The ULTIMATE First Timer’s Guide for Traveling to Playa del Carmen Mexico
Traveling to Playa del Carmen for the first time?
If you’ve never visited Playa del Carmen, Mexico (or anywhere in Mexico), the thought of travel planning might be overwhelming. However, by the end of this article, you’ll be pro about traveling to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
How do I know?! I lived in Playa de Carmen, and I’m going to tell you all my Playa del Carmen travel tips and insider info.
As one of the best beach towns in Mexico, “Playa” (as the locals call it), is also one of the best Mexico travel destinations.
Located on the Caribbean Sea, about 45 minutes south of Cancun and d45 minutes north of Tulum, Playa has something for everyone — Mayan ruins, swimmable cenotes, beautiful beaches and more.
Related Article: Best Way to Get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Ready to dive in and discover everything you need to know about Playa, including where to stay, play, tour, eat and drink? Let’s get to that, as well as answers to the top Mexico and Playa Travel FAQs, so you’ll have an epic trip.
Where is Playa del Carmen, Mexico?
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo state, which is one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is about 40 miles (64 km) south of Cancun and 40 miles (64 km) north of Tulum.
Playa del Carmen Map
Some of the best places to see in Yucatan Peninsula are also quite close, and easily accessible by rental car.
🚙💨 Want to rent a car in Playa del Carmen? I recommend, and personally use, Discover Cars! ▶︎ Book your Playa del Carmen rental car here.
These include Bacalar Lagoon, the “Maldives of Mexico,” located 170 miles south of Playa, the pueblo magico (magic town) of Valladolid, located 100 miles east, and the beautiful Colonial city of Merida, 175 miles east of Playa.
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What’s the closest airport to Playa del Carmen?
Wondering, Is there an airport in Playa del Carmen?
No — To get to Playa del Carmen you’ll have to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). It is located about 45 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
Using Cancun Airport is great because there are often multiple daily flights to/from this airport to most major cities.
Most direct flights from the U.S. often cost just $200-400 USD round trip.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen Shuttle
Traveling from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is easiest with this private shuttle transfer.
I always recommend Cancun Airport Transportation for this trip because of their great service and excellent ratings.
Keep in mind that there’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen, and no Uber in Quintana Roo state — so you can’t Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
OUR PICK
Cancun Airport Shuttle
In my personal experience, the most stress-free, hassle-free, fastest and safest way to go is private transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen ⤵
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Cancun to Playa del Carmen Bus
ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company, is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
You can take a bus straight from Cancun Airport to the main ADO bus terminal in Playa del Carmen on 5th Avenue.
Prices will of course vary, but figure about $200 pesos ($10 USD) for a one-way ticket, which you can buy online or at the airport.
From the bus terminal, just walk outside and grab a taxi to go to your Playa del Carmen accommodation. Make sure you already stopped at an ATM or have pesos on you, as taxis only take cash in pesos.
traveling to playa del carmen, mexico
Cancun Airport Car Rental
The easiest, most convenient way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen? A rental car, of course!
🚙💨 Need more info on Mexico car rentals and the whole rental process? Check out Renting A Car in Cancun: Everything You Need to Know.
This drive is about 45 minutes, and you’ll take Highway 307 (Carretera Cancun-Chetumal) south from Cancun to Playa. This is a paved, toll road, so make sure to have pesos for the tolls.
If you’re renting a car in Playa del Carmen, your best bet is to pick it up at Cancun Airport when you arrive. After you get it, you can drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
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Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Short answer: Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, it is safe to drive in Playa del Carmen and much of Mexico.
Longer answer: As a general rule, driving in Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula is considered safe. More specifically, the drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is also considered safe.
However, there’s the obvious caveat to that: You’ve likely never driven in Mexico before. Since you will be driving in a foreign country, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with Mexico driving laws.
Beyond that, you can ask the agent at your car rental company for advice, and check out these tips on how to drive in Mexico.
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Is there Uber in Playa del Carmen?
Wondering if you can take Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
No — At this time Uber is not legal anywhere in Quintana Roo state (it’s semi-legal in Cancun, but this a grey area). This also means there’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen itself, though there are plenty of taxis.
