When most people think of Playa del Carmen, they think of the mega-resorts that line the Caribbean coast on either side of the city. However, there’s a whole other side to the city.
Playa del Carmen is a city that’s easy to travel to independently. We’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for almost half a year, using it as a base. We’ve put together this independent Playa del Carmen travel guide to help and show you that Playa is the best place in Yucatan to travel independently.
On your next trip to Playa del Carmen, skip the big resort and see what Playa is all about.
The Complete Playa del Carmen Travel Guide
Getting To Playa del Carmen
When traveling to Playa del Carmen, you will fly into Cancun International Airport, which has many good and affordable options during the tourist season. When you arrive, you will arrive at one of the three terminals.
Most flights from the US and outside of Mexico will come into Terminal 3, and a few into Terminal two: Jet Blue, Air Canada, AirTran. Terminal 1 is primarily for domestic travel within Mexico.
* Note there is NO free Wifi at the Cancun Airport. There is paid internet, but it doesn’t always work and has trouble accepting payments online. Don’t count on having WIFI at the airport. (As of May 2016)
Getting From Cancun Airport To Playa del Carmen
Personally, the best way to get to Playa del Carmen is by a private driver. It’s the easiest and quickest way to get your vacation started! Unless you are planning to do a lot of independent day trips from Playa del Carmen, then we would suggest renting a car.
If you think renting a car in Mexico sounds scary, make sure to read our Mexico car rental guide here, we’ve rented cars at the Cancun airport a dozen times we know the ins and outs. If you have a larger group, a taxi or shuttle service can be just as affordable and more convenient than the bus.
Related Article: How To Get To Playa del Carmen
By Private Driver:
The CHEAPEST place to book it is here online for a roundtrip airport transfer to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun airport. When we don’t feel like taking the bus, we book online here.
By Bus:
Inside each terminal, after the security and customs area, there will be an ADO bus company booth to purchase tickets to Playa del Carmen. Buses run roughly every 20 minutes. You can pay in either local currency or US dollars. ADO uses nice coach buses with A/C (sometimes too much A/C) and will make one stop between the airport and Playa to drop people off in Puerto Morelos (a 2-3 minute stop).
If you are coming from Terminal 2: Generally, you will buy your ticket at the booth inside the airport. Once you leave the doors of the airport, the bus platforms are further away, and if it’s your first time, you are better off asking for directions to the bus platforms.
If you are coming from Terminal 3: You can sometimes purchase your ticket at the booth, or at other times they will instruct you to buy it outside next to the bus at the platform. Terminal 3 is very straightforward, and the buses are located right outside the terminal.
When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you will need to find a taxi to take you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen. The ADO bus station is on 5th Avenue (the main walking street) and Calle Juarez. If you don’t have much luggage, it’s best to walk a block or so away from the bus station to get a taxi at a better rate.
A taxi from the bus station to a central hotel should be 50-100 MXP, depending on how many people you have and your negotiating skills. To go further or to Playacar, it will be more like 100-150 MXP.
- Price: 162 MXP or $10 dollars + Taxi fare to your final destination
- Time: 1 hour
By Rental car:
You can book a car online and pick it up at the airport. We find Discovercars.com generally has the best rates, but check around. DiscoverCars.com, you can cancel for free up to 48 hours before pickup.
However, it will even out with the savings of not taking another transport to Playa del Carmen. Driving to Playa del Carmen from the airport is simple there are not many roads, and the route is well marked.
Price: as low as $1 per day to $30 for a small car
* For more info on rental cars in Mexico and Playa del Carmen/Cancun, see the rental car section of the guide here.
Insider Tip: If you don’t plan on getting a data package on your phone while in Playa del Carmen, you can still use your phone to help you navigate. When you are on Wifi before you leave home, use Google Maps to find the route from the airport to your hotel.
As long as you keep the map open in the background, your GPS will find you in Mexico, and you can follow your route on your phone. Vocal directions may not work, and try not to get too far off track because the maps only populate the main roads on your route. (don’t forget to turn the GPS back on after the flight!)
Understanding Playa Del Carmen
First of all, most people in town will simply drop the ‘del Carmen’ from the name and just call it Playa for short. Playa is Cancun’s little brother, that is smaller and more condensed.
The main town runs right into the beach, and everything is much closer together. Whereas in Cancun you are far away from the main town in the hotel zone, in Playa del Carmen, the town and beach are close by.
