Playa del Carmen is located 42 miles south of Cancun on the Caribbean coast on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Playa del Carmen

The city spans both sides of the busy Carretera 307, with the main tourism services close to the coastline. Avenida Quinta, a couple of blocks inland from the waterfront, is the heart of the tourist zone. Playacar, which has a golf course and several all-inclusive resorts, is located just south of the ferry pier.

Because of it’s location on the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen is a year-round destination, making it perfect for all year round holidays.

Playa del Carmen has a long, wide town beach, but the more popular beaches are to the north off Calle 30. Several beach clubs with lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach beds and restaurants are located in this area, and water toys are readily available for hire.

Avenida Quinta

The beach really takes second place here, with the real action taking place around Avenida Quinta’s eclectic shops, restaurants and bars. Scuba diving and snorkelling tours to nearby cenotes (freshwater sinkholes), with cool and clear waters, are very popular. Some cenotes are part of larger cave systems with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.

The Maya temples at Tulum (81 miles south of Cancun) are best viewed in early morning before crowds cram the pathways and the tiny beach beneath El Castillo. Only one-third of the archaeological site of Cobá (30 miles northwest of Tulum) has been uncovered and jungle surrounds several groupings of temples and pyramids.

Xcaret eco park

There is lots for children to do in Playa del Carmen, including a giant eco park at Xcaret (50 miles south of Cancun). Not to be missed is the fascinating nightly folkloric dance show. Nearby cenotes and the fantastic caves at Aktun Chen are also a must see.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in Playa del Carmen, including authentic Yucatecan cuisine, sushi, ceviche, pastas, and Brazilian and Argentinian beef houses. Inexpensive local eateries and taco stands are found in the back streets of Playa del Carmen.