Playa del Carmen Travel Guide
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Your Guide to Playa del Carmen
If you are looking for an amazing place to vacation, Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to go. It’s an international vacation, so you’re really “getting away,” but also not a long flight from most parts of the US. There’s a little something for everyone, from the beach to the outdoor adventures.
Playa del Carmen was originally a small fishing town and is located between Cancun and Tulum. Playa del Carmen is just one of the many small towns in the Riviera Maya region that borders the Caribbean Sea. The Riviera Maya is known for its large scale all-inclusive resorts and has appeared in television shows lots of times.
With so many things to see and do here, it can be hard to choose which things to do over others. In this article, we will be going through some of the best things to see and do, some of the best places to stay, and much more.
Top Attractions in Playa del Carmen
Out of the many attractions in Playa del Carmen, there are three that stand out from the rest. You will not go home disappointed as long as you can experience these three attractions.
Check Out Ancient Mayan Ruins
There are many ancient Mayan ruins in and around Playa del Carmen that are truly magnificent to see. We will be going through just a few of the best ancient Mayan ruins close to Playa del Carmen.
- Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world!
- You can drive yourself to these ancient ruins, which would take a little over two hours if you are staying in Playa del Carmen. Driving yourself or purchasing a tour costs roughly the same amount, but you would have a lot more freedom if you drive yourself.
- It is recommended you arrive at Chichen Itza early, so it is not too crowded, and so you can take your time to enjoy the sights.
- Unfortunately, you can no longer climb these ruins due to an accident in 2006.
- The Nohoch Mul Pyramid is one of the top attractions in Coba and stands 137 feet high.
- This ancient ruin site is only a little over one hour away from Playa del Carmen if you decide to drive yourself there.
- You can climb all of the stone highways, or sacbe, and even the Nohoch Mul Pyramid!
- Part of the Coba ruins are deep in the forest, and a lot of the region has not been excavated yet.
- The Tulum ruins are the only ruins built by the sea and one of the few ruins to be protected by a wall.
- These ancient ruins are about a 50-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, closer than the other ancient ruin sites.
- Since these ruins are so close to the sea, you could go for a swim after you have explored all the Tulum ruins have to offer.
Even if you only get to visit one of these ancient Mayan ruins during your stay, you will surely not go home disappointed.
Experience the Famous Cenotes
If you are looking for an amazing place to take a swim but want to swim somewhere more interesting, cenotes are your best bet. Cenotes are large sinkholes that occur naturally in limestone rock. Some cenotes are out in the open, and some are carved in caverns.
- This cenote is very stunning and can be accessed even without purchasing a tour.
- You can swim around this cave and look at all of the amazing stalactites and stalagmites.
- This cenote is only 15 minutes away from Playa del Carmen, making it super easy to go there at any time of day.
- This cenote is one of the largest underwater caves in Mexico.
- There are two different platforms to enter the water. The first platform is to the left and is where the divers go in and out. The first platform is also the biggest of the two. The second platform is to the right, and you can jump into the water here. There are stairs on this side, but they can be slippery.
- This cenote is about 47 minutes away from Playa del Carmen.
There are many other cenotes scattered around Playa del Carmen, but these are the top two. But fair warning, once you visit one cenote, you might want to visit more.
Explore Mexico's Eco Parks
You can explore all different kinds of things at eco-parks in Playa del Carmen. All eco-parks contain different activities, but the two we will look at now are slightly similar.
- This is one of the most popular eco-parks near Playa del Carmen.
- There are over 50 natural and cultural attractions and plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained all day.
- Some of the amazing things to experience here include a butterfly garden, rainforest trail, aviary, and sea turtle center.
- It takes about 15 minutes to reach this eco-park from Playa del Carmen.
- Here you can go zip-lining and explore underground caverns.
- You can explore this eco-park in the evening now too.
The Experience Flying into Mexican Airports
When flying into Mexico, there are a few things you need, which are your passport, valid ID, and birth certificate or naturalization papers. Without these things, you cannot get into Mexico. You will also need to purchase a tourist card if you will be staying in Mexico for longer than 72 hours.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Playa by way of Cancun
If you are looking for some easy ways to save money on your trip to Playa del Carmen, these are the best three.
1. Cancun's low season
Plan your trip during Cancun’s low season, which is from late spring to early December.
2. surrounding airports
Search surrounding airports for your departure.
3. Expedia
Purchase your tickets through Expedia. Expedia is the best place to find flight deals that meet your needs.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
There are plenty of places to stay here in Playa del Carmen, but some are better than others.
Downtown Playa del Carmen
- You would be close to the main tourist beach, Playa Caribe, and you would be close to stores, restaurants, and banks.
- The hotels and other accommodations are very diverse in downtown Playa del Carmen.
Fifth Avenue
- Staying close to the fifth avenue is great if you plan to walk to the nearby travel agencies to book trips or if you would like to explore and see some nature preserves or cenotes.
- Hotels might be a bit spendier here than downtown, but you would be closer to everything you need.
Playacar
- This area mostly consists of all-inclusive resorts that are very luxurious. However, there are some less luxurious places near the beach.
- Playacar is located on the southern end of Playa del Carmen.
