Are you looking for the best things to do in Playa del Carmen? You are in the right place!
Less than 45 minutes drive from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, in the Riviera Maya (Yucatan Peninsula), is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and one of the best places to spend a few days at the end of your Mexico road trip!
I have been there many times – using it as a base to explore the rest of the Riviera Maya, or to simply chill at the end of a trip to Mexico (and you know I have been there many times) and each time I enjoy its incredible offer of attractions.
Home to fabulous beaches and easy access to some of the best cenotes in Mexico, the city is perfectly geared to cater to tourists. Playa del Carmen is safe, and you will find a great selection of hotels, restaurants, and plenty of shopping opportunities.
If you plan to spend a few days in Playa del Carmen at the end of your trip, this post is for you! Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Playa del Carmen!
To plan your trip to Playa del Carmen, you should also read my post How To Get From Cancun To Playa Del Carmen.
33 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen Mexico
Browse the stores along 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen
Quinta Avenida Norte, or “Fifth Avenue,” is one of the things to see in Playa del Carmen.
It is also one of the main thoroughfares in Playa del Carmen, the town’s busiest street. Here, you’ll find many shops, restaurants, bars, and other amenities. It’s always an exciting place to walk, soak up the atmosphere, and engage in a spot of people-watching.
It’s also a great place to go if you want to pick up some souvenirs – there’s a whole selection of stores selling trinkets and various artful objects that make for great gifts. And when you get hungry, simply take your pick from the wealth of eateries along the street.
Soak up the sun at the best beaches in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the premier tourist destination on the Caribbean Sea, and one of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula is to enjoy the beaches in Playa del Carmen.
There are many beaches, some connected and others more spread out. It’s easy to find the best spot for you and spend an entire day or week soaking up the sun here!
Playacar
Playacar is considered a more exclusive beach and usually much less crowded. It’s just past the ferry to Cozumel, where Quinta Avenida ends. You can walk here by taking a right at the ferry dock to Cozumel and past Senior Frogs.
The beginning of the beach is usually pretty crowded, but you can walk 5-10 minutes along the beach and enjoy a more isolated experience.
Mamitas Beach
This is the beach directly in front of Mamitas, around the middle of 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen. It’s usually a little more crowded here, but it’s the best stretch of white sand beaches. You can also grab a cocktail from Mamitas or even a small appetizer.
You don’t have to rent a car or cabana to enjoy the beach if you don’t want to. Many people set up their towels in front of the beach club or just next to it.
Playa 88
Playa 88 is past Quinta Avenida and is much more of a local hangout spot. It’s about halfway between the end of Fifth Avenue and Punta Esmeralda (another popular beach further out).
It takes about 30 minutes to walk here from downtown Playa del Carmen, but it’s well worth leaving the confines of Fifth Avenue to experience something different.
There aren’t any restaurants or stores here, though sometimes locals walk the beach selling small snacks and drinks.
Kick back at Playa Punta Esmeralda
There is no denying that hanging at the beach is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, and Punta Esmeralda is just the perfect place for that if you want a unique experience.
This beautiful beach is a hidden gem – the place to come where you can come to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Caribbean Sea away from the crowds. Playa Punta Esmeralda is a white sand beach favorite with locals, families in particular, thanks to the shallow, calm waters and pristine beach.
It’s also free to enter Playa Punta Esmeralda, and it’s usually quite easy to find a spot on the sand to stake out for the day.
Easily walkable from Downtown, there’s also a coastal cenote with warm, shallow water perfect for simply lounging around (and great for children). There are also food vendors for when hunger calls.
Hideaway at Playa Maroma
Playa Maroma is located outside downtown Playa del Carmen, about a 20-minute drive. This is more of an exclusive beach, with few crowds and an incredible atmosphere.
There’s no doubt between the incredible scenery and jungle canopy backdrop, it’s one of the best beaches in Mexico.
To visit Playa Maroma, you’ll have to stay at one of the few hotels there, get a day pass at Maroma Beach Club, or join a guided tour that includes admission onto the beach.
Visit the Museo Frida Kahlo Playa Del Carmen
This small museum is dedicated to the life and art of one of Mexico’s most famous artists, Frida Kahlo. One of the less touristy attractions in Playa del Carmen, the Museo Frida Kahlo explores the work of Frida, who was born in 1907.
