About Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a resort city along the Caribbean Sea in the southeastern state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is part of the municipality of Playa del Carmen, and is around 68 kilometers away from Cancun. As of 2020, the city's population was just over 304,942, making it Quintana Roo’s second-largest city after Cancun.
Places to visit in Playa del Carmen
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Tulum Ruins
Historic · 37 mi from centreA walled Maya site perched on a cliff above a turquoise beach south of Playa del Carmen. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the tour buses, and bring a swimsuit for the beach below.
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Fifth Avenue
NeighborhoodThe town's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars a block back from the beach. Eat a few blocks off the strip for better value and more local food.
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Cozumel
Nature · 18 mi from centreA large island across the channel, famous for coral reefs and some of the best diving in the Caribbean. Fast passenger ferries leave from the Playa del Carmen pier throughout the day.
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Xcaret Park
Entertainment · 4 mi from centreAn eco-theme park with underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, and a large evening show about Mexican history and culture. Plan a full day there and stay for the show.
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Xel-Há
Nature · 28 mi from centreA natural inlet turned into a water park where you can snorkel, float down a river, and swim with fish. Use reef-safe sunscreen, since regular sunscreen is banned to protect the water.
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Dos Ojos Cenote
Nature · 29 mi from centreTwo linked sinkholes leading into one of the world's longest underwater cave systems, with crystal-clear water and light beams. Bring a snorkel mask and arrive early, before divers and tour groups fill the pools.
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Akumal
Beach · 22 mi from centreA calm bay south of Playa del Carmen known for sea turtles feeding on the seagrass. Snorkeling is allowed only in marked areas, often with a guide, so follow the rules to protect the turtles.
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Coba
Historic · 43 mi from centreA Maya city spread out in the jungle with long ancient roads and one of the tallest pyramids in the region. Rent a bike at the entrance to cover the distances between the groups of ruins.
Things to do in Playa del Carmen by type
201 tours, tickets and experiences across 13 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 67 experiences 3 Cenotes Tour: Cavern, Semi-open and Open Cenotes -
Amusement Parks 30 experiences Aqua Nick® Nickelodeon™ Water Park - with Optional Transfers -
Day Trips & Excursions 27 experiences 2-Day Tour: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Royal Swim + Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise -
Art & culture 26 experiences Cenote Park Tulum: Quad Adventure with Mayan Trail and Mayan Ceremony - Adults Only Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 23 experiences Akumal Monkey Sancturary - Ticket -
Cruise & Water Tours 19 experiences 2-Day Tour: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Royal Swim + Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise -
Gastronomy & nightlife 17 experiences Authentic Local Gastronomic Experience in Playa Del Carmen -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 8 experiences Coba Ruins and Rio Secreto Tour -
City tours 3 experiences Discover Tulum Ruis & Muyil Ruins and Mayan Cenote with Lunch -
Shows, sports and special events 3 experiences Cozumel Adventure -
Travel Services 2 experiences Travel Internet Hubby eSIM - Mexico -
Classes 2 experiences Make Your Own Beer at Tulum Brewery -
Tour & activities 2 experiences Tour Xoximilco with Transport
- Over 6 hours 37
- 3-6 hours 23
- 1-3 hours 16
- Flexible 12
- Up to 1 hour 7
- Families 23
- Couples 14
- Youth 12
- Senior 9
- Families with kids 7
- Adult only 3
- Private 12
- Small group 8
- Wheelchair accessible 2
- Shore excursions 2
Top experiences in Playa del Carmen
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 201 available.
Isla Mujeres Tour by Catamaran with Snorkel and Lunch + Transfers
From $72 per adult
Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ - Ticket
From $93 per adult
Tour Xcaret Plus with transfer
From $160 per adult
Chichen Itza , Cenote with Lunch and Valladolid - Tour
From $57 per adult
Aqua Nick® Nickelodeon™ Water Park - with Optional Transfers
From $171 per adult
Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen with transfers from Riviera Maya
From $91 per adult
2 Xcaret Parks with Transfers and save 20% off - 1 park per day
From $161 per adult
Xcaret Plus Tour – Exclusive package!
From $200 per adult
Xcaret Plus Admission
From $166 per adult
Special Offer: Tour to Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid - Premier Service
From $142 per adult
Xplor Tour - with Transfer
From $165 per adult
Visit Tulum, Coba and swim in Cenote with lunch included
From $63 per adult
Best time to visit Playa del Carmen
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Playa del Carmen is February, when average daytime highs are around 82°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Playa del Carmen weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 86° 72° 50%
- Thu 22 Oct 86° 69° 98%
- Fri 23 Oct 83° 71° 72%
- Sat 24 Oct 84° 71° 69%
- Sun 25 Oct 87° 71° 67%
- Mon 26 Oct 86° 73° 54%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/CancunUTC−5
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Playa del Carmen
These are the airports closest to central Playa del Carmen. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PCM Playa del Carmen Airport1 mi (1 km) from the city centre
Getting around Playa del Carmen
Because the layout of downtown Playa is a rectangular grid, getting around is very easy.
On foot
Playa is pedestrian friendly town and you can basically walk to everything. The heat may be a problem, however. The main north-south pedestrianized street, 5th Ave, does not allow cars except in the early morning hours for deliveries. On 5th Avenue are many hotels, restaurants, and small shops. The north-south thoroughfare Avenida 30, five blocks west of 5th Ave, is where the large stores are located. To walk from the town square, El Zócalo, and Avenida Juarez to Avenida Constituyentes takes only about 10 minutes.
By bike
A bike is a fun alternative to walking; there are a number of bike rental shops at the north end of 5th Ave. Bike paths exist on some streets but it seems to be totally random which ones get them and which don't. Where they exist, they are generally segregated from foot and motorized traffic and in a state of good repair.
By car
Car rentals are readily available at a number of locations at the north end of 5th Ave. Large companies, National, Hertz, etc. are convenient, as well as local agencies, which are generally less expensive.
Playa del Carmen travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Playa del Carmen is February, when average daytime highs are around 82°F and rain falls on about 9 days a month.
What is the weather like in Playa del Carmen?
August is usually the warmest month in Playa del Carmen, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 72°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 306 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen Airport (PCM) is the closest airport, about 1 miles (1 km) from the centre of Playa del Carmen.
What currency is used in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is Playa del Carmen in?
Playa del Carmen uses the America/Cancun time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Playa del Carmen?
Because the layout of downtown Playa is a rectangular grid, getting around is very easy.
What are the best places to visit in Playa del Carmen?
Top sights in Playa del Carmen include Tulum Ruins, Fifth Avenue, Cozumel and Xcaret Park. A walled Maya site perched on a cliff above a turquoise beach south of Playa del Carmen. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the tour buses, and bring a swimsuit for the beach below.
What are the top things to do in Playa del Carmen?
Popular experiences you can book in Playa del Carmen include Isla Mujeres Tour by Catamaran with Snorkel and Lunch + Transfers, Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ - Ticket and Tour Xcaret Plus with transfer. Destina Holidays offers 201 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Playa del Carmen?
The most popular types of experiences in Playa del Carmen are outdoor activities & adventure (67), amusement parks (30), day trips & excursions (27) and art & culture (26). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
