oasis Seafood , 50 Av. Nte. esq, Calle 22 Nte Mza. 7, Ejido , ☏ +52 984 803 2676 . Mexican seafood. Battered shrimp tacos, seafood soup, fried fish. Attracts mostly Mexicans and Playa locals. Prices are reasonable and the quality is consistent. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 20.629711 -87.070115 12 La Parilla Mexican Grill ( Av Constituyentes Manzana 26 Loc. 1 entre 5ta Av. y Zona Federal Marítima ), ☏ +52 984 873 0687 . The mariachi band was excellent and would play any single song that they knew for USD10.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 20.62525 -87.07231 13 PlayaMaya Hotel ( At the beach ). Octopus Tacos, wonderful.  

Drink [ edit ]

Nightlife is definitely happening in Playa del Carmen, but is not as wild as its neighbor to the north, Cancún . Typically, Playa's shops and restaurants close around 22:00, but nearly all of the clubs stay open through most of the night. Some of the best nightclubs are on the beach. If you are interested in nightlife (dancing, drinks late until the evening/morning), then be sure to visit El Pirata.

There is no shortage of great bars in Playa, many of which can be found on the beach. Alternatively, if you are on a very tight budget, many shops outside the main tourist area will sell drinks in bottles and cans that you can pack into a cooler for the beach. Prices at the bars in Playa are consistent with any major tourist area, but a US$1 beer is not uncommon.

Liquor can be bought from any number of tourist shops, which typically sell Kahlua and a variety of tequilas at a price which is generally the same. If you are requiring a more diverse liquor supply, there are places in and about Playa that can accommodate. The most prominent is Covi Liquors, on Hwy 307 in Playa, which offer a wide variety of liquors at prices that are generally cheaper than those shops which cater to tourists on 5th Ave.

Fifth Avenue is packed with restaurants and bars but most close before midnight. There are two main streets to find clubs and bars that close after midnight: The 8th street between 5th and 10th Ave is frequently visited by locals and backpackers, bars offer live music and pool tables and cheap beer, 2 x 1 drinks and great music (close at 02:00). The 12th offers more tourist places like Coco Maya in the beach area.

The 20.6269 -87.07136 1 Dirty Martini Lounge on 1st Avenue between 10th and 12th Street gives you an alternative place to party and chill without all the hustle and bustle of the other bars. With a hotel on-site and pizza served to your table for the late night munchies, this community is a great place to spend the evenings in Playa Del Carmen.

• 20.62463 -87.07234 2 Fusion Beach Bar & Grill , Calle 6 & the Beach , ☏ +52 984 147 8420 . Located on a white sandy beach with a lounge area that looks out to sea. From US$59 .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Unlike other beach destinations, all the "best" hotels are not on the beach. A few face the ocean but the majority are set back a block or two near 5th Ave.

There are some inexpensive backpacker hostels in Playa del Carmen.

in the center: [ edit ]

• 20.625935 -87.076888 1 Hotel Colorado , Calle 4 Nte. Entre 20 y 25 Avenida Col. Centro , ☏ +52 984 873 0381 , [email protected] . Small, inexpensive hotel with charming, colorful, funky but clean accommodations in a downtown setting. central courtyard, many rooms with balconies, common balcony on second floor. cableTV, mini-fridge, private bathroom with hot water. A/C available. Some rooms with kitchenete. Free WiFi. Friendly management. M$578 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.622917 -87.076049 2 Hotel Posada Lily . A simple hotel opposite of the ADO Terminal Touristica. It seems that you only get a low-priced basic room if you specifically ask for it. Otherwise it has also rooms with A/C. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• 20.625775 -87.072698 3 Maya del Mar . Google Maps shows you where you can book it online. About M$530 (April 2022) .  
• 20.623437 -87.076518 4 OYO Hotel Playa Del Carmen . For about M$550 (April 2022) .  
• 20.626312 -87.075429 5 Capital O Hotel Illusion Express . For about M$560 (April 2022) .  
• 20.623536 -87.076649 6 Casa Palma Hotel . For about M$570 (April 2022) .  

near the center: [ edit ]

• 20.631799 -87.068728 7 Hotel Posada Mariposa , Calle 24 Nte 5A, Centro , ☏ +52 984 147 2278 . A boutique hotel on 5th Avenue in what today is referred to as "Little Italy" because of the large population of Italians who are today calling Playa Del Carmen home and opening businesses bringing a special Italian flare to the area. Within walking distance to the beach. M$518 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63015 -87.07527 8 One Playa del Carmen , 25 Avenida Norte Manzana 97 entre Av. 12, Calle 12 Nte Bis , ☏ +52 984 877 3060 . This trendy lounge & hotel is frequented by youthful globetrotters. Best rates start at M$658 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63588 -87.06592 9 Hotel Casa Ticul , 5th Av. between 38 street & 40th street, LT 08 MZ 151 Col Zacil-Ha , ☏ +52 984 267 3501 . All adult small boutique hotel on 5th Ave. 20 charming rooms with modern design and decorations. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63241 -87.06874 10 Hotel Coco Rio , C. 26, Gonzalo Guerrero , ☏ +52 984 879 3361 . Located along the quiet side of Quinta Avenida. The hotel offers rooms with air-conditioning, cable TV, refrigerator, and Wi-Fi access. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63111 -87.06985 11 Reina Roja Hotel , Calle 20 Norte Entre 5ª Av. y Av. 10 N°298, Centro , ☏ +52 984 877 3800 . It offers 63 rooms, all of which have air conditioning, LCD TV with cable connection, and Internet connection. Some of its amenities include pool bar, solarium with sea view, and fitness center. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.62945 -87.07141 12 Tukan Hotel & Beach Club , 5ta avenida Norte Entre las calles 14 y 16 Col Centro , ☏ +52 984 113 9135 , toll-free: +1-800-008-8526 . Offers a wide range of comfortable and spacious rooms. M$738 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.62505 -87.0755 13 Barrio Latino Hotel , Calle 4 entre Avenida 10 y 15 Col , ☏ +52 984 147 2579 . Courtesy continental breakfast, wireless internet in every room , local and international calls to 45 foreign countries without limits, and access to beach club, and also parking lot. M$857 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.62736 -87.07286 14 Hotel Hacienda Real del Caribe , Av 10 Esquina Calle 10 Nte, Col Centro , ☏ +52 984 8733130 . Hotel Hacienda has rooms decorated with fine woods, in a finished marble and clear tones in its walls are the complements of warm hospitality. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63418 -87.06355 15 Pueblito Escondido by Mistik ( Pueblito Luxury ), Av. 38 Norte s/n Col. Centro , ☏ +52 984 803 1400 ext 403 . Pueblito Luxury Condohotel features modern condominiums that have been appointed with every convenience possible. Luxurious suites have cozy living and dining areas where enjoying a meal or a cozy evening includes the marvel of the Caribbean Sea breeze. M$5,424 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63115 -87.06602 16 Aldea Thai by OceanFront , Av. Cozumel Mza. 81, Lote 1 , ☏ +52 984 168 6936 . An exclusive luxury condohotel in Playa del Carmen that, blending the Thai-Balinese aura with the laid back soul of the Mexican Caribbean, offers a majestic design where Asian inspired sculptures, outdoor fountains and thatched roofs meet. M$1,934 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63468 -87.06336 17 Condominiums Natz Ti Ha , Coco Bay, Calle Flamingo , ☏ +52 984 873 5218 . 60 m from the beach and Quinta Avenida. The Condominiums offer fully equipped kitchens, air-conditioning, large terraces, pool, cable TV, 24 hour security and Internet access. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63146 -87.07249 18 Las Golondrinas Hotel , Av. Constituyentes 178, entre av. 15 y av. 20, Centro , ☏ +52 984 873 2805 . The Hotel Las Golondrinas is designed in a Mexican style, which highlights the craftsmanship of the region. All rooms have views to the pools and gardens, where you can enjoy a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. About M$1,350 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.62729 -87.07018 19 Playa Palms Beach Hotel , 1st Av. Bis, Norte Entre 12 y 14 , ☏ +52 984-803-3908 . Offers air-conditioned rooms, all of which have Internet connection, cable TV, and mini-bar. Some of its amenities include swimming pool, beach lounges, and gym. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.63265 -87.06767 20 Riviera del Sol , Av 1 Nte Con Calle 30 Nte , ☏ +52 984 873 3100 . Riviera del Sol Hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere. M$1,057 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.62544 -87.07223 21 Ikonik The Carmen Hotel , Calle 8 Nte No 876 ( beachfront at 8th St ), ☏ +52 984 803 2409 . M$2,393 . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.62555 -87.07609 22 Hotel LunaSol , #169, 4th Street between 15th and 20th Av. , ☏ +52 984-873-3933 . Small family hotel with 16 rooms set around big beautiful gardens. ( updated Apr 2022 )

Resorts [ edit ]

There are a few all inclusive resorts in Playa, but the rest are south of town in Playacar. The resorts are generally secluded, and prevent one from experiencing the sights, sounds, and tastes of the city, and to some extent Mexican culture as well, since you will be surrounded by Western tourists and amenities. These hotels typically offer nice accommodations that are well served.

• 20.697263 -87.015658 23 Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun . Temporarily closed as of April 2022 . 71 acres (29 hectares), Mediterranean architecture. Accessed from the highway and secluded - not walking distance from the rest of town. To get off the resort you will need to use a vehicle. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.674962 -87.02332 24 Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya , Carretera Cancun Tulum Km. 62 , ☏ +52 984-877-4400 . High end resort outside of the main town. Secluded. ~1280 USD . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.631891 -87.067365 25 The Reef 28 , 1a Avenida Nte. & Calle 28 Nte . All Inclusive and Adults Only resort is only one block from the bustling ave 5, and relatively 'right in the middle of town'. Great rooftop bar and pool; with good food and decent rooms. No direct beach access; but wristbands can be used at sister resorts at coco beach and playacar. DJ at night on the rooftop. Best for couples or small groups. The music at the pool can be loud, so perhaps better for the party crowd than those looking to read a book by the pool. 100-200 USD/night for all inclusive . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.636821 -87.05988 26 The Reef Coco Beach . Family oriented resort with large central pool, attached to some beachfront with a marina calming the adjacent water. Nice enough, but a bit of a walk from the more vibrant areas of town. You probably wouldn't want to walk here from the bus station tourista. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 20.70574 -87.01038 27 Hacienda Tres Rios Resort , Cancún - Tulum Km. 54 , ☏ +52 998 287 4115 , toll-free: +1-800-494-9173 (from USA) . Check-in: 16:00 , check-out: 12:00 . This eco-friendly resort is 10 km from Playa del Carmen and offers an all inclusive plan to discover its own pristine nature park. ( updated Apr 2022 )

Connect [ edit ]

Wifi spots [ edit ].

• Public Parks : All the parks in Playa del Carmen offer free Wi-Fi. Most of the restaurants and bars will ask for a minimum buy before giving you the password which will change every day. The more expensive the hotel or the condo, the less likely you will get free access.
• Calle 4 between 15 and 10 Avenue: This is the 1st block in Playa fully covered by a free service (powered by Hotel Barrio Latino together with the AHRM, local association of hotels): fast, free.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

For going to the Cancun airport by ADO bus, you don't need to queue for the ticket booth. Just buy your ticket online on the ADO website or in the ADO app. To the airport you can depart from the Terminal Turistica and Terminal Alterna. At the Terminal Turistica are also shared taxis to the airport for M$200 (March 2022).

You find private rooms and hostels ...:

To the east [ edit ]

• Cozumel – 20 km. The large island off the coast of Playa is famous for snorkeling and scuba near the Great Maya Reef, the large coral system. Note that Cozumel is also a main port for Cruise ships , so can be quite busy sometimes!

To the south [ edit ]

• Tulum – 65 km. The town has become a popular tourism destination. Nearby is the Tulum Archeological Site.
• Mahahual (Costa Maya) – 290 km
• Bacalar – 280 km
• Chetumal – 320 km

To the west [ edit ]

• Valladolid – 140 km. From an accommodation in Valladolid it's more convenient than from Playa del Carmen to visit the archeological sites of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza . Chichen Itza itself has also hotels for an overnight stay.
• Merida (Mexico) – 290 km. The cultural center of southern Mexico, the Mayan indigenous people and the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatan . It is a world away from the rowdy, busy, resort towns of Quintana Roo. There, one can experience the unique way of life of the Mayans which is unlike any other ethnic group in Mexico, with their own cuisine, language, history, and traditions. Along the way, one can stop at the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza , or take a dive in one of the various Mayan watering holes, called Cenotes.

To the north [ edit ]

• Cancún – 70 km

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Ultimate Guide to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there’s the whole other side of the city. It’s a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around.

As I’ve lived in Playa del Carmen for 3+ years , I got to know the city and surrounding areas quite well.

This is my ultimate Playa del Carmen Mexico Guide for 2022. Here’s everything you need to know, but if you have any more questions post the comment and I’ll try to answer as soon as possible.

The Complete Playa del Carmen Travel Guide by a Local

Also check:

• Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
• Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
• Tulum Guide
• Cozumel Guide

Where is Playa del Carmen, Mexico?

Playa del Carmen is located in the Riviera Maya area on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. While it’s located on the Yucatan Peninsula, it actually belongs to the province of Quintana Roo.

Playa del Carmen lies exactly between Cancun and Tulum, around 60 km (37 miles) away from both places. It’s also the fastest-growing city in Latin America.

There are so many things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula that you won’t be bored!

