Playa del Carmen Travel Guide

Playa del Carmen is a nice getaway from Cancun. The crowd is fewer, but there are still plenty of things to do.

There’s a street there called 5th Avenue that makes a nice stroll. I think it took me close to an hour going from one end of it to another. I do get distracted easily with the endless shops. Also some shop owners like a nice chit chat.

What I really liked about it, was I didn’t feel like people were trying to get me to buy. If you’ve ever been in touristy traps, you always get the feeling someone is trying to upsell you. I guess the sales folks at Playa del Carmen know what they’re doing more.

Anyways, if you’re looking to go to Playa del Carmen, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll let you know what places you can check out, where you can stay, and activities that’ll help make the most of Playa.

First Visit to Playa Del Carmen

I went to Playa del Carmen for the first time last year. My first visit there was short, so I had to condense as many activities as I could into four days. It was a lot of fun, so I thought why not write this Playa del Carmen travel guide.

Looking back, I should have extended it. It’s actually one of my favorite places I’ve been to in Mexico. I’m a big fan of outdoor activities and also cool people to hang out with. Playa del Carmen had both.

What is Playa del Carmen like?

In this Playa del Carmen travel guide, I would be amiss if I didn’t share a bit of my experience there.

First of, if you’re not living within walking distance of 5th Avenue, you’d be better off renting a car.

However, be mindful when renting a car in Mexico, the biggest surprise will be the cost of insurance. The prices of rental cars you find on Kayak or other travel websites will be less than the cost of insurance for the car in Mexico.

I digress.

Assuming your transportation is figured out, Playa del Carmen has so many cool places to check out. If you don’t go to Cenotes or the pyramids on your first visit to Playa del Carmen, I would argue you never went to Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen cenotes really make it unique. This is a MUST visit. The whole Riviera Maya is lined up with these caves turned to watering/swimming holes.

The second place I’d go to for your first time in Playa del Carmen are the Mayan Ruins. I’m a fan of ancient technologies and wonders. Seeing these architectures in the middle of a jungle is a wonder.

Both cenotes and the Tulum Ruins or many of the other pyramids in the area can be done on day trips. There’s no reason why you can’t visit them while in Playa del Carmen.

If you have your own car, you can plan out the tour yourself. But if you go with a guide, it’s not a significant difference to your transportation add-on. Just scout out your tour operators before booking anything.

You can explore the downtown area of Playa del Carmen. There’s a bunch of restaurants and shops along the main street. Also some night life spots if you’re into it! By downtown, I do mean 5th Avenue. This street is infamous in Playa del Carmen.

Visiting Playa Del Carmen for the Long Term

As I said earlier, you need a car or a reliable source of transportation if you’re not living within walking distance of 5th Avenue.

Else it may be a hassle always ordering an Uber, or finding the closest bus stop.

Some tips for long term stays:

• Rent or buy a car to get around
• Alternatively to above, stay one of the many Playa del Carmen hotels near 5th Ave
• Have a viewing of the room or place, before you book for months at a time

If you’re looking to become location independent, or be a full time nomad, there’s probably a whole list of logistical situations you’d like to plan out when here.

I’d suggest working on the weekdays, and explore places within biking distance of Playa del Carmen. A day trip could be reserved on a Saturday or Sunday, where you can check out Chichen Itza, and the rest of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Transportation at Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen much longer, you’ll need to figure out transportation.

Uber is widely used here to get around. However it’s best to set up your driver with a phone, otherwise they can’t pick you up if they’re not nearby. If they like to stay busy, the closest Uber vehicle may take awhile.

The bus is the cheapest way to get around. There’s two kinds of buses here. The first, and most common line that runs between Playa (downtown) and Tulum (south). You can catch this along 5th Avenue or right on Boulevard Puerto Aventuras.

The second bus service is called ADO, and is the more expensive option. It runs between Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Cancun, Tulum, and other places. I’ve taken this bus service to all of those destinations except Cancun. While it does take longer than Uber/Bus services here in Mexico, it’s a nice experience on board that bus.

Last but not least the bus terminals in Playa del Carmen are very much like any other city in Mexico. You’ll need to know how to speak Spanish, or be able to ask your way around when finding your departure point.

If you’re planning on taking a taxi, make sure there’s one waiting at the Playa del Carmen bus terminal. Otherwise you’ll be driving around, and wasting time looking for a taxi.

If you know your way around the bus system, and want to save money instead of Uber; take the Playa del Carmen bus all the way down south to Tulum. It’s possible to catch this service along 5th Avenue as well!

