Holiday in Playa del Carmen

City in Mexico — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇲🇽

Country

Mexico

Type

City

Best time to travel

November–April (dry season), January–March ideal

Budget/day

70–140 € (1.400–2.800 MXN)

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Cancun (about 11–12 hours), then 50 minutes by ADO bus or colectivo to Playa del Carmen.

About Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, once a sleepy fishing village on Mexico's Caribbean coast, has developed into the cosmopolitan heart of the Riviera Maya — with the perfect balance of Caribbean beach life, vibrant nightlife, and access to some of the most fascinating natural wonders of Yucatan. The Quinta Avenida, a five-kilometer-long pedestrian zone parallel to the beach, is the bustling center with boutiques, restaurants, street musicians, and bars. The cenotes, underground freshwater caves formed by the collapse of limestone ceilings, are Playa del Carmen's greatest natural treasure. Gran Cenote, Cenote Azul, and the cenote system of Sac Actun (the longest underwater cave system in the world) offer swimming and diving experiences in crystal-clear, turquoise water, surrounded by stalactites and vines — an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The island of Cozumel, reachable by ferry in 45 minutes, is one of the top diving destinations worldwide, thanks to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second largest in the world). Snorkelers also find enjoyment in the Arrecifes National Park. Xcaret, an eco-park south of Playa, combines snorkeling in underground rivers, Mayan ruins, and an evening show featuring 300 artists. The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is diverse: from rooftop bars with sea views to live music clubs and the legendary parties at Coco Bongo. The international expat scene has created a cosmopolitan culinary landscape — alongside authentic Mexican cuisine, you can find Argentine steakhouses, Italian trattorias, and vegan cafes. Tulum, with its Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, is just an hour south. Playa del Carmen is the perfect base for those who want to combine Caribbean vibes with culture and adventure.

Urban
85
Food
80
Nightlife
80
Relaxation
80
Beach
70

Top 5 highlights in Playa del Carmen

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Quinta Avenida

Five kilometers of pedestrian zone filled with restaurants, boutiques, street performers, and bars – the vibrant heart of the city.

2

Playa Mamitas

The most famous beach section with beach clubs, turquoise water, and perfect infrastructure for relaxation.

3

Rio Secreto

Underground river cave with stalactites and crystal-clear water – a unique natural experience near the city.

4

Ferry to Cozumel

45 minutes by ferry to the diving island of Cozumel – perfect for a day trip with snorkeling at the reef.

5

28 de Julio Park

Lively city park away from the tourist trail with authentic Mexican street food and family life.

Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
Kostenlose Stornierung
Bestpreis-Garantie
Hotels in Playa del Carmen vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Reise-SIM für Playa del Carmen

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Playa del Carmen

Recommended travel time

November–April (dry season), January–March ideal

Summer

Hot and humid, 29–34 °C, afternoon tropical showers

Winter

Warm and dry, 24–30 °C, perfect beach weather

How much does a holiday in Playa del Carmen cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

35–60 € (700–1.200 MXN)

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

70–140 € (1.400–2.800 MXN)

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

160–400 € (3.200–8.000 MXN)

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Playa del Carmen

Compare thousands of package holidays to Playa del Carmen and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

Compare package holidays now

5 travel tips for Playa del Carmen

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Prices are significantly cheaper away from Quinta Avenida – just one street over, you can find authentic Mexican food.

Book the Cozumel ferry early – the morning trip often offers dolphin sightings.

Visit Rio Secreto only with the official tour provider – access is limited to protect the cave.

At night, Calle 12 is the center of nightlife – from salsa clubs to rooftop bars.

Use reef-safe sunscreen – conventional sunscreen is prohibited at the beaches and cenotes.

Food & drink in Playa del Carmen

These specialties you must try!

Tacos al Pastor
Aguachile (spicy shrimp)
Tostadas de Ceviche
Tamales (corn dough pockets)
Michelada
Churros con Chocolate
Suitable for:BeachNightlifeShoppingDivingCaribbeanCosmopolitanFerry CozumelCulinary

Ready for Playa del Carmen?

Plan your Playa del Carmen holiday now with our free tools.

All destinations in MexicoAll destinations in North America