🚕💨 Playa del Carmen Travel Tip: In Mexico, you must agree on the fare before entering the taxi, as most taxis don’t use meters.
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Is Playa del Carmen safe for travelers?
Yes — For the vast majority of visitors, Playa del Carmen is safe. If you want a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Tourists?
Now, safety is a tricky subject! That’s because safety is a feeling, not a fact, and no place on Earth is 100% safe.
Though the main areas of Playa are considered safe for visitors, this is also a Mexico party destination. Of course, safety changes drastically when alcohol is involved.
However, as a general rule, Playa del Carmen and the Yucatan Peninsula are considered safe for the majority of travelers. Some say this part of Mexico is as safe as Europe.
You’ll want to follow the 10 General Travel Safety Tips below. These are the same ones you would follow when traveling anywhere on Earth.
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Is Playa del Carmen safe for solo travelers?
Doing some Playa del Carmen solo travel? Awesome — I also spent some time in Playa del Carmen as a solo traveler. It was safe for me, and in fact, solo travel in Mexico is safe for the majority travelers.
As I know I’m just one voice in this conversation, you’ll likely want to hear from others. Check out this first-hand account from Christine, another solo traveler who spent some time in Playa del Carmen.
She’s one of the solo female travel bloggers who contributed to the article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Amazing Destinations for Female Travelers. If you need more solo travel Mexico destination recommendations, head there.
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Do I need Mexico Travel Insurance?
Legally, you do not need travel insurance for Mexico. However, most travelers still buy it for an added level of security and peace of mind during these strange travel times.
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
I’ll be honest, when I first started traveling solo, I wasn’t insured. However, after years of solo travel, I wised up. Now, I even have a whole page of this website dedicated to travel insurance, because it’s just that important.
⭐️ World Nomads: General Travel Insurance
If Playa del Carmen travel safety is on your mind, get your free quote from World Nomads, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. Plans start at about $5-10 USD per day.
⭐️ Safety Wing: Digital nomad Travel Insurance
If you’re a digital nomad in Mexico or doing long-term travel, SafetyWing has amazing, inexpensive policies starting at just $45 USD per month. At that price, it’s a no brainer!
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What’s the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
Weather-wise, the fall/winter months of November-March is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen Weather
🥵 Playa del Carmen Travel Tips: Because of humidity, temperatures you see above can feel 5-10°F (2-3°C) higher.
Stay hydrated with this reusable Water-To-Go Bottle ▶ and use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your purchase.
This bottle, which I do own, has a three-stage water filtration system so you don’t get sick in Mexico on your Playa del Carmen vacation.
Located in the tropics, the weather is hot year-round, however, there’s much less humidity from November to March.
You’ll also have less (if any) rain, the mosquitoes won’t be as bad, and Hurricane Season will be over.
- Playa del Carmen Rainy Season: June-October
- Playa del Carmen Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30
- Playa del Carmen High Season, or Busy Season: December-March
- Playa del Carmen Low Season, or Slow Season: May-September
In March-April, Playa del Carmen spring break is in full swing.
The weather is still nice, but the vibe becomes much more about the party than the beautiful nature, Mayan pyramids and cenotes near Playa del Carmen. However, if you’re looking to party in Playa, this is a fun time.
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Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has some of the best beaches in Mexico, so staying close to the beach is part of what makes for an amazing trip.
(There’s even this hidden beach in Playa del Carmen 🤐)
The main street in Playa del Carmen is called Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, and many want to stay on or as close to this street as possible.
Fifth Avenue runs north-south, from the Muelle Playa del Carmen (ferry dock) on Calle 1 Norte (1st St. North), where you’d take the ferry to Cozumel Island, until about Calle 48 Norte (48th St. North).
Beyond here, it’s mostly residential neighborhoods and there’s not much to see or do.
In the main areas of 5th Ave. in Playa del Carmen, there’s numerous restaurants, bars, shops, access to the beach, and more.
It is a very lively street, both day and night, and staying near here makes Playa a very walkable place.
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Best Resorts in Playa del Carmen
This Mexican Caribbean beach town has some amazing resorts along one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Because of this, many head here to stay in a Playa del Carmen all inclusive resorts or one of the boutique hotels in Playa del Carmen — with some of the most popular choices highlighted below.