Where is Playa del Carmen located in Mexico,

Playa del Carmen is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico very close to Cancun. You can drive here from any major airport in Mexico, or from Cancun itself.

How to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun,

Take the ADO bus from the ADO bus terminal in Cancun. It’ll take about one hour to get you to Playa del Carmen.

You can make it a day trip from Cancun if you rent a car or sign up for a tour operator.

Otherwise you can also look into getting an Uber or Taxi for a higher premium.

How to get around Playa del Carmen

Again depending on how long your stay is, you may want to consider renting a car. But there are other options.

You can take an Uber from anywhere in Playa del Carmen Downtown to Tulum.

Within Playa del Carmen itself, you can rent a bicycle and cruise around the city on your own. There’s a lot of Playa del Carmen that can be explored on a bike.

If you’re staying in the downtown area, then this is a good idea.

But for longer distances beyond Playa del Carmen, then Uber is a sensible choice. But for more economic purposes, the bus is also an option.

Where to fly into for Playa del Carmen?

The Playa del Carmen airport is located at the southern end of the city. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations for this area. However, for most this is not a feasible airport to fly into as it accepts mostly private operators.

You can fly directly into Cancun airport if you’d like, which is about an hour drive north of Playa del Carmen. When I went to Playa del Carmen, I would fly into Cancun, and then take an Uber to my destination.

To get to Playa del Carmen by plane, the Cancun Airport would be the final destination before taking a bus or a car to Playa del Carmen. Although there is a Playa del Carmen airport, it is restricted to mostly private operators.

How to get from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen

There is a bus service that runs between Playa del Carmen and the airport. The price of the ticket will be a few US dollars.

Car transportation is also possible if you’re looking for rental car. The drive is about an hour if there’s no traffic, but be prepared for massive hotel zones that will slow you down before reaching Playa del Carmen.

Ubers and taxis are also readily available to get you from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

How to get from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres

Playa del Carmen has a ferry service that goes directly to Isla Mujeres. I’ve never used this option, but it’s there for you if you’d like to go on this island.

You can get to the ferry service by Uber or taxi. Just ask them to take you to the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun?

Playa del Carmen is about an hour drive south of Cancun. If you’re traveling by bus, there are many options that will take you from one destination to the other.

This is about 68 kilometers or 42 miles.

You can also get down south to Tulum if you want to make a day trip out of it. But for this option, I’d highly recommend getting an Uber or hiring a private car. The reason for this is that the bus system can get quite annoying, especially if you’re traveling in a large group.

How far is playa del Carmen from Tulum?

Tulum is about an hour and forty five minutes drive south of Playa del Carmen. This will take you through the Quintana Roo state on your way down to Tulum.

This would be a full day trip if you’re looking to go there just by bus. But I’d recommend getting an Uber or hiring a private car for this option.

How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun airport?

Playa del Carmen is about an hour drive from Cancun International Airport.

This is 55 kilomters or 34.2 miles away.

With the Cancun Airport, you can also get to Playa del Carmen by bus or taxi. There’s also a direct shuttle between these two destinations.

How far is Xcaret from playa del Carmen?

Xcaret is about a 40 minute drive from Playa del Carmen. This drive will show you a lot of the local attractions as you drive to Xcaret.

You can get to Xcaret by either Uber, taxi or bus. But I’d recommend getting an Uber so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of the public transportation system.

How far is Riviera Maya from Playa del Carmen?

Riviera Maya is about a 50 minute drive south of Playa del Carmen.

This is 14 kilometers or 8.7 miles south of Playa del Carmen.

Where is 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen?

5th Avenue is about an hour drive south of Cancun in the heart of Playa del Carmen. It is also the most popular avenue in the city where you’ll find many different shops, restaurants and local attractions.

You can get to 5th Ave by Uber or taxi. If you’re looking to save some money, then taking a bus is always available as well.

Downtown Playa Del Carmen Travel Guide

5th Avenue is the most popular avenue in Playa del Carmen and would be considered the downtown area. This Playa del Carmen travel guide wouldn’t be complete without giving some insights downtown Playa del Carmen.

You can find the nicest beach clubs around here as well as beach bars here. But remember that 5th Avenue has some of the best shopping you could find south of Cancun. It’s a good place to pickup gifts from tourist shops to prove you visited Playa del Carmen!

If you’re looking to enjoy a nice dinner, then check out their many restaurants located around 5th Ave. There are also some nightclubs and bars here as well if you want to party it up with your buddies.