You can’t talk about visiting Playa without mentioning its most important tourist street, 5th Avenue. The Avenues run parallel to the beach and are numbered starting at one and then by 5’s (5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, etc.). 5th Ave is filled with bars, restaurants, and tourist shops. It has been blocked off by cars and is strictly a walking street in the heart of the city.
The Calles (or streets in English) run at 90° to the beach and are all even numbers from 2nd all the way up to 110th street. The main tourist area is from 2nd to 46th Street, from the beach to the highway, and also the whole of Playacar. The best way to give directions in Playa del Carmen is to use the streets and avenues.
Is Playa del Carmen Safe?
Once you come and visit Playa del Carmen, you’ll understand. Playa del Carmen is a very safe city to visit. There is a big tourist police presence, not that anything bad will happen, but to keep things operating smoothly.
We have spent several months living in Playa del Carmen, and trust me. The city is safe. There are probably worse neighborhoods in your own hometown. Even late at night, I don’t feel uncomfortable walking around on the streets.
Like anywhere, if you look for trouble, I’m sure you could find it, but if you are just visiting Playa del Carmen, you’ll be more than safe.
Transportation & Getting Around Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a very walkable city, and most people find it easy to navigate. For longer distances or in the heat of mid-afternoon, you may want a taxi to take you around.
The fares within Playa Centro are supposed to be fixed prices at 30MXP for a ride, but tourists often get taken advantage of and pay higher rates. If you can speak Spanish to give directions, the chances are better of getting the correct rates.
Example taxi fares in Playa del Carmen:
- A ride within Playa Centro fixed at $30MXP
- A ride within Playa Centro for two people with bags $50MPX
- A ride to/from Playacar from Centro $100MPX (150MXP with bags or large group)
- Rides to outlying resorts $120-200MXP – There is a rate sheet for most cabs with many resorts listed that drivers do follow, ask to see the sheet if going to a faraway resort from Playa del Carmen.
Renting a bike in Playa del Carmen
There are many bike rental agents in Playa del Carmen, and the going rate for a bike rental in Playa is about $15 per day. You can buy a lot of cabs and almost always rent a car for less money per day than a bike (crazy, I know).
A bike may sound like a fun way to see the city, but unless you are comfortable on a bike and really want some exercise, I would skip it. Playa del Carmen is not a very bike-friendly city if you don’t know it well. Plus, there isn’t that much to see off of the beach.
Additionally, bike theft is rampant in the city. If you do rent a bike, make sure they give you a strong lock, a bike chain will be cut, and the bike will be stolen.
Renting a car in Playa del Carmen
Renting a car for a day or a few days is one of the best ways to see all the great things the Yucatan has to offer. Car rentals in Playa del Carmen are usually very cheap. We have rented cars several times and often pay just $5 per day plus insurance.
Most U.S.-based car insurance that you have at home will not cover you in Mexico, but it’s best to check. Legally, you are not required to carry any insurance on a rental car in Mexico.
However, if you opt not to take insurance, there is a large hold put on your credit card in case of an accident (around $2500 USD). This reduces when you purchase additional insurance. Driving in the Yucatan outside the cities, the roads are not crowded, well-marked, and generally in good condition.
We’ve booked several times with Discovercars.com with car rental stores in Playa del Carmen, all located on 5th Ave. Yucatan has to offer. Car rentals in Playa del Carmen are usually very cheap. We have rented cars several times and often pay just $5 per day plus insurance.
Most U.S.-based car insurance that you have at home will not cover you in Mexico, but it’s best to check. Legally you are not required to carry any insurance on a rental car in Mexico.
Preferred Rental Company: Book on DiscoverCars.com and compare companies for the best rates. They have a free cancellation. It’s best to book several months in advance to get the lowest price.
Scams while renting a car in Playa del Carmen
This happens to more than just tourists, but you need to watch very carefully at the gas station. All gas stations are full service, meaning someone else is filling your car with gas. There have been many reports of attendants not resetting the machines between cars and charging you for your gas and the person before you.
Also, be very careful giving them the correct money and receiving the right change. It’s best to have exact change or simply ask them to fill a certain amount of peso of gas.
Insider tip: Avoid the toll road 180D. The tolls to use this road are high for how much time you save traveling on it. Unless you are short on time, I would avoid this road.
Related Article: 5 Things To Know Before Renting a Car in Mexico
Where To Stay In Playa del Carmen
One of the biggest choices you have to make when considering where to stay in Playa del Carmen is whether you want to be in Playacar or Playa Centro. Both are nice places to stay in Playa del Carmen, but Playacar will be quiet and secluded, while Playa Centro, will be more in the middle of the action.
