PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Playa del Carmen is a popular resort town along Mexico’s Caribbean shoreline, the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen is located on the Tren Maya®, “Mayan Train” route between Tulum and Puerto Morelos, connecting the white sand beaches along this gorgeous coastline. This city, once a small fishing village, is Mexico’s fastest-growing city, with a population that has grown 103% since its 2010 consensus. With its lovely white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, lively atmosphere, and abundance of versatile activities and offerings, Playa del Carmen has something for every type of traveler, from backpackers to families, to retired couples. It is the perfect mix of the hustle and bustle of Cancun, with hints of hippy chic, relaxation, and wellness from Tulum. Visitors can enjoy nature, beaches, amusement parks, sightseeing, relaxation, nightlife, and a selection of dining opportunities both within this compact city, and outside of it close by. The city of Playa del Carmen offers delights for all, however, for those wishing to explore further afield, it is also the perfect hub, with its proximity to the island of Cozumel, the small towns of Akumal, Puerta Aventuras, as well as other hidden gems including beaches, cenotes, jungle adventures, amusement parks, and more.
What is there to do?
Each year Playa del Carmen draws in beachgoers, partygoers, adventurers, yogis, and those looking to have a relaxing vacation, with its eclectic selection of attractions, and its variety of activities. This small city makes it easy to walk (in particular down Quinta Avenida, Fifth Avenue), and explore different dining opportunities, beaches, beach clubs, bars, cafes, souvenir shops, and more. Visitors can watch cultural performances in the beachfront square, take part in water sports, relax with yoga classes, dance the night away, visit local ruins, dive into the close by refreshing cenotes, and enjoy jungle activities.
Top Activities in Playa del Carmen:
Dive with Sharks
Have a close encounter with bull sharks off the coast of Playa del Carmen. This seasonal, and thrilling scuba dive is available in the winter months of November to March when pregnant bull sharks migrate to the cooler waters to give birth. Certified Advanced Divers can go underwater on an excursion, and dive down to a depth of 25 meters, where they are static to watch the bull sharks in the area.
Walk Down La Quinta Avenida
Walk down Playa del Carmen’s energetic pedestrian street, La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) with its array of restaurants, bars, cafes, vendors, and souvenir shops, this street is truly bustling with life and an exciting stroll, full of sights and sounds.
Visit the Ruins of Xaman Ha in Playacar
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Visit the Ruins of Xaman Ha in Playacar, this small archeological site is a hidden gem, and the area’s best-kept secret, with many visitors unaware of their existence. Located in the private residential area of Playacar, these ruins are accessible from the beach, or La Quinta Avenida by walking or you can take a taxi.
Start your Evening at Parque Fundadores
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Enjoy street performances at this beachfront square in Playa del Carmen’s downtown area, on La Quinta Avenida. Parque Fundadores has a lot to see, starting with the Portal Maya sculpture, as well as dances and street performances. In particular out the Voladores de Papantla at sunset, a skilled performance from a high pole, with dancers on long ropes, imitating the flight of birds, with drums and flutes - this traditional ceremony is a plea to the gods, and wonderful to watch.
Spend a Day at a Beach Club
Check out Lido Beach Club, Marena Beach Club, and Mamitas Beach Club for a relaxing day on a lounger, under the Mexican sunshine.
Take a Yoga Class
With sunrise yoga, yoga on the beach, and an abundance of yoga studios, there is a class or practice for every level in Playa del Carmen.
Dine in a Cave
Enjoy a Unique Dining Experience in a Cave at the Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge.
Visit the Water and Adventure Parks in the Area
Outside of Playa del Carmen city center, only a short drive you away, can spend the day swimming, exploring, and adventuring at some fun, and popular amusement parks, including: Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses, and Xel Ha, which all provide a fun day out for the family.
Take a Swim in a Cenote
There are many cenotes set in the jungle close by or a short drive from Playa del Carmen. We recommend Cenote Jardin del Eden, Cenote Azul and Cenote Chaak Tun.
Rent a Bicycle with BiciPlaya
This unique bicycle rental option is an easy and cheap way to get around the city.
Watersports
As well as diving, water parks, and cenotes, you can also take part in water sports including parasailing, snorkeling, renting a jet ski, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Explore Rio Secreto
Visit the Mayan underworld at Rio Secreto (Secret River), just a short drive outside of Playa del Carmen, this is an eco-park with an underground river, and caves, with stalactites and stalagmites.
Sightsee the Murals
Go for a walk to view the many creative murals in the city.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Enjoy the bars and nightclubs of Calle’s 10 and 12, off of Quinta Avenida, with Coco Bongo, Mandala, Tequila Barrel, and Clandestino RoofTop, as well as many more.
Have a Relaxing Day on the Beach
Lay your sarong or towel out on one of the public beaches, and take a swim. Playacar Beach and Punta Esmerelda are some popular spots.
A Day Trip to Cozumel
A 45-minute ride on the ferry from Playa del Carmen, will bring you to the island of Cozumel. Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, with an abundance of scuba diving opportunities. This island is a quiet cruise ship port, which is easy to explore.
Getting to Playa del Carmen & Where to go After:
If you’re a beach lover, and looking to explore more of the Yucatan Peninsula’s Caribbean beaches, why not catch the Tren Maya®, the “Mayan Train” to Tulum? Or the lagoons of Bacalar in the south? Take a trip to the island of Cozumel, or why not head north to Cancun, and cross to the island of Isla Mujeres?
If you’re arriving in Mexico via Cancun International Airport you will take a Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train” shuttle bus from the airport to its close by train station. Here you can take the train to Playa del Carmen, a short journey from Cancun. From Playa del Carmen you can travel the rest of the Caribbean Coast on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”, or you can travel back to Cancun and visit further afield, including the historic cities of Valladolid and Izamal on the Yucatan II Route, as well as Merida on the Yucatan I Route. Or you can travel to the state of Campeche. Get a mix of beach, culture and history while traveling on the Tren Maya®, "Mayan Train”.