Top 10 Activities in Playa del Carmen

Coco Bongo

This is one of the best nightclubs and has world class shows. You can also check out their other locations in Cancun city as well. To get access to VIP events if you schedule in advance through TripAdvisor.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles

You can snorkel with sea turtles or explore the world’s most beautiful underwater museum. Take a drive to Akumal, and almost anywhere you walk along this Caribbean Sea coast, you’ll find tours to see these turtles. Cozumel Island is also a popular destination for this. Some consider it an Island Paradise too.

Mayan and Coba Ruins

Coba Ruins is a Mayan tomb located about an hour and twenty five minutes from Playa del Carmen. These Coba Ruins are considered the most important ruins by archeologists in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Because there can be a lot to see here, it’s good to plan this as one of your day trips.

There are also other ruins to check out close by.

Salsa Dancing

While in Mexico, why not check out some of their Salsa dancing. There are some luxurious bars in Playa del Carmen that offer salsa nightlife, you can check out the locals dance moves here.

Cenotes

There are many Cenotes around this region and Mayan Riviera. These Cenotes are fresh water reservoirs and some are considered sacred by the Mayans. One of my favorite cenotes is located towards Tulum which is about a 1 hour drive from Playa del Carmen. This was the highlight of my Mexican vacation.

Go Party

Coco Bongo has already been mentioned in this list. It is a top place for the nightlife. But you can also visit local beach clubs and explore Mexico’s bar hopping scene along Fifth Avenue.

Zip Lining

Take a day trip to see some of Mexico’s amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes while zip lining at Xplor Park in Riviera Maya. Located about an hour and twenty minutes south of Playa del Carmen, it’s one the best places to go ziplining in this region. You can also ride ATVs or take a tour on an amphibious vehicle.

Swim with Whales

Whale watching season starts at the beginning of December and ends in March. Whales are magnificent creatures that can be spotted while on tours around Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Fishing

If you like fishing, then this is a great place to catch some big fish. You can also do deep sea fishing as well with many tour companies offering their services for this around Playa del Carmen

Paddleboarding

There are tons of great spots for paddleboarding around Playa del Carmen Mexico. It’s a great workout and you can also soak up some sun while on the water. If you’re at a beach club, paddleboards are usually readily rentable nearby.

What is Playa del Carmen known for?

Playa del Carmen has a dichotic infamy to it. For one it attracts a party scene. But at the same time, people who are looking to be more laid back can find this place more of a respite than other parts of the Yucatan Peninsula.

What to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains?

Let’s face it, it almost hardly rains in Playa del Carmen. If it does rain it doesn’t last long. But rest assured, there are always things to do even if it does rain. Here some recommendations:

• Go to Coco Bongo at night to see a show
• Catch a movie at Cinépolis Las Américas
• Visit a supermarket
• Read a book at a beach club
• Go shopping on Fifth Avenue. Bring an umbrella as you hop from one store to the next.

Top 5 Places to Stay in Playa del Carmen

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

There’s plenty of great place to choose from when it comes to where to stay in Playa del Carmen. You can choose from luxury resorts, beach clubs or boutique hotels. It all depends on what you like and how much money you’re willing to spend.

Here’s my take on the top 5 best places to stay when you visit Playa del Carmen Mexico.

Fabulous Condo with Beach & Golf Club -Strong WiFi (AirBnB)

Katina’s AirBnB listing was amazing. This was where I stayed. It had two bedrooms and a private pool that flowed into a larger community pool. Everything about this place was PERFECT. Fast WiFi, cold air conditioner, and comfortable furniture.

Here’s the link if you want to check more if it out.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

This is one of the best resorts when it comes to when you visit Playa del Carmen. The staff are friendly, polite and professional at all times. There’s also a casino here for those who like to gamble. The pools are nice with swim up bars so you can always enjoy drinks quickly.

Cozumel Palace

One of the best places to stay near Playa del Carmen when it comes to luxury is the Cozumel Palace because it’s truly luxurious. This 5 star resort has everything you can ask for when it comes to service, quality and style. The rooms are spacious with hot tubs and exotic amenities. If you’re looking for style, the Cozumel Palace is for you. It’s one of the best all inclusive resorts.

Hotel Barrio Latino

If you want to enjoy a more budget friendly but still upscale stay in Playa del Carmen, check out Hotel Barrio Latino. Situated near Fifth Avenue, there are plenty of great bars and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are modern and elegant with classic Mexican style.

Thompson Playa del Carmen

Thompson Playa del Carmen is another great spot to checkout if you’re looking for a hotel that’s luxurious.. The rooms are mostly suites which have balconies with views of the Caribbean Sea or Mayan jungle. There’s also a rooftop pool for guests to enjoy when you want to relax in the sun.