How to Get to Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen doesn’t have an airport. You can choose to fly to either Cancun (45 minutes by car) or Cozumel (40 minutes by ferry). I always recommend using Skyscanner to check both airports.

If you’re flying into Cozumel , you can simply take a taxi to the ferry terminal and take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. There’s no need of pre-booking anything in advance.

If you’re flying into Cancun , then you have a lot of options. I personally don’t recommend renting a car at the airport, as it’s way more expensive than if you rent one once you get to “Playa” as it’s called by locals.

Read more on how to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun Airport.

Is Playa del Carmen Safe?

Riviera Maya is probably the safest area in Mexico and Playa del Carmen itself is a relatively safe place. You don’t have to be afraid of walking alone at night or getting robbed on the street. 

While there have been some incidents that you may or may not have heard of, tourists and locals were never the targets. It was all happening between cartel members. Yes, I was there when it was all happening.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

Don’t forget to arrange health insure before heading to Mexico. The easiest and the most reliable travel insurance is Safety Wing Travel Insurance (yes, it includes covid-related issues).

Get it before your trip to skip unnecessary troubles that might ruin your holidays!

Weather in Riviera Maya

Many visitors ask about the weather in Playa del Carmen and expect it to be hot and sunny every day. Unfortunately, this isn’t exactly true. While Playa del Carmen is generally warm, the weather changes quickly and rapidly.

There’s one rule if you’re coming to Playa del Carmen: don’t trust the forecast and dig deeper! Forecasts will only give you a day estimate. Always check the  amount and percentage of rain and the hours of sunshine.

You can even check more detailed forecasts which will give you the weather by the hour. It might be stormy in the morning and sunny during lunchtime. You never know.

Unless you’re visiting during the summer (June-September), bring a sweater. You’ll be sunbathing during the day, but it can get chilly during the night. Unless you’re from a very cold country such as Finland, you will be cold. I always am.

Is Playa del Carmen Expensive?

How much money should you have for visiting Playa del Carmen or any nearby city? Playa del Carmen can be very expensive, or very cheap, depending on what you want to do.

For instance, if you eat at tourist restaurants on 5th Av, go to nightclubs like Coco Bongo and buy massages then you might end up needing at least $300 a day excluding the hotel.

If you eat where locals eat, your dinner should cost you no more than $5-7 and a cocktail for $3-8. If you’re planning some backpacking you can definitely survive on $50 a day.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen?

There are many places to stay in Playa del Carmen and many more are being built every month. You can choose from all-inclusive resorts, fancy hotels, private villas, small guesthouses, or hostels.

Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen

There’s no bad area to stay, but it all depends on what you’re looking for. The downtown tourist area lies between Avenida Benito Juarez (Calle 1) up to Avenida CTM (Calle 46). 

The best way to give directions in Playa del Carmen is to use the streets and Avenues – they only go every 5, so you’ll have Avenida 5, Avenida 10, 15, etc.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay with children you might consider staying in Playacar area – that’s actually where many daycares and preschools are located.

If you’re a party animal the closer to Calle 12th you are, the happier you’ll be.

Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen

I had a chance to stay at different hotels around the city. Here are my recommendations depending on your budget, expectations, and location preference.

AirBnBs in Playa del Carmen are also a spectacular option these days as it’s more secluded. If you’re coming down to Playa during covid, check some of these apartments out.

I stayed at all of these properties (even lived at Sabbia apartments for a whole year and Elements for a few months), so can tell you everything about them. If you have any questions – just comment on the post and I’ll get back to you 🙂

Best Apartments in Playa del Carmen

The Elements   –   Check Prices On:  Booking

Sabbia Apartments  –   Check Prices On: B ooking.com |  Agoda  

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Reina Roja   –   Check Prices On: B ooking.com |  Agoda

Acanto Boutique  –  Check Prices On: Booking.com |  Agoda

Best Luxury Hotels in Playa del Carmen

The Royal   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com |  Agoda

Grand Hyatt   –   Check Prices On: B ooking.com |  Agoda

How to Get Around Playa del Carmen?

If you’re staying in the downtown Playa del Carmen, then you can walk to most places. The city is easily walkable, with pedestrian paths everywhere. If you don’t want to walk you can either take a taxi or rent a bike.

Taxis in Playa del Carmen

Taxis are everywhere in Playa del Carmen, and they’re all white which makes them easy to spot. They’re also safe. The fares within Playa Centro (downtown) are supposed to be fixed at 30 pesos no matter what, but taxi drivers are always trying to take advantage of tourists and charge them 80, or even 100 pesos for a ride (over Christmas or Easter periods even more).

If you speak good Spanish you can argue. Another option is just telling the direction to the driver without asking for a price, giving them 25 pesos at the end.

If you’re traveling from anywhere in downtown to Playacar the price will be 100 pesos.

Renting a Car in Playa del Carmen

Don’t be afraid of renting a car in Mexico. The roads are wide and easy to navigate, especially with modern technology like Google Maps. Just watch out for wild drivers.

By renting a car you can avoid being on a giant tourist bus, and go to places in the area that aren’t easily accessible. You also don’t need an international driver’s license.

While online prices will show you cars for as little as $1 a day, this doesn’t mean that it’s actually a dollar. When booking online, you don’t pay anything until you pick up the car and no fee to cancel. 

However, once you arrive at the rental office they’ll charge you extra for insurance, taxes and other hidden fees.

From my experience, it’s better to actually pre-book in advance, as you can discuss a special rate. I usually rent cars from MEX Rent A Car on 5th Av.

These guys are reliable, honest and won’t surprise you with some hidden fee to be paid later. For $28 per day, including full insurance, taxes, and second driver option.

A car is great if you’re planning a road trip around the Yucatan , so I suggest you should at least consider this option. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Be careful at gas stations as there’s no self-service. There have been many reports of attendants not resetting the machines between cars and charging you for your gas without actually putting it in. Honest staff will show you zeros on the machine, so make sure you always look.

If you pay in cash, say aloud the amount you are handing over, as some attendants will try to convince you it was a smaller denomination than it really was. A common scam against tourists.

Read more about renting a car in Mexico

Colectivos in Playa del Carmen MX

If you’re planning on getting around Playa del Carmen you can join the locals and hop on colectivo – public taxi vans. They can get a bit cramped sometimes, but they’re super cheap, like $1-2 a ride (depending on how far you’re traveling).

They can drop you off anywhere along their set routes. For instance, at Akumal or any cenote between Playa and Tulum . All colectivos leave from in front of the post office (Correos de Mexico) on Calle 2.

Not quite as convenient as your own car though, and often not a lot of room for luggage/gear. But if you want to experience something local, a trip on a colectivo is definitely recommended. 

Best Beaches in Playa del Carmen

• Parque Fundadores
• Punta Esmeralda

All beaches in Playa del Carmen are easily accessible and free, unlike in Cancun or Tulum where they’re often closed for resort guests only.

There are many things to do on the beach in Playa. You can get a massage, go jet skiing, parasailing, or even take a catamaran cruise. If you’re into beach clubs you can also find many of them in Playa del Carmen, such as Mamitas Beach Club.

On the south side of the large pier off Benito Juarez street (calle 1) is where Playacar starts and the beaches in this area of town are nicer and generally more clean and quiet.

If you want to mingle with the locals, try Punta Esmeralda. You won’t find the tourist crowd there, but local kids hanging out with their parents and people selling freshly grilled shrimp on the stick.

My favorite beach, however, is Xcacel. It’s actually closer to Akumal then Playa, but since it’s only 20 minutes away I’d still recommend it. It’s not free, you need to pay 20 pesos ($1.5) to enter, but it’s empty and even has a cenote in the area.

Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

Los Aguachiles

If you’re into seafood, Los Aguachiles has you covered. It serves tostadas topped with fresh fish, as well as fried coconut shrimp and even unusual tacos. My favorite is actually a Popeye taco with creamy spinach, cheese and shrimp.

El Fogon and Don Sirloin

The list would not be complete without a nod to some genuine Mexican taquerias with several branches around town. Some people prefer El Fogon, others Don Sirloin. I think they’re both good.

I recommend the tacos al pastor with cheese, delicious shavings of spit-roasted pork topped with a slice of pineapple, served on the best corn tortillas.

Hijos de la Tostada

Hijos de la Tostada, as the name indicates, serves tostadas. Similar to Los Aguachiles, it focuses mostly on seafood. You can get them traditional with raw seafood, or more western style with a fried ingredient on top.

Ask the bartender for a Chapulin cocktail – it’s weird , but you won’t regret it!

If you’re a fan of fresh ceviche for lunch, there’s no better place to go than El Pirata. The place can give you a giant ceviche for just 90-120 pesos. Even with two people, you might struggle to finish it!

You can’t find a more local place than Dona Mary. This small corner spot is home to simple, but delicious chicken tostadas. No English menu, no cutlery available, but plastic chairs only. Definitely recommended, but prepare to get your face and hands dirty!

La Cueva del Chango

La Cueva del Chango is a great place for any occasion, due to its amazing setting. Set in a lush garden, this is a great place to have a nice, relaxing, and tropical breakfast.

They even have the turtle pond in the middle! My favorite brunch dish there are crepes poblanos with cheese & mushrooms.

Chez Céline

Chez Céline is one of the rare places on the 5th Av where locals go to quite often. It serves incredible French food and pastries for any time of the day. You must try the white chocolate raspberry cupcake!

Nativos has several branches throughout Playa del Carmen. This local chain serves up good, mostly healthy food and a wide selection of giant smoothies.

Good prices and great service. I recommend chilaquiles verdes with eggs for breakfast.

Papa Charly

There are a lot of Italians and Argentinians in Playa del Carmen. Some of them opened Papa Charly creating one of the best restaurants in Playa.

The place serves great pasta with a huge variety of sauces to choose from. My favorite though is the mushroom lasagne.

Don Chendo is a Chicago style pizza place that gets everything right. The sauce is well-spiced, toppings are quality and abundant, and the owner and his staff are as friendly and caring as you’ll find anywhere.

Suggested More Extensive Guides for Mexico:

– Lonely Planet Yucatan Guide – The Rough Guide to Mexico – Mexican Spanish Phrasebook

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Friday 10th of November 2023

Hi Anna, I believe you know or are related to John Conte in Elmira? We’ve been traveling to the Riviera Maya for 20+ years, and we built a home to the north of PDC nine years ago with the intention of moving there from NY. We decided not to move, and just wintered there until selling the home last November. Wonderful people there, IN SPITE OF the police corruption and cartel activities. We will return as we miss our friends there, the natural beauty, and of course the amazing cuisine!

Sunday 29th of October 2023

Best restaurant around 5 for fresh oysters? Staying at the Hilton so wanting an easy walk Thanks 😊

AnnaEverywhere

Wednesday 1st of November 2023

I had to ask a friend about it because personally I hate oysters, but also there aren't many places in Playa serving them :D Your best bet would be 38th Av there's a seafood restaurant called Oyster.

Monday 24th of April 2023

Any ideas on learning Spanish while there. Hubby does not speak so hoping he will learn. Thank you

Anna Karsten

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

I feel like Playa isn't the greatest place to learn Spanish because almost everyone speaks at least some English, but there are various Spanish schools he could take lessons at.

Dean Larson

Sunday 6th of February 2022

I would like to add that I just got to Playa del Carmen and my first night I happened to walk by Bendita Costilla as it was right down the street from where I was staying. The music that drew me in sounded Cuban (though it's mostly Argentinean food) and was very enjoyable. After getting a couple ideas of what to order, I asked my server what his favorite thing on the menu was, he said the flank steak. Not the cut I usually go for, but the look on his face and expression in his voice was genuine so I went with it... and was not let down! It was absolute heaven :) So for anyone closer to the edge of downtown and Playacar, I would add this as a recommendation!

Monday 31st of January 2022

Hi Anna. Great to have your useful info. I was wondering if you have any information on best snorkeling spots around PDC? Are there any reefs close to the beach? Or better book a boat tour? I understand that some cenotes offer good snorkeling options too. Thanks

Tuesday 1st of February 2022

No good snorkeling from the beach in Playa I'm afraid. You'd have to go to Puerto Morelos for a reef.

• Mexico City
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• San Cristóbal de las Casas
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• 5 Days in Mexico City
• 10-Day Baja California Road Trip
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• Cozumel Island
• Isla Mujeres
• Holbox Island
• Playa del Carmen
• Punta Allen
• Puerto Escondido
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• Mayan Ruins
• Mountains and Valleys
• Wildlife Experiences
• Best Mexican Foods
• Best Mexican Movies
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• Mexico Fun Facts
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• Day of the Dead in Mexico
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30 Things to do in Playa del Carmen (by an Expat) 2024

• by Nellie Huang

From swimming in cenotes to exploring Mayan ruins, here are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen , our adopted home.

At just one hour away from Cancun , Playa del Carmen has flourished from a tiny fishing village into the fastest growing city in Mexico. The beach town has become hugely popular with digital nomads, thanks to its walkable downtown, easily-accessible beaches, reefs, ruins, and jungles. These days the multicultural beach town is brimming with international restaurants, high-quality cafes, yoga studios, and trendy apartments.

We moved to Playa del Carmen for many reasons — besides the big expat community and great amenities/infrastructure, there are just SO many things to do in Playa del Carmen that you’ll need a lifetime to try them all! We’ve been living here for 2.5 years now and we’re still discovering new points of interest and experiences.