💎 Hilton Playa del Carmen All Inclusive
Formerly known as The Royal Playa del Carmen, and now owned by Hilton, this adults only mega-resort is the gold standard for a lush Playa beach vacation.
Enjoy an elegant atmosphere, all-suite accommodations, a spa and endless on-site dining options.
💎 Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
With three oceanfront outdoor pools, a spa, and architecture designed to resemble a cenote, the Grand Hyatt, located in Mamita’s Beach provides the tropical getaway of your dreams.
💎 Paradisus Playa del Carmen Resort
Enjoy luxurious seafront accommodations at this gorgeous resort. Paradisus La Esmeralda Playa Del Carmen is surrounded by a lush tropical mangroves with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and a water park for the kids.
Top 10 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
1. Take the Ferry to Cozumel Island
No visit to Playa del Carmen is complete without taking the 30-minute ferry ride to Cozumel Island. There, you can enjoy laid back vibes, beautiful beaches, Mayan Ruins, and snorkeling in Cozumel at the coral reefs.
Cozumel’s reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. This is the world’s second largest coral reef system, behind the Great Barrier Reef.
🎧 Cozumel Mexico Podcast: Need suggestions of things to do in Cozumel? Check out the Episode #06 of the Dream To Destination podcast with travel blogger Retha, who shares her best Cozumel travel tips.
At world famous Palancar Reef, just off the coast of Cozumel, you’re sure to spot all kinds of sea life — including colorful tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles!
There’s also the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, some of the coolest and best Mayan Ruins in Mexico.
⭐️ best cozumel tours
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2. Best Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen
There’s no shortage of Playa del Carmen beach clubs and beach bars — from the chill to the upscale.
Below are the three most visited and well-known beach clubs to spend the day, and sometimes even the night, enjoying on your Playa del Carmen trip.
🏖 Lido’s Beach Club
Head to Lido’s for food, music and good vibes. This chill beach club has a down to earth, locals feel, and plenty of beach beds to lay on during the day.
Google Maps | Address: Avenida 1 Norte Bis., Mz. 22, Lote 3, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
🏖 Mamita’s Beach Club
One of the more upscale Playa del Carmen beach clubs, head to Mamita’s to see and be seen with the trendiest crowd in town.
Google Maps | Address: Mza 10, Lote 8, Calle 28 Norte, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
🏖 Zenzi Beach Club
One of the best beachfront places to eat, dance and listen to live music in Playa del Carmen after the sun goes down.
During the day, Zenzi Beach Club has beds you can lay in as long as you’re ordering food/drinks.
Google Maps | Address: Calle 10 y la Playa, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
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3. Mayan Ruins Near Playa del Carmen
There are about 100 public Mayan archeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula.
While most don’t make it to all of them, there are some noteworthy Playa del Carmen Mayan ruins located less than 2.5 hours away from the city.
Below are the most visited and must see Mayan pyramids near Playa del Carmen.
🗿 Chichen Itza Ruins
As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, seeing Chichen Itza is high atop many travel bucket lists.
Located just under 2.5 hours from Playa del Carmen, you can drive there with your rental car, take the ADO bus from Downtown Tulum, or opt for this Chichén Itzá Tour.
🗿 Tulum Ruins
Tulum Mayan Ruins is a smaller site that’s conveniently located on the Tulum Beach Road, one of Tulum’s main roads.
These beautiful ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea, and make the perfect stop on a Playa del Carmen to Tulum day trip, or opt for the Tulum Ruins, Caves & Turtles Tour.
🗿 Coba Mayan Ruins
Coba Ruins is more like a whole Mayan city, versus a Mayan pyramid site. It is located deep in the jungle, about two hours from Playa del Carmen.
🦟 Mexico Travel Tips: When visiting Coba Pyramids, don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray, as it’s located deep in the Yucatan jungle.
If you’re having to choose Chichen Itza vs Coba, opt for Coba to avoid the Chichen Itza crowds. Also, you can climb the Coba pyramids and you can’t climb the pyramids at Chichen Itza.
