Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, now one of Quintana Roo's largest cities, ranks right up there with Tulum as one of the Riviera's trendiest spots. Sitting coolly on the lee side of Cozumel, the town’s beaches are jammed with super-fit Europeans. The waters aren’t as clear as those of Cancún or Cozumel, and the sand isn’t quite as powder-perfect as they are further north, but still Playa grows and grows.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Punta Esmeralda
Playa del Carmen
Emerald Point has become a favorite beach among Playa del Carmen locals, set on the northern edge of the city. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm…
Parque Los Fundadores
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Here, kids can…
Parque la Ceiba
Playa del Carmen
Two blocks west of the highway, this pretty park has play areas for kids, shady picnic spots and walking trails as well as activities such as movie…
Quinta Avenida
Playa del Carmen
Restaurants, bars, stores and craft stalls line a 2km stretch of this busy pedestrian thoroughfare.
Museo Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen
This 'museum' is mainly info about Kahlo rather than displays of her artwork. It's also small. But if you're looking for something to do on a non-beach…

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Top picks from our travel experts

Secret ruins, underground caverns, night markets and more to do in Playa del Carmen

Curated by Nellie Huang

Río Secreto
Playa del Carmen
Hike and swim through a 1km-long underground cavern 5km south of Playa del Carmen. Some aspects are hyped, but there is a lot that is just plain awesome.
La Cueva del Chango
Playa del Carmen
The 'Monkey's Cave,' known for its fresh and natural ingredients, has seating in a jungly palapa setting or a verdant garden out back. Service is friendly…
Punta Esmeralda
Playa del Carmen
Emerald Point has become a favorite beach among Playa del Carmen locals, set on the northern edge of the city. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm…
Parque Los Fundadores
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Here, kids can…

10 fun experiences in Playa del Carmen that don’t cost a penny

Curated by Nellie Huang

Parque Los Fundadores
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s most iconic park is bordered by the famous Quinta Avenida on one side and by a popular local beach on the other side. Here, kids can…
Parque la Ceiba
Playa del Carmen
Two blocks west of the highway, this pretty park has play areas for kids, shady picnic spots and walking trails as well as activities such as movie…
Punta Esmeralda
Playa del Carmen
Emerald Point has become a favorite beach among Playa del Carmen locals, set on the northern edge of the city. Here, a shallow cenote provides a calm…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Things to Know

Our guide features important things to know before your visit to Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, including safety tips, etiquette and more.

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Day Trips

Here are the top day trips from Playa del Carmen – and how to do them – so you can hit the road and check out the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula.

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Money and Costs

We give you the lowdown on how to enjoy the best of Playa del Carmen on the Rivera Maya without breaking the bank.

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Free Things to Do

We round up the top 10 free things to do in Playa del Carmen so you can stay and play for longer.

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