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Playa del Carmen

Mexico, North America

Playa del Carmen, a vibrant beach town along the Riviera Maya, is celebrated for its stunning white sand beaches and lively atmosphere. It boasts an array of attractions like the famous Quinta Avenida filled with boutiques and restaurants, proximity to the ancient ruins of Tulum, and adventure at Xcaret Park. With a lively nightlife scene and excellent diving spots in nearby cenotes, Playa del Carmen offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, appealing to young travelers seeking both culture and adventure.

Quick facts

Target stay

5-7 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Relaxing

Airport

Cozumel

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit

13 Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen

1. Explore Fifth Avenue

Stroll the vibrant pedestrian street filled with shops and restaurants.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

2. Visit the Cenotes

Swim in stunning natural sinkholes with crystal-clear water.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

3. Relax on the Beaches

Enjoy sunbathing and water sports at Playa del Carmen's beaches.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

3 hrs

4. Take a Ferry to Cozumel

Catch a ferry for a day trip to the beautiful island.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

6 hrs

5. Visit Xcaret Park

Experience a cultural theme park with activities and shows.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

8 hrs

6. Snorkel in Akumal

Swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

4 hrs

7. Explore Tulum Ruins

Visit ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

2 hrs

8. Take a Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional Mexican dishes with local chefs.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

3 hrs

9. Visit Playa Mamitas

A lively beach known for its beach clubs and nightlife.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

4 hrs

10. Shop at Local Markets

Find handmade crafts and souvenirs at local markets.

Available all year

Family-friendly

No booking required

1.5 hrs

11. Enjoy Nightlife on Calle 12

Experience vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs.

Available all year

Adults only

No booking required

3 hrs

12. Take a Yoga Class

Unwind with beachside yoga sessions in a serene setting.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

1.5 hrs

13. Visit Xel-Há Park

A natural aquatic park for snorkeling and tubing activities.

Available all year

Family-friendly

Booking required

6 hrs

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~15%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

4 (#41 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Mexican Peso

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Spanish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Mole

VE

Rich sauce made with chiles and spices (National dish)

Tacos al Pastor

Tortillas filled with marinated pork

Chiles en Nogada

Stuffed peppers with meat and walnut sauce

Pozole

Hearty soup with hominy and meat

Tamales

V

Corn dough filled with various ingredients

Phrases to learn

English

Spanish

Hello

Hola

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Si / No

(See / No)

Thank you

Gracias

(Grah-thee-ahs)

Excuse me

Perdón

(Per-dohn)

How much?

¿Cuánto?

(Kwan-toh)