Best Family Resorts in Playa del Carmen
Bric Rentals – If you want the luxury of a resort but with more independence, then check out the Playa del Carmen vacation rentals that Bric has to offer. They have some amazing places all around the city to suit every style.
Recently, we stayed with them in their Elements building near 46th Street, right on the beach. We had a two-bedroom place overlooking the ocean and a massive pool.
Related Article: Why we LOVE Elements Playa del Carmen
The Elements is a condo complex with a mix of vacation and owner-occupied condos right on the water here in Playa. The rooms were stylish and very comfortable. We had a mix of indoor and outdoor space with a large patio and a rooftop deck with a hot tub.
Elements Playa del Carmen Check Prices Booking.com
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
El Fogon – Usually at the top of restaurants on TripAdvisor, and it’s the first place we bring guests when they visit us in Playa del Carmen. We have even had Mexican friends in town visiting give this place their approval for legit tacos. We haven’t had a bad thing on the menu, and we’ve had most of it. If you ask us, they have the best tacos in Playa del Carmen.
The thing most tourists don’t know is that there are actually 3 of these restaurants in Playa del Carmen. Most people know of the El Fogon on Avenue Constituyentes and 30th, and it will almost always have a long line after 7 pm. Visitors to Playa del Carmen don’t know that there are two more locations they could walk to before moving up one spot in line.
- Location #2 Calle 6th bis & 30th Ave, right by Walmart
- Location #3 Ave 30 Norte between 30 & 32.
- Hours:
- Map: Click here
Nativo Restaurants – Another go-to place we always bring people is Nativo. They serve food at all times of the day, but we usually go here for breakfast and their really good fruit smoothies. There are several locations around Playa del Carmen. A liter of fresh fruit smoothie varies between 35-45 pesos, and they are definitely filling.
- Hours: Daily 7 am-midnight
- Map: Click here
Please remember to tip waiters. For suggested tips, read our tipping in Mexico guide.
Chesters – When craving some good pasta or even pad Thai, we head to Chesters. A little way away from the tourist path, but still in Playa Centro.
All their pasta dishes are served in skillets, and more than enough for two people to share. They don’t serve alcohol, but they have tasty smoothies. Most pasta dishes are 140-180 pesos.
- Hours: 2 pm-10:30 pm Closed Tuesdays
- Map: Click here Av.40 between 4Nte and Calle 4 Bis.
- Menu click here
Don Chendu – Chicago-style deep dish pizza in Playa del Carmen. We’re from Wisconsin and would drive to Chicago just to get good pizza, and we can tell you Don Chendu pizza in Playa del Carmen is the real thing. One pizza is big enough for two people to share, and they also have affordable house wines 45-65 pesos.
- Hours: 3pm-11pm Closed Sunday
- Map: Click here Av 30 between Calle 24 & 26
- Click here for the menu
Complete Best Restaurants In Playa del Carmen List
Street Food in Playa del Carmen
There are three main areas where you can find street carts selling all kinds of local eats. You’ll almost always find someone selling Al Pastor tacos along with tortas, empanadas, tamales, and other tasty things. Always find one that is busy with locals to make sure the food is good and the street food is safe!
Locations:
- Around the Mega Super Market: 30th & Constituyentes av – Map
- In the park off of Juarez between 15th & 20th – Map
- 38th and 30th next to Aki Super Market – Map
Things To Do In Playa del Carmen & Day Trips From Playa del Carmen
1. Visit Mayan Ruins
The Yucatan was once the home of the Mayan empire, and ruins can be found all over this part of the world. Several of the Mayan sites make great day trips from Playa del Carmen.
Chichen Itza
The most famous of all of Mexico’s Mayan Ruins is the Chichen Itza site. Now considered one of the 7 wonders of the New World, Chichen Itza’s highly symmetrical main pyramid is worth the trip. This site, for good reason, gets busy every day. Beat the crowds and the heat and get there early.
- Hours: 8 am-4:30 pm daily*note. Chichen Itza is in a different time zone than Playa del Carmen part of the year. Check before visiting
- Map: Click here
Coba Ruins
Coba sees fewer tourists than Chichen Itza and Tulum ruins, and you can actually still climb some of the structures. Coba is way less crowded and makes for a great day trip from Playa del Carmen as it’s a lot more than Chichen Itza, but you can easily make a day trip that hits all of the Mayan ruins in one day.
