Getting Around at Playa del Carmen

Getting around town during your Playa del Carmen vacation is easy and affordable. You can travel by bus, taxi, scooter or rental car. The choice is yours.

Buses will be the most affordable mode of transportation during your Playa del Carmen holiday. Most tourist buses pull into Playa del Carmen off the highway at Benito Juarez Avenue and drive to the downtown bus station which is located right on Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue. The ferry docks to Cozumel are located close to the bus station as well. There are two bus stations. The one located on 5th Avenue is primarily for buses running up and down 307 from Cancun to Chetumal. The other bus station in Playa del Carmen is located at Avenida 20 and Calle 12, just behind the "San Francisco" supermarket.

Taxis are definitely the most convenient way of getting around at Playa del Carmen. Everything of interest is close to the many Playa del Carmen hotels and you can easily negotiate prices with your taxi driver. They even expect it!

Many vacationers rent scooters to get around at Playa del Carmen, but you should be very careful when renting them. Accidents are common, so it is suggested that you travel by taxi, bus or rental car instead.

Rental car companies are abundant and offer plenty of Playa del Carmen deals for vacationing tourists. You may want to do some searching online before your vacation to make sure you find the best rental car package.

Venture beyond your Playa del Carmen hotel and explore the island during your stay. It does not take long to acquaint yourself with the area. Most important of all, be safe and enjoy your vacation!

Playa del Carmen Restaurants and Bars

A Playa del Carmen vacation would simply be incomplete without a visit to the nearby restaurants and bars outside of the major Playa del Carmen hotels. What would a vacation be without a little adventure? The exotic cuisine and tropical drinks throughout the Mayan Riviera are guaranteed to excite your taste buds and create lasting memories!

Restaurants

Unless you’ve already been to Playa del Carmen, it’s hard to imagine the number of different restaurants that one can experience within a very short distance. Those who dare to tread away from their Playa del Carmen hotel buffet will find exciting dining adventures. Playa del Carmen restaurants offer food of every type and price range. Most menus in the tourist zone along Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue are usually in English and most waiters speak fluent English. Bottled water is also available in every restaurant, and most restaurants use bottled water for cooking.

The majority of restaurants on Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue or close to it are owned or co-owned by foreigners. By and large they mostly offer International cuisine and even the “Mexican Restaurants” are more International than Mexican. Reservations are not required in the majority of establishments, but you may want to book a table in advance.

So how does one recognize an authentic and official Mexican restaurant?  Well, nobody speaks English, the menus are all in Mexican, the place is filled with Mexicans and it smells delicious! To find authentic Mexican restaurants, simply walk up Juarez to 30th Avenue then walk North along 30th. Along the way you will start to see several odd and authentic restaurants.

As is the case in much of Mexico, the street food is also not to be missed. Simply walk south down Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue until you reach the pier and taxi stand. There are generally several carts serving tacos of various types. Every seafood taco is usually outstanding, along with the pollo, carnitas, and chorizo. Also, definitely try the stuffed poblano tacos! Tacos are typically in the $2-3 USD range. For the best and freshest tacos arrive mid-morning before the lunch rush as the carts are setting up.

Bars

There is no shortage of great bars in Playa del Carmen, many of which can be found right on the beach. Mexico is well-known all over the world for both its alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Playa del Carmen is tequila. Tequila, which is a Mexican drink, is extracted from the sap of the blue agave plant. This plant can be found in and near the area of Tequila, Mexico.

There are basically four kinds of tequila. Silver tequila has no added flavors in it, while gold tequila has an added caramel flavor. Tequila reposado has usually been aged for two months, while Anejo tequila has been aged for at least a year. All varieties of tequila are served in Playa del Carmen’s restaurants and bars.  Other popular Mexican alcoholic drinks include mezcal and pulque.

Popular non-alcoholic drinks in Playa del Carmen are fruit juices and exotic shakes. Being a tropical beach destination, cold fruit drinks are very popular with tourists. “Aguas frescas”, which are flavored waters, are also very popular. These are served in most restaurants in the area, especially along the beach.

The wide variety of exotic restaurants and bars in Playa del Carmen will surely make your Mayan Riviera vacation an unforgettable experience.  You may even want to try and recreate the Mexican food and drinks once you eventually get back home!

Playa del Carmen Shopping

Playa del Carmen vacations are all about relaxation, exotic food, amazing beaches, exciting nightlife, and of course, shopping! While shopping at Playa del Carmen, you’ll find an assortment of items such as local art, ceramics, glassware, Mexican Chocolate, and of course, tequila!