Inside, the museum presents her life in chronological order with photographs and illustrations, along with the origin stories behind many of her works of masterpieces. Information here, helpfully, is in both Spanish and English.
While it’s not cheap for Mexico (admission is $15 USD), it’s perfect for art lovers who want some respite from the beach.
Cool off at a rooftop pool
If you want to take a break from the sandy beaches and salt water, a rooftop pool is perfect for an afternoon in the sun.
Many resorts and boutique hotels along the beach have great views of the Caribbean ahead and the city behind. While some are only for guests, others allow visitors to buy a day pass to spend an afternoon sipping on a cocktail by the pool.
Alessia Dayclub at Thompson Hotel is one of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen, with an unbeatable view. The pool club is trendy, with great photo-taking spots, lounge chairs, and a poolside bar.
While Thompson Hotel is an incredible resort, you don’t have to stay there to visit Alessia Dayclub. They offer day passes for anyone who enjoys the beautiful pool and rooftop views.
Take photos at the 3D Museum of Wonders
The 3D Museum of Wonders is another fun activity while visiting Playa del Carmen, and it is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains.
The 3D Museum of Wonders is precisely as you’d imagined, filled from front to back with impressive 3D art and interactive exhibits. You can take pictures with the artwork that plays tricks with your mind, perfect for your next social media post!
The museum is right off Fifth Avenue, so getting there from anywhere is easy. It’s 10th Street with 10th Avenue, just a short walk from the beach.
See the sculptures at Parque Los Fundadores
Situated just outside the ADO bus station on 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen is the wacky Parque Los Fundadores. Translating to “Founding Fathers Park,” this place features a whole host of colorful, eye-catching sculptures that twist and turn on a backdrop of the sea.
One of the most visited sculptures at Parque Los Fundadores is the Portal Maya – over 50 feet high, this arched sculpture is a meeting place and makes for a striking photo opportunity, too.
Just coming to sit in this park, you’ll be entertained by the artful goings on of the sculptures – there are food carts, so you can pick up snacks as you take it all in.
In the evenings, there’s a cultural show here, as well.
On Sundays, the nearby church means the area gets busy with families. In the center of the park, a bandstand hosts musical performances. There’s also a children’s playground here, which is good to note for families.
Try some local cuisine
Like most places in Mexico, you can’t go far in Playa del Carmen without seeing a food vendor; there are plenty to try out. Each one sells snacks like empanadas and tacos.
You’ll never be far from somewhere selling something mouthwatering, but it’s not always a small vendor – there are many authentic restaurants to try out, too.
Among many, one example is Los Aguachiles, a local eatery that serves a wide variety of seafood – specifically delicious are its smoked fish tacos. Foodies should not miss out on local food in Playa del Carmen. For the best tacos, you’ll have to wait in line at El Fogon.
Check out my post, What To Eat In Mexico, for a more detailed explanation of the best foods.
Check out the underground river at Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto, as you may be able to tell from its name (literally “Hidden River”), is an underground river. But it’s more than just about the river itself.
Here, visitors can explore the incredible subterranean landscape of this limestone cave system, which features an array of dazzling stalactites.
Amazingly, it was only discovered in 2004 when a farmer happened upon the caves when an iguana he was chasing ran into the caves’ entrance (true story, apparently). Divers have since explored the caves, a popular eco-tourism destination.
While a tourist attraction today, Rio Secreto was once used for various religious rituals by the ancient Maya civilization. It’s one of the top things to see in Playa del Carmen.
This Cancun/Playa del Carmen: Tickets to Rio Secreto and Lunch is an excellent guided tour of Rio Secreto that includes transportation from Playa del Carmen, all necessary equipment and safety precautions, and a bilingual guide.
Take a stroll around Parque La Ceiba
When you want a break from the beach and the bustling crowds of Fifth Avenue, one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen is take a stroll through Parque La Ceiba.
It’s nice and shady for a picnic on a warm day – an ideal spot for those on vacation with their children, a colorful place to play and learn about the natural world.
There are even classes for children to learn about the environment and recycling. While this happens, grown-ups can enjoy a beverage at the park’s cafe.
There are also special events throughout the year, including movie screenings and yoga classes. Parque La Ceiba hosts an artisanal market every third Saturday of the month where Mayan communities sell various crafts.