🗿 Mayan Ruins Near Playa del Carmen
Like venturing off the beaten path? Some of the lesser-visited Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen include:
- Xel-Ha Ruins, a small site in Playa del Carmen
- El Rey and El Meco ruins in Cancun
- San Gervasio ruins on Cozumel Island
- Ek Balam ruins near Valladolid
- Muyil ruins in Tulum
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4. Take A Mayan Ruins Tour
The easiest way to see all of the Playa del Carmen Mayan Ruins sites and pyramids? On a group tour, of course!
Check out some of these amazing Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen you can visit with a group tour.
⭐️ Best PLAYA DEL CARMEN Mayan Ruins Tours
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5. See the Voladores at Founders Park
Parque los Fundadores (Founders Park) is home to the iconic Portal Maya statue, and the flying Voladores de Papantla performers.
During this ancient ritual from the state of Veracruz, four men swing from ropes down a 100-foot-tall pole (30.5 m). A fifth man stays on top, playing a drum and flute.
The voladores, or “flyers,” perform the ritual in this park several times throughout the day for donations and tips. Even if you don’t catch their performance, Parque los Fundadores is a great place to people-watch, shop and relax.
Founders Park is also located next to the dock where you’ll catch the Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry to go to Cozumel Island. If you’re taking any boat tours, they will also likely leave from here.
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6. Stroll La Quinta Avenida (5th Ave.)
Avenida Quinta AKA Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, is the city’s main street.
On this the walkable, pedestrian-only thoroughfare, you’ll find everything from bars, restaurants and cafes, to shops, massage spas and even a few museums — one of them is the Tequila Museum, but still 🤣
Day and night, 5th Ave. is the best place for people watching, whether you’re enjoying brunch at an outdoor cafe, or on a bench in beautiful Parque los Fundadores, there’s always something going on on Fifth Ave.
🛍 Best Shopping in Playa del Carmen
Fifth Avenue Playa del Carmen is where you’ll find little shops and boutique stores to pick up all the souvenirs you want to bring home with you.
Need a proper shopping mall in Playa del Carmen?
Head to Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall on 5th Ave. and Ave. Constituyentes, or Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall, located on the south end of 5th Ave., near the posh Playacar neighborhood.
💎 What is Playacar?
Playacar is a town located just south of Playa del Carmen, known for luxurious residences, golf courses and lavish resorts, like Playacar Palace All Inclusive Resort.
Beautiful Playacar Beach and the small Playacar Mayan ruins site called Xaman-Ha Ruins, draw visitors to Playacar, Mexico.
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7. Swim in the Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen
Scroll down for a list of the five best cenotes around Playa del Carmen, but let’s clear up some Cenote FAQs below, so you know what to expect when you visit. (If you want to jump ahead to the cenotes themselves, use this link.)
🤔 What is a cenote?
Cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays) are underwater sinkholes containing crystal-clear, warm, freshwater.
These unique jungle polls are only found in a few places on Earth, with about 6,000 cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the largest concentration anywhere.
We can see and swim in them because the limestone once on top of the water has collapsed and/or eroded to expose the water beneath.
Depending on how much limestone has collapsed, some cenotes are above ground like a swimming pool, some are partially open, like Ik-Kil Cenote, and some are in underground caves, like Rio Secreto.
💧 Best Playa del Carmen CENOTES
Mathilde Langevin via Unsplash)
Playa del Carmen has many cenotes to see within a short drive of town.
As they are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, the easiest way to see them is by driving your rental car, or taking a Playa del Carmen cenote tour.
💧 Cenote Calavera
Meaning “skull cenote,” the Calavera Cenote has three circular holes you jump in to access the water below.
This Instagram worthy cenote is super popular, and also somewhat small, so try and arrive early to beat the crowds.
📸 Playa del Carmen Travel Tip: Arrive to the cenotes by 9am if you’re hoping to get travel photos without the crowds — like I was able to do in this photo.
💧 Cenote Azul
Azul Cenote, meaning “blue cenote,” has many different pools to swim around in, and is sizable enough to make for a great Playa del Carmen day trip.
There’s a platform for adventurous visitors to jump into one of the deeper pools, which makes for a fun photo.
💧 Cenote Ik-Kil
Located not far from Chichen Itza pyramids and the pueblo magico (magic town) of Valladolid, you’ll find Cenote Ik Kil and Cenote Suytun, two of the most Instagrammable cenotes in Mexico.