- Hours: 8 am-4:45 pm daily
- Map: Click here
Tulum Ruins
Perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins are some of the most picturesque. Although the ruins themselves may not be as impressive as other Mayan Ruins in Mexico, the aqua waters and the white sand beaches below make up for it.
The ruins at Tulum will have the most tourists out of all the Mayan ruins due to their location. Tulum ruins are the 3rd most visited site in all of Mexico and the most visited site in the Yucatan. We’d suggest going right away in the morning not only to beat the crowds but the heat.
- Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily
- Map: Click here
2. Swim with the Sea Turtles in Akumal
About 45 minutes south of Playa del Carmen is Akumal Bay which is home to a healthy Leatherback sea turtle population. It’s just about guaranteed if you snorkel here, you will see turtles. Every time I go I see turtles within the first few minutes of swimming.
Related Article: Grand Palladium Riviera Maya
How to get there: You can drive yourself here if you have a rental car parking is 50MXP, and it’s a short walk from the parking lot to the beach.
Public Transportation: There is also public transportation to reach Akumal Bay and swim with the turtles. Head to the collective taxi stands on Calle 2 between 15th and 20th Avenues and find the ‘collectivo’ vans heading to Tulum.
You will have to wait for them to fill up, but it will only take a few minutes. You can tell the driver you want to get out at Akumal, and they will stop there for you, $35MXP each way per person.
Related: Best Places & Things To Do In Riviera Maya
After you exit the collective taxi, walk on the walking bridge over the highway toward the beach. A short walk leads you to the parking lots and stores. From there, follow the signs and others heading to the beach at Akumal.
Catch the same vans back. This time on the beachside of the highway. Look for a Taxi with “Playa Centro” sign in the front window, that’s the one you need. The taxi will drop you off in the same place you started from.
- Cost: Free to swim, $15 to rent snorkel gear, and additional cost to have a guided tour (unnecessary, in my opinion)
- Map: Click here
3. Visit the beaches of Tulum
As beautiful as the beaches are in Playa del Carmen, the beaches in Tulum are even nicer and less crowded. A trip down the coast to Tulum makes for a great day trip from Playa del Carmen. There are tons of things to do in Tulum. We suggest making a whole day trip or two out of it.
Finish the day and watch the sunset at one of our favorite beach bars, which is actually a treehouse high in the air above the beach at Mateo’s Restaurant (Map to Mateo’s).
4. Swim in the Cenotes
A cenote is a natural sinkhole that is a result of collapsed limestone that has exposed underwater rivers. There are an estimated 7,000 cenotes in Mexico. The best-known cenotes are large swimming pools.
The water in cenotes is super clear and not only great for swimmers but divers as well. Many cenotes have underwater cave systems for divers to explore, Cenote Calavera is great for divers. Here are our favorite cenotes nearby Playa del Carmen.
Dos Ojos
This cenote is famous for its long swim-through that connects to other parts of the massive cave system. The name Cenote Dos Ojos translates to “Two Eyes Cenote” which is likely because it is two sinkholes, each 70 meters in diameter, connected with a 400-meter passageway.
Dos Ojos has the deepest known underwater cave passage at 118 meters in depth, making it a great spot for divers but also a great spot for snorkelers as well. El Pit Cenote is one of the best cenotes for diving.
- Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily
- Map: Click here
Ik Kil
One of the most beautiful cathedral open-top caves is Ik Kil, just a few minutes away from Chichen Itza. These two pairs are great together as a day trip, but many people do this, so an early start will help you avoid massive crowds in the afternoons. There is also a 20’ platform to jump into the pool here as well.
- Hours: 8 am-5 pm
- Map: click here
Jardin del Eden Cenote
Only 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen is Jardin del Eden cenote, which translates in English to “the garden of Eden.” This cenote is different than most cenotes as it is open and has a lush green surrounding area, super clear water, and a 12-foot jump for cliff jumping (great for snorkelers).
- Hours: 7 am-5 pm closed Saturday
- Map: click here
5. Spend an afternoon in Valladolid
This pretty little Spanish colonial town makes a great stop on the way to Coba. Valladolid is a nice place to stretch your legs and get a bite to eat. Park the car in the Plaza Francisco Canton and just wander around the surrounding streets.
6. Visit the pink lake and Flamingos of Las Coloradas
If you like road trips, the 3-hour drive from Playa del Carmen to Los Coloradas is for you. This gorgeous drive on desolate highways will end at empty beaches, sand dunes, a pink lake, and flamingoes (November-April).
