Visit Playa del Carmen

A pedestrian street several kilometres long running parallel to the Caribbean, cenotes a few minutes' drive away, the reefs of Cozumel 45 minutes by ferry: Playa del Carmen is the most central base on the Riviera Maya. Four to six nights let you mix beach, diving and Mayan sites.

Why stay in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is a town in Quintana Roo, at the heart of the Riviera Maya, about an hour's drive south of Cancún airport. A former fishing village that has grown into a city of several hundred thousand people, it is a base for cenotes, the island of Cozumel and the Mayan sites of the Yucatán peninsula.

Playa del Carmen must-sees

Beaches, cenotes, reefs and Mayan remains, nearly all within an hour of the centre.

Parque Fundadores

A seafront square at the start of Quinta Avenida, the town's landmark, where the voladores, dancers spinning from a tall pole, regularly perform.

Chaak Tun cenote

A cave cenote on the edge of town, its pools lit by natural shafts of light, visited in small groups accompanied by a guide.

Xcaret park

An eco-archaeological park south of town, with underground rivers, an aquarium, Mayan remains and a large evening show telling the story of Mexico.

Cozumel reefs

Reefs of the Cozumel marine park, including Palancar, reached by diving or snorkelling from the island, itself a ferry ride from central Playa.

Jardín del Edén cenote

A large open-air cenote ringed by rocks you can jump from into clear water, around twenty minutes' drive south of town.

Xaman-Ha ruins

Discreet Mayan remains tucked away in Playacar, traces of the ancient embarkation point for Cozumel, to discover on a stroll from the beach.

Mamitas beach

A lively beach north of the centre, with beach clubs, loungers and music, the place for a day by the sea without leaving town.

Calle 12

Playa's nightlife street, lined with bars and clubs open late, best enjoyed with caution and in a group, especially in the small hours.

What to do in Playa del Carmen, neighbourhood by neighbourhood?

Quinta Avenida and the centre

A pedestrian street running parallel to the beach, Quinta Avenida stretches for several kilometres north from Parque Fundadores. Shops, restaurants and bars line it, with prices noticeably higher than one or two streets back. The stretch around Calle 12 is the nightlife hub. To sleep quietly while staying central, aim for the streets between 20 and 40, five minutes from the sea. An afternoon is enough to walk it from end to end.

Playacar and the south of town

South of the ferry terminal, Playacar is a gated residential area of all-inclusive hotels, a golf course and villas. It holds modest Mayan remains, a few minutes' walk from the beach. Playacar's beaches are wider and often less crowded than those in the centre. About 6 km further south, the Xcaret theme park combines underground rivers and shows: allow a full day and book online for a better price.

The north, Punta Esmeralda and Coco Beach

North of the centre, the mood becomes more residential. Punta Esmeralda beach, popular with local families, hides a small cenote that flows into the sea, with cooler water. Coco Beach and the surrounding streets gather mid-sized hotels and quiet cafés. From the centre, allow 20 to 30 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride. It is the best area for a week-long family stay, away from the noise of Calle 12.

Cenotes and the jungle hinterland

The peninsula's limestone bedrock holds dozens of cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes formed when the rock collapsed. Some lie within the city limits; others, such as Jardín del Edén or Cenote Azul, are 20 to 30 minutes' drive south on Highway 307. Arrive at opening time, around 8 or 9 am, to enjoy calm water before the groups. Regular sunscreen and insect repellent are often banned before swimming, to protect these fragile waters.

Cozumel and the Caribbean underwater world

From the central pier, ferries reach Cozumel in 35 to 45 minutes, with regular departures during the day. The island, protected by a marine park, is famous for its coral reefs and drift diving along walls. A day is enough for a snorkelling trip or two dives; when the wind is up, the crossing gets choppy. Playa's own coast is mainly for swimming: the best reefs reachable from the shore are towards Puerto Morelos or Akumal.

The Mayan sites of the peninsula

Playa is a base for the great excursions of Mayan Mexico. The coastal ruins of Tulum are about an hour south, Cobá and its great pyramid 1 hour 30 away, and Chichén Itzá nearly 3 hours by road, best visited early to avoid heat and crowds. The Tren Maya also serves the town from an out-of-centre station. Keep at least two separate days for the sites rather than combining them.

Frequently asked questions about Playa del Carmen

Is it better to stay in Playa del Carmen or Tulum?

Playa is more central: Cancún airport, Cozumel, the cenotes and Tulum are all about an hour away or less. It also offers more accommodation across price ranges and a lively atmosphere. Tulum appeals with its beaches and nature vibe, but means more travel to reach the rest of the Riviera Maya.

How do you get from Cancún airport to Playa del Carmen?

ADO buses run directly from the airport to central Playa in about an hour, with regular departures during the day. Shared shuttles and official taxis are faster but pricier; book a transfer if you land late in the evening.

Does sargassum stop you swimming in Playa del Carmen?

Not always. Arrivals vary from week to week and beach to beach, with peaks often seen between May and August. Hotels clean the beach every morning. During a major episode, Cozumel's west coast and the cenotes offer an alternative that is generally spared.

Is the ferry to Cozumel rough?

The 35 to 45-minute crossing can get bumpy when the wind blows, especially in winter during northerly gales. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication, sit on the lower deck and avoid eating just before the trip.

Is it safe to walk along Quinta Avenida in the evening?

Quinta Avenida stays very busy in the evening and is patrolled by the tourist police. Take more care in the bar streets around Calle 12 in the small hours: leave valuables behind, take a taxi home and turn down any drug-related approaches.

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