With its hanging vines and semi-open dome top, it looks like a blue lagoon paradise.
💧 Gran Cenote
One of the most Instagram worthy cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Gran Cenote, meaning “big cenote,” is a larger site with several cenotes that meander along the jungle floor, connected to one another by wooden walkways.
💧 Cenote Dos Ojos
The name dos ojos means “two eyes” in Spanish, a reference to the two large cenotes connected by a 1,300-foot-long (400 m) cavern.
The Dos Ojos Cenote, known for great snorkeling visibility underwater in the caverns, is also considered as one of the best diving cenotes in Mexico.
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8. Take A Cenotes Tour in Playa del Carmen
The easiest way to see Playa del Carmen cenotes? On a group tour, of course.
Unless you have a rental car, this is really the only way to visit the cenotes. Check out the best Playa del Carmen cenotes tours below.
⭐️ Best Playa del Carmen Cenotes Tours
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9. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa del Carmen
Want to get your Frida fix in Mexico?
Head to one of the most popular things to do in Playa del Carmen, and one of the town’s only museums — the Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa del Carmen — dedicated to one of the most famous Mexican painters of all time.
👩🎨 Love unique museums? Don’t miss the 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen!
This stylish museum is located on Quinta Avenida (5th Ave.), and features interactive exhibits dedicated to the life of Mexico’s most beloved artist.
Note: They don’t always have her actual artworks on display.
Open daily, 9am-11pm. Admission is $300 pesos ($15 USD). Address: Calle 8, entre Quinta Avenida y La Playa, Gonzalo Guerrero, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77720
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10. Dine & Drink in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has a nice mix of upscale dining, and authentic Mexican food street eats. (Check out the complete Playa del Carmen dining guide below for restaurant recommendations.)
While tacos and Mexico go together like milk and cookies, tacos aren’t actually a Yucatan food. Don’t worry though — there are plenty of tacos in Playa del Carmen!
In Playa, you’ll also want to sample some traditional Yucatcan cuisine:
- Cochinita pibil: Pulled pork that’s slow roasted in an underground oven
- Panuchos: Tortillas with black beans inside them, used to make tacos
- Sopa de Lima: Chicken and lime soup
- Ceviche: Citrus marinated seafood)
- Lechon: Pork with crispy skin
- Marquesitas: Crepes with cheese and Nutella
Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen
Alux Playa del Carmen
The famous cave restaurant in Playa del Carmen! The colorfully-lit Alux Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen, known for grilled meats and fresh seafood dishes.
🍷🍽 Playa del Carmen Travel Tip: Make a reservation to eat at the Alux cave restaurant.
Address: Avenida Benito Juárez Mz 217 Lt 2, Ejidal, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
Porfirio’s Playa del Carmen
Located on 5th Avenue, this upscale restaurant is the place for surf and turf and a nice bottle of wine as you people-watch the crowds walking by.
Address: Quinta Avenida, Esquina Calle 12, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
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El Fogon (Best Tacos in Playa del Carmen)
🤑 Looking for cheap eats in Playa del Carmen? Look no further than El Fogon and La Cochi-Loca.
While not authentic to the Yucatan, tacos al pastor are the most famous tacos in Mexico. Try them at El Fogon, a popular place known for having the best tacos in Playa del Carmen.
Address: Avenida Constituyentes, Quintas del Carmen, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77720
La Cochi-Loka
Open day and late night, La Cochi-Loka is a Playa del Carmen hidden gem. Head there to sample the most famous food of all Yucatan cuisine, cochinita pibil.
They have tacos and panuchos, but opt for a panucho to eat it like the locals do.
Address: Calle 10 Norte 27, Calle Quinta Avenida 5A, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
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Las Hijas de la Tostada
The perfect low-key-yet-chic place for seafood tostadas and tacos, guacamole, ice cold beer and micheladas on famous 5th Avenue.
Address: Avenida Quinta con Calle 2 Norte, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77720
Marquesitas
These crepes, eaten with toppings such as chocolate and cheese, are a favorite nighttime sweet treat throughout the Yucatan.
