Playa del Carmen
The Riviera Maya's most vibrant resort town — spectacular beaches, the famous Quinta Avenida, world-class resorts and a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere
Explore Playa del Carmen
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Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
The best beaches, shopping and adventures in the Riviera Maya's most vibrant resort town.
Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
Quinta Avenida is the heart of Playa del Carmen — a vibrant, pedestrianised street stretching for several kilometres, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, street performers and entertainment. The street is lively at all hours, with a wonderful mix of local and international visitors. It is one of the most enjoyable streets in Mexico and the perfect place to spend an evening.
Beaches & Beach Clubs
Playa del Carmen has some of the finest beaches on the Riviera Maya — beautiful stretches of white sand with calm, clear Caribbean water. The town's beach clubs are legendary — Mamitas, Zenzi and Coralina are among the most popular, offering sun loungers, cocktails, music and a wonderfully lively atmosphere. The beaches are lined with palm trees and the water is excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
Snorkelling & Diving
Playa del Carmen has excellent snorkelling and diving, with clear Caribbean waters and vibrant coral reefs. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, runs just offshore. Several dive operators are based in the town and offer trips to the reef, to the cenotes and to the famous dive sites around Cozumel, just a 45-minute ferry ride away.
Xcaret & Xel-Ha
Xcaret is a spectacular eco-archaeological park just south of Playa del Carmen — one of the most popular attractions in Mexico. The park has underground rivers, coral reefs, Mayan ruins, a butterfly pavilion, a sea turtle sanctuary and a spectacular evening show. Xel-Ha, the world's largest natural aquarium, is also nearby — a beautiful natural inlet perfect for snorkelling with tropical fish.
Day Trips
Playa del Carmen is an excellent base for day trips. Tulum's Mayan ruins are about 45 minutes south. Cozumel is a 45-minute ferry ride away. Chichen Itza is about 2 hours away. The cenotes of the Riviera Maya — including the famous Gran Cenote near Tulum — are within easy reach. Isla Mujeres is accessible by ferry from Cancun, about 1 hour north.
Playa del Carmen Travel Guide
Playa del Carmen is the most vibrant and cosmopolitan resort town on the Riviera Maya — a beautiful, lively destination with spectacular palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs, excellent hotels, superb restaurants, excellent shopping and a lively nightlife scene.
Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is the heart of Playa del Carmen — a vibrant, pedestrianised street stretching for several kilometres, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, street performers and entertainment. It is one of the most enjoyable streets in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen has some of the finest beaches on the Riviera Maya — beautiful stretches of white sand with calm, clear Caribbean water. The town's beach clubs are legendary — Mamitas, Zenzi and Coralina are among the most popular.
Playa del Carmen has excellent snorkelling and diving, with clear Caribbean waters and vibrant coral reefs. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef runs just offshore.
Xcaret is a spectacular eco-archaeological park just south of Playa del Carmen — one of the most popular attractions in Mexico. Xel-Ha, the world's largest natural aquarium, is also nearby.
Playa del Carmen is an excellent base for day trips to Tulum, Cozumel, Chichen Itza and the cenotes of the Riviera Maya.
Playa del Carmen is about 1 hour south of Cancun airport by road.
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