The quirky charm of Playa del Carmen draws in travelers from across the globe in search of a relaxing beach getaway, spiritual enlightenment, vibrant nightlife or an escapist lifestyle.
Situated in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this colorful destination has the personality of a small beach town combined with endless dining and fun shopping. Playa del Carmen boasts an easy to reach location just one hour down the coast from Cancun, with ferry rides to the famous diving destination of Cozumel.
Dense green jungles and jaw-dropping Mayan ruins fill the surrounding region, making this city the perfect place to experience adventure with all the comforts of beachside luxury.
The heart and soul of Playa del Carmen is Fifth Avenue (or “La Quinta”, as the locals call it). This pedestrian street runs parallel to the beach, attracting travelers with colorful shops, luxury stores, quaint hostels and lively bars.
Renowned for its endless dining options, Fifth Avenue has so many restaurants that even experienced locals have a hard time visiting them all! Dive into a culinary journey with Yucatan fusion cuisine, handmade Italian pastas, burger joints, French cafes, extensive organic menus and even a few taco stands, all lined up along this laid-back avenue.
Shore line of Playa del Carmen
Tired from all that shopping? Just walk one block from Fifth Avenue to Playa del Carmen’s breathtaking beaches. Soft white sand and turquoise waters make the city’s coastline a heavenly hotspot for chic beach clubs and laid-back restaurants. Cool off in the calm waves or lie back on your lounge chair while looking out over Caribbean views with the island of Cozumel beckoning on the horizon. The occasional fishing boat creates a picturesque setting, and parasailing tours offer an unforgettable sky-high adventure.
You’ll come across an amazing variety of real estate in Playa del Carmen Mexico including permanent residences and vacation homes to choose from, ranging from upscale condos to dreamy beachfront villas. Playacar is one of the city’s most solicited neighborhoods, with a golf course, jogging paths, an extensive beach and homes to suit a variety of budgets, all just a few blocks away from the excitement of Fifth Avenue.
Giving in to the Playa del Carmen lifestyle means easy access to the charms of the Riviera Maya. Climb ancient Mayan ruins, swim through underground rivers, speed along jungle zip lines, snorkel alongside sea turtles and take a nap in the shade of your favorite palm tree during an unending vacation in Caribbean paradise. buyplaya.com
Where to Stay:
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Situated just outside Playa del Carmen on Xcalacoco Beach, this luxury eco resort is an idyllic retreat known for its large villas and surprising spa. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/rivieramaya
Royal Hideaway
Much more than a typical All Inclusive, this beach resort in Playacar features an unbeatable pool area along with plush guestrooms and villas for an upscale vacation. royalhideaway.com
Las Palapas
Discover a great location on 5th Avenue along with one of the area’s best white sand beaches. Charming bungalows, lush gardens and endless palm trees create a serene setting for your next getaway. laspalapas.com
Where to Eat:
La Casa del Agua
Beautiful open-air design and international cuisine can be found at this upscale restaurant on the corner of 5th Avenue and Calle 2, with a bistro, terrace and roof garden. lacasadelagua.com
ComoComo
Set on 5th Avenue near the popular Calle 38, ComoComo serves innovative Mediterranean cuisine and enticing seafood in a cozy modern ambiance. comocomo.mx
LunaMaya
This inviting second-story locale draws you in with a large balcony for outdoor dining. Savor signature Mexican dishes while surrounded by elegant yet contemporary style. lunamayarestaurant.com
What to Do:
Xcaret Combining Mexican culture and the wildlife of the Riviera Maya, this immense eco park has an underground river, a Mayan village, an aquarium, jaguars, a bird sanctuary, an hacienda, snorkeling, dolphin swims and an evening show that will blow you away. xcaret.com
Rio Secreto
Delve deep into the caves of Playa del Carmen with a guided tour through the area’s famous underground rivers, filled with beautiful rock formations. riosecreto.com
Personalized Ruins and Cenote Excursions
Escape the traditional guided tours with Yucatreks, offering a variety of exclusive trips to local attractions for small groups only. You’ll feel like you’re being shown around by a friend! yucatreks.com
World Class Golf
The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world and has become a desirable destination for Golf lovers from around the globe. Get the best discounts and tee times by booking through Tee’d Off Tee Times. teedoff.com.mx