Playa del Carmen Renting Tips

There are other options to stay here other than hotels and AirBnBs. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you can rent a condo or a house. This will save you money as compared to staying in a hotel. Many condos have pools so if you want to have your own private pool, this is definitely something to look into when staying here.

For longer term stays, it’s better to get in touch with the owner in advance and check out the rooms before you rent it out for months at a time. You can also see if it’s furnished or not.

Top 5 Eats in Playa del Carmen

Where to eat in Playa del Carmen

You can eat at a beach club during the day. And take a siesta on the beach beds. That way you get beach day a the Yucatan Peninsula and it’s beautiful beaches.

During the night, Playa del Carmen offers the best restaurants in Quintana Roo. Not too far south, you can also explore Mexico in a small town vibe with downtown Tulum.

But really, all the great meals can be found in Playa del Carmen.

Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge (I went here)

I decided to go on a fancy night out while in my 4 days in Playa del Carmen. So I went to Alux. The place is photogenic and luxury to the max. The food, ambience and the service is amazing.

You will need a reservation here, as it gets crowded easily.

Once you enter the restaurant you will be seated in a table somewhere within this magnificent cave. If you’re into wine, like I am, you’re escorted to a cellar where you can choose and test what wines you want for dinner.

The only thing I do want to say is it didn’t have any air conditioner while I was there. And the place was under staffed as it took some time to get food. Be sure you’re not starving when you arrive!

La Cueva del Chango (Vegan Friendly)

La Cueva del Chango or “The Cave of The Monkey” is truly amazing to see an eatery with a unique theme. If you’re looking for vegan friendly meals, they have a well rounded selection here.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this place is the jungle theme. The restaurant itself is decorated to look like a jungle with vines, and trees.

But remember, The Cave of the Monkey can be really busy so it might take some time before you get seated. But don’t worry because the food is worth the wait!

El Fogon (Mexican Standard)

The food is definitely Mexican with a twist of fusion. It feels like you’re in Mexico trying all the traditional foods that are delicious.

You will need to make a reservation ahead of time to get in. But it’s definitely worth it.

Sonora Grill Prime (Luxury)

This is actually part of American Express’ Global Dining Collection. It has its own unique flavors and flare to make this restaurant worth your visit.

The restaurant itself has a rustic decor with Mexican style to admire while you’re eating. The service is just as great as the food you will eat.

You can get the best of Wagyu beef paired with a Gran Ricardo Cabernet.

Fish tacos and fresh fish can also be ordered here.

This place is one of the most popular restaurants in Playa del Carmen for dinner, so if you want a reservation or any other details call them.

Parilla Urbana (Burgers)

If you want to just have a good old burger, Parilla Urbana is the place to get one. It’s a proper burger joint that’s super delicious.

They also have other familiar flavors you can order like short rib and rotisserie chicken.

How Safe is Playa del Carmen?

Is Playa del Carmen safe? Yes. It is very much catered to tourists. As tourism is a thriving industry, it is in the best interest of the city to keep the city as welcoming as possible.

Personally, I have walked around by myself through Playa del Carmen center downtown and felt completely safe. If you solo travel, this is an easy destination to get your bearings straight.

The only thing you might look into are accidents maybe from your adventures outside. So be sure to hedge your bet with travel insurance. Travel insurance is ideal if you travel anywhere in the world.

But most importantly in places where you are more likely to get hurt (like visiting Playa del Carmen’s outdoor adventures).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

For what I have experienced, Cancun seems to be more of the party destination. Where as Playa del Carmen is more on the laid back end. Of course, both are great on vacation where you can go out and party your heart out or relaxed at one of their luxury hotels on the beach.

What state is Playa del Carmen in Mexico?

Playa del Carmen is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, south of Cancun and north of Tulum.

How long is the flight to Playa del Carmen?

From Atlanta it takes at least 7 hours. Other places like New York has flights that take about 8 hours.

How is the seaweed in Playa del Carmen?

The seaweed in Playa del Carmen is mostly gone. But it is still visible on beaches where it is not manually cleared out.

What to wear in Playa del Carmen?

Casual is a good dress code to follow. Especially at a beach city. However there are restaurants here that do follow a level of clothing decorum.

What does Playa del Carmen mean in English?

Playa del Carmen means Carmen Beach. It was named after a Catholic tradition to honor the Lady of Mount Carmel.

When to visit Playa del Carmen?

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between November and May. These are the times where it is drier. Try to avoid June, July, August as this is when there’s a lot of rain.