Table of Contents

1. Enjoy the Beaches of Playa del Carmen

2. explore the cenotes, 3. explore the xaman-há ruins, 4. cycle everywhere, 5. head to parque fundadores, mexico travel requirements, 6. stroll along quinta avenida, 7. browse the market at palacio municipal, 8. immerse in nature at parque ceiba, 9. hit the beach clubs, 10. paddle on a sup at sunrise, 11. do yoga on the beach, 12. eat healthy foods at organic cafes, 13. try authentic tacos, 14. taste mayan chocolate, 15. do an art walk, 16. visit the 3d museum of wonders, 17. explore the archaeological zone tulum, 18. go caving in rio secreto, 19. visit the xcaret adventure park, 20. take a ferry to cozumel, 21. snorkel with turtles in akumal, 22. swim in the unique yal-ku lagoon, 23. explore aktun chen natural park, 24. visit the akumal ecology center, 25. get wet and wild in xel-ha park, 26. eat at the jungly calle 38, 27. hang out at a food truck park, 28. dine in a cave, 29. see a show at the cirque du soleil, 30. chill at le lotus rouge, how to get to playa del carmen.

• Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen

Is it Safe to Visit Playa del Carmen?

How to get around playa del carmen, where to stay in playa del carmen, further reading on mexico, things to do in playa del carmen.

While Playa del Carmen may not boast the expansive, velvety beaches that are synonymous with Cancún and Tulum, it more than makes up for it with its exceptional beach access. The town’s urban designers have done an excellent job of ensuring that the majority of its 20-mile (32km) coastline is easily accessible to the public.

NOTE: All beaches in Mexico are public i.e. even if you see a resort or beach club occupying a certain stretch of beach, anyone is allowed to sit on the beach.

Best Beaches in Playa del Carmen:

• The busiest beach in Playa del Carmen stretches from the lively main square, Parque Fundadores, to the 16th Street.
• Punta Esmeralda , a favorite among locals in the north, is unique in that it features a cenote right on the beach.
• Playacar Beach (pictured), south of the ferry terminal, is a quiet and pristine shore that is part of a private residential community but open to the public.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, continue walking south from Playacar and climb over rocky formations to reach the rugged and often unoccupied Playa del Pecado .
• Puerto Aventuras , a 20-minute drive from town, has one of the most shallow and clearest waters in the area. It is however in a big gated community and you’ll need to have restaurant reservations to enter.

At just  20 minutes from Playa del Carmen, there lies a trio of cenotes that are cheap to visit and easy to get to by car or colectivo (you don’t need to book a tour to visit). You can easily stop here on your drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen , and make it a full day excursion by visiting all of them in one day.

Tucked right in the middle of the forest, the natural freshwater pools have clear-as-glass water, with plants growing in it and underwater rock formations blanketed in green moss. You can snorkel amidst the rock formations or jump off the cliffs, and even go scuba diving! They are all kept in their original, natural environment – exactly the way I like it.

The three cenotes are located next to one another:

• Cenote Eden
• Cenote Azul
• Cenote Cristalino
• Cenote Kantun-Chi

Many visitors to Playa del Carmen are unaware that the area is home to a collection of Maya ruins that date back to the 13th century. Xaman-Há, a pre-Columbian Maya settlement, was established as a starting point for pilgrimages from the mainland to Cozumel Island. Mayans from across the region would pass through Playa del Carmen en route to worship Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility.

Today, the Xaman-Há ruins are hidden beneath dense foliage, surrounded by creeping vines and hanging roots, in the Playacar gated community. Here, you’re more likely to encounter iguanas than other visitors, but that’s precisely what makes Xaman-Há so alluring. To visit the site, take a stroll along the Playacar beach or enter through the Playacar Fase II gates and inform the guards that you intend to visit the ruins. Despite being located within a private residential area, there is no charge to explore the ruins.

If you’re an active traveler who loves biking, you’ll be happy to know that Playa del Carmen has a fantastic city-wide bike-sharing system . BiciPlaya has bike stands all over town, making it super easy to rent a bike and explore the area. Even if you’re a tourist, you can still use the bikes by downloading the app and registering for just M$98 ($4.80) per day.

One of our favorite bike paths is along Tenth Avenue. It’s a beautiful route that runs parallel to the beach, taking you all the way from Parque Fundadores to Avenida CTM. But keep in mind that pedestrians and drivers aren’t used to sharing the road with cyclists just yet, so keep an eye out for them. Get ready to pedal and explore Playa del Carmen on two wheels!

Head over to Parque Fundadores during the evening to experience traditional dance performances. As the sun sets and the temperature cools off, locals and tourists gather at the beachfront square to enjoy snacks like elote (grilled corn smothered with spicy and creamy chili) and fresh coconuts while watching the shows.

The setting is truly picturesque with the 52-foot (15.8 meters) sculpture, Portal Maya, creating the perfect atmosphere for a night of live performances. Starting at 4pm every afternoon, a dance troupe performs ancient Maya dance rituals, complete with intricate headdresses, face painting, and conch shell blowing.

In addition, the Voladores de Papantla also put on a mesmerizing show, swinging from a tall pole and spinning down to the ground. Originally from Verazcruz, this acrobatic dance was once performed as part of a ritual to appease the gods during drought, and has now been recognized as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. While the shows are free to watch, it is recommended to bring some cash to tip the dancers.

• Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
• However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
• Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

The city’s main thoroughfare is Quinta Avenida, Fifth Avenue, a bustling pedestrianized boulevard always chock full of people. Just a block away from the beach, the avenue is lined with lively restaurants, tequila bars, and souvenir shops.

During peak season, the Fifth Avenue can be loud and overcrowded. However, while in Playa, it’s hard to avoid going down Quinta Avenida. Although street vendors may try to sell you their wares, they are generally not too aggressive and will move on if you politely decline.

In the evenings, you can enjoy watching street performers showcase their dance moves or even perform fire-swallowing acts along the pedestrianzied street. If you keep walking to the end of the avenue, near Ave. CTM, you will find thinner crowds, less noise, and higher quality restaurants.

The Palacio Municipal is located a few blocks away from the beach and is a less attractive square than Parque Fundadores. However, it offers a more authentic local experience that is appealing to Playenses, particularly families with young children and senior citizens. The park is a popular spot for playing dominoes and other activities.

On weekend evenings, the park transforms into a lively market with various artisanal products such as handicrafts, traditional clothing, and unique jewelry made in Playa. Authentic Mexican street food is available here, including the Yucatán specialty, tacos de cochinita pibil , which is spiced pork slow-roasted in an underground oven. Many stalls sell the locals’ favorite dessert, marquesita, a crunchy crepe filled with condensed milk, chocolate, or edam cheese.

Parque La Ceiba is a beautiful jungle park west of the highway, offering a great escape in nature especially for those with kids. The green park spans over 7 hectares and features lush gardens, walking trails, and a cafe in the center. Coming here for afternoon strolls is one our favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Parque La Ceiba also hosts a variety of cultural events and activities throughout the year. From art exhibits to live music performances, the park provides a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talents. There’s an organic market on Saturdays, where visitors can purchase fresh produce and locally made artisanal goods.

While beaches in Mexico are all public, you’ll find that beach clubs provide lots of facilities, food and fun that can be great especially for families with kids. In the evenings, grownups can also enjoy the pumping beats and cool vibes of beach clubs. Most beach clubs charge a minimum consumption fee that can be all used towards food and drinks.

• Marena Beach Club — This is our top pick for its reasonable prices, delicious food, shallow pool and pristine beach. Tucked away in the residential community of Corasol, this family-friendly spot is a local favorite. There’s a minimum consumption of 300 MXN ($15) per person.
• Punta Venado — Slightly south of Playa de Carmen, this is located on a really pristine, wild beach surrounded by jungles. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the atmosphere is definitely more upscale (i.e. less people), but there’s a minimum consumption of 800 MXN ($40) per person.
• Kay Beach Club — This is 20 minutes awsay, but definitely one of the best in the area for the price, stylish decor, swimming pool and great beach. Min consumption: 300 MXN ($15) per person but food is excellent!
• Xpu-Ha Beach Club — Also a 15-minute drive from town, this hip and slick beach club has a beautiful stretch of beach and good food too. Min consumption: 450 MXN ($22.5) per person.

To witness the full splendor of Playa del Carmen, there’s no better time than sunrise. As the tranquil waters glisten with a golden glow and the beach is free from crowds and vendors, it’s a breathtaking sight. Rise early and join the Aloha Paddle Club on Sixth Street for a sunrise stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session. From the water, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Playa del Carmen at its finest. These sessions are in high demand, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

Playenses are really into fitness and wellness, and there’s no better place to practice yoga than on the beautiful sandy shores of this beach town. Head over to CTM beach at sunrise and join a session with Sunrise Yoga Playa. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the sunrise over the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea are truly unforgettable. No need to book in advance, just bring your mat and a minimum donation of M$100 (US$4.80) and find your center in this blissful setting.

Playa del Carmen is a haven for foodies and health enthusiasts alike, offering a variety of healthy food options at cafes and restaurants throughout the city. For those seeking vegetarian or vegan cuisine, Bio-Natural is a must-visit. This charming restaurant serves up fresh, organic dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Try their Buddha bowl, loaded with nutrient-packed veggies and a delicious homemade dressing.

For those craving a healthy yet filling meal, Peace & Bowl is a fantastic choice. This cozy café features a menu of raw vegan dishes made with organic ingredients, including mouth-watering wraps, smoothie bowls, and hearty salads. Another place I love is Salade , a salad bar where you can pick and choose from a wide selection of proteins, grains and green leaves. They also have fantastic healthy poke bowls, paninis and burritos.

If you’re looking for more authentic Mexican street food, just walk up Avenida Constituyentes (away from the beach) and you’ll find a string of taco trucks perched on the curbside of the supermarket, Mega Soriana. Hermanos Taco Truck has the biggest following. Adventurous foodies shouldn’t miss their tacos de suadero  (made with thinly sliced beef brisket) and  tacos de tripa  (tacos with crispy pig’s intestines) for just M$25 ($1.25) each.

Across from the road is El Fogón , one of the most famous taco joints in Playa del Carmen. This open-air taqueria serves up the city’s most authentic tacos al pastor, made by grilling marinated meat on a Lebanese shawarma grill. Next door is my personal favorite, Don Sirloin , that slings the best tacos de sirloin in town. Their thinly sliced sirloin beef have crunchy ends and are sprinkled with piquant spicy sauce.

Head to one of Ah Cacao’s locations and savor a cup of authentic Mexican hot chocolate. This homegrown chocolate cafe chain is dedicated to using responsibly sourced cacao from all over Mexico, and they handcraft a range of delicious cacao products. Plus, Ah Cacao is committed to supporting organizations that promote sustainability, like Plant-for-the-Planet and Conservation International. They have several branches around PDC, but the one on 38th St is my favorite as it’s spacious and laptop-friendly. [Read more about traditional Mexican desserts and sweets here.]

The town has become a hub for artistic expression, with colorful murals popping up all around. The most vibrant street art can be found in the northern district of Colosio. Start at Tenth Street and work your way up to 30th Street to see massive paintings of Frida Kahlo and other iconic Mexican symbols covering the walls. It’s a feast for the eyes and a great way to explore the town’s creative side.

The main thing that Playa del Carmen lacks is a cultural spot. There’s basically only one museum, and it’s more of a photo-taking spot than a museum. The 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen showcases optical illusions and surreal artworks that feel like they’re jumping off the walls. My daughter loves this place but honestly, I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t have a kid.

Things to Do around Playa del Carmen

One of the best Playa del Carmen activities is visiting  the Tulum Archaeological Zone  (just a bike ride away from Tulum town). Of all the Mayan ruins, this site has the most spectacular setting. It sits high above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, with different shades of blue as its backdrop.

Thanks to its strategic location, Tulum proved to be one of the most powerful city-states during the 13th and 14th centuries. However, shortly after the Spaniards began their occupation of Mexico, the ancient Mayas who once called this majestic site their home abandoned it.

Located just a few miles away from Playa del Carmen, Rio Secreto is definitely the coolest cenote in Riviera Maya in my opinion. Having been discovered only a few years ago, Rio Secreto only opened to the public in 2007 as a protected nature reserve.

There are no artificial lights inside the caves other than some scattered wireless flashes and there is an active effort from the authorities to conserve this largely unexplored cave system. You can only visiting Rio Secreto through organized tours offered by reserve. It’s an incredible experience and I highly recommend it!

The most famous eco-adventure park in the Yucatan Peninsula,  Xcaret is a great option for all the family and is about an hour away from central Playa del Carmen. Float through underwater caves, cross rope bridges, take a boat ride through the cenotes, and ride on a rotating watch tower. Also enjoy the evening events, which include performances exploring the area’s Mayan past.

Park admission (some activities included) is pricey, costing approximately $90. Having said that, there are numerous tours, packages, and discounts offered year-round. Read the Tripadvisor reviews.

The beautiful island of Cozumel is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. Unlike the coastal towns, the 34-mile-long by 11-mile-wide island is largely undeveloped, with expanses of jungle and untouched shoreline. Check out my full list of things to do in Cozumel and where to stay in Cozumel .

Just off Cozumel’s southwestern coast lies the world’s second-longest coral reef system (only  Australia’s Great Barrier Reef beats it). The exceptionally clear waters put Cozumel high on many divers’ bucket lists. It’s common for divers to see vast coral heads, vivid sponges, tropical fish, and tunnels and caves housing species found only here, such as the Cozumel splendid toadfish.

