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Playa del Carmen

Cancún

A lively beach town an hour south of Cancún, built around the pedestrian Fifth Avenue, with ferries to Cozumel and resorts north and south of town.

Best for Nightlife · First visit · Budget

Transport
3/5
Sights
3/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
2/5
Food
5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$180/night · 75 min to Downtown Cancún

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Playa del Carmen on the map

Why stay here

  • Walkable town with restaurants and nightlife
  • Ferries to Cozumel
  • Close to cenotes, Xcaret and Tulum

Who should stay here

  • Couples and friends
  • Nightlife lovers
  • Travellers exploring the Riviera Maya

Not ideal if…

  • You want quiet beaches in town
  • You want to be near Cancún's airport
  • You want a remote feel

What it's like

Playa del Carmen centres on Quinta Avenida, a long pedestrian street of shops, restaurants and bars a block from the beach. Ferries cross to Cozumel for diving, Playacar's resorts lie to the south, and quieter beach hotels line the coast north of town towards Playa Xcalacoco.

It's a great base for exploring the Riviera Maya, with cenotes, Xcaret and Tulum nearby. The town beaches can be crowded, and sargassum seaweed can affect them in summer.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Quinta Avenida

    Pedestrian street of shops, bars and restaurants.

  • Calle 12

    Clubs and late-night bars.

  • Playacar

    Gated resort area south of the ferry pier.

Getting around

Nearest stations
ADO buses and colectivos along the coast, ferries to Cozumel, and the Tren Maya station outside town.
To Downtown Cancún
About 75 minutes
From Cancún International Airport (CUN)
About 60 minutes: ADO bus direct from CUN to Playa del Carmen.

Nearby attractions

  • Cozumel

    Ferry to the island for diving and snorkelling.

  • Xcaret

    Eco-park with underground rivers, just south.

  • Cenotes

    Freshwater sinkholes inland for swimming.

Where to eat and drink

  • Quinta Avenida

    Restaurants and rooftop bars.

  • Calle 12

    Clubs and late-night food.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Paradisus by Meliá La Perla

Why we like it: Adults-only all-inclusive resort at the north end of Fifth Avenue.

Typical luxury rate in Playa del Carmen: ~$500/night

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Luxury pick

Viceroy Riviera Maya

Why we like it: Adults-only villas with plunge pools in the jungle by the sea.

Typical luxury rate in Playa del Carmen: ~$500/night

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Luxury pick

The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences

Why we like it: Family-friendly beach resort north of town.

Typical luxury rate in Playa del Carmen: ~$500/night

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Hotels in Playa del CarmenMid-range from ~$180/night

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