Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Beaches & Travel Guide
Playa del Carmen is the lively heart of the Riviera Maya — a walkable beach town built around Fifth Avenue, steps from the Caribbean, with cenotes, reefs and Maya ruins nearby.
Why visit Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen is the lively heart of the Riviera Maya — a walkable beach town built around Fifth Avenue (La Quinta), a pedestrian strip of shops, restaurants and bars just steps from the Caribbean. It is more relaxed than Cancún, with easy access to cenotes, reefs, Maya ruins and the ferry to Cozumel.
How to get to Playa del Carmen from the US
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) — the Caribbean's main hub, with direct flights from across the US — then it is about a 1-hour drive south by shuttle, ADO bus or private transfer. There is no airport in Playa itself.
Best time to visit
December to April is the dry, sunny high season. The hurricane season runs June to November, and sargassum seaweed can affect beaches, typically worst from spring through summer.
Top things to do in Playa del Carmen
Walk and dine along Fifth Avenue, relax on the beach, and swim or dive in nearby cenotes and the coral reef. Take the ferry to Cozumel (about 45 minutes), visit the theme parks Xcaret and Xplor, and day-trip to the Maya ruins of Tulum and Cobá.
Where to stay
Stay near Fifth Avenue and the beach for walkability and nightlife, in Playacar for gated resorts next to town, or at an all-inclusive along the coast.
Is Playa del Carmen safe for tourists?
Quintana Roo carries a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory, the same level as most of Mexico's main tourist destinations. The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's most visited tourist regions. Use normal travel precautions and check the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory before your trip.
Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen is the center of the Riviera Maya. The ferry to Cozumel takes just 45 minutes. Cancún is 68 km north. To the south, Bacalar and Chetumal await. Don't miss day trips to Chichén Itzá (2.5 hours) and Mérida. Check Playa del Carmen vacation packages.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Playa del Carmen?
On the Caribbean coast in the state of Quintana Roo, in the Riviera Maya, about 1 hour south of Cancún.
How do I get to Playa del Carmen from the US?
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN) and continue about 1 hour south by shuttle, ADO bus or private transfer; there is no airport in Playa itself.
What is Fifth Avenue?
La Quinta Avenida is Playa del Carmen's famous pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants and bars, running parallel to the beach.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April for dry, sunny weather. Hurricane season runs June to November, and sargassum seaweed can affect beaches, often worst in spring and summer.
Is Playa del Carmen safe for tourists?
Quintana Roo carries a Level 2 ‘Exercise Increased Caution’ advisory, the same as most of Mexico's top destinations. Use normal precautions and check the current US advisory.