- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Playa del Carmen
Originally the Mayan port of Xaman-Há, a stop for pilgrims to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen's architecture is distinctly modern Caribbean. Rapid growth since the 90s transformed it. Its soul, Quinta Avenida, evolved from a sandy path into its vibrant core.
Beyond the beaches, the region rests on Sac Actun, the world's longest explored underwater cave system. Exploring cenotes is one of the top attractions in Playa del Carmen. The nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef offers superb diving and snorkeling year-round.
Venture beyond tourist fare to savor true Yucatecan cuisine like cochinita pibil or sopa de lima. For an authentic local flavor, seek out taquerias that serve castacán (crispy pork belly) tacos. Pair it with a glass of horchata or a complex Mezcal.
- Playa del CarmenMexico
- Playa del CarmenMexico
- Playa del CarmenMexico
- Playa del CarmenMexico
Quick Travel Essentials
- Dec-Febmild, peak tourist season
- Mar-Maywarm, moderate crowds
- Jun-Novhot, rainy season begins
- #LightClothing
- #Swimwear
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #InsectRepellent
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & day trips
- Mexican Peso ($)
- Spanish
- English widely spoken in tourist areas
- #FifthAvenue
- #PlayaMamitas
- #TulumRuins
- #CenoteDosOjos
- #CoCoBeach
- #XcaretPark
- #AkumalBay
- Snorkeling in cenotes
- Explore Tulum ruins
- Chill at Playa Mamitas
- Enjoy street tacos
- Visit Xcaret Eco Park
- Sunset at CoCo Beach
Recommended Hotels in Playa del Carmen by Experience
Things to do in Playa del Carmen
Discover
Exploring Playa del Carmen reveals stunning sights like the iconic Portal Maya statue at Parque Fundadores and the bustling Quinta Avenida. Discover natural wonders in nearby cenotes like Chaak Tun and explore the pre-Hispanic city of Xaman-Há.
Experience
Snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef or dive in a cenote. Take a ferry to Cozumel for a day trip. Experience local culture at the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival or browse crafts at a market. Enjoy traditional dance shows at Parque Fundadores.
Quinta Avenida
Pedestrian street with shops, galleries, and street performers.
Parque Fundadores
Beachfront park with the iconic Portal Maya sculpture.
Cenote Chaak Tun
Underground river system with caves for swimming and exploring.
Playa Mamitas
Popular beach with clear water, soft sand, and beach clubs.
Voladores de Papantla Show
Ancient Totonac ritual performed on a 30-meter pole.
3D Museum of Wonders
Art museum with interactive, large-scale 3D illusions.
Xcaret Park
Eco-archaeological park with nature and cultural shows.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Cancún Airport (CUN) for the easiest route for how to get to Playa del Carmen. The ADO bus provides direct service from the Playa del Carmen airport to city center in ~60 mins. A Playa del Carmen shuttle bus or a taxi are faster private options.
Getting Around
The downtown area is very walkable. For public transport in Playa del Carmen, use colectivos (shared vans) for affordable trips to nearby towns and cenotes. Taxis are abundant, but always confirm the fare first. Car rental is also a popular option.
Local Essentials
When driving in Playa del Carmen, watch for 'topes' (speed bumps), which are often unmarked. Carry Mexican pesos for smaller purchases and transport. For first-timers, note that colectivo routes are usually displayed on the windshield of the van.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food in Playa del Carmen by tasting cochinita pibil and fresh ceviche. Locals embrace late, leisurely dinners, making it a key part of the experience. To truly eat like a local, seek out these vibrant culinary traditions.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, try the lively El Fogon for tacos al pastor; expect queues. Taste handcrafted cocktails at the beachfront Zenzi Beach. For a sweet treat, visit Ah Cacao Chocolate Cafe; multiple locations.
El Fogon
Famous for tacos al pastor carved right off the spit.
La Cueva del Chango
Jungle-like oasis perfect for traditional Mexican breakfast.
Alux Restaurant
Unique fine dining experience inside a natural cavern.
Harry's
High-end steakhouse with premium cuts and a raw bar.
Porfirio's Playa del Carmen
Contemporary Mexican cuisine with a vibrant, upscale vibe.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore must-see Playa del Carmen cultural activities. Witness the Feria del Carmen honoring the city's patron saint, the parades of Carnaval, and the beauty of Día de Muertos altars, connecting with deep-rooted local heritage.
Enjoy
Discover modern things to do in Playa del Carmen. Experience world-class events from the free-flowing oceanfront concerts of the Jazz Festival to the energetic beats of international electronic music festivals.
Feria del Carmen
July fair for the patron saint with rides, food & masses.
Carnaval Playa del Carmen
Pre-Lenten party in Feb with vibrant parades & costumes.
Day of the Dead
Nov 1-2 events with altars & offerings at Xcaret Park.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
Free beachfront concerts by global artists in November.
Arena Festival
International LGBTQ+ electronic music fest in winter.
Sacred Mayan Journey
May canoe pilgrimage reenacting ancient Mayan rituals.
Guelaguetza Festival
March celebration of Oaxacan culture with folk dancing.
Fantastic Energy and Beautiful Beaches
Playa del Carmen is an awesome destination. It's so easy to walk everywhere, especially along Quinta Avenida with all its shops and places to eat. The beaches are gorgeous and the water is crystal clear. We found some amazing cochinita pibil tacos just off the main strip.
The Perfect Relaxing Getaway
This was just what I needed for a quiet escape. The beaches are the main draw, and for good reason. We spent most of our time at Playacar Beach, which was a bit calmer than the main areas. It was simple to get around and the locals were incredibly friendly.
Great Base for Adventure
An amazing spot for exploring the region. The highlight for us was definitely visiting the cenotes. We made a trip to Cenote Azul and it was stunning. Swimming in that clear water was an unforgettable experience. The city has plenty of good spots for food and drinks.
Awesome Nightlife
Playa del Carmen really comes alive when the sun goes down. The clubs on Calle 12 are full of energy, and there are so many cool rooftop bars with great music. We found some incredible street food stalls for late-night snacks. The whole area feels electric after dark.
Great Trip with the Kids
A wonderful destination for a family vacation. The ocean is calm and warm, which was perfect for the kids. We really enjoyed walking around Parque Los Fundadores in the evenings to see the show. Plenty of good, affordable restaurant options for the whole family.
So Easy to Explore on Foot
I loved how walkable the city is. You can go from a busy place like Mamitas Beach Club to a quieter local neighborhood in just a few blocks. The city feels very safe and welcoming. I had some delicious fresh seafood at a small restaurant away from the tourist crowds.