Mexico · Region
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the Riviera Maya's most walkable beach town, built around the pedestrian spine of Quinta Avenida where boutiques, cenote tours and Caribbean sand all sit within a few blocks of each other. It also doubles as the region's transit hub, with the Cozumel passenger ferry and buses toward Tulum and the inland ruins all departing from the same compact downtown core.
Top-rated things to do in Playa del Carmen
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Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
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Plan your trip to Playa del Carmen
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Frequently asked questions about Playa del Carmen
How do I get to Playa del Carmen?
Most travellers fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN), roughly 68km to the north, then take an ADO bus or private transfer down Highway 307, a trip of around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic and stops. A newer option is the Tren Maya rail line, which now connects a station near Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen in under two hours.
How many days should I spend in Playa del Carmen?
Two to three days covers the town itself, its beach clubs and Quinta Avenida, with an extra day if you want to add a cenote excursion or the short ferry hop over to Cozumel.
What is Playa del Carmen known for?
Playa del Carmen is the Riviera Maya's most walkable beach town, built around the pedestrian spine of Quinta Avenida where boutiques, cenote tours and Caribbean sand all sit within a few blocks of each other. It also doubles as the region's transit hub, with the Cozumel passenger ferry and buses toward Tulum and the inland ruins all departing from the same compact downtown core.