Playa del Carmen isn’t known as a cultural hub in the Mayan Riviera, what makes it popular is that you can walk everywhere, easy access to beautiful beaches, and its central location for visiting nearby archaeological sites.
“Playa”, as locals call it, is a lively spot with tons of hotels and eateries for every taste.
Over the years I’ve spent weeks at a time in Playa to relax (there are some great spots beyond the busiest section) and explore the Mayan ruins around.
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This is what to do and see in Playa del Carmen (PDC)
Table of Contents
Stroll Along Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
Quinta Avenida is the life and soul of Playa del Carmen, where you’ll find stores, hotels, and many bars, restaurants and cafés. What’s best about this 5-kilometre (3 miles) avenue, running one block west along the waterfront, is that it’s a wide pedestrian corridor where you can walk at leisure.
The main tourist activity happens along Quinta so it’s clean, well-maintained, and relatively safe even at night as it’s always busy and there’s a heavy police presence (be alert, of course, as in any crowded place).
Big trees make the walk enjoyable, along with colourful art installations -great for photo ops- and impromptu music and dance performances.
The not-so-nice stuff are the vendors who are a little bit too persistent to the point of being annoying: “Want to try the tequila? Best tequila! Free shot! Tequila! Tequila! Tequilaaaaa!”. I understand you have to sell but, c’mon! I don’t engage.
The street is less busy as you walk north and start approaching the Luis Donaldo Colosio area, beyond the intersection with Avenida CTM. This section has some nice cafés, murals, and a dedicated bike lane.
Enjoy Performances at Parque Los Fundadores
This big and busy waterfront square (calling it a park is a misnomer) is located off the south end of Quinta Avenida and it’s a good place to enjoy the sea view, framed by the “Portal Maya” (Mayan Gateway).
This monumental bronze sculpture by José Arturo Tavárez celebrates Mayan’s accomplishments in the fields of astronomy and mathematics.
It’s also a good spot to see artists and traditional dances with beautiful costumes.
A popular ceremony, designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is performed by the brave Voladores de Papantla (Papantla Flyers).
Four men climb a 30-metre-tall thin pole (no safety net!) and twist a rope around it while sitting on a tiny rotating platform, tying the other end around their waist. A fifth man climbs to the top and plays a flute with a small drum, honouring the sun, the four cardinal points and the four seasons.
The four men then dive down on their backs, head first. As the rope untwists they descend slowly, “flying” in circles as if they were birds, symbolizing a rainfall.
The ceremony is a representation of the universe where they ask the gods to grant prosperity.
The Danza Azteca (Aztec Dance) is another popular act where dancers wearing spectacular costumes move to the rhythm of drums.
There are several performances throughout the day and early evening. Even though it’s free, well-deserved tips go a long way to show appreciation for their craft.
Want your picture with the Playa del Carmen letters?
Walk further down south on Av. Benito Juárez to find the colourful sign.
Explore the Jungle in a 4×4 Buggy
Looking for an adventure? Go off-the-beaten-path and jump in a buggy for a bumpy ride in the lush jungle. The guided tour includes a stop to swim in a beautiful and uncrowded cenote (a sinkhole with fresh water). Goggles are included, but bring a bandana to cover your face as it gets dusty.
Book this adventure, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 1,225 reviews.
Go to the Beaches
The best beaches in Playa del Carmen aren’t in the town centre. Constant erosion has left a tiny strip of sand that is filled to the max with lounge chairs from the beach clubs.
Where to go instead? Head to the north and south end of Playa to find long and wide stretches of powdery sand and less crowded beaches.
Be aware that if you visit between March and September (sometimes October) you may encounter the pesky sargassum.
Playa 72, Playa 88, Playa Punta Esmeralda, and Playacar are great options for long walks.
Need help deciding where to go and how to get there? Check my guide to Playa del Carmen beaches.