Just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen is the quiet beach town of Akumal, famed for the loggerhead and green sea turtles that swim and feed in the bay. The protective reef in the bay at Akumal is so large that waves can’t disrupt the bay and that makes for some great snorkeling. It’s not allowed to swim with the turtles on your own; you need to hire a guide and pay the marine park fees to snorkel with them. We visit Akumal often on weekends and it’s one of our favorite beaches in the area.

Close to the main Akumal beach is a unique inlet from the ocean known as  Yal-ku Lagoon . It contains a mixture of fresh and salt water and is home to sea turtles, tropical fish and manta rays.

The lagoon itself has many areas to explore. Most of the lagoon is 5 to 15 feet deep and there are rocks where you climb on and rest. Look for starfish, parrot fish, blue tangs and queen trigger fish, among other Caribbean species. Surrounding the lagoon is a sculpture garden with bronze statues that you can explore.

Take a break from another day at the beach, and pay a visit to Aktun Chen Natural Park just minutes away from Akumal town. The 5 million year old cave is the largest dry cave system in the Riviera Maya. The National Geographic Society included Acktun Chen on the list of the  “Top 10 Underground Walks” .

You can only visit the natural park through guided tours organized by the reserve. Walk inside the domes and marvel at the natural dome, tall stalactites, and translucent curtains that glow in the soft blue light. Book here!

Wikimedia Commons by  Fraguando

To learn more about Akumal’s fragile ecosystem, plan a visit to  Centro Ecologico Akumal . It is a non-governmental organization that focuses on sustainability issues and improving the ecosystem in Akumal. They do research, education and protection of the sea turtles.

The center has several exhibits on reef and turtle ecology. They offer a four-week volunteer program focused on protection, conservation, and research of female sea turtles, their nests and hatchlings.

Just a 12-minute drive from Akumal is  Xel-Ha , an outdoor adventure park built to take advantage of the natural landscape. Translated from the Mayan language, Xel-Ha means “the mixture of the waters.” This natural park is excellent for families, but adults would love the adventure activities here too.  Book your pass here.

Choose from snorkeling in Aventura Cenote, swimming in underwater grottos, kayaking across the Black Lagoon, or floating on a tube down a lazy river. The bold ones can try the Cliff of Courage where you jump 5 meters (17 feet) from a bridge into the river below.

Things to do in Playa del Carmen At Night

There’s something special about the lush jungle ambiance of Playa del Carmen’s Calle 38. The street is flanked by towering banyan trees with overhanging roots that create such a beautiful oasis in the beach town.

One of my favorite spots to eat in town is La Cueva del Chango , or “Monkey’s Cave,” popular among locals and tourists alike. Its menu features regional delicacies like chicken in poblano mole sauce . The restaurant also boasts a stunning terrace shaded by palm trees, surrounded by cascading streams and vibrant red bromeliad flowers.

Across the street, Amate 38 offers a more understated dining experience with a small waterfall flowing into a koi pond, nestled among towering tropical flora. Dine on the open-air patio and witness the staff expertly crafting fresh tortillas by hand. On Sundays, both restaurants are particularly bustling, as the city has a strong breakfast culture.

With Playa del Carmen being such a small town, I was pleasantly surprised to find there’s a gourmet food truck park here (between Av 25 and Calle 28). Located in a vibrant outdoor setting, the park has an inviting bar and food trucks offering a variety of gourmet tacos, barbecue, Arabic shawarma and Louisana-style fried chicken. There are craft beers from Belgium as well as well-priced house wine and mezcal cocktails. I love the lively atmosphere at the park, especially on weekends when there’s live music.

If you’re looking to treat yourself or celebrate a special occasion, treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind dining adventure at the Alux Cave Restaurant , where you can savor gourmet cuisine inside a natural underground grotto. The contemporary menu features delectable dishes like pineapple curry pork terrine and chili-glazed roasted bone marrow. As you dine, soak up the atmosphere with quirky neon lights and awe-inspiring views of the cavern.

Upon arrival, each guest is guided into a cozy air-conditioned wine cellar with an impressive selection of pricey European wines. Be sure to inquire about the cost before ordering, and don’t feel obliged to select a bottle that doesn’t fit your budget. While a meal here comes with a hefty price tag, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the ancient cave, which dates back thousands of years.

Anyone who’s seen the Cirque du Soleil perform knows it’s an experience unlike any other. The world-renowned circus troupe has set up a permanent venue in the Riviera Maya, complete with a custom-built theater that can seat over 600 people. The show, called “JOYÀ,” is a stunning display of acrobatics, music, and storytelling that takes audiences on a magical journey through the history and culture of Mexico. From aerial acts to contortionists, every element of the show is designed to amaze and entertain.

Entry to the Cirque du Soleil shows come with luxurious canapes and champagne. The ambiance is upscale and sophisticated, with every detail carefully designed to create an immersive and unforgettable evening. It’s one of my favorite Playa de Carmen activities.

Come experience the artistic atmosphere of Le Lotus Rouge, where art and theater come together in a distinctive and imaginative space. Each corner of this charming establishment is adorned with artwork designed to inspire your creativity.

The cabaret-style stage plays host to an array of live performances, from acrobatic aerial acts to traditional Mexican shows. On Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., they provide complimentary guided tours and shows, although donations are appreciated from Tuesday to Thursday.

Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

The gateway to Playa del Carmen is Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is just 1 hour away. Find out how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen .

Flying into Cancun from the US is really affordable. You can  fly from New York to Cancun  for as little as $300 return (4.5-hour flight).  Flights from Los Angeles to Cancun  are slightly more expensive around US$350 return (4.5-hour flight).

Flying from Europe to Mexico is also affordable, especially from London and Madrid. We took direct  return flights from London to Cancun once for $400.

Search for Flights to Cancun

Playa del Carmen is a year-round destination, but in general, the best time to visit Playa del Carmen is the  winter months (December to April) . We recommend visiting Playa del Carmen during the shoulder season (September to November) when there are fewer tourists. 

June through November is hurricane season here. There are chances of a hurricane striking during your vacation, with days of heavy rainfall and storms. Check the weather forecast before your trip and as always, we recommend getting  travel insurance  in case of any incident.

TIP : It’s important to have travel insurance whether you’re traveling for weeks or years.  Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers worldwide travel. Refer to  my travel insurance guide  for more details.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and is generally safe for tourists. Most crimes don’t involve tourists; and they are usually drug-related. As long as you steer clear of drug cartels and drugs in general, you should be fine.

That said, there have been a few shootings in 2022 and 2023 in bars along the popular Quinta Avenida. I highly recommend avoiding going out late at night and steering clear of dodgy company.

A common scam targeting visitors is money switching, particularly at gas stations. You may hand over a 500 peso note and the attendant swiftly changes it for a 50 peso note, insisting you need to pay more. Make sure when you hand over the correct amount, keep your eyes on them and don’t leave until you have the correct change.

If you’re staying in the center of town, you’ll be able to walk everywhere. That’s the best thing about Playa del Carmen, it’s a small city and most of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen are within walking distance.

Some of the Playa del Carmen attractions I mentioned above are outside of town, so I recommend  hiring a compact car . It’s easy to drive here and drivers with foreign licenses are allowed to drive. You’ll also get to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring at your own pace.

I always book my car rental from  Discover Cars  as they offer the best prices and excellent customer service. An  economy rental car in Mexico  average just $100 for a whole week, which is  less than $20 a day . The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon), though this varies throughout the country.

Check Car Rental Prices

By Colectivo/Bus

Colectivos (shared minibus or minivan-like vehicles) run all around Playa del Carmen. The colectivo fares are cheap, and you just need to flag them down along when you see one. Be sure to have Mexican pesos in hand to pay the fares. The colectivo station is on 25 Av. Sur next to Chedraui Centro and McDonalds. Click here for the address.

By Taxi 

You can easily flag down a taxi from anywhere in Playa del Carmen, but taxi drivers tend to jack up the price with foreigners. Make sure you negotiate and agree on a rate before starting the ride. Also taking a taxi further away from the beach will get you better prices.

Budget: Ahava Hotel

With a prime location in the centre of Playa del Carmen, Ahava Hotel has simple but clean and affordable rooms within walking distance from everything. Check rates.

Mid Range: Playa Maya by MIJ – Beachfront Hotel

A small but well-priced hotel right on the beach and just steps from most Playa del Carmen attractions. You’ll be in the heart of town, so be prepared for some noise. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Fives Downtown hotel

With an excellent central location, this Hilton hotel has comfy suites, a host of cafes and bars, and a rooftop pool with glorious ocean views. Check rates here.

All-Inclusive: Barcelo Maya Palace

If you’re looking for a large all-inclusive, this is the best in Playa del Carmen. But note that the upscale resort is a 20-minute drive away, right near Cenote Azul and Cenote Jardin del Eden . Check rates here.

I hope you’ve found this list of things to do in Playa del Carmen useful! I have tried to include as many things as possible. Let me know in the comments field below if there are any other fun activities in Playa del Carmen worth mentioning in this article.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
• 30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Cancun
• 30 Best Things to Do in Merida
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
• 15 Cool Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico
• Isla Holbox Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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2 thoughts on “30 Things to do in Playa del Carmen (by an Expat) 2024”

Thanks for all the great info. How much does a minibus cost in Playa? Do they go to the cenotes or Akumal?

hi Rose, a colectivo costs around 20-50 pesos depending on where you’re going. Yes they go along the Federal Highway, and you can stop at any of the cenotes or Akumal. You just need to let them know when you want to stop.

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Playa del Carmen   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Jeremy Woodhouse | Getty Images

15 Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula offers an array of destinations you can visit for a family getaway, yet Playa del Carmen is one of the most unique and thrilling for travelers who want to get out and explore. Most activities revolve around Playa del Carmen'

• All Things To Do

La Quinta Avenida La Quinta Avenida free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watch out for locals on 5th Avenue who insist they're a waiter at your hotel. These savvy characters aim to trick you into visiting a local shop, where another person is ready to use high-pressure sales tactics on you. – Holly D. Johnson

Playa del Carmen's main street, La Quinta Avenida, runs parallel to the shore and serves as a pedestrian walkway for travelers and locals. The avenue is several miles long and is lined with an assortment of street performers, restaurants, hotels, hostels, condominiums and bars, making it one of the best nightlife spots in the city. 

Take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour Take a snorkeling or scuba diving tour

Playa del Carmen offers access to some of the best diving spots in the Western Hemisphere, especially just offshore near Cozumel. Travelers say you can't come to Playa del Carmen without taking a dip under the sea to explore its colorful population of fish. Many diving companies have set up shop in Playa: One of the most popular is the Playa-based  Scuba Playa , which caters to amateurs and experts alike. Scuba Playa  runs a variety of dive charters, including reef dives and local cenote dives, and you can even use this company to book seasonal whale shark adventures.  Playa Scuba Dive Center  is another well-reviewed company that organizes scuba tours. The variety of options and staff members at both companies received praise from previous divers. Meanwhile, those looking to snorkel can borrow equipment from their hotel , buy equipment in town or try an excursion with Scuba Playa,  The Snorkel Shop  or  Playa del Carmen Tours .

Dive costs and equipment fees vary by company, but expect dives to start around $50 for a one tank ocean dive. For specific tour options and costs, visit each individual company's website.

Río Secreto Río Secreto

Often lauded as one of the best-kept secrets on the Yucatan Peninsula, Río Secreto (or Secret River) is an underground river and collection of caves. The bright turquoise water contrasts with the caramel- and mocha-colored rock formations within the caves, which include stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can swim in the river, climb through the caves and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

To see the cave, you’ll have to book a guided tour (self-guided excursions to the cave are not available). 

Popular Tours

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Parque Los Fundadores (Founders Park) Parque Los Fundadores (Founders Park) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While activities and performances in Parque Los Fundadores vary by day, head here after dinner and there's a good chance you'll see fire dancers and Mayan-inspired performances. You can tip the participants, but you can also watch for free. – Holly D. Johnson

Parque Los Fundadores (Founders Park) is also referred to by locals as El Zócalo, and it is easily one of the most beautiful areas of downtown Playa del Carmen. In fact, past visitors have said this central park is both stunning and impressive thanks to its arch-like bronze statue that features a man and a woman reaching out to one another in a way that frames the nearby sea.

Xcaret Xcaret

Both experts and travelers say Xcaret is a sort of Yucatán-style Disneyland , a large outdoor "eco-park" filled with an aviary, a dolphin aquarium, a turtle sanctuary and a beach perfect for swimming, diving or snorkeling. The park also offers various excursions like dolphin interactions, stingray encounters, shark swims, snuba tours and speedboat rides. Stay the day at Xcaret then enjoy the evening events, which include a dinner show that showcases more than 500 years of Mexico history through historical reenactments, traditional dance and live music. Xcaret is home to a few dining venues as well.

Past visitors were big fans of Xcaret, noting that the park was filled with attractions, things to explore and activities to enjoy, though some do say it can get very crowded. Some also note Xcaret's admission fees are expensive, but most say it's worth it, calling out the well-maintained exhibits and beach, as well as the pleasant staff. Past visitors recommended setting aside at least one full day to take advantage of Xcaret's attractions and experiences. In fact, some said you could spend two days here and not see the same thing twice. Travelers also note you can save money by purchasing your tickets in advance online. 

Xplor Xplor

Similar to Xcaret , this all-inclusive adventure park is an outdoor playground with activities that range from zip lining to rafting to spelunking. Among the park's offerings are two circuits of seven zip lines, amphibious vehicles, river rafting, underground river swimming, caves and caverns, and a unique hammock zip line ride that ends in a cenote.