Popular Hotels in those areas
All of these hotel prices will be based on the cost of a room for two people.
Downtown Playa del Carmen
The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences
- Around $127 per night.
- Very close to the bus station.
- Accommodations include an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center, and a bar.
Antera Hotel & Residences
- Around $57 per night.
- Very close to Playacar Beach.
- Accommodations include an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and a bar.
Fifth Avenue
Senses Quinta Avenida Hotel By Artisan
- Around $71 per night.
- Very close to Kool Beach Club and not too far from the Cancun airport.
- Accommodations include an infinity pool and private hot tubs.
Hotel Boutique Casa Ticul
- Around $26 per night.
- Very close to the Caribbean Sea.
- Accommodations include an outdoor swimming pool and a wooden sun deck.
Playacar
Beachfront Holidays Fishermens
- Around $350 per night.
- Very close to Playa del Carmen Beach.
- Accommodations include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, free bikes, access to a garden.
- Includes a spa and wellness facilities with on-request massages.
Casa Armonia
- Around $170 per night.
- Very close to the bus station and Cancun airport.
- Accommodations include an outdoor swimming pool and free parking.
Popular VRBO Places in Those Areas
Beachfront Luxury Villa
Indulge in the ultimate beachfront experience in this stunning villa, boasting a private pool, rooftop terrace, and direct beach access. With modern amenities and panoramic ocean views, this idyllic rental promises an unforgettable stay.
Chic Downtown Penthouse
Explore Playa Del Carmen’s vibrant downtown scene from this stylish penthouse, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a private rooftop pool, and a prime location near top dining and entertainment options. Ideal for urban adventurers.
Tropical Garden Bungalow
Escape to this charming bungalow, nestled in a lush tropical garden and located minutes from the beach. With colorful interiors, a private terrace, and easy access to local attractions, this delightful rental offers a relaxed, authentic experience.
Elegant Golf Resort Villa
Tee off in style at this luxurious villa, situated within an exclusive golf resort. Boasting a private pool, stylish interiors, and easy access to world-class golf courses, this rental is perfect for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil escape.
Top 3 Things to do in Playa del Carmen
Fifth Avenue, or Quinta Avenida for the locals, is a five-mile-long walkway that is home to lots of different shops, bars, entertainment, and restaurants. Fifth Avenue is only accessible to pedestrians, so you might want to wear some comfortable shoes.
Restaurants
- El Mulle, a seafood restaurant on the corner of 32nd Street and Fifth Avenue.
- 500 Gramos Grill, a meat and pasta restaurant located between 34th and 38th Streets.
Bars
All three of these bars can be found on 10th Street between Fifth Avenue and 10th Avenue.
- Don Mezcal
- Bar Ranita
- L’ambassade
Visit the Beaches
It is no surprise that there are lots of beaches in and around Playa del Carmen. However, to gain access to some of the best beaches, you will need to purchase a day pass, stay overnight in a hotel, or make a reservation at a restaurant.
Here are a couple of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen:
Mamitas Beach
- Located on 28th Street
- Features a couple of beach clubs: Mamitas Beach Club and Kool Beach Club.
- Amenities include rent chairs, sunbeds, jet skis, banana boats, and more.
- There are also some great restaurants and other services on 28th
Playacar Beach
- Located all along with the gated resort community of Playacar.
- If you are not staying at one of the all-inclusive Playacar resorts or condos, you will have to steer clear of the beach chairs and set up your things to the north or south of the beach chairs.
Snorkel the Reefs
There are many places to go snorkeling in and around Playa del Carmen, but we will only look at a couple of the best places.
Xel Ha Snorkel Park
- You can snorkel here all day and see some beautiful tropical fish.
- In this huge inlet, you will have lots to explore, from a mangrove area to caves.
- This park is only about 37 minutes away from Playa del Carmen.
Yal Ku Lagoon
- This snorkeling spot is like a mini version of Xel Ha.
- There are two different entrances to this lagoon, and they are each organized and cleaned by separate companies.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Playa del Carmen
You can find some great experiences through Airbnb that are truly unique. Airbnb experiences are perfect for anyone that wants to experience what Playa del Carmen has to offer with local hosts.
- This experience is hosted by Lili and Roy, who has lived in the Playa del Carmen area for over 17 years.
- You get to choose what you eat and drink at the picnic under the starry sky.
- This experience costs around $55 per person. Up to six people can attend.
- This experience is a traditional Mexican steam bath thought to purify the body and balance the mind.
- After the cleansing ritual, you are offered fresh fruits and refreshments.
- This is a unique experience.
- This experience costs around $50 per person. Up to seven people can attend.
Final Thoughts
If you have been thinking about traveling to Mexico but are unsure about which area of Mexico to visit, it is highly recommended to visit Playa del Carmen. With all the amazing places to stay, plus the fantastic experiences, it seems like a no brainer to spend your time relaxing and soaking up the sun in this amazingly stunning area of Mexico.
Read More Playa Del Carmen Travel Tips
- Best Hotels in Playa Del Carmen
- The Best Playa Del Carmen Boutique Hotels
- The Best Dive Shops in Playa Del Carmen
- The Top Things to do in Playa Del Carmen