Check Out the Market and Events at Plaza 28 de Julio
Plaza 28 de Julio, a big square located in front of the City Hall, is an open space for all types of concerts and major cultural events such as the Day of the Dead, when it’s filled with colourful altars, or the Christmas season when it features bright trees and decorations.
You’ll also find a weekend artisan market that starts on Friday evenings and food stalls selling sweet and savoury items.
Admire the Mural at the Palacio Municipal (City Hall)
Even if there’s nothing going on at Plaza 28 de julio during your visit it’s worth taking a short walk from Quinta Avenida to the City Hall to see the big mural decorating the courtyard.
Titled Xaman-Há (Water from the North), this acrylic on stucco mural by José Rodolfo Parra López narrates the history of Playa del Carmen from the pre-Hispanic times to the vacation destination it is today.
Right above the entrance of the on-site art gallery there’s a depiction of the descending god, an entity associated with light and abundance also found above the entrance of coastal Mayan temples such as Tulum and El Meco in Cancun.
You can see more murals across Playa del Carmen, especially on the north side of Quinta Avenida, in the Donaldo Colosio area.
See Playa del Carmen’s Murals
You’ll find some cool street art around the north section of Quinta Avenida (around the Donaldo Colosio area) and along the side streets.
Find Authentic Mexican Handicrafts at Sol Jaguar
Sadly, most souvenir stores along Quinta Avenida sell cheap mass-produced trinkets, but Sol Jaguar is different. They have beautiful, unique, hand-made handicrafts from across Mexico.
You’ll find colourful alebrijes (wooden figures painted with great detail depicting animals and fantastical figures), Huichol art (yarn painting and wooden figures decorated with multicolour beads), jewelry, textiles, and more.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything it’s worth stopping by to see the traditional work of Mexican artisans.
Sol Jaguar is located on Quinta Avenida between Calle 38 Norte and Calle 40 Norte.
Visit the Art Galleries at Plaza Jardín de Marieta
This blink-and-you-miss-it square located off Quinta Avenida is home to several art galleries where you can find original paintings, sculptures, art prints, and handicrafts.
The square is tiny but charming, with many plants and tall trees, and adorned with sculptures and decorative objects. Worth a stop.
Plaza Jardín de Marieta is on Quinta Avenida, between Calle 6 Norte and Calle 8 Norte.
Walk to the XamanHá Mayan Ruins in Playacar (and See Wildlife)
Don’t expect anything similar to the grandiose Uxmal ruins or the very famous Chichen Itzá.
But if you’re a history buff you may want to walk to Playacar (at the south end of Playa) to visit this tiny and free site built in an area that was first inhabited around 100 B.C.
The ruins of temples and residences you see now are from the pre-Hispanic era, completed between the 13th and 16th century in what used to be a farmer and fishermen village.
You can clearly see the influence of the East Coast architectural style that is prevalent in other Mayan ruins that are near the water.
According to the website of the Government of Mexico (there’s no information whatsoever on site), in 1528 the Spaniards chose this location to build their second settlement in the Yucatan Peninsula. However, they had to leave one year later as the soldiers got sick and didn’t have enough food.
XamanHá is located in a small beautiful park with big beautiful trees where you can see iguanas, coatís and, if you’re lucky, monkeys.
Another wonderful spot to see many coatís and even wild boars in Playacar is in the fenced forested area at the corner of Abraira de Arriba and Coral Negro streets (towards the 10th Avenue gate).
Be aware that unless you’re staying at one of the hotels or resorts at Playacar, you won’t be able to drive (or bike) through the gated complex, you have to walk. It’s about 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen’s midpoint.
Access is either through the main gate, located at 10 Av. Sur and Abraira de Arriba (if the guard stops you, say that you want to see the ruins which may work or not), or through the Playacar beach, turning right at Cunaro de Piedra road.