Recent travelers enjoyed their time at this park, calling it adventurous and fun. While kids will love the park, Xplor advises it's best for children 5 and older. Reviewers recommended bringing sunscreen, bug spray and towels, as well as a refillable water bottle (there are bottle filling stations stationed throughout the park). Given the park’s size and long list of activities, reviewers recommend picking which activities you’d like to do ahead of time so you can maximize your time in the park. They also suggest taking a taxi instead of using the park’s bus shuttle system so that you can take your time in the park and leave at your convenience rather than on a set schedule.

Xel-Há Xel-Há

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to maximize your time at Xel-Há, consider booking your own transportation. You can book a round-trip ride directly through Xel-Há, but the shared transportation can be long and uncomfortable with endless stops at other hotels. – Holly D. Johnson

In the Mayan language, Xel-Há means "where the water is born." So, expect a trip to Xel-Há to include plenty of time underwater. Xel-Há is a natural aquarium centered on an inlet and lagoon that visitors can swim and snorkel through, accompanied by schools of tropical fish, dolphins and turtles. 

Cenote Chaak Tun Cenote Chaak Tun

Cenote Chaak Tun is an amazing underground river complex that's open to tourists. There are two different tours you can book here – an "Ancient Traditions" tour that includes meditation, swimming and access to a small bar of refreshing drinks and fruits, and an "Amazing Underground Adventure" that takes you through caves where you can snorkel and see a range of incredible rock formations.

Most recent visitors were pleased with their experiences, citing the friendly, knowledgeable guides as reasons to plan a trip. Others appreciated the tranquil atmosphere of the caves and the opportunity to learn more about the role of cenotes in Mayan culture. However, some were disappointed by the guides’ pushy tactics for earning tips, and the overpriced photo package. 

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Isla Mujeres Luxury Catamaran Sailing plus Lunch and Open Bar

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Xenses Park Xenses Park

Xenses Park is another activity park that's affiliated with Xcaret, although this theme park focuses on optical illusions, photo-ops and sense-themed activities. If you’re not up for some of the more physically demanding activities available at Xcaret’s other parks, low-key Xenses may be for you. The park offers two different "paths" you can take to tantalize your senses, including the "Path of Feeling" and the "Path of Doing." These paths are meant to help you engage with your senses – and the environment – with experiences like water slides, relaxation centers, labyrinths to get lost in, zip lines and more. 

Visitors agree the park has a lot to offer travelers of all ages, especially hard-to-please teens. Reviewers say there are surprises around every corner, and recommend setting aside at least three hours for your visit.

Take a day trip to Chichen Itza Take a day trip to Chichen Itza

The archaeological site of Chichen Itza is well known all around the world, and for good reason. The ancient city and Mayan ruins located here are some of the best preserved, and they date back as far as the fifth century A.D. Attractions found at these famous ruins include jaw-dropping pyramids made of rock and stone, temples, an ancient market and even a sacred cenote. 

Chichen Itza is located more than 100 miles west of Playa del Carmen, so the ride takes at least two hours and 15 minutes. You can take the ADO bus to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen; it departs around 8:15 a.m. from the ADO station on 5th Avenue, but the ride will often take more than 3.5 hours due to the many stops public buses have to make. You can also drive your own rental car. 

Playa del Carmen Beach Clubs Playa del Carmen Beach Clubs

While the city of Playa del Carmen is definitely known for its nightlife, visitors will also find a range of popular day clubs and beach clubs, too. These clubs give weary travelers a place to relax with some cocktails next to the beach all day, or to recover from a night of partying without giving up the club vibe completely.

Some of the more popular beach clubs in Playa del Carmen include INTI Beach and Mamita’s Beach Club, both of which offer food, drinks and fun from morning until night. Coralina Daylight Club is another popular beach club that's located next to Mamita’s. This daytime nightclub is bookable online in advance, which ensures you gain entry on a busy day. Visitors here do recommend booking a bed for the day instead of renting a chair for better service and a more enjoyable experience. Some guests complain about minimum spending requirements during visits, which may be hard to meet if you want to relax but you aren't necessarily in the mood for drinks.

3D Museum of Wonders 3D Museum of Wonders

Playa del Carmen's 3D Museum of Wonders offers an array of exhibits and illusions that tie in Mayan culture and many of the famous attractions you can see throughout the country. What sets it apart is the fact this 3D museum lets visitors jump into and be part of many of the exhibits and artworks. This leaves visitors feeling both confused and exhilarated at first, and, of course, it makes for some really great pictures for travelers to take home.

Although some visitors say the museum was expensive to visit, most agree the art is beautiful and intriguing, and that becoming part of each masterpiece was rather fun. Several say the museum is a great way to spend a half day when the weather is less than ideal, either due to excessive heat and humidity or rain.

Cirque du Soleil Joyà Cirque du Soleil Joyà

Cirque du Soleil Joyà tells the story of a teenage girl who spends time in a mysterious jungle with half-human, half-animal masters that have historical Mayan roots. The 80-minute show features everything you would expect from Cirque du Soleil, including  fire dancers, aerial performances, acrobatics, sword fights and beautiful costumes that fit with the Mayan jungle theme. Visitors can book the show only, but they can also opt for packages that include the show with dinner or dinner and cocktails. VIP experiences are also bookable through the Cirque du Soleil website. You can also purchase transportation to the show when you purchase your show tickets online.

Reviewers agree there is a lot to love about the show, particularly if you are a fan of 

Early morning Chichen Itza Tour, Cenote and Tequila Tasting

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Cirque du Soleil JOYA Admission Tickets

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Playa del Carmen Golf Courses Playa del Carmen Golf Courses

The area's golf courses are picturesque and challenging – in addition to drawing Playa del Carmen travelers, many  Cancún  vacationers venture south to play a round on the links. The most popular courses in the Playa del Carmen region are the Hard Rock Golf Club, the Iberostar Golf Club Playa Paraiso and El Camaleón Mayakoba Golf Club. Hard Rock is praised for all-inclusive perks and challenging course; Iberostar Golf Club Playa Paraiso wins favor with golfers thanks to its fair rates and beautiful design, as well as its well-maintained grounds; and El Camaelón Mayakoba is heralded as a "gem" of a PGA course with well-manicured greens and excellent service. 

Green fees vary by course, but some offer twilight specials and golf packages for vacationers to save on rates. You'll find Hard Rock in southern Playa del Carmen and El Camaleón Mayakoba at the northern end. If you're up for the drive, Iberostar Golf Club Playa Paraiso sits about 25 minutes north of Playa. For additional information on rates, opening times and more, visit the individual golf courses' websites.

Xaman-Ha (Playacar Ruins) Xaman-Ha (Playacar Ruins) free

Xaman-Ha is a collection of hidden ruins located in the private residential community of Playacar, which is on the southern end of Playa del Carmen. While not as impressive as nearby Mayan ruins in Tulum or Coba, Xaman-Ha (also called Playacar Ruins) is free to visit and easy to get to if you're staying in or around Playa del Carmen. The ruins themselves aren't overly impressive or well-preserved, but it's still interesting to see these incredible structures just a short walk from the beach. “Xaman-Ha” translates to “water from the north,” and archaeologists believe the Mayans chose this spot because of its proximity to Cozumel , where women would make a pilgrimage to the shrine of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility.

Travelers have said these ruins are worth a visit if you want an easy attraction to visit during the day, although some say there's not a lot to see. You may also find the walk to the ruins can be hot and miserable during some parts of the year, and that the lush landscape surrounding the ruins means there are many biting insects in the area. Our advice? Bring bug spray.

Things to Do in Playa del Carmen FAQs

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Vacations in Playa del Carmen

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Most popular playa del carmen flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to playa del carmen, last minute vacation packages to playa del carmen, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in playa del carmen, tips for finding playa del carmen package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Playa del Carmen and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $493; Family vacation $431; Romantic vacation $621; Luxury vacation $701; Budget vacation $229.

Why should you book a vacation package to Playa del Carmen?

Combining flights and hotels with Playa del Carmen vacation deals is the easiest and most economical way of arranging your holiday. Booking your Playa del Carmen flight and hotel at the same time creates a holiday package perfectly suited to your needs. And, with Playa del Carmen travel deals you'll have more spending money to enjoy this trendy Quintana Roo city.

When should you book a vacation package to Playa del Carmen?

For the best rates on Playa del Carmen vacation packages avoid the high seasons of January to April and Christmas. April and May offer less crowded beaches and comfortable temperatures. Cheap vacation packages are always available during the hot and humid season of June to September.

Easter and Christmas are big celebrations while Carnival, just before Easter, is lively and colorful. Other events worth catching are the Sacred Mayan Boat Journey in May and Mexican Independence Day.

Where should you stay in Playa del Carmen during your vacation?

For any vacation type in playa del carmen:.

Ideally located for both beach and town is the Royal Playa del Carmen, an all-inclusive hotel resort with exceptional facilities and entertainment. All rooms have stunning views and hot tubs, and the hotel provides a shuttle service to Cancun Airport.

A highlight of The Palm at Playa Hotel is a rooftop terrace with swimming pool, bar, and spa. The town center is just a stroll away while guests have access to nearby private beach clubs. An airport shuttle service is available.

For family vacations in Playa del Carmen:

The Hotel Gran Porto Real has a real family feel. Children have their own pool, complete with pirate ship, and activity clubs while parents can relax on the hotel's beach. Cancun Airport is around one hour away and can be reached by taxi, rental car or bus.

With its jungle-like atmosphere, the Sandos Caracol Hotel is definitely kid-friendly. Guests can swim in the hotel's own cenote or sinkhole, admire its eco-park animals or enjoy 17 water slides. It's approximately one hour to Cancun Airport by taxi, bus or rental car.

For romantic vacations in Playa del Carmen:

Rooms at the Hotel Playa del Karma are set around a small courtyard with a pool while their porches with hammocks are ideal for romantic evenings. Set amidst lush gardens, the hotel is just minutes from the town center and an airport shuttle service is available.

A serene beach location makes the Rosewood Mayakoba Hotel the perfect romantic retreat. For an extra touch of glamor, pick a lagoon suite with swim-up access. The hotel provides an airport shuttle service.

For luxury vacations in Playa del Carmen:

Upscale rooms, sophisticated touches, and high-end facilities make The Royal Hideaway Hotel one of the most luxurious in Playa del Carmen. A red-carpeted entrance leads to a colonial-style lobby where a champagne welcome awaits. There is an airport shuttle service.

The Banyan Tree Mayakoba Hotel luxuriously blends the best of Mexican and Asian hospitality. The hotel's private villas boast their own gardens with pools and outdoor bathtubs while its spa has won many awards. An airport shuttle service is available.

For budget vacations in Playa del Carmen:

The Hotel Maria Bonita stretches holiday budgets while still delivering a real Mexican flavor. Air-conditioned rooms have en-suite bathrooms while the hotel is centrally placed for the town center and beach. It also provides an airport shuttle service.

Centrally located for the town and beach is the Hotel Delfin. Select the penthouse suite for a spectacular view or save money with in-room kitchenettes. Cancun Airport can be reached by taxi, rental car or bus.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

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Ultimate Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

When most people think of Playa del Carmen, they think of the mega-resorts that line the Caribbean coast on either side of the city. However, there’s a whole other side to the city.

Playa del Carmen is a city that’s easy to travel to independently. We’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for almost half a year, using it as a base. We’ve put together this independent Playa del Carmen travel guide to help and show you that Playa is the best place in Yucatan to travel independently.

On your next trip to Playa del Carmen, skip the big resort and see what Playa is all about.

The Complete Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

Getting to playa del carmen.

When traveling to Playa del Carmen, you will fly into Cancun International Airport, which has many good and affordable options during the tourist season. When you arrive, you will arrive at one of the three terminals.

Most flights from the US and outside of Mexico will come into Terminal 3, and a few into Terminal two: Jet Blue, Air Canada, AirTran. Terminal 1 is primarily for domestic travel within Mexico.

* Note there is NO free Wifi at the Cancun Airport. There is paid internet, but it doesn’t always work and has trouble accepting payments online. Don’t count on having WIFI at the airport. (As of May 2016)

Getting From Cancun Airport To Playa del Carmen

Personally, the best way to get to Playa del Carmen is by a private driver for only $60 . It’s the easiest and quickest way to get your vacation started! Unless you are planning to do a lot of independent day trips from Playa del Carmen , then we would suggest renting a car .

If you think renting a car in Mexico sounds scary, make sure to read our Mexico car rental guide here , we’ve rented cars at the Cancun airport a dozen times we know the ins and outs. If you have a larger group, a taxi or shuttle service can be just as affordable and more convenient than the bus.

Related Article: How To Get To Playa del Carmen 

By Private Driver:

The CHEAPEST place to book it is here online for $60 one way for up to three people or $110 for a roundtrip airport transfer to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun airport. When we don’t feel like taking the bus, we book online here .

Inside each terminal, after the security and customs area, there will be an ADO bus company booth to purchase tickets to Playa del Carmen. Buses run roughly every 20 minutes. You can pay in either local currency or US dollars. ADO uses nice coach buses with A/C (sometimes too much A/C) and will make one stop between the airport and Playa to drop people off in Puerto Morelos (a 2-3 minute stop).

If you are coming from Terminal 2: Generally, you will buy your ticket at the booth inside the airport. Once you leave the doors of the airport, the bus platforms are further away, and if it’s your first time, you are better off asking for directions to the bus platforms.

If you are coming from Terminal 3: You can sometimes purchase your ticket at the booth, or at other times they will instruct you to buy it outside next to the bus at the platform. Terminal 3 is very straightforward, and the buses are located right outside the terminal.

