Attractions and Hotels in the Playa del Carmen Area, Mexico
Mexico's recommended and bustling Caribbean Riviera Maya is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea in the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. This Riviera offers many attractions for travel and vacation and a variety of luxurious hotels and resorts, some of which are all-inclusive.
In the past, the main hotels on this Caribbean coast were concentrated in the Cancun area. With the success of Cancun as a resort and entertainment destination, the Mexicans expanded the Riviera south of Cancun to Playa Del Carmen. Today, this city is very touristy with many hotels covering all its shores, and its coastline is crowded with bathers. Anyone who loves a city bustling with entertainment sites, clubs, restaurants, bars, and lively beaches will find what they are looking for here.
The city of Playa del Carmen can be reached by a 50-minute drive south from Cancun International Airport.
♦ Book a private roundtrip transfer from Cancun Airport to a hotel in