Eat Delicious Food
You won’t run out of options to try good food in Playa. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin star restaurant or a taco stand on the street, Mexican food or international options, or yummy desserts. You name it, you’ll find a place.
And you don’t have to travel far.
Check out my post about my favourite places to eat in PDC.
Take a Day Trip to Sian Ka’an
As a nature lover I fell in love with Sian Ka’an, a Biosphere Reserve where I saw dolphins and birds in an unspoiled environment and swam in turquoise waters seeing nothing but the jungle in the background.
This is one of the few remaining spots in the Mayan Riviera where you can see nature in the wild. The best way to experience this as a day trip from Playa is to join this tour, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 1,120 reviews.
To learn more about this paradisiac destination check out my post about Sian Ka’an.
Go to Chichén Itzá
Visiting this famous Mayan archaeological site, listed as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, makes for a great day trip from Playa del Carmen as it’s about two hours and change by car.
Chichén Itzá was an important religious and commercial settlement, with an advanced knowledge in astronomy. Mayans even built an observatory.
The place is quite big. If you want to see it properly, plan to spend at least three hours here. While you’re in the area, you can stop at the Ik Kil cenote for a scenic swim.
To go there on your own, either take the ADO bus or, if you want to beat the crowds, rent a car to be there right when they open.
Chichen Itzá quick tour: great option if you just want to visit this site and don’t want to spend all day in a van. You’ll be back in Playa before evening. Lunch included.
Book this tour, with a rating of 4.8/5 based on more than 550 reviews.
See the Cobá Mayan Ruins
At Cobá, not only can you see a tall main pyramid and other structures where you’ll encounter many stelae with inscriptions, but you can also walk or bike along beautiful paths in the shade of the jungle and have a chance to see wildlife.
I found Cobá to be the perfect combination for nature and history lovers. This scenic archaeological site is located only 1.5 hours by car from Playa, perfect for a half-day trip.
Read my post about Cobá to find out more about this wonderful site.
See the Tulum Ruins
These East Coast style Mayan ruins may be simpler and smaller than other famous ruins, but they’re special not only because Tulum was a major commercial port but also because they’re right on a cliff overlooking the sea, and there’s a beach right there.
I must say that I was hesitant to include Tulum on this list. I do think it’s worth visiting, but I also think the recently added fees to access the ruins are excessive. Hopefully the government will go back to its senses.
Need to know a little bit more before deciding? Check out my post about Tulum.
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
THE CENTRE: the central section of Quinta Avenida is where you want to stay if you want to be where the “action” is. If your hotel is right on Quinta and you’re hoping to get some sleep, bring good earplugs as the loud music from the bars lasts until the wee hours.
You also have the option of staying one or two blocks northwest of Quinta for a slightly quieter stay, only minutes away from the main strip. Here’s an option:
IPANA LUXURY APARTMENTS: 1 & 2-bedroom modern and well-equipped units with kitchenette, dining and seating area, balcony, and washing machine. The building is one block from Quinta and has a rooftop swimming pool, 24-hr front desk, and free parking.
Book this place, with a rating of 9.1/10 based on more than 585 reviews.
THE NORTH SECTION OF QUINTA: the Colosio neighbourhood (I’ve stayed in this area and I love it) has the best beaches and offers a quieter stay. Check out this place:
SUNSET KIN BEACH APARTMENTS: modern units with AC, flat-screen TV, balcony or patio. The building has a pool and a terrace.
Stay at Sunset Kin, with a rating of 9.3/10 based on more than 25 reviews.
PLAYACAR: this is the south end of Playa where you’ll find the most peace and quiet, with a nice long beach and many resorts and villas for rent:
VILLA IKAL: 3-bedroom villas with a full kitchen, dining/seating room, AC, a terrace, and garden views. The complex has a shared pool.
Stay at Ikal, with a rating of 9.5/10 based on more than 35 reviews.