7. Visit the Island of Cozumel
Playa del Carmen is one of the best places to reach the island of Cozumel. About 15km from the shores of Cozumel island. It’s best to rent a car in Cozumel. The island is small but big enough you’ll want a car for the day.
Insider tip: Buy only a one-way ticket so you can choose when you want to return to Playa del Carmen. Also, don’t buy tickets from anyone on the street. Buy them at the ferry terminal. Click here for our Cozumel Ferry guide, and ticket prices compared.
Related Article: 3 Things To Know Before Renting a Car in Cozumel
8. Visit Xpu Ha Beach
Only 25 minutes south of Cancun is Xpu Ha Beach, which, if you ask us, is the next Tulum. There is a gorgeous white sandy beach, chill restaurants & bars, fun and cheap beach bars. It’s a great place to spend the day if the beaches in Playa del Carmen are too packed.
Insider Tip: Avoid the weekends. The beach is twice as busy due to locals off on the weekend. If you do come on the weekends, get here before 1130 a.m.
Related Article: Isla Holbox – Skip Tulum Head Here
Best Beaches In Playa del Carmen:
The entire length of Playa Central and Playacar is a nice white sand beach with aqua blue water, but there are some spots that are better than others. Several spots on the beach are quite rocky, other parts of the beach are eroding, and some parts are places for boat docking.
The best piece of beach in Playa Centro is from the large pier on Constituyentes Street north to 46th street. This is a nice long section of beach with lots of beach clubs, and the beach is generally clean and well taken care of.
From the pier south to the other pier, there are many problems with the beach eroding, and it is not nearly as pretty as the other side. North of 46th Street, the beach comes to a rocky end with a restaurant on the end.
On the south side of the large pier on 2nd (Cozumel Pier), this is where Playacar starts, and the beaches in this area of town are nice deep beaches and are generally clean and quiet.
Our Favorite Beach Clubs In Playa del Carmen:
If you are staying off the beach, you can still enjoy the beach from a lounge chair with a drink in hand.
Mamita’s – One of the largest and most fun beach clubs in Playa del Carmen is the ever-popular Mamita’s. Most days, there is a DJ playing music, and it’s known for its fun party atmosphere. Mamita’s is also host to a few major music festivals, including the massive BMP electronic music festival held every January.
- Hours: 9 am-6 pm daily
- Map: Click Here
Coralina – In front of the Grand Hyatt on the beach near 24th Street. Coralina is a new beach club with red umbrellas. The drink prices are similar to other places on the beach. We like it because it’s located just behind a nice piece of sand in a very central spot in the town.
- Hours: 11 am-7 pm daily
- Map: Click Here
Best Rooftop Clubs in Playa del Carmen:
More and more hotels and bars in Playa are opening rooftop clubs for the daytime. Several places around the city offer free use of the rooftop pool when having food or drink. Some have minimum daily spending in order to use the pool and to be at the club.
Be Roof – Located at the Be Playa hotel, just take the elevator to the roof. Free entrance and use of the pool and lounges with the purchase of food/drink, no minimum.
- Hours: 10 am-12 am daily
- Map: Click Here
The Palms – Located in The Palm At Playa hotel $500MXP minimum consumption per person to use facilities.
- Hours: 9 am-1 am daily
- Map: Click Here
Places in Mexico to Visit Before or After Playa del Carmen
If you’ve got more time to explore Mexico, there are some amazing places nearby you should check out. If you can’t it on this trip, consider them on your next trip. Make sure to check out some of our other Mexico articles to fuel your wanderlust.
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Nada
Tuesday 3rd of December 2019
This is a great Guide, Thanks for sharing this :)
Eric
Monday 7th of October 2019
Just wondering if the water is drinkable in Playa? Thanks
Adam
Monday 7th of October 2019
The water from the tap is not drinkable, the locals do not drink this water either. However, If you go to a restaurant and you are served water in a glass it is safe because it is served from a large purified water jug.
RJ White
Wednesday 12th of June 2019
One huge advantage to taking the ADO bus from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen is it's excellent wifi - so you can be online, for free, for the hour trip and not worry about if your data plan works in Mexico or not, when you need to communicate with your accomodation hosts or whatever. It's also very cheap, very comfortable, easy to find, no chance of getting scammed, and leaves multiple times per hour.
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Wednesday 12th of June 2019
Yes that is a great perk and way to pass the time on the hour drive to Playa del Carmen!