Things to Visit in Playa del Carmen: Beaches, Ruins, and Cenotes
Get the most out of Playa del Carmen from its turquoise Caribbean beaches to ancient Mayan ruins and hidden cenotes. Covers beaches, day trips, nightlife, shopping, and the best local food.
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Beaches and Waterfront
Relax on Playa Mamitas beach
This central beach has beach clubs with loungers, music, and drink service. Expect to pay $20-50 for a daybed reservation at the popular clubs. Free public access is available between the clubs.
Snorkel or dive at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
The world's second-largest coral reef system runs just offshore. Snorkeling trips from the beach cost around $40-60 and typically last 2-3 hours. Book certified dive operators for deeper reef exploration.
Take the ferry to Cozumel island
Ferries depart from the main pier every 1-2 hours and the crossing takes 45 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost about $20. Cozumel has world-class drift diving, quieter beaches, and a more relaxed pace than the mainland.
Walk the Playacar beach toward the ruins
Head south from the ferry pier along the beach to reach the small Mayan ruins at Playacar. The walk takes about 20 minutes and passes increasingly quiet stretches of sand away from the crowds.
Watch sunrise from the beach
Playa del Carmen faces east, making it one of the few Caribbean-side Mexican beaches with direct sunrise views over the water. The best spots are near the Fundadores Park portal sculpture at the north end of 5th Avenue.
Cenotes and Nature
Swim in Cenote Azul
This open-air cenote is 25 minutes south of Playa and offers cliff jumping from 3-5 meter heights into crystal-clear water. Entry is around $5-10. Bring water shoes for the rocky edges.
Explore the underground Cenote Dos Ojos
One of the most famous cave cenotes in the Riviera Maya, with two connected sinkholes. Entry costs about $15-20 and includes life jacket and locker rental. The cave swim is otherworldly with stalactites overhead.
Visit the Rio Secreto underground river
This semi-submerged cave system with stalactites and stalagmites is a guided-only experience. Tours last about 75 minutes and cost $80-100 per person. The water temperature stays around 24 degrees Celsius year-round.
Spot wildlife in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
This UNESCO-protected reserve south of Tulum covers 5,280 square kilometers of wetlands, jungle, and coast. Boat tours through the mangroves spot manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. Full-day tours from Playa run $120-150.
Mayan Ruins and Culture
Day trip to Tulum ruins overlooking the Caribbean
These clifftop Mayan ruins are 45 minutes south and the most photographed archaeological site in the region. Arrive when gates open at 8 AM to beat tour bus crowds. Entry is about $5 and the beach below is swimmable.
Day trip to Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, about 2.5 hours from Playa del Carmen. The pyramid of Kukulkan is most dramatic during the spring and fall equinox when shadow serpents appear on the stairs. Arrive by 8 AM to beat midday heat and crowds.
Visit the lesser-known Coba ruins
Located 90 minutes from Playa, Coba's jungle-surrounded pyramids include Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan at 42 meters. Rent a bicycle at the entrance for $3-5 to cover the spread-out site efficiently. Far less crowded than Tulum or Chichen Itza.
Explore the Xcaret eco-archaeological park
Part theme park, part cultural experience, Xcaret offers underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, a jaguar island, and a spectacular evening show of traditional Mexican dance and music. Full-day admission costs $100-130. Buy tickets online in advance for 10-15% discounts.
5th Avenue and Shopping
Stroll Quinta Avenida, the pedestrian-only main street
This 20-block street runs parallel to the beach and is the main artery of Playa del Carmen. Shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers line both sides. The best section for local boutiques is between Calles 12 and 30.
Buy handcrafted souvenirs at the artisan market
The markets near Calle 8 sell handmade pottery, Mayan textiles, hammocks, and silver jewelry. Haggling is expected and you can typically negotiate 20-40% off the initial asking price. Quality varies widely so inspect items carefully.
Sample tequila and mezcal at a tasting room
Shops along 5th Avenue offer free tastings of local tequila and mezcal varieties. Learning the difference between blanco, reposado, and anejo will help you pick a bottle to take home. Prices range from $15-80 per bottle depending on age.
Food and Nightlife
Eat tacos al pastor from a street stand
Look for the vertical rotating spits of marinated pork on side streets off 5th Avenue. Street tacos cost $1-2 each and are served on small double corn tortillas with pineapple, onion, and cilantro. The busiest stands usually have the freshest meat.
Try cochinita pibil, the signature Yucatan dish
This slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote paste and citrus juice is a Yucatan specialty. It is traditionally cooked in banana leaves underground. The best versions are found at local fondas away from 5th Avenue.
Drink fresh fruit agua fresca from a market stall
These fruit-based drinks are sold at food stalls and small shops for $1-2 per cup. Horchata, jamaica, and limon are the classic flavors. They pair perfectly with spicy street food.
Experience the nightlife on 12th Street
Calle 12 between 5th and 10th Avenues is the main nightlife strip with clubs, live music bars, and rooftop lounges. Things get going after 11 PM. Cover charges at clubs range from free to $30 depending on the night and venue.
Take a Mexican cooking class
Hands-on classes start with a market visit to buy ingredients, then you cook traditional dishes like mole, tamales, and salsas. Classes typically last 3-4 hours and cost $60-90 per person including the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?
Four to six days lets you enjoy the beaches, visit cenotes, take day trips to Tulum and Chichen Itza, and explore the food scene without rushing. If you only have three days, focus on the beach, one cenote, and the Tulum ruins. A full week allows time for Cozumel, Sian Ka'an, and deeper exploration of the Riviera Maya.
What is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
November through April offers dry weather, warm temperatures around 27-30 degrees Celsius, and the best beach conditions. December through March is peak season with higher prices and bigger crowds. May through October is rainy season with afternoon showers, but mornings are usually clear and hotel rates drop 30-40%. Avoid spring break weeks in March if you prefer a calmer atmosphere.
Is Playa del Carmen safe for tourists?
The main tourist areas including 5th Avenue, the hotel zone, and Playacar are well-patrolled and safe for visitors. Use common sense: avoid isolated beaches at night, keep valuables in hotel safes, and use reputable transportation. Millions of tourists visit the Riviera Maya safely each year.
How do you get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen?
Cancun International Airport is about 55 km north of Playa del Carmen. ADO buses run every 30 minutes from the airport terminal and cost about $12-15 one way, taking 60-75 minutes. Private shuttles cost $40-60 and go directly to your hotel. Taxis from the airport are more expensive at $80-100. Renting a car gives flexibility for day trips but parking in Playa can be challenging.