Playa del Carmen

Travel Guide
Cozumel which includes landscape views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
White-sand beaches, bustling nightlife and chic shopping make this beach town one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan and exciting destinations.

White-sand beaches, bustling nightlife and chic shopping make this beach town one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most cosmopolitan and exciting destinations.

Playa del Carmen is one of the trendiest towns on the Riviera Maya, populated by well-heeled expats and crowds of European visitors. Spend your days relaxing at beach clubs, browsing upscale shops and exploring some of the wonderful nearby dive sites. At night, dine at glamorous restaurants and dance at glitzy nightclubs.

The main beach at Playa del Carmen is a wide stretch of clean, white sand that draws families, party-goers and fishermen alike. Relax in a lounge chair under the shade of an umbrella or sip a drink at one of the buzzing beach bars lining the sands. Go to one of the numerous watersports vendors on the beach to arrange snorkeling and diving excursions. Tours will take you to one of the excellent sites just off the nearby island of Isla Cozumel. Look for sea turtles, rays, moray eels and colorful coral as you explore the turquoise waters.

Go for a stroll along the town’s bustling main street, La Quinta Avenida, which runs parallel to the coast. This pedestrianized strip is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. During the day, dine at stylish cafés and browse upmarket shops found along the street’s sophisticated northern end between Constituyentes and Calle 38. In the evening, La Quinta is the center of the town’s nightlife scene. Head to the busy southern section of the strip, between Calle 4 and Constituyentes, where the most popular clubs and bars are found.

Take a daytrip to Xcaret, an ecological/archaeological theme park located 4 miles (6 kilometers) south of Playa del Carmen. This massive park features an aquarium, a greenhouse, a bee farm and a small zoo, among dozens of other attractions. Walk through the enchanting butterfly pavilion and ride a raft down a jungle river.

Most travelers heading to Playa del Carmen fly into Cancun International Airport, from where regular buses run to Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, get here by taking one of the frequent buses leaving from Tulum or Mérida. The majority of the town’s activities and attractions are found within walking distance of the beach.

Experience the European-style atmosphere of this fashionable beach destination.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Downtown Playa del Carmen

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Playa del Carmen, Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Playa del Carmen
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Playacar

4/5(10 area reviews)

Amazing beaches great entertainment and top sights from Quinta Avenida to Playa del Carmen Main Beach – discover Playacar, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Playacar
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Playacar Zona Hotelera

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Playacar Zona Hotelera. Make a stop by top sights like Piste Cyclable sur Paseo Xaman-Ha while you're exploring the area.

Playacar Zona Hotelera
Cozumel which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Gonzalo Guerrero

4/5(18 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen Main Beach and Quinta Avenida are top sights worth seeing.

Gonzalo Guerrero
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Playa del Carmen Centro

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Playa del Carmen Centro is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen Main Beach.

Playa del Carmen Centro
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Luis Donaldo Colosio

4/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Luis Donaldo Colosio, Punta Esmeralda Beach and Mamitas Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Luis Donaldo Colosio
Grand Sunset Princess - All Inclusive
Grand Sunset Princess - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Prolongación 5ta Avenida Mza 20 Lote 006, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$321 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
S$321
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,805 reviews)
"best staff they care"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Grand Sunset Princess - All Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
The price is S$381 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$381
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,127 reviews)
"The beach area was beautiful. A lot of options at the buffet. Many activities. It was a great trip for our family."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Ocean Riviera Paradise All Inclusive
Ocean Riviera Paradise All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Playa del Carmen
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$443 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
S$443
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,256 reviews)
"Not enough chairs for people to sit by pool or beach could never get a chair or a towel I went a whole day without a beach towel ask 10 people went to five different places more then once no beach towels. Place was very clean and people are very nice!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Ocean Riviera Paradise All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
3.5 out of 5
Playa del Carmen
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Xcaret Eco Theme Park ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,024 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 6 Mar,2024

Hotel Colonial Playa del Carmen
Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Playa Palms Beach Hotel
4 out of 5
1st Avenue Bis, Between 12th and 14th North Street, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,304 reviews)
"Lovely property. Quiet but yet close 3 blocks from the fun hussle and bustle of Ave 5. We had a unit w a side ocean view. First unit has a bit of a musty smell; second unit was perfect. Very nicely laid out; units in back of property would have limited views. Grounds and pool are beautiful. Staff ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar,2024

Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Rosewood Mayakoba - Near El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course
Rosewood Mayakoba - Near El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course
5 out of 5
Carr Federal Cancun, Playa del Carmen KM 298, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Playa del Carmen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Maroma Beach and Playa del ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (348 reviews)
"Magnificient!"

Reviewed on 11 Feb,2024

Rosewood Mayakoba - Near El Camaleon Mayakoba Golf Course
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Playa del Carmen

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
31
" "5 - Excellent 37.34939759036145%
4 - Good
42
" "4 - Good 50.602409638554214%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 9.63855421686747%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 2.4096385542168677%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

Xel ha was excellentl as was swimming in the cenotes.

5/5 - Excellent

Su
23 Feb 2020

Good nightlife, good restaurants, great beach clubs

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2020

Close to the airport. Shopping poor on 5th Avenue, however did feel safe due to police presence not sure how safe it would be without them available.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

Fantastic place! Very safe, everyone can find something for themselves to do. Streets were very clean. Food in Playa del Carmen was delicious

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
29 Dec 2019

Busy Mexican town. I was offered to buy marihuana every 15 meters on my family town walk

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Dec 2019

Lots of shops and massages, just dont accept 1st price, they come down loads. Massive supermarket near the ado bus station.