You can find marquesitas (crepes) in Playa del Carmen from street vendors along Avenida Quinta (5th Avenue) after the sun goes down.
Best Bars in Playa del Carmen
Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen
🎟 Playa del Carmen Travel Tip: Coco Bongo is one of the most popular and unique things to do in Playa del Carmen at night, and often sells out.
One of the most famous Cancun bars, Coco Bongo also has a Playa del Carmen location.
This complete nightlife experience is part club, part Moulin Rouge-style cabaret show, and part Cirque du Soleil.
Address: Calle 12 Norte, Esquina con Avenida 10 Norte, Gonzalo Guerrero, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
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Cantina La No. 20
One of the best cocktail bars in Playa del Carmen! This chic restaurant/mixology bar is the place to see and be seen when getting your Playa del Carmen nightlife fix.
Address: Calle Quinta Avenida 310, Gonzalo Guerrero, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77720
Zenzi Beach Club & Bar
A beach club by day, Zenzi is the place for live music and salsa dancing in Playa del Carmen after the sun goes down.
Address: Calle 10 y la Playa, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
Bar Ranita (La Rana Cansada)
This local’s favorite feels more down to Earth than most Playa del Carmen bars. Enjoy beers and mezcal, then head next door to La Cochi-Loka for late night tacos and panuchos.
Address: Calle 10 Norte Bis 132, Calle Quinta Avenida 5A, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico 77710
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Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s global travel safety program, Safe Travels, has certified many Mexico travel destinations, including Playa, Tulum, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, as safe for travel.
To qualify for this program, countries must follow rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols.
You can also check the U.S. State Department and CDC websites for the most up-to-date information about traveling to Mexico right now.
traveling to playa del carmen, mexico
Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?
Passport holders from the U.S., Canada, UK, Japan and the Schengen Area (ie. most European passport holders) do not need a visa to travel to Mexico.
This applies when traveling to Playa del Carmen, and any city in Mexico.
If you’re coming from somewhere else, check here to see if you need a visa for Mexico.
Here’s the process to get your Mexico travel visa once you get to Mexico:
🎫 Mexico Visa Stamp
Some airports in Mexico are now offering a passport stamp in lieu off the paper FMM card. If you get the stamp, that’s all you need.
However, if you get the paper FMM card, have a look at the info below.
🎫 FMM Mexico Visa for Travelers
When you arrive in Mexico and go through Immigration line, you’ll receive a 180-day (6 month) FMM tourist card.
This is a small piece of paper that you need to hold on to so you can give it back to Immigration at the airport when you leave the country.
There is no charge for the FMM, but if you lose yours, it costs about $600 pesos ($30 USD) to replace it.
You’ll also need to arrive at the airport an extra hour early to fill out the lost visa paperwork.
🚨 In short: Don’t lose your FMM!
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What do I pack for Playa del Carmen?
As far as how to dress in Playa del Carmen, think flowy, tropical, breathable, cotton, and light-colored clothing that doesn’t show sweat.
Besides beach attire, you may want a light cardigan at night, but this is the place for your warm-weather wardrobe and bathing suits.
The Yucatan Peninsula has a hot/humid tropical climate, as you can see by the average yearly Playa del Carmen weather chart above, so don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen, eco-friendly mosquito spray and this reusable water bottle.
🧳 FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico
Wondering exactly what to pack for Playa del Carmen?
Download your FREE Printable Packing List for Mexico in the linked article — it covers what to pack for Playa del Carmen and other Mexico beaches, and packing for Mexico cities.
This multi-page Mexico packing checklist has everything you’ll want to bring, and more importantly, what not to bring to Mexico.
If you need some additional inspiration, check out these relates articles: Cute Outfits for Mexico, and Tulum Packing List.
Final Thoughts: Traveling to Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Once a quieter alternative to Cancun, Playa del Carmen is now nearly just as popular, and a Mexico travel destination in its own right.
For those looking for a resort style, relaxing vacation, there are many amazing Playa del Carmen all inclusive resorts for you to discover.
In recent years, Playa del Carmen has become one of the top Mexico digital nomad destinations, so there is a younger vibe to the town and plenty of opportunities to party!
In short, Playa del Carmen offers the quintessential beach vacation, and is one of the best beach towns in Mexico.