Mexican ceramics and glassware are certainly a local specialty. They combine the influences of pre-Hispanic, European, Arabic and Oriental cultures. The handcrafted ceramics have a unique quality that is appreciated worldwide. In Playa del Carmen, the most commonly found pottery, ceramics, and glassware are the red earthenware, Talavera, and the blown glassware. The red earthenware is relatively inexpensive, as well as the glassware, but expect to spend a bit more on a Talavera piece such as a mirror or sink. When shopping for local art, keep in mind that if you venture up the highway, there are plenty more bargains than if you stay in the tourist area in and around Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue shops.

Another specialty that you’ll find at Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue is Mexican Chocolate. It’s made from a dark, bitter chocolate that’s mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and occasionally nuts. The best chocolate is often purchased in “disks” although it’s also available in solid bars and syrups. Hot chocolate made from this delicious concoction is a local favorite and has been consumed as a beverage in Mexico for thousands of years. Mayan and traditional Mexican Chocolate can be found at most major markets and the 5th Avenue shops.

Last but not least, Tequila is certainly the one thing that makes everyone think about Mexico!  It’s used to create elaborate margaritas and also simple shots. For some people, it may remind them of things they never thought they would do in public like dancing on tables, singing with mariachis, and embracing total strangers!  You can learn the difference between añejo, reposado, white, and gold tequilas while on your trip. Make sure to also find out about that crazy worm found in mescal!  If you do indulge at any point in your vacation, make sure you have a ride back to your Playa del Carmen hotel.

If you’re not looking for local arts and crafts, chocolate or tequila, then there are plenty of other shopping options.  Trendy clothing shops, bikini shops, and high-class jewelry stores can be found throughout the shops at 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. In the past, you would have had to go all the way to Cancun to find souvenirs for your trip, but due to its growth, Playa del Carmen has established itself as one of the most interesting (and negotiable) places to shop in the world!

Ancient Mayan Ruins Near Playa del Carmen

A Playa del Carmen vacation would simply be incomplete without a visit to the nearby ancient Mayan ruins. The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, known for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as its art, architecture, and mathematical/astronomical systems. The Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen offer fascinating history, culture and adventure.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Only an hour from most Playa del Carmen hotels, the Mayan ruins of Tulum have one of the most breathtaking settings of any city past or present. This major Mayan ruin sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is also unique for a wall that surrounds the town on three sides. This wall averages seven meters in thickness and is three to five meters high. It also has an interior walkway, from where spears and rocks are believed to have been thrown. With the ocean on the forth side, Tulum could easily defend itself from potential enemies.

The ruins of Tulum are just north of the main town where one can find several restaurants and convenience stores for supplies.

Mayan Ruins of Chichén Itzá

The Chichén Itzá ruins, arguably the most impressive Mayan site on the Yucatán peninsula, is about three hours from Playa del Carmen. Its famous pyramid offers a challenging climb and a breathtaking view of the jungle. This ruined city has several hundred buildings; some have been partially restored and others are still covered with jungle vines and bushes.

Guided excursions to Chichén Itzá can be easily reserved through Playa del Carmen hotels.  Some of these Mayan Riviera excursions also include a visit to Valladolid and the Dzitnup cenote.

Mayan Ruins of Coba

The grand Mayan ruins of Coba reside less than two hours from Playa del Carmen beaches, and they are unique from other big sites in the Yucatán. Four natural lakes surround it, which is a rare sight in the Yucatán. These lakes gave the city its name, which means "waters stirred by wind". It is not as excavated nor reconstructed as Chichén Itzá or Tulum, but Coba still has a number of big structures surrounded by jungle growth, birds and monkeys.

It's not difficult to find your way around Coba, as there are signs pointing you in the right direction. It'll take you about 1 1/2 hours to see the groups of buildings that are open for visitors. The guides speak English, Italian, German and of course Spanish. Most of them are Mayan Indians with knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area, as well as the ruins themselves.

Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam

The Mayan city of Ek Balam is rarely visited but offers exotic temples and jungle. It's a bit off the beaten path since it's located about 20 minutes north of Valladolid. From local Playa del Carmen lodging, it's almost a 3 hour trip, which is best handled by car, but it’s a real treat for those into Mayan art and architecture.

You will need about an hour or two to see the site at a nice slow pace. There are authorized guides available, which is a great way to gain a greater understanding of this interesting site. There are also plaques with information in English, Spanish and Mayan in front of the more important structures. 

Playa del Carmen Weddings and Honeymoons

Imagine saying, “I do,” surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters, exotic jungles and the romance of Mexico’s ancient Mayan culture. Mayan Riviera weddings and Playa del Carmen honeymoons offer beautiful memories for that once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Wedding and honeymoon events can be easily arranged with the friendly hotel staff prior to your visit. Between events, you can relax in beautiful rooms or lounge on private balconies with breathtaking views. You can also take a romantic sunset cruise or stroll along a secluded beach. Try a free introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool. Go back in time and tour a nearby Mayan archaeological site. Explore ancient caves and underground rivers. Enjoy nearby Playa del Carmen shopping.  Sample fine Playa del Carmen restaurants or indulge in the exciting nightlife.  Whatever you do, Playa del Carmen has something special for everyone.

For couples that like their privacy, there are also full kitchens in the rooms, so eating in is very easy.  There are also washers and dryers in laundry rooms, so don’t worry about bringing enough clothes on your Playa del Carmen vacation. Simply wash, dry, and wear your favorite clothes while you’re here.

Peak season on the Yucatán takes place from December through April, with the Christmas and Spring Break holidays being the busiest time, but those couples that want to have fun in the sun shouldn’t care what time of year it is because the temperature in Playa del Carmen stays in the eighties all year long.  The warm waters of the Playa del Carmen beaches are open for year-round enjoyment.

Whether you decide to have a Playa del Carmen wedding or Mayan Riviera honeymoon, your expectations will surely be exceeded.

Playa del Carmen Adventures

Playa del Carmen vacations provide unforgettable adventures for couples and families. You can dive and snorkel on a coral reef, walk on a deserted white sand beach, or climb an ancient Mayan temple. There are also numerous secluded areas throughout the Riviera Maya region for romantic getaways. Playa del Carmen is the perfect vacation destination.

Playa del Carmen was originally a small fishing town, and it did not take long for visitors to realize that it had some of the loveliest beaches and natural attractions in the world. Tourism started with the passenger ferry from Cancun, an island across the Cozumel Channel. Many visitors found Cozumel’s turquoise waters amazing and realized that its seclusion provided an excellent place to avoid the crowds of Cancun.  Since then, it has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Playa del Carmen shopping can also be an adventure. Shopping activity centers on Quinta Avenida, or Cozumel’s Fifth Avenue, which is lined with hundreds of stores, bars and restaurants. Authentic Mexican food and exotic drinks are some of this area’s highlights. There are also many small boutique hotels on Fifth Avenue as well as on the beach. Bargains can be found on almost anything when shopping in this area.

Playa del Carmen hotels are usually very close to the popular attractions, pristine beaches and secluded retreats. They also offer some of the best amenities in the world. Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Caribbean Mexico and turn their vacation into an unforgettable adventure.

Playa del Carmen Holidays

Playa del Carmen is situated on the Yucatán Peninsula and is the site of several stunning resorts that are sure to please the most itinerant traveler. Just 50 km from the Cancun Airport, Playa del Carmen is Mexico’s best kept secret. This little gem has grown to be a favorite of those who truly know where to stay when visiting Mexico. From its humble beginnings as a sleepy little bedroom community to a world-class resort town in just a few short years, Playa del Carmen has everything anyone on holiday would need. The pristine, white sandy beaches are legendary for sun worshipping or engaging in every kind of water sport one can imagine. There are several five-star resorts suitable for families and those traveling for celebrations such as weddings and family reunions.

Peak season on the Yucatán takes place from December through April, with the Christmas and Spring Break holidays being the busiest time. But those who want to have fun in the sun won’t care what time of year it is, as the temperature in Playa del Carmen stays in the eighties all year long.

Golfing is another favorite in this resort town where world-class greens call out for an early morning tee time. Relax in the shade of a tropical palm tree or take stroll through the tropical forests that separate several of the major resorts from each other.

Those on holiday with the family will want to check out the inspiring and breathtaking Aquatic Expedition where visitors can snorkel in a jungle lagoon and visit not one, but two famous cenotes, (underwater sinkholes), and explore at their own pace. The Dolphin Discovery offers a dolphin swimming experience where you and your family will have the opportunity to receive all the affection of these tender and playful animals that always seem to smile and you won’t soon forget, and the Mayan Encounter offers explorers who dare the chance to climb the stairs of the tallest Mayan Pyramid in the Northern Yucatán.

Playa del Carmen holidays are best spent with those loved ones, so if holiday plans include the entire family, or a romantic getaway just for two, there’s plenty to see and do in Playa del Carmen on holiday.