Cool off in a cenote
Playa del Carmen is perfect for hitting up a cenote or two, as it’s near some of the best cenotes in Mexico.
There are plenty of these bejeweled sinkholes practically a stone’s throw from the city itself, ranging from open cenotes exposed to the sky, so you can swim in the open air, to underground cenotes where you can explore a cave system and enjoy a subterranean swim.
There really is no shortage of great cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
Cenote Azul is an open cenote that’s great for families. Close by, there’s another open-air cenote, Cristalino, with its dazzlingly clear turquoise waters. There’s also Cenote Jardin del Eden, a large slice of bright blue water in the middle of a lush green jungle. These are a simple taxi or colectivo ride away, too.
If you rent a car in Mexico, you can travel down the “Ruta de los Cenotes” near Puerto Morelos. It’s about 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, but no public buses go down the road.
The “Cenotes Route” has dozens of incredible cenotes, ranging from small caves to large multi-cenote sites. It’s a great day trip from Playa del Carmen, as well.
Swim with sea turtles at Akumal beach
Akumal Beach is about halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It’s easily one of the best beaches in Mexico – with powdery white sand, rimmed with palm trees for shade, and incredibly clear, shallow waters. What’s even better is that after a short swim from the shore, you can spot sea turtles!
To visit the beach and swim with turtles, you can join a guided tour departing from Playa del Carmen or simply take a colectivo and – unless you have your own – rent snorkeling equipment once at the beach. Guided snorkeling tours departing from the shore are also available.
You can also swim at Akumal Beach without going on a guided snorkel tour, but it’s not as good. Much of the beach is roped off and only accessible with a tour to protect the sea turtles and keep the area from getting overcrowded.
I recommend this Quintana Roo: Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtles & Cenote Day. It is the perfect option if you want to combine several fun things to do in Playa del Carmen into one exciting trip! The tour gives you plenty of time to explore the Tulum ruins, swim with sea turtles, and even a cenote.
Learn about Maya culture at Playa del Carmen Archaeological Site
The Yucatan Peninsula is renowned for its proliferation of Maya ruins and historic sites, and the area surrounding Playa del Carmen is no different. While you’re here, you should learn about this ancient civilization at the Playa del Carmen Archaeological Site.
Also known as the Playacar Mayan Ruins, this site may not be ticketed or have much information, but it’s still a fascinating insight into Mayan life in Playa del Carmen.
The ruins here have a calm atmosphere, surrounded by nature and wildlife. If you don’t have much time for a day trip to a larger Mayan site, this compact complex of crumbling structures is easy to discover.
Try a temazcal ceremony
A temazcal ceremony is an old Mexican ceremony that involves sitting in a sweat lodge with health, therapeutic, and cultural connections. The ceremony lasts around two hours and is led by a local shaman or temazcalero (spiritual leader).
Playa del Carmen isn’t the most cultural place in Mexico, unfortunately. One of the major downfalls to some is the city primarily caters to tourists, which has partially resulted in the city’s decline in culture and heritage.
But a temazcal ceremony is one of the best ways to experience ancient Mexican culture and feel more connected to this unique heritage. Many temazcal ceremonies are just outside of Playa del Carmen or Tulum, often in the jungle, creating a close tie to the jungle and nature, making the experience even better.
This Night Mayan Temazcal Purification Ceremony is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen at night. This tour that takes you a bit outside of the city includes the entire ceremony, including the Mayan steam bath and a purification ritual led by a shaman. You’ll also go swimming in a cenote, which is also an important part of Mayan culture.
Go parasailing
For something a little bit different from exploring Playa del Carmen at ground level, how about trying out some parasailing? It’s easily one of the most fun things to do in Playa del Carmen! Water sports are very popular in this part of the Yucatan Peninsula, but with parasailing, you glide above it all through the sky and soak up unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea.
A whole host of companies and tour operators can provide the parasailing experience – just make sure you go with a reputable company that comes highly reviewed or recommended.
You could opt for a simple 10-minute ride in the sky to liven up a day at the beach. Alternatively, you could choose a package that gives you time at a beach club before you’re strapped in and flown back to your starting point.
I recommend this Riviera Maya: Parasailing Tour with Beach Club Access. It is a professional and fun parasailing tour around Maroma Beach. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, all equipment, and access to Maroma Beach Club.
Sip on cocktails at Mamitas Beach Club
If you want something chic and upscale in Playa del Carmen, you should head to this trendy hangout. Mamitas Beach Club is a hotspot for high-end hanging out, around three blocks from 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen. This is where people come to relax – and party – on the sand.
Here, you’ll get a slice of a private beach with white sand and sea views while DJs spin a soundtrack of chilled electronic music.
There’s also waiter service direct to your lounger and a clubhouse with a restaurant and other amenities. There’s a VIP area with a swimming pool and luxurious loungers for even more exclusivity.
Soak up the art at Gaston Charo Gallery
For more art in Playa del Carmen, you should make a beeline for the Gaston Charo Gallery. This small and local gallery, tucked away on a side street just off Fifth Avenue, is the place to get a grip on the artistic creativity in the region.
Displaying everything from photography and paintings to sculptures and jewelry, this primarily modern (think cubist and surrealist) collection showcases a series of colorful, striking pieces from various local artists.
If you find something you like, you will be pleased to know that you can also purchase art pieces here.
Rent a bike and ride around
Another fun way to see the most of Playa del Carmen is to rent a bike and explore 10th Avenue. There are several bike rental shops in downtown Playa del Carmen, but the easiest way to do it is with Biciplaya.
You’ll find Biciplaya stands scattered all over Playa del Carmen. The bikes are affordable, and there are pick-up and drop-off stations in all major city center areas.
If you rent a bike, stay in the tourist areas and away from the highway. The further you get from Fifth Avenue, the more chaotic the roads are.
I recommend sticking mainly to the bike path on 10th Avenue, which parallels 5th Avenue. You can ride it down and away from Playacar and the Cozumel ferry.
Once you pass Avenue CTM, you can hop back down to Fifth Avenue (you can’t ride on 5th Avenue until this point) as the shopping avenue becomes more desolate past this point.
Try to stick to the designated time limits, as it gets more expensive when you go over. If you plan to have the bicycle longer, you can head to a new Biciplaya station and swap it out for a new one.
Go ziplining or rafting at Xplor
For adrenaline junkies, visiting Xplor is what to do in Playa del Carmen for an adrenaline fix. This jungle-based adventure park boasts a whole load of exciting activities, allowing you to have a jam-packed day surrounded by nature.
From flying across jungle canopies to exploring subterranean rivers on a kayak or even taking to the water on an amphibious vehicle, you will have the best time here.
Since it’s close to Playa del Carmen, it’s easy to pack all the activities into your day. The entrance ticket is an all-inclusive pass, which means you’ll have access to all the activities. It includes food and beverages, so you’ll be completely covered for a comprehensive day out.
I recommend this Playa del Carmen: Xplor Park All-Inclusive Entry Ticket – You can buy your tickets ahead of time to save yourself some trouble.
Go paddle boarding
Playa del Carmen is one of the best places in the Yucatan Peninsula for paddleboarding because of the calm waters. The crystal clear waters and beautiful view of Playa del Carmen from out on the Caribbean make it a beautiful experience.
Aloha Paddle Club is the most popular place to rent paddleboards. Several groups go out every day, including a sunrise and a sunset session. They also give brief lessons for beginners before the trip.
Aloha is located right on the beach at Fusion Bar & Grill, a great spot to grab lunch or a drink after a few hours of paddling around.
Sunrise and early mornings are the best time for paddling, as the waters are usually very calm and tranquil. Sunset is one of my favorite times for paddling, but the seas can be choppy.
I also recommend this Riviera Maya: Luxury Catamaran Sailing Trip with Lunch – While you can paddle right from the shore in Playa del Carmen, you can also hop on a luxury catamaran tour for a cruise around the Caribbean Sea and paddle boarding out in the open ocean. This excellent boat tour includes paddle boards, lunch, transportation, snacks, and snorkeling.
Go on a boat tour of the Caribbean Sea
One of the best ways to truly experience the Caribbean is with a boat tour. There are many departing near Playa del Carmen, making it a great starting point for some ocean adventures.
There are many kinds of boat tours, including sunset cruises, snorkel tours, scuba diving expeditions, and catamaran cruises.
I recommend a snorkeling boat tour, as these can take you to some amazing reefs and give you a chance to swim with sea turtles or spot other fun marine life.
I recommend this 4-Hour Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Puerto Aventuras. This is one of the best catamaran tours leaving from Puerto Aventuras, near downtown Playa del Carmen. The tour sets aside one hour for snorkeling, one additional hour for swimming and lounging, and an excellent BBQ lunch onboard the boat.
Swim with the whale sharks
Whale shark season in Playa del Carmen is from May to April. June to September is the optimal time to swim with whale sharks.
Whale sharks are gentle giants that migrate near Playa del Carmen for about half the year. They are harmless with a diet that mostly consists of plankton and small fish. You can jump in the water with a guide, swim alongside them, and watch them in all their beauty.
Whale shark tours live in different areas, but most live around Cancun. However, you can easily organize a boat tour to the whale sharks, including transportation.
Swimming with a whale shark is easily one of the unmissable things to do in Playa del Carmen and a bucket list experience worth the full-day adventure.
I recommend this Whale Shark Tour from Cancun and Playa del Carmen – If you happen to be in Playa del Carmen during whale season, this is one of the best whale shark tours you’ll find. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a bilingual guide, a tasty lunch, water and snacks, and all snorkeling equipment.
Go scuba diving
Playa del Carmen is a paradise for certified divers and an excellent place to get certified if you’ve ever considered it!
The dive sites are endless, and there’s a little something for everyone. You can have a mellow day diving near Playa del Carmen, learning and exploring the nearby waters. You can also take a day trip to Cozumel and snorkel at the beautiful, fast-paced reefs.
Finally, you can try something completely different and dive into one of the cenotes. This is a scary experience at first, but every diver should consider it. It’s not technically a cave dive, as you don’t need a special cave certification, but it certainly feels like it.
I have gone diving with Jaguar Divers and would recommend it. I’ve done several ocean and cenote divers with them and have enjoyed every single one. They don’t cut any corners and prioritize safety and enjoyment.
Otherwise, I recommend this Local Dive in Playa del Carmen – This is one of the most fun and educational local dives for certified divers in Playa del Carmen if you want to book a tour instead of contacting a dive shop on your own. It includes a brief summary and explanation of the marine ecosystem in the Riviera Maya and two incredible ocean dives.
Explore the galaxy at SAYAB Planetario de Playa del Carmen
Set in a striking modern building, this place is one of the more off-the-beaten-track things to do in Playa del Carmen. The SAYAB Planetarium plays host to a variety of multimedia presentations on the awesome subject of the cosmos.
If you want to escape the heat for the day or have something different to do with your evening, this planetarium should be on your to-do list.
Interestingly, SAYAB features shows that specialize in cenotes, too, as well as other diverse topics related to the region, so make sure to check out the schedule beforehand. Most of the programs are in Spanish, but there are also regular offerings in English.
Visit the Tulum Archaeological Site
For the most impressive Mayan Ruins at easy driving distance from Playa del Carmen, head to Tulum ruins. Once known as Zama, or “City of Dawn,” Tulum served as the port city of the more important Coba.
Some of the structures – i.e., the 13th-century watchtower – directly overlook the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the small beach below the ruins makes for a nice addition.
I recommend this Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archaeological Tour with Lunch – This is a fantastic tour that includes a guided trip to Tulum ruins, Coba ruins, and a nearby cenote. It’s a long day but a fun adventure.
Spend the day at the Archeological Zone of Muyil
Muyil is one of the earliest Mayan sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the longest inhabited.
Located just over an hour from Playa del Carmen in the Sian Kaan Reserve, this archaeological site spans 38 hectares of jungle and ruins and is crowned by the Castillo Pyramid. Soaring up to 57 feet, this pyramid is the highest on the Maya Riviera.
There are various intriguing ruins in this adventurous jungle setting, many of which can be reached on foot. It takes around an hour to walk around and take in most of the visible sites.
There’s also a lagoon here, called Muyil Lagoon, connected to the rest of the complex via boardwalk. Here, you will also find a lookout that boasts breathtaking views of the lagoon and over the dense jungle.
You may want to consider this From Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour – This is the best tour from Playa del Carmen to Sian Kaan Reserve. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, lunch, snacks, drinks, and all entrance fees.
Party at Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo is a dance club and entertainment show with great music, a free flow of drinks, and a mesmerizing acrobatic show that resembles Cirque du Soleil. The show also portrays many well-known pop culture references, like The Mask and Beetlejuice.
The show lasts about three or four hours, and tickets include an open bar and even some snacks.
This is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen at night for partiers, spring break tourists, and anyone else. I went to the show and didn’t drink a thing, and I still had the time of my life.
You can buy your ticket for the Playa del Carmen: Coco Bongo Nightclub Experience in advance, so you don’t have to wait in line or worry about entry during your travels!
Dance Salsa
Salsa is a Latin dance that blends Cuban dances like mambo and rumba with American dances like swing and tap. It’s a really fun dance, and Mexico is one of the best places in North America to get your groove on.
There are many places to dance salsa in Playa del Carmen. Walking along 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen after dark, you might notice several bars hosting open dances out front with live music.
It’s also a great place to take salsa or bachata lessons, as there are a lot of dance teachers, interest from locals and tourists, and a lively nightlife.
Don’t know how to dance? This Playa del Carmen Salsa or Bachata Lesson from Playa del Carmen is the perfect one-hour lesson for salsa or bachata for beginners. After the quick lesson, you’ll learn all the beginner’s steps and be ready to take the stage with some of the most basic moves.
Escape the rain at Plaza Las Americas
Plaza Las Americas is the most popular indoor mall in Playa del Carmen. It’s not a popular tourist destination, but it can be one of the most fun things to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains during the wet season or if you’re looking for traditional mall comforts.
Plaza las Americas isn’t anything special, so if you’re not a fan of malls, it won’t be worth your time. But it does have a nice movie theater, with great prices and even freshly cooked comfort foods, and plenty of showings in English.
It’s also an excellent spot for families. There are places to rent large, ridable dinosaurs, which is a big hit with the kids.
Again, you don’t have to go out of your way to visit the mall. But it might be a good idea if it’s raining too much, or you just want all the comforts of a traditional mall food court and shopping.
Take a day trip from Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the perfect location for day trips. You can venture to some of the many nearby Mayan ruins, visit other cities and small towns, or explore one of the islands off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cozumel
Cozumel is the best day trip from Playa del Carmen, and fortunately, it is also very easy to get to on your own.
The ferry terminal is right off Fifth Avenue, near the entrance to Playacar Beach and Senor Frogs. The trip takes about 45 minutes, and the ferry is comfortable.
Most people visit Cozumel from their cruise ships as they pass by, but there’s more to discover than a cruise stopover can allow.
You can snorkel or scuba dive on part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world); there are hiking trails to explore nature here; and there’s also, surprisingly, street art in the form of the Sea Walls project, which aims to liven up the urban structures on Cozumel.
I recommend this Cozumel VIP Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling 3 Reefs Tour – This incredible snorkeling tour around Cozumel takes you to all the best spots. The tour includes all necessary equipment, a snorkel guide, water, soft drinks, and beer.
Read my post, The Best National Parks In Mexico.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is another small island near Playa del Carmen and Cancun. It’s only a 45-minute car or bus ride from Playa del Carmen and a quick ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres has a charming downtown area and one of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa Norte. The beach is characterized by its turquoise waters and warm and long stretches of soft sand.
In addition to enjoying the beautiful beaches, you can explore the island on a golf cart, visit the easternmost point in Mexico, and take a boat to an uninhabited island, Isla Contoy.
If you don’t have a car to get to Cancun (where ferries to Isla Mujeres travel from), I recommend this Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options – This incredible full-day tour visits both Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy from Playa del Carmen. This is an excellent day trip, with an open bar, gourmet lunch, and plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and swimming opportunities.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen. It’s the most well-known Mayan site in the world and comes with so much fascinating history and architectural accomplishments that will leave you speechless.
Chichen Itza is about two hours from Playa del Carmen, and there aren’t any direct local buses that go there. However, many tours, taxis, and private shuttles will help you make the journey.
Once again, if you don’t have a car you should consider this Chichen Itza, Cenote, Valladolid Day Trip with Lunch – This is the easiest and most reliable tour from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza. The full-day tour includes several hours exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, time to swim in a cenote, and a few hours for the town of Valladolid.
My post A Complete Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza will give you more insights into visiting this stunning archeological site.
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