When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you will need to find a taxi to take you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen. The ADO bus station is on 5th Avenue (the main walking street)  and Calle Juarez. If you don’t have much luggage, it’s best to walk a block or so away from the bus station to get a taxi at a better rate.

A taxi from the bus station to a central hotel should be 50-100 MXP, depending on how many people you have and your negotiating skills. To go further or to Playacar, it will be more like 100-150 MXP.

• Price: 162 MXP or $10 dollars + Taxi fare to your final destination
• Time: 1 hour

By Rental car:

You can book a car online and pick it up at the airport. We find Discovercars.com generally has the best rates, but check around. DiscoverCars.com, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup.

However, it will even out with the savings of not taking another transport to Playa del Carmen. Driving to Playa del Carmen from the airport is simple there are not many roads, and the route is well marked.

Price: as low as $1 per day to $30 for a small car

* For more info on rental cars in Mexico and Playa del Carmen/Cancun, see the rental car section of the guide here .

Insider Tip: If you don’t plan on getting a data package on your phone while in Playa del Carmen, you can still use your phone to help you navigate. When you are on Wifi before you leave home, use Google Maps to find the route from the airport to your hotel.

As long as you keep the map open in the background, your GPS will find you in Mexico, and you can follow your route on your phone. Vocal directions may not work, and try not to get too far off track because the maps only populate the main roads on your route. (don’t forget to turn the GPS back on after the flight!)

Understanding Playa Del Carmen

First of all, most people in town will simply drop the ‘del Carmen’ from the name and just call it Playa for short. Playa is Cancun’s little brother, that is smaller and more condensed.

The main town runs right into the beach, and everything is much closer together. Whereas in Cancun you are far away from the main town in the hotel zone, in Playa del Carmen, the town and beach are close by.

You can’t talk about visiting Playa without mentioning its most important tourist street, 5th Avenue. The Avenues run parallel to the beach and are numbered starting at one and then by 5’s (5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, etc.). 5th Ave is filled with bars, restaurants, and tourist shops. It has been blocked off by cars and is strictly a walking street in the heart of the city.

The Calles (or streets in English) run at 90° to the beach and are all even numbers from 2nd all the way up to 110th street. The main tourist area is from 2nd to 46th street, from the beach to the highway and also the whole of Playacar. The best way to give directions in Playa del Carmen is to use the streets and avenues.

Is Playa del Carmen Safe?

Once you come and visit Playa del Carmen, you’ll understand. Playa del Carmen is a very safe city to visit. There is a big tourist police presence, not that anything bad will happen, but to keep things operating smoothly.

We have spent several months living in Playa del Carmen, and trust me. The city is safe. There are probably worse neighborhoods in your own hometown. Even late at night, I don’t feel uncomfortable walking around on the streets.

Like anywhere, if you look for trouble, I’m sure you could find it, but if you are just visiting Playa del Carmen, you’ll be more than safe.

Transportation & Getting Around Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a very walkable city, and most people find it easy to navigate. For longer distances or in the heat of mid-afternoon, you may want a taxi to take you around.

The fares within Playa Centro are supposed to be fixed prices at 30MXP for a ride, but tourists often get taken advantage of and pay higher rates. If you can speak Spanish to give directions, the chances are better of getting the correct rates.

Example taxi fares in Playa del Carmen:

• A ride within Playa Centro fixed at $30MXP
• A ride within Playa Centro for two people with bags $50MPX
• A ride to/from Playacar from Centro $100MPX (150MXP with bags or large group)
• Rides to outlying resorts $120-200MXP – There is a rate sheet for most cabs with many resorts listed that drivers do follow, ask to see the sheet if going to a faraway resort from Playa del Carmen.

Renting a bike in Playa del Carmen

There are many bike rental agents in Playa del Carmen, and the going rate for a bike rental in Playa is about $15 per day. You can buy a lot of cabs and almost always rent a car for less money per day than a bike (crazy, I know).

A bike may sound like a fun way to see the city, but unless you are comfortable on a bike and really want some exercise, I would skip it. Playa del Carmen is not a very bike-friendly city if you don’t know it well. Plus, there isn’t that much to see off of the beach.

Additionally, bike theft is rampant in the city. If you do rent a bike, make sure they give you a strong lock, a bike chain will be cut, and the bike will be stolen.

Renting a car in Playa del Carmen

Renting a car for a day or a few days is one of the best ways to see all the great things the Yucatan has to offer. Car rentals in Playa del Carmen are usually very cheap. We have rented cars several times and often pay just $5 per day plus insurance.

Most U.S.-based car insurance that you have at home will not cover you in Mexico, but it’s best to check. Legally, you are not required to carry any insurance on a rental car in Mexico.

However, if you opt not to take insurance, there is a large hold put on your credit card in case of an accident (around $2500 USD). This reduces when you purchase additional insurance. Driving in the Yucatan outside the cities, the roads are not crowded, well-marked, and generally in good condition.

We’ve booked several times with Discovercars.com with car rental stores in Playa del Carmen, all located on 5th Ave. Yucatan has to offer. Car rentals in Playa del Carmen are usually very cheap. We have rented cars several times and often pay just $5 per day plus insurance.

Most U.S.-based car insurance that you have at home will not cover you in Mexico, but it’s best to check. Legally you are not required to carry any insurance on a rental car in Mexico.

Preferred Rental Company : Book on DiscoverCars.com and compare companies for the best rates. They have a free cancellation. It’s best to book several months in advance to get the lowest price.

Scams while renting a car in Playa del Carmen

This happens to more than just tourists, but you need to watch very carefully at the gas station. All gas stations are full service, meaning someone else is filling your car with gas. There have been many reports of attendants not resetting the machines between cars and charging you for your gas and the person before you.

Also, be very careful giving them the correct money and receiving the right change. It’s best to have exact change or simply ask them to fill a certain amount of peso of gas.

Insider tip: Avoid the toll road 180D. The tolls to use this road are high for how much time you save traveling on it. Unless you are short on time, I would avoid this road.

Related Article: 5 Things To Know Before Renting a Car in Mexico

Where To Stay In Playa del Carmen

One of the biggest choices you have to make when considering where to stay in Playa del Carmen is whether you want to be in Playacar or Playa Centro. Both are nice places to stay in Playa del Carmen, but Playacar will be quiet and secluded, while Playa Centro , will be more in the middle of the action.

Best Family Resorts in Playa del Carmen

Bric Rentals – If you want the luxury of a resort but with more independence, then check out the Playa del Carmen vacation rentals that Bric has to offer. They have some amazing places all around the city to suit every style.

Recently, we stayed with them in their Elements building near 46th Street, right on the beach. We had a two-bedroom place overlooking the ocean and a massive pool.

Related Article: Why we LOVE Elements Playa del Carmen

The Elements is a condo complex with a mix of vacation and owner-occupied condos right on the water here in Playa. The rooms were stylish and very comfortable. We had a mix of indoor and outdoor space with a large patio and a rooftop deck with a hot tub.

Elements Playa del Carmen Check Prices Booking.com

Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

El Fogon – Usually at the top of restaurants on TripAdvisor, and it’s the first place we bring guests when they visit us in Playa del Carmen. We have even had Mexican friends in town visiting give this place their approval for legit tacos. We haven’t had a bad thing on the menu, and we’ve had most of it. If you ask us, they have the best tacos in Playa del Carmen . 

The thing most tourists don’t know is that there are actually 3 of these restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Most people know of the El Fogon on Avenue Constituyentes and 30th, and it will almost always have a long line after 7 pm. Visitors to Playa del Carmen don’t know that there are two more locations they could walk to before moving up one spot in line.

• Location #2  Calle 6th bis & 30th Ave, right by Walmart
• Location #3  Ave 30 Norte between 30 & 32.
• Map: Click here
• Trip Advisor Reviews

Nativo Restaurants – Another go-to place we always bring people is Nativo. They serve food at all times of the day, but we usually go here for breakfast and their really good fruit smoothies. There are several locations around Playa del Carmen. A liter of fresh fruit smoothie varies between 35-45 pesos, and they are definitely filling.

• Hours : Daily 7 am-midnight

Please remember to tip waiters. For suggested tips, read our tipping in Mexico guide . 

Chesters –  When craving some good pasta or even pad Thai, we head to Chesters. A little way away from the tourist path, but still in Playa Centro.

All their pasta dishes are served in skillets, and more than enough for two people to share. They don’t serve alcohol, but they have tasty smoothies. Most pasta dishes are 140-180 pesos.

• Hours:  2 pm-10:30 pm Closed Tuesdays
• Map: Click here   Av.40 between 4Nte and Calle 4 Bis.
• Menu click here

D on Chendu –  Chicago-style deep dish pizza in Playa del Carmen. We’re from Wisconsin and would drive to Chicago just to get good pizza, and we can tell you Don Chendu pizza in Playa del Carmen is the real thing. One pizza is big enough for two people to share, and they also have affordable house wines 45-65 pesos.

• Hours: 3pm-11pm Closed Sunday
• Map: Click here  Av 30 between Calle 24 & 26
• Click here for the menu

Complete Best Restaurants In Playa del Carmen List

Street food in playa del carmen.

There are three main areas where you can find street carts selling all kinds of local eats. You’ll almost always find someone selling Al Pastor tacos along with tortas, empanadas, tamales, and other tasty things. Always find one that is busy with locals to make sure the food is good and the street food is safe !

Locations: 

• Around the Mega Super Market: 30th & Constituyentes av – Map
• In the park off of Juarez between 15th & 20th – Map
• 38th and 30th next to Aki Super Market – Map

Things To Do In Playa del Carmen & Day Trips From Playa del Carmen

1. visit mayan ruins.

The Yucatan was once the home of the Mayan empire, and ruins can be found all over this part of the world. Several of the Mayan sites make great day trips from Playa del Carmen .

Chichen Itza

The most famous of all of Mexico’s Mayan Ruins is the Chichen Itza site. Now considered one of the 7 wonders of the New World, Chichen Itza’s highly symmetrical main pyramid is worth the trip. This site, for good reason, gets busy every day. Beat the crowds and the heat and get there early.

• Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm daily*note. Chichen Itza is in a different time zone than Playa del Carmen part of the year. Check before visiting

Coba sees fewer tourists than Chichen Itza and Tulum ruins, and you can actually still climb some of the structures. Coba is way less crowded and makes for a great day trip from Playa del Carmen as it’s a lot more than Chichen Itza, but you can easily make a day trip that hits all of the Mayan ruins in one day.

• Hours:  8 am-4:45 pm daily
• Map:  Click here

Tulum Ruins

Perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins are some of the most picturesque. Although the ruins themselves may not be as impressive as other Mayan Ruins in Mexico , the aqua waters and the white sand beaches below make up for it.

The ruins at Tulum will have the most tourists out of all the Mayan ruins due to their location. Tulum ruins are the 3rd most visited site in all of Mexico and the most visited site in the Yucatan. We’d suggest going right away in the morning not only to beat the crowds but the heat.

• Hours:  8 am-5 pm daily

2. Swim with the Sea Turtles in Akumal

About 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen is Akumal Bay which is home to a healthy Leatherback sea turtle population. It’s just about guaranteed if you snorkel here, you will see turtles. Every time I go I see turtles within the first few minutes of swimming.

Related Article: Grand Palladium Riviera Maya

How to get there: You can drive yourself here if you have a rental car parking is 50MXP, and it’s a short walk from the parking lot to the beach.

Public Transportation: There is also public transportation to reach Akumal Bay and swim with the turtles. Head to the collective taxi stands on Calle 2 between 15th and 20th Avenues and find the ‘collectivo’ vans heading to Tulum.

You will have to wait for them to fill up, but it will only take a few minutes. You can tell the driver you want to get out at Akumal, and they will stop there for you, $35MXP each way per person.

Related: Best Places & Things To Do In Riviera Maya

After you exit the collective taxi, walk on the walking bridge over the highway toward the beach. A short walk leads you to the parking lots and stores. From there, follow the signs and others heading to the beach at Akumal.

Catch the same vans back. This time on the beachside of the highway. Look for a Taxi with “Playa Centro” sign in the front window, that’s the one you need. The taxi will drop you off in the same place you started from.

• Cost: Free to swim, $15 to rent snorkel gear, and additional cost to have a guided tour (unnecessary, in my opinion)

3. Visit the beaches of Tulum

As beautiful as the beaches are in Playa del Carmen, the beaches in Tulum are even nicer and less crowded. A trip down the coast to Tulum makes for a great day trip from Playa del Carmen. There are tons of things to do in Tulum . We suggest making a whole day trip or two out of it.

Finish the day and watch the sunset at one of our favorite beach bars, which is actually a treehouse high in the air above the beach at Mateo’s Restaurant (Map to Mateo’s) .

• Map to the Beaches in Tulum
• How to get to Tulum from Cancun
• Best Restaurants in Tulum

4. Swim in the Cenotes

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is a result of collapsed limestone that has exposed underwater rivers. There are an estimated 7,000 cenotes in Mexico . The best-known cenotes are large swimming pools.

The water in cenotes is super clear and not only great for swimmers but divers as well. Many cenotes have underwater cave systems for divers to explore, Cenote Calavera is great for divers. Here are our favorite cenotes nearby Playa del Carmen.

This cenote is famous for its long swim-through that connects to other parts of the massive cave system. The name Cenote Dos Ojos translates to “Two Eyes Cenote” which is likely because it is two sinkholes, each 70 meters in diameter, connected with a 400-meter passageway.