RESORTS AWAY FROM THE CENTRE: in the fringes of Playa you’ll find many high-end resorts like this one:
LA CASA DE LA PLAYA by Xcaret: this beachfront adult-only resort has four restaurants and other amenities such as a spa and a swimming pool.
Book your luxury stay here, with a rating of 9.5/10 based on more than 90 reviews.
How to Get There
The closest airport to Playa del Carmen is the Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Check Skyscanner to find great airfares for your upcoming trip.
From the airport you can reach Playa by taking the ADO bus (big red coach buses) that departs every 20 minutes or so from the terminal located right at the exit. You must purchase the ticket either at the ADO booth (not on the bus), or book in advance online with the ADO app or through Busbud.
The buses are clean and comfortable with AC, pleeeeenty of leg room, and with space under the bus for luggage.
To be dropped off at the ADO station located on Quinta Avenida, specify “Playa del Carmen (Turistica)” as your destination. The trip is about 1.75 hours.
If you prefer to arrange a private airport transfer to your hotel, this round-trip service has a rating of 4.8/5 based on more than 1,740 reviews.
Wondering what terminal you depart from? Check this sign (I took this pic at the ADO bus terminal in Playa del Carmen) to locate your airline. As always, double check in case there are any changes.
***Avoid taxis at the airport like the plague as they charge ridiculous prices. Be prepared to walk past a barrage of vendors that will try to sell you a ride, resorts, etc., as soon as you leave the customs area.***
How to Get Around in Playa del Carmen
On foot: if you like walking as much as I do you’ll go everywhere on foot. Quinta Avenida is a pedestrian street and Playa’s Centro is on the small side so it’s fast and easy to get from A to B.
By bus: in case you need to move quicker or if it’s too hot to walk you can take the public buses and vans. If you want to go to the beaches on the north end, look for the buses with the Colosio sign and on the way back the ones that say Centro. Be aware that they’re crowded, have no AC, uncomfortable, but very very cheap. You pay cash to the driver when you board.
They travel northbound along Avenida 30 and southbound along Avenida 25, running a few blocks along Avenida 20.
By bike: there’s a dedicated bike lane on Quinta Avenida, but it only runs north of Avenida CTM. South of CTM you must walk your bike or ride along 10th or 1st Avenue (exercise caution as driving here gets a little bit crazy). There you’ll find shared bike stations (BiciPlaya), although the app reviews aren’t encouraging.
By car: if you’re planning to do day trips and you don’t want to be constrained to bus schedules it’s worth renting a car. Otherwise, you don’t really need one. If you need a car ride here and there you’ll see plenty of taxis (ask how much they charge before boarding) or you can use the Radio Taxi Playa del Carmen app. Taxis are white with a light blue stripe on the sides, and the word TAXI clearly displayed on the front doors, with the unit number on the back doors.
There’s no Uber within Playa, for now.
When to Visit Playa del Carmen
Even though the sun always shines in this part of the world, there are some months when it shines brighter.
Mid-November to April is the best time to visit as it’s dryer, temperatures are milder, and you avoid most of the sargassum and the hurricane season. On the other hand, it’s when flights and accommodations are more expensive.
You may be able to find great deals if you travel between May and October.
Playa del Carmen not only offers easy access on foot to beautiful beaches and a pedestrian promenade with lovely cafes, but its central location is ideal for shorter day trips to main archaeological sites. Want to visit another walkable destination in the Yucatan Peninsula? Check out the colonial city of Merida, where art, food, and history thrive.
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BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
To get from A to B without losing your shirt
Skyscanner: to find cheap flights. Get notified of price drops with the “Price Alert” feature or use “Search Everywhere” to see where you can go without breaking the bank.
Busbud: to book bus tickets everywhere.
To find a place to stay for less
Booking.com: this site combines everything under the sun. You’ll find hotels, apartments, B&B, hostels, rooms, etc., with all sort of filters to make your search a breeze.
Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.
To get travel insurance
SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings
