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Playa del Carmen

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City
—°13
Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
ℹ️

Practical info — Playa del Carmen

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit Quinta Avenida in the late afternoon when it’s cooler and the atmosphere is more lively.
  • Buy ferry tickets to Cozumel only at the official booths at the pier to avoid being overcharged.
  • Use ADO buses for reliable and affordable transportation to Cancun or Tulum.
  • Tipping of 10-15% is standard in restaurants; check if 'Servicio' is already included in the bill.
  • Bring biodegradable sunscreen if you plan to swim in the nearby cenotes to protect the ecosystem.

🍽 Food

🍽
Tacos al Pastor

Head to 'El Fogón' for some of the best spit-roasted pork tacos in town.

🍽
Chilaquiles

Try this traditional Mexican breakfast in the lush garden setting of 'La Cueva del Chango'.

🍽
Ceviche

Look for fresh marinated seafood at the smaller local spots away from the main tourist strip.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Quinta Avenida

The main pedestrian street featuring everything from high-end brands to local artisanal crafts.

🛍
Calle Corazón

A modern open-air shopping plaza with trendy boutiques and restaurants.

🛍
Paseo del Carmen

A pleasant shopping mall at the south end of 5th Avenue, right by the ferry pier.

🧘
Playacar Beaches

The Phase 1 residential area has wider and much quieter beaches compared to the town center.

🧘
Parque La Ceiba

A community park offering shade, local workshops, and a peaceful escape from the tourist areas.

Playa del Carmen, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, has transformed from a quiet fishing village into one of Mexico fastest-growing cities. Originally known as Xaman-Ha, the site served the ancient Maya as a departure point for pilgrimages to the island of Cozumel. Today, the city is a world-class tourist destination, famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the bustling Quinta Avenida, a multi-kilometer pedestrian thoroughfare lined with boutiques, eateries, and nightlife. Despite its rapid modernization, Playa del Carmen maintains a cosmopolitan atmosphere that blends European influences with traditional Mexican warmth. The city is a strategic gateway for exploring nearby archaeological sites such as Tulum and Cobá, as well as numerous cenotes, the sacred limestone sinkholes of the Maya. Its port provides frequent ferry services to Cozumel, establishing the city as a central hub for divers and water sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252526272828282928282625
Rain mm614742421001779612517022412969

Geography

Population
149,923 (2018)
Coordinates
20.62740, -87.08110

Facts

  • Known in pre-Hispanic times as Xaman-Ha, meaning North Water.
  • The Quinta Avenida is a pedestrian-only street stretching for about 5 kilometers.
  • Part of the Solidaridad municipality, which has one of Mexico highest growth rates.
  • The local pier is the primary transit point for ferries to Cozumel Island.
  • Located approximately 70 kilometers south of Cancún International Airport.
  • Proximate to world-famous eco-archaeological parks like Xcaret and Xplor.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Playa del Carmen (13)

Frida Kahlo🏛 museum

A museum in Del Carmen honoring the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

Aquarium Beach🏛 museum

El Acuario de Playa is an interesting museum located in the coastal city of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The attraction provides a fascinating atmosphere for those wanting to learn more about marine life. Visitors can expect an engaging glimpse into the ocean world, serving as a change of pace from traditional beachgoing. Planning a visit here is especially recommended on very hot summer days.

Teatro De La Ciudad Solidaridad🎭 culture

The municipal theater Solidaridad in Del Carmen offering cultural events.

Playalingua🎭 culture

Playalingua is an arts centre located in the city of Playa del Carmen.

tree of 18m diameter🏺 historical

The tree of 18m diameter is a monument located in Playa del Carmen.

settlers park📍 landmark

Settlers park is a local attraction situated in Playa del Carmen.

Playa mamitas📍 landmark

Playa Mamitas is a well-known attraction right on the coastline of Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. The beach area generally promises a very lively and upbeat atmosphere. Visitors can look forward to extended sunbathing, relaxing strolls, and swimming in the ocean. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to secure the best spot on the sand.

La Casa De Las Hamacas📍 landmark

A landmark in Del Carmen known for its hammocks.

Casa de la Cultura🎭 culture

Casa de la Cultura serves as an arts centre in Playa del Carmen.

Xcaret Waterpark🎡 recreation

Xcaret Waterpark in Playa del Carmen is a water park with slides and attractions for families.

Spa Pool🎡 recreation

A relaxing spa pool for recreation in Del Carmen.

Casa Tucan🎡 recreation

A recreational venue named Casa Tucan in Del Carmen.

Frequently asked questions

Is Playa del Carmen expensive?
There are options for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels.
How is the best way to get to Cozumel?
Just take the regularly scheduled ferry directly from the center.
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
In tourist areas yes, but avoid lonely beaches at night.
What is the best activity there?
Diving in cenotes or relaxing on the white sandy beaches.
Do you need a car?
No, everything in the center is easily accessible on foot or by shared taxis.
Playa del Carmen: where is it located?
Playa del Carmen is located in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Frida Kahlo, Aquarium Beach, Teatro De La Ciudad Solidaridad.
Playa del Carmen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Playa del Carmen: why is it worth visiting?
Playa del Carmen, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, has transformed from a quiet fishing village into one of Mexico fastest-growing cities.
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