Playa del Carmen
The Quinta Avenida pedestrian strip, excellent beaches and a more relaxed, cosmopolitan alternative to Cancun
Explore Playa del Carmen
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
The best dining, beaches and day trips from Playa del Carmen.
Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
The Quinta Avenida pedestrian strip is the heart of Playa del Carmen — a lively, cosmopolitan street lined with excellent restaurants, bars, boutique shops and street performers. It's one of the best places in Mexico to eat and drink, with cuisine from around the world alongside excellent Mexican food. The atmosphere in the evening is extraordinary.
Playa del Carmen Beach
The beach at Playa del Carmen is one of the best on the Riviera Maya — a beautiful stretch of Caribbean sand right in the town. The water is calm and clear, excellent for swimming. The beach is lined with beach clubs, the best of which is Mamitas. The beach is less crowded than the Hotel Zone and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Cozumel Day Trip
Cozumel, the world-class diving island, is just 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that surrounds Cozumel is the second largest in the world, and the visibility and marine life are extraordinary. Day trips from Playa del Carmen are easy and excellent value.
Xcaret Eco Park
Xcaret, just south of Playa del Carmen, is the most popular eco-archaeological park in Mexico. Underground rivers, Mayan ruins, a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium and a spectacular evening cultural show make it one of the best full-day experiences on the Riviera Maya.
Cenotes & Jungle
The area around Playa del Carmen is dotted with cenotes — natural freshwater sinkholes connected to an underground river system. Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino and the Aktun Chen cave park are all within easy reach. The jungle inland from Playa del Carmen is also excellent for zip-lining and ATV tours.
Playa del Carmen Travel Guide
Playa del Carmen is the most cosmopolitan town on the Riviera Maya — a lively, bohemian destination that offers a more relaxed and authentic alternative to Cancun's Hotel Zone. The Quinta Avenida pedestrian strip is one of the best places in Mexico to eat, drink and shop, and the beach is excellent.
The Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is the heart of Playa del Carmen — a lively pedestrian strip lined with excellent restaurants, bars, boutique shops and street performers. The cuisine is extraordinary, with everything from excellent Mexican street food to world-class international restaurants. The atmosphere in the evening, when the strip fills with people, is genuinely magical.
The beach at Playa del Carmen is one of the best on the Riviera Maya — a beautiful stretch of Caribbean sand right in the town. The water is calm and clear, excellent for swimming. The beach is lined with beach clubs, the best of which is Mamitas. The beach is less crowded than the Hotel Zone and the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Cozumel, the world-class diving island, is just 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that surrounds Cozumel is the second largest in the world, and the visibility and marine life are extraordinary. Day trips are easy and excellent value.
Xcaret, just south of Playa del Carmen, is the most popular eco-archaeological park in Mexico. Underground rivers, Mayan ruins, a butterfly pavilion and a spectacular evening cultural show make it one of the best full-day experiences on the Riviera Maya.
Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes south of Cancun airport and makes an excellent alternative base for exploring the Riviera Maya.
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