What to do in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen sits halfway between Cancún and Tulum and runs at a more Mediterranean pace. Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is a 25-block pedestrian strip of…
Top experiences in Playa del Carmen
- 2-Day Combo: Xcaret Plus & Xplor — from MX$5,362
- Coco Bongo — Royal Service — from MX$2,697 · 12% off (was MX$3,064)
- Playa del Carmen ATV Experience — Single Rider, Admission Only — from MX$1,471
- Playa del Carmen ATV Experience — Shared ATV, Admission Only — from MX$1,128
- 2-Day Combo: Xcaret Plus & Xichén Deluxe — from MX$5,231
- 2-Day Combo: Xcaret Plus & Xel-Há All-Inclusive — from MX$4,969
- Ek Balam Archaeological Tour — from MX$2,338 · 31% off (was MX$3,388)
- Tour Xcaret Plus (transportation included) — from MX$3,515
- Xcaret Basic Admission — from MX$2,436
- Chichén Itzá Express Tour — from MX$2,220 · 31% off (was MX$3,218)
- Show Only Experience | Be amazed by the Magic of Cirque du Soleil — from MX$1,606 · 25% off (was MX$2,141)
- Xel-Há All-Inclusive Tour — Transportation Included — from MX$2,697
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa del Carmen better than Cancún as a base?
For day trips, yes: it sits mid-coast, under an hour from both Cancún airport and Tulum, with the Cozumel ferry at the town pier. Cancún wins on nightlife scale and direct flights.
What can you do in Playa del Carmen in one day?
Morning snorkel or cenote, afternoon on the beach or Quinta Avenida, sunset at a rooftop bar. With an early start you can fit the Cozumel ferry for a half-day on the island.
How do you get around Playa del Carmen?
The center is fully walkable. For the coast, shared colectivos run constantly along the highway; tours usually include pickup.