Playa del Carmen, Mexico: travel guide
Riviera Maya beach town with a lively Fifth Avenue and cenotes
A stylish beach town on the Riviera Maya with a famous pedestrian strip, cenotes, and easy access to Cozumel and Tulum.
About Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a beach town on the Riviera Maya, a place where the Caribbean sea, a pedestrian-friendly centre and an easy mood come together. It is smaller and more relaxed than Cancún, and a handy base for the coast to the south.
The pedestrian Quinta Avenida runs parallel to the sea, packed with restaurants, shops and bars, and the beach at Playacar is a good spot for a swim. The surrounding limestone country is full of cenotes, including Cristalino and Chaak Tun, and Xplor Park offers zip lines and underground rivers. Ferries leave for Cozumel, and Tulum is a short drive south.
Playa suits couples, families and friends who want beach days and easy excursions. The drier months from December to April are the most popular, while summer is hot and humid.
- Country
- Mexico
- Currency
- MXN
- Time zone
- America/Cancun
- Nearest airport
- CUN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Playa del Carmen
Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
promenade · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Pedestrian street running parallel to the beach lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
Playacar Beach
beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Quieter white-sand stretch south of the ferry pier fronting the Playacar resort area.
Xcaret Park
theme-park · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
Large eco-archaeological park with underground rivers, wildlife and an evening spectacle.
Xplor Park
adventure-park · about 7 h · check the fee at the gate
Adventure park with zip-lines, amphibious vehicles and river rafting through caves.
Playa Mamitas
beach · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Trendy town beach with beach clubs, DJ music and turquoise water.
Cozumel Ferry Terminal
ferry · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Departure pier for the 45-minute passenger ferry to Cozumel island.
Cenote Chaak Tun
cenote · about 2 h · entry $350 (≈ ₹1,820)
Semi-open cave cenote just west of town with stalactites and guided swims.
Fundadores Park & Portal Maya
plaza · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Beachfront plaza with the giant Portal Maya sculpture and the town clock.
Cenote Cristalino
cenote · about 2 h · entry $200 (≈ ₹1,040)
Open-air cenote south of town with a jumping ledge and mangrove-fringed pool.
Things to do
- Cozumel Reef Snorkel by Ferry Water Sports · 6 h · from MXN 1,200 per person
- Río Secreto Underground River Adventure · 3.5 h · from MXN 1,400 per person
- Xplor Adventure Park Adventure · 7 h · from MXN 2,500 per person
- Cenote & Cavern Dive Trip Water Sports · 5 h · from MXN 2,800 per person
Day trips and tours
- Cozumel Snorkel + Beach Day 9 h · from 1,600
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
- 5th Avenue Corridor about MXN 2,800 per night
The beating heart of PDC — pedestrian strip of restaurants, boutiques, bars, and the ferry to Cozumel. Stay within 2 blocks of 5th Ave for maximum convenience.
- Playacar about MXN 3,500 per night
Gated residential neighbourhood south of 5th Avenue — quiet, walkable to beach, good value boutique hotels, away from nightlife noise.
Hotels
- Hotel Lunata 4-star · MXN 2,800 to MXN 5,500 per night
- Thompson Playa del Carmen 5-star
- Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen 5-star
- Selina Playa del Carmen 2-star · MXN 500 to MXN 1,800 per night
- Che Playa Hostel 2-star
- Hotel Cohiba 3-star
Where to eat
- El Fogón mexican, tacos · about MXN 100 per person
- La Cueva del Chango mexican · about MXN 200 per person
- Aldea Corazón Mexican · about MXN 550 per person
- Chez Céline French, Cafe, Bakery · about MXN 250 per person
- El Fogoncito Mexican, Tacos · about MXN 150 per person
- Los Aguachiles Seafood, Mexican · about MXN 200 per person
- Alux Restaurant Mexican, International · about MXN 900 per person
- La Perla Pixán Cuisine Mexican, Oaxacan · about MXN 650 per person
Getting to Playa del Carmen
Nearest airport: Cozumel (CZM), about 20 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Bus
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
5th Avenue "Tourist Guides"
Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue pedestrian strip
Men approach tourists offering to guide them to "the real local spots." They lead you to shops or restaurants where they earn a commission on everything you buy/order.
How to avoid it: You don't need a guide on 5th Avenue — it's a pedestrian street you can explore freely. Decline politely and continue on your own.
More in Mexico
Frequently asked questions about Playa del Carmen
- What are the main places to visit in Playa del Carmen?
- Places covered in our Playa del Carmen guide include Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), Playacar Beach, Xcaret Park, Xplor Park, Playa Mamitas.
- Where should I stay in Playa del Carmen?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Playa del Carmen: 5th Avenue Corridor, Playacar.
- How do I get around Playa del Carmen?
- Ways to get around Playa del Carmen covered in our guide: Bicycle, City bus, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Playa del Carmen?
- Scams reported to us for Playa del Carmen include 5th Avenue "Tourist Guides". Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Playa del Carmen?
- The nearest airport to Playa del Carmen has the code CUN.