Need a tropical escape with beaches, culture, and adventure? Head to Playa del Carmen! Nestled on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this seaside town blends white sand beaches with Mayan ruins, cenotes, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re craving sunshine, snorkeling, or tacos by the sea, Playa offers it all in one dreamy destination.

Playa del Carmen Highlights:

  • For Adventurous Travelers: Dive or snorkel in cenotes – Explore freshwater sinkholes surrounded by jungle and crystal-clear waters.
  • For History Buffs: Visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum – Tour a cliffside archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
  • For Shoppers: Walk and shop along Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) – Discover boutiques, artisan crafts, and beachwear in a lively pedestrian zone.
  • For Couples: Watch the sunset on the beach with a cocktail – Stroll the soft sand and sip drinks from oceanfront lounges and resorts.
  • For Families: Spend a day at Xcaret Park – Enjoy underground rivers, wildlife, cultural shows, and snorkeling in one all-in-one eco-park.

Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is from November through April. These months offer dry weather, sunny skies, and ideal beach conditions. Avoid June through October if you want to skip the humid rainy season and potential hurricanes.

How to Get to Playa del Carmen

  • If you are traveling by car: Playa is located along Mexico’s Highway 307, about 1 hour south of Cancun.
  • By Air: Fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), then take a shuttle, rental car, or bus to Playa del Carmen.
  • By Bus: ADO buses provide frequent and affordable transportation between Cancun, Playa, and nearby towns like Tulum.

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

  • Recommended for Families: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort – All-inclusive with water slides, jungle trails, wildlife, and kid-friendly activities.
  • For Couples: Mahekal Beach Resort – Romantic beachfront bungalows with hammocks, pools, and ocean views near Quinta Avenida.
  • For a Boutique Hotel Stay: The Fives Downtown Hotel – Chic rooftop bar, infinity pool, and close to shopping and nightlife.

Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

Bel Air Animal Park


Explore wildlife exhibits and enjoy family-friendly animal encounters.

Bel Air Animal Park

© Bel Air Animal Park

The Bel Air Animal Park is the place to go to better understand the wildlife of the tropical region in which Playa del Carmen is located. A series of ecological paths lead through the venue’s Maya Forest and wind among the animals who live here at the park.

One particular highlight of the facility is its aviary, in which more than 300 birds fly freely above visitors’ heads. The Bel Air Animal Park also has several pools, including a children’s wading pool, where families can relax after walking along the trails.

Kayaking, snorkeling, and environmental workshops are also available at the park, as are concessions.

Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez- Chetumal KM. 265 Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen 77710, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: 52-98-41-71-03-25

Co.Cos Culinary School & Catering


Learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes and savor your creations.

Co.Cos Culinary School & Catering

© Co.Cos Culinary School & Catering

Co.Cos Culinary School & Catering, whereby the Co.Cos is short for Cocina.Cosmopolitana, is a fun, friendly cooking school where budding chefs can learn to make the most out of the flavors of Playa del Carmen. The school has several different classes, all of which afford students a hands-on way of learning about the techniques and unique ingredients of Mexican cuisine.

There are meal-making courses ranging from one to three lessons, appetizer-making classes, and cocktail sessions at the drinking school. Guests can come once or for several sessions to perfect their craft at the school. Co.Cos also provides catering and private chef services.

Av La Gloria, Residencial El Cielo, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-45-93-12-45

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park


Swim with dolphins and enjoy an unforgettable marine adventure.

Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park

© Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park

Dolphinaris Riviera Maya Park is a specialist in one-on-one dolphin encounters for children and families. Dolphinaris has a dedicated dolphin park facility where one can both relax in pools and spend time interacting up close with the dolphins.

The activities available at the park range in length and contact level—dolphin lovers can take a short 30-minute speed ride with one of these intelligent creatures or spend the entire day learning the ins and outs of how dolphin trainers do their jobs.

Alternatively, Dolphinaris offers 2-hour-long programs for swimming with, playing with, hugging, and riding the dolphins inside the facility.

Federal Highway Cancun – Chetumal Km 272, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Phone: +52-99-88-81-30-30

Unique tours:

Edventure Tours


Discover exciting cenote swims, ziplining, and jungle explorations.

Edventure Tours

© Edventure Tours

Edventure Tours provides three bespoke adventure experiences in the beautiful rain forest and on the stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya.

The snorkel package covers the cenotes and the underground river, while the zipline excursion adds both ATVing and zip lining through the jungle to the snorkeling.

Each of these tours can be enhanced with add-ons like trips to the nearby ruins and snorkeling in a local bay among turtles.

Finally, the most comprehensive Xtreme tour package includes every single activity on the Edventure tour roster, all in one day. Lunch and drinks are provided on all tours.

Local #5, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-71-22-09

Exotik Mayan Tours


Explore ancient ruins and experience rich Mayan culture.

Exotik Mayan Tours

© Exotik Mayan Tours

Exotik Mayan Tours runs the gamut of interesting excursions through the rich culture and outstanding ecosystems of the Riviera Maya region of Mexico.

The company runs its tours in a small group format, and different excursion options can take the groups to ancient Mayan ruins, into the cenotes, up close with animals such as turtles and whale sharks, and even through the jungle at top speeds on an ATV.

One unique tour from Exotik is a trip through Mayan culture at Xcaret, a site with several interesting natural settings as well as a night show on the history of Mexico.

Exotik Mayan Tours also furnishes catamaran tours to neighboring islands.

Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen 77723, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: +5-21-98-41-46-44-24

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Explora Mexico Riviera Maya


Enjoy personalized tours and discover stunning local sights.

Explora Mexico Riviera Maya

© Explora Mexico Riviera Maya

Explora Mexico Riviera Maya takes tourists to the water on their numerous boat tours in the turquoise blue sea off the coast of Mexico. These private excursions include hotel pickup and transportation to one of the boats in the company’s fleet. Rides on the Caribbean Sea take guests to their marine destination, where they can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, or even swimming with a massive whale shark. Explora Mexico Riviera Maya also offers tours for landlubbers who don’t want to get their feet wet. These tours cover either Mayan ruins or cenotes and caves, and all are led by trained guides.

Calle 38, 13, El Pedregal, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: +5-21-98-41-19-42-47

Gaston Charo


Admire vibrant artwork and explore a unique contemporary art gallery.

Gaston Charo

© Gaston Charo

Gaston Charo is a gem of an art gallery located in an almost secret garden off Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue. Despite being so close to the bustle of one of the town’s main drags, Gaston Charo is hard to miss without knowing that the gallery is there, as it sits in what is known as Marieta’s Garden. The gallery is named after its owner Gaston Charo, an Argentinian artist who now calls Playa del Carmen home. The space embodies a whimsical, enchanted atmosphere with bright colors and unusual pieces. And although it celebrates local art, the collection on display can contain works by more than thirty artists from all over the world at any given time.

Calle Quinta Avenida, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-79-37-63

Where to Eat in Playa del Carmen

  • Recommended for Families: Trattoria del Centro – Italian-style pizza and pasta in a casual, family-friendly setting.
  • For Mexican Food: El Fogón – Local favorite for al pastor tacos, grilled meats, and traditional Mexican plates.
  • For a Casual Meal: Don Chendo – Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Culture Lovers: Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (November) – Free beachside concerts featuring international jazz artists.
  • For Foodies: Taste of Playa (typically in fall) – Outdoor culinary festival celebrating local and international flavors.
  • For Holiday Fans: Día de los Muertos (November 1–2) – Colorful altars, live music, and cultural parades honor Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Playa del Carmen:

  • For Beach Fans: Xpu-Há Beach (20–25 min) – Quiet, palm-fringed beach with calm waters perfect for relaxing and snorkeling.
  • For Nature Lovers: Cenote Cristalino (20–25 min) – Swim in clear waters surrounded by jungle and natural rock formations.
  • For Culture Enthusiasts: Puerto Aventuras (20–25 min) – Explore marinas, swim with dolphins, or dine along the waterfront.
  • For Ruins Seekers: Tulum Ruins (30–35 min) – Visit this coastal Mayan site with epic ocean views and breezy cliffside trails.
  • For Adventure Lovers: Xplor Park (10–15 min) – Zipline, ATV, and raft through caves in this adrenaline-filled jungle park.
  • For Families: Rio Secreto (15–20 min) – Take a guided tour through an underground river and sparkling cave system.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Playa del Carmen located?
    • Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination located on the very tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.
  • What makes Playa del Carmen a great vacation spot?
    • The city boasts white sand beaches along the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea, making it a perfect beach destination.
  • What other attractions are near Playa del Carmen?
    • Playa del Carmen is close to several ecological and cultural sites, adding to its appeal as a vacation spot.
  • What are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen?
    • Visitors can enjoy beachfront relaxation, explore historical and cultural landmarks, and visit nearby natural wonders.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm weather and fewer crowds. Mahekal Beach Resort – A beachfront stay with a bohemian vibe. Visit Cenote Azul – Swim in a crystal-clear natural sinkhole.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for water activities. Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort – A luxury stay with ocean views. Explore Xcaret Park – Enjoy eco-adventures, cultural performances, and marine life.
Fall (September-November) – Rainy season but fewer tourists and lower prices. Thompson Playa del Carmen – A chic and modern boutique hotel. Stroll along Quinta Avenida – Discover shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife.

Map:


Plan Your Trip