Dos Ojos has the deepest known underwater cave passage at 118 meters in depth, making it a great spot for divers but also a great spot for snorkelers as well. El Pit Cenote is one of the best cenotes for diving.

• Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily

One of the most beautiful cathedral open-top caves is Ik Kil , just a few minutes away from Chichen Itza. These two pairs are great together as a day trip, but many people do this, so an early start will help you avoid massive crowds in the afternoons. There is also a 20’ platform to jump into the pool here as well.

• Hours:  8 am-5 pm
• Map: click here

Jardin del Eden Cenote

Only 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen is Jardin del Eden cenote, which translates in English to “the garden of Eden.” This cenote is different than most cenotes as it is open and has a lush green surrounding area, super clear water, and a 12-foot jump for cliff jumping (great for snorkelers).

• Hours:  7 am-5 pm closed Saturday

5. Spend an afternoon in Valladolid

This pretty little Spanish colonial town makes a great stop on the way to Coba. Valladolid is a nice place to stretch your legs and get a bite to eat. Park the car in the Plaza Francisco Canton and just wander around the surrounding streets.

6. Visit the pink lake and Flamingos of Las Coloradas

If you like road trips, the 3-hour drive from Playa del Carmen to Los Coloradas is for you. This gorgeous drive on desolate highways will end at empty beaches, sand dunes, a pink lake, and flamingoes (November-April).

7. Visit the Island of Cozumel

Playa del Carmen is one of the best places to reach the island of Cozumel . About 15km from the shores of Cozumel island. It’s best to rent a car in Cozumel . The island is small but big enough you’ll want a car for the day.

Insider tip: Buy only a one-way ticket so you can choose when you want to return to Playa del Carmen. Also, don’t buy tickets from anyone on the street. Buy them at the ferry terminal. Click here for our Cozumel Ferry guide , and ticket prices compared.

Related Article: 3 Things To Know Before Renting a Car in Cozumel

8. Visit Xpu Ha Beach

Only 25 minutes south of Cancun is Xpu Ha Beach , which, if you ask us, is the next Tulum. There is a gorgeous white sandy beach, chill restaurants & bars, fun and cheap beach bars. It’s a great place to spend the day if the beaches in Playa del Carmen are too packed.

Insider Tip: Avoid the weekends. The beach is twice as busy due to locals off on the weekend. If you do come on the weekends, get here before 1130 a.m.

Related Article: Isla Holbox – Skip Tulum Head Here

Best Beaches In Playa del Carmen:

The entire length of Playa Central and Playacar is a nice white sand beach with aqua blue water, but there are some spots that are better than others. Several spots on the beach are quite rocky, other parts of the beach are eroding, and some parts are places for boat docking.

The best piece of beach in Playa Centro is from the large pier on Constituyentes Street north to 46th street. This is a nice long section of beach with lots of beach clubs, and the beach is generally clean and well taken care of.

From the pier south to the other pier, there are many problems with the beach eroding, and it is not nearly as pretty as the other side. North of 46th Street, the beach comes to a rocky end with a restaurant on the end.

On the south side of the large pier on 2nd (Cozumel Pier), this is where Playacar starts, and the beaches in this area of town are nice deep beaches and are generally clean and quiet.

Our Favorite Beach Clubs In Playa del Carmen:

If you are staying off the beach, you can still enjoy the beach from a lounge chair with a drink in hand.

Mamita’s – One of the largest and most fun beach clubs in Playa del Carmen is the ever-popular Mamita’s. Most days, there is a DJ playing music, and it’s known for its fun party atmosphere. Mamita’s is also host to a few major music festivals, including the massive BMP electronic music festival held every January.

• Hours: 9 am-6 pm daily
• Map: Click Here

Coralina – In front of the Grand Hyatt on the beach near 24th Street. Coralina is a new beach club with red umbrellas. The drink prices are similar to other places on the beach. We like it because it’s located just behind a nice piece of sand in a very central spot in the town.

• Hours: 11 am-7 pm daily

Best Rooftop Clubs in Playa del Carmen:

More and more hotels and bars in Playa are opening rooftop clubs for the daytime. Several places around the city offer free use of the rooftop pool when having food or drink. Some have minimum daily spending in order to use the pool and to be at the club.

Be Roof  – Located at the Be Playa hotel , just take the elevator to the roof. Free entrance and use of the pool and lounges with the purchase of food/drink, no minimum.

• Hours: 10 am-12 am daily

The Palms – Located in  The Palm At Playa hotel $500MXP minimum consumption per person to use facilities.

• Hours: 9 am-1 am daily

Places in Mexico to Visit Before or After Playa del Carmen

If you’ve got more time to explore Mexico, there are some amazing places nearby you should check out. If you can’t it on this trip, consider them on your next trip. Make sure to check out some of our other Mexico articles to fuel your wanderlust.

2024 Isla Holbox Ultimate Guide – Must KNOW Travel Tips

Is Isla Holbox worth the trip? YES! Holbox Mexico is one of the best places in Mexico to visit. Skip Tulum! 2024 Complete Holbox guide with things to do in Holbox, best restaurants, where to stay, how to get to Holbox, and more.

5 Things To Know BEFORE Renting a Car in Cancun

Don’t rent a car in Cancun without reading this first! Cancun car rental guide: driving in Mexico tips, common scams, what to do if police pull you over, best rental car company, and more.

Ultimate List Of The Best Cenotes in Mexico

Over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, guide to the best cenotes in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Merida & Cancun. Cenote map, entrance fees, hours & more.

This post may contain affiliate links, see our disclosure

INSIDER’S TIP: DINING WITH A SIDE OF JUNGLE VIBES

• Casual Dining
• Restaurants

FULL-DAY TRIP TO CHICHEN ITZA

• Sightseeing
• Historic Sites

INSIDER’S TIP: A FARMERS MARKET BREAKFAST

Insider’s tip: playa del carmen shopping, insider’s tip: upscale cavern dining.

• Fine Dining

TULUM AND JUNGLE ADVENTURE TOUR

Insider’s tip: a true dining experience.

• Communal Dining

MEXICAN COOKING CLASS AND LOCAL MARKETS TOUR

• Cooking Classes

SAIL TO ISLA MUJERES

Insider’s tip: playa del carmen beach time, accommodation options.

VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

• World's Best

STAY INSPIRED

12 of the Best All-inclusive Resorts in Mexico, According to Hotels.com

Hotels to Book for a Trip to Playa del Carmen

This Coastal Destination Is Home to Some of the Most Iconic Mexico Attractions

OFFER DETAILS Prices will vary depending on occupancy, availability, length of stay, and itinerary options selected. Itineraries are only available through the reservations line at 1-833-794-1694. Travel + Leisure GO pricing is only available to active Travel + Leisure GO accounts. Rates are subject to limited availability and may be discontinued without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. All monetary amounts are noted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted. Itinerary pricing does not include additional expenses such as airfare, transportation, resort fees, taxes, local fees and other incidental expenses. Blackout dates may apply. Hotel prices displayed are per room, per stay based on the cheapest double room available, inclusive of all taxes and service fees — but exclude any fees payable at or to the hotel. Separate terms & conditions may apply for hotels and activities. Please check individual hotel or airline for details. Valid for new bookings only. Your credit card will be charged the total cost of your reservation at time of booking. No reservation is guaranteed until full payment is received. Void where prohibited by law.

COVID-19 TRAVEL ALERT Please remember to check government advisories before booking and traveling.

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HI TAT Broker ID TA-075-433-7792-01

17 Best Playa Del Carmen All Inclusive Adults Only Resorts

E mbark on a journey to the heart of the Riviera Maya, where the allure of pristine beaches, azure waters, and lush tropical landscapes beckons. Welcome to Playa Del Carmen, a paradise for adults seeking an escape into luxury, romance, and serenity. Our curated list of the 17 best Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts offers you a gateway to unparalleled relaxation and indulgence. Each resort, with its unique charm and exceptional service, promises an unforgettable retreat tailored to adults. From intimate boutique settings to lavish beachfront estates, discover the perfect haven where every detail caters to your desire for peace, privacy, and pampering.

1. Viceroy Riviera Maya

Ranking: 9.4/10.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya stands as a pinnacle of luxury for adults seeking an exclusive getaway in Playa Del Carmen . This all-inclusive resort caters specifically to adults, offering serene beaches, private villas, and exquisite dining experiences that promise a memorable stay. Every aspect of the resort aims to provide guests with a sense of privacy and luxury, set against the backdrop of the stunning Riviera Maya .

Guests at the Viceroy Riviera Maya enjoy personalized service that begins the moment they arrive. The resort’s dedicated staff ensures every need is met, from arranging romantic dinners on the beach to recommending adventures in the surrounding area. With its focus on creating a tranquil and luxurious environment, the Viceroy Riviera Maya epitomizes the best of Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts.

2. Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya

The Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya offers an unparalleled experience for adults looking for an escape to paradise. As one of the top-rated Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, it boasts majestic architecture, lush landscapes, and an atmosphere filled with romance. The resort prides itself on delivering an experience that combines the natural beauty of the location with impeccable service and luxury accommodations.

From the moment guests step into the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, they are enveloped in a world of sophistication and tranquility. The resort’s sprawling pools, gourmet restaurants, and spacious suites are designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. It’s the perfect setting for those seeking to indulge in a romantic getaway or a serene retreat from the everyday.

3. Impression Moxché by Secrets

Impression Moxché by Secrets redefines the concept of luxury with its exclusive and intimate setting in Playa Del Carmen. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort specializes in providing an unparalleled experience that focuses on privacy, personalized service, and exquisite detail in every aspect. It stands out as a sanctuary where adults can enjoy the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Riviera Maya.

The resort’s commitment to offering a unique and memorable stay is evident in its sophisticated dining options, world-class spa, and stunning accommodations. Guests at Impression Moxché by Secrets can expect an experience that caters to their every desire, making it a top choice for those searching for the epitome of Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts. With an array of activities and amenities designed to pamper and delight, it offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

4. Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen emerges as a beacon of luxury for adults seeking an exclusive oasis. This all-inclusive resort, nestled in the heart of Playa Del Carmen, offers adults a perfect blend of sophistication and serenity, unmatched by any other. Guests can immerse themselves in an environment designed for luxury, with stunning oceanfront views, elegant accommodations, and gourmet dining experiences that cater to the most discerning palates.

The resort prides itself on creating unforgettable experiences, with a focus on privacy, wellness, and romance. Whether it’s a day spent at the spa or a night exploring the vibrant local culture, Secrets Moxché ensures every moment is memorable. It stands as a pinnacle among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, offering a retreat where luxury meets paradise.

5. Hotel Xcaret Arte

Ranking: 9.2/10.

Hotel Xcaret Arte captures the essence of Mexican culture and artistry, offering a unique all-inclusive experience for adults in Playa Del Carmen. This resort stands apart by blending luxurious accommodations and services with an immersion in the local heritage and natural beauty. Guests can explore the rich traditions of Mexico while enjoying the comfort and exclusivity of an adults-only environment.

The resort’s dedication to creating a holistic experience includes access to eco-archaeological parks, where adventure and discovery await. With a variety of gourmet restaurants, art workshops, and wellness activities, Hotel Xcaret Arte offers a rich and vibrant escape for those seeking more than just a beach vacation. It epitomizes the spirit of Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, inviting guests to live a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

6. Barceló Maya Riviera

Barceló Maya Riviera stands as a testament to the allure of Playa Del Carmen, offering adults an exclusive and luxurious escape. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort combines breathtaking ocean views with sophisticated design and unparalleled service. Guests can unwind in the stunning infinity pools, indulge in culinary delights across various gourmet restaurants, or simply relax on the pristine beaches that line the property.

With a focus on providing an exceptional experience, Barceló Maya Riviera offers a variety of activities and amenities designed to cater to every interest. From water sports to cultural tours, the resort ensures every guest finds their ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. As a premier destination among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, it creates a backdrop for memories that last a lifetime.

7. UNICO 20º87º Riviera Maya

Ranking: 9.0/10.

UNICO 20º87º Riviera Maya offers an innovative approach to the all-inclusive adult-only experience, blending luxury with authentic local culture. This Playa Del Carmen resort stands out for its commitment to creating a unique and immersive experience that reflects the spirit and traditions of the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, dine on gourmet cuisine inspired by regional flavors, and participate in exclusive excursions that highlight the beauty and heritage of the Yucatan.

The resort’s rooms and suites offer stunning views, modern amenities, and thoughtful touches that ensure a stay at UNICO 20º87º is nothing short of spectacular. With personalized service and a wide range of activities and amenities, this resort is a top choice for those seeking a blend of relaxation, luxury, and cultural exploration in Playa Del Carmen all inclusive adults only resorts.

8. Hotel Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique

Ranking: 8.8/10.

Hotel Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique provides an intimate and luxurious getaway for adults in the heart of Playa Del Carmen. This all-inclusive resort is a haven of tranquility, set amidst lush tropical gardens and crystal-clear waters. It offers guests an exclusive experience with its spacious suites, world-class spa, and gourmet dining options, making every moment spent here a celebration of luxury and relaxation.

Attention to detail and a focus on providing a personalized experience are what set Hotel Blue Diamond apart. Guests can indulge in tailored activities and services, from yoga sessions by the sea to romantic dinners under the stars. As one of the premier Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, it promises an escape where elegance and serenity meet.

9. Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an

Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an offers a unique blend of luxury, nature, and exclusivity, making it a standout choice for adults seeking an all-inclusive experience in Playa Del Carmen. Nestled within a tranquil environment, this resort provides an intimate setting where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. The beautiful surroundings, combined with attentive service and premium amenities, ensure a stay that is both relaxing and rejuvenating.

Guests at Bahia Principe Luxury Sian Ka’an can enjoy access to private beaches, lush golf courses, and an array of dining options that showcase local and international cuisine. The resort’s focus on sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of its location adds to the allure for those committed to eco-friendly travel practices. It represents the best of Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, where luxury meets the majesty of the natural world.

10. Royal Hideaway Playacar

Royal Hideaway Playacar offers a refined and exclusive experience for adults seeking a luxurious getaway in Playa Del Carmen. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort is renowned for its impeccable service, elegant accommodations, and serene beachfront setting. Guests can indulge in sophisticated dining, relax in the spa, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the private beaches. Royal Hideaway Playacar embodies the essence of luxury and relaxation, making it a top choice for those seeking an intimate escape.

The resort’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the lushly landscaped grounds to the attentive service that anticipates guests’ needs. With a range of activities and amenities designed to cater to every preference, Royal Hideaway Playacar stands out as a premier destination among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts. It offers an unparalleled blend of comfort, elegance, and privacy.

11. Hilton Playa del Carmen

Hilton Playa del Carmen presents a sanctuary of luxury and comfort for adults in the heart of the Riviera Maya. This all-inclusive resort specializes in providing guests with an unforgettable experience, featuring spacious suites, world-class dining, and an array of activities and entertainment options. The resort’s beachfront location offers stunning views and easy access to Playa Del Carmen’s vibrant nightlife and shopping districts.

With a focus on personalized service, the Hilton Playa del Carmen ensures every guest’s stay is tailored to their preferences, from culinary delights to wellness and leisure activities. As a distinguished choice among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, it delivers an exquisite blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure. Guests can look forward to an exceptional holiday experience, marked by the highest standards of hospitality.

12. Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen

Ranking: 8.6/10.

Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen offers an engaging and vibrant experience for adults seeking a lively getaway. This all-inclusive resort is perfect for those who wish to combine relaxation with fun, offering a wide range of activities, entertainment, and dining options. The resort’s location allows guests to easily explore the local culture and attractions of Playa Del Carmen, adding an enriching dimension to their stay.

The resort’s amenities, including stylish accommodations, multiple swimming pools, and diverse culinary options, cater to the tastes and preferences of a broad array of guests. Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen excels in creating a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, making it a favored choice for adults looking for an all-encompassing vacation experience among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts.

13. Paradisus La Perla

Paradisus La Perla stands out as a beacon of luxury for adults seeking an exclusive and serene retreat in Playa Del Carmen. This all-inclusive resort offers sophisticated elegance with its modern design, lush landscapes, and a commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience. Paradisus La Perla invites guests to indulge in gourmet dining, relax in the state-of-the-art spa, and unwind by the stunning pools, all while enjoying the tranquil adults-only atmosphere.

With a wide range of activities tailored to adult guests, including yoga classes, culinary workshops, and live entertainment, Paradisus La Perla ensures a memorable and enriching stay. It is a premier destination among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure in a breathtaking setting.

14. Ocean Maya Royale

Ocean Maya Royale is a tropical paradise that caters exclusively to adults, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment in Playa Del Carmen. This all-inclusive resort boasts lush gardens, beautiful beachfront, and a variety of dining and activity options. Guests can enjoy everything from water sports to live music, ensuring every day is filled with new experiences. Ocean Maya Royale is dedicated to creating a fun and relaxing environment, perfect for couples and friends looking to escape the everyday.

With elegantly appointed rooms and a focus on personalized service, Ocean Maya Royale excels in making each guest’s stay special. The resort’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction makes it a standout choice for those seeking an all-inclusive, adults-only experience in Playa Del Carmen. It’s an ideal location for those who want to combine the beauty of the Riviera Maya with the comfort and convenience of a top-tier resort.

15. El Dorado Casitas Royale

Ranking: 8.4/10.

El Dorado Casitas Royale offers an intimate and romantic setting for adults in the lush Riviera Maya landscape. This exclusive, all-inclusive resort specializes in providing couples with a secluded getaway experience, featuring private casitas with direct pool access, outdoor showers, and personalized butler service. The resort’s gourmet inclusive concept ensures a culinary journey with its array of fine dining options and premium beverages.

Designed for romance and relaxation, El Dorado Casitas Royale provides a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its serene beachfront, luxurious spa, and romantic ambiance, it stands as a cherished destination among Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts. Guests leave with lasting memories, having experienced the pinnacle of luxury and intimacy in a beautiful tropical setting.

16. The Yucatan Playa del Carmen

Ranking: 8.0/10.

The Yucatan Playa del Carmen offers a unique boutique experience for adults seeking an exclusive and modern retreat. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort stands out for its contemporary design, intimate atmosphere, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a rooftop pool with stunning views, gourmet dining options, and stylish accommodations. The Yucatan is perfect for those looking to enjoy the vibrancy of Playa Del Carmen while indulging in the comfort and luxury of a boutique resort.

With its focus on personalized experiences and attention to detail, The Yucatan excels in providing a memorable stay for each guest. The resort’s prime location also allows easy access to local attractions, shopping, and nightlife, making it an ideal choice for travelers who wish to explore the area. As one of the Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, The Yucatan represents a fusion of modern luxury and local charm.

17. Ocean Riviera Paradise

Ranking: 7.8/10.

Ocean Riviera Paradise caters to adults seeking a lively and comprehensive all-inclusive experience in Playa Del Carmen. This resort is known for its wide array of activities, entertainment, and dining options, catering to a diverse range of interests and tastes. Guests can enjoy everything from themed pool parties and live shows to culinary classes and water sports. The resort’s spacious accommodations and attentive service ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.

Despite its lively atmosphere, Ocean Riviera Paradise also offers tranquil spaces for relaxation, including secluded pool areas and a serene beachfront. This makes it a versatile choice for adults who want the best of both worlds: fun and relaxation in a single location. As a part of the Playa Del Carmen all-inclusive adults-only resorts, Ocean Riviera Paradise stands out for its commitment to providing an entertaining and varied vacation experience.

Playa Del Carmen stands out as a beacon of luxury and tranquility in the vibrant heart of the Mexican Caribbean , offering a diverse array of all-inclusive, adults-only resorts designed to cater to every taste and desire. Whether you seek the pinnacle of luxury and romance, an immersive cultural experience, or a lively retreat filled with entertainment and adventure, these resorts promise an escape like no other. Each property on our list has been carefully selected to ensure an unforgettable stay, combining exquisite dining, sumptuous accommodations, and impeccable service. Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories in the serene and sumptuous settings of Playa Del Carmen’s finest adults-only resorts. Here, in this paradise, the ultimate adult escape awaits, promising relaxation, rejuvenation, and romance under the warm Mexican sun.

The post 17 Best Playa Del Carmen All Inclusive Adults Only Resorts appeared first on honeymoons.com .

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Playa del Carmen All inclusive Vacations

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Escape to paradise with an all-inclusive package to Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, located in Quintana Roo, Mexico, is a dream destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and adventure. This coastal paradise boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, and a vibrant nightlife that will keep you dancing until dawn. Whether you're looking for exhilarating excursions or simply want to relax and unwind, Playa del Carmen has it all. Indulge in delicious cuisine at local restaurants, sip refreshing cocktails at beachside bars, and immerse yourself in the lively entertainment scene. This all-inclusive package vacation promises a memorable experience in a truly picturesque setting.

Top All inclusive vacation packages in Playa del Carmen

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun - Adults Only - All inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique - All Inclusive - Adults Only

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya Adults Only All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Valentin Imperial Rivera Maya All Inclusive - Adult Only

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024

The Royal Haciendas All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

5* All inclusive vacations in Playa del Carmen

El Dorado Casitas Royale A Spa Resorts - More Inclusive

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024

3 Night All inclusive vacations in Playa del Carmen

4 night all inclusive vacations in playa del carmen.

Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan - Optional Gourmet All Inclusive - Adults Only

Top reasons for your vacation to playa del carmen.

• Stunning Beaches : Playa del Carmen boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
• Vibrant Nightlife : Experience a lively nightlife scene in Playa del Carmen, with plenty of opportunities for dancing and entertainment.
• Delicious Cuisine : Indulge in delicious dining options at local restaurants, offering a variety of culinary delights.
• Relaxing Atmosphere : Unwind and soak up the warm Mexican sun at tranquil spots like Maroma Beach and Playa del Carmen Main Beach.
• Exciting Excursions : Explore the natural beauty of Playa del Carmen through thrilling excursions and activities at the Xcaret Eco Theme Park.

Book a Package and Save Money on Your Playa del Carmen Vacation

A travel package combines flights and accommodations, or flights and car rental, making it convenient to book everything in one place. It saves time and can potentially save money. With a variety of options available, you can customize your package to suit your preferences and budget. Expedia's price and theme filters ensure you find a great deal for your all-inclusive package in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Booking an all-inclusive package vacation in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico is the perfect idea for a tourist from the United States. With beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining options, this destination offers a perfect mix of relaxation and entertainment. Booking a package ensures that everything is taken care of, allowing you to make the most of your vacation.

How to Save Money on a Vacation to Playa del Carmen

• Utilize public transportation such as buses or colectivos instead of taxis for cost-effective local travel.
• Explore Playa del Carmen's beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, like Akumal, for free or at a minimal cost.
• Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum or Coba independently instead of booking expensive guided tours.
• Enjoy local street food and affordable restaurants instead of dining at expensive tourist establishments.
• Take advantage of Expedia's OneKey program to earn points and save money on future bookings.
• Consider booking your all-inclusive vacation during the off-peak season for discounted rates and fewer crowds.

Explore the best places to visit in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant atmosphere for an all-inclusive package vacation. With its stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters, you can enjoy activities like snorkeling and diving. In the evenings, immerse yourself in the lively nightlife, with plenty of opportunities for dancing and entertainment. For a more relaxed experience, indulge in delicious dining options and unwind at beachfront bars. Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination for a memorable and diverse vacation.

• Xcaret Eco Theme Park : Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Playa del Carmen at this unique theme park. Experience thrilling excursions, relax on pristine beaches, and explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling and diving. Indulge in delicious dining options and enjoy romantic boat rides. The friendly atmosphere and lively bars make it a perfect destination for all.
• Maroma Beach : Take a stroll along the picturesque shores of Maroma Beach, known for its stunning beauty. Sink your toes into the soft sand and soak up the warm Mexican sun. This tranquil beach is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
• Playa del Carmen Main Beach : Discover the heart of Playa del Carmen at the Main Beach. This popular tourist spot offers something for everyone, from romantic walks on the beach to family-friendly activities. Enjoy shopping, dining, and water sports while taking in the breathtaking views of the sea. The trendy and inclusive atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination.

Best months to visit Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen boasts a year-around average temperature of 78.4°F, peaking at 81.5°F in August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 75.0°F in December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 95.4mm annually, with September, October seeing the heaviest showers and April being the driest month.

All-inclusive Playa del Carmen vacations: everything you need to know

Can i book a playa del carmen vacation with airfare and meals.

On an all-inclusive vacation, your mind and body can wander far from your wallet. Pay one simple price when you bundle your accommodation and airfare, and you avoid all those yucky bills after conversation-starting cocktails or decadent dinners.

How can I find Playa del Carmen all-inclusive vacations that are adults only?

All the best all-inclusive, all-adult vacations are a click of a filter or two away. Choose from great grown-up features. Say, a spa for a couple’s massage, a hot tub to soak away the stresses of the day, or a swim-up bar to get the party started.

How much is an all-inclusive trip to Playa del Carmen?

Affordable all-inclusive is yours, whatever your budget. Packages start tempting you from just $515. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

How can I book cheap all-inclusive trips to Playa del Carmen?

Whenever you book your travel, sorting by price and filtering by budget shows you what’s out there in your price range.

What are the benefits of all-inclusive Playa del Carmen vacations with airfare?

Create your dream getaway by bundling your flight and hotel and you get delightful deals and discounts. Add your car rental, too, and you save on all three.

What should I think about when I book an all-inclusive Playa del Carmen family vacation package?

With little tummies taken care of, you just need to put smiles on their faces. Easy! Book an all-inclusive vacation with a full-on water park or epic pools—or book your stay near the world’s biggest theme parks and attractions.

Why should I book an all-inclusive honeymoon package in Playa del Carmen?

You can start your married life how you mean to go on with an all-inclusive honeymoon package. Eat and drink to your heart’s content, waltz around in happy harmony, and have your fill of delights. Together, you can book up adventure excursions and return to a pool-side cabana for cocktails at sunset.

Can I book an all-inclusive Playa del Carmen package with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

When you’re searching for your all-inclusive getaway, filter your results by payment option to find free cancellation and buy now, pay later options. That way, you can rebook without worry, should your plans change.

Why should I book an all-inclusive Playa del Carmen package vacation with Expedia?

Book amazing all-inclusive adventures, all in one place. Choose from a vast inventory of deals, adding every little extra to build your brilliant break in minutes.

Top All inclusive Playa del Carmen Hotels

• 9 min drive from Xcaret Eco Theme Park

• 10 min drive from Xcaret Eco Theme Park

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024

• 6 min drive from Xcaret Eco Theme Park

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2024

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More Vacation Ideas

Playa Nudista

Organized by Mario Mont

• Wed Apr 17 from 10:05 AM to 1:06 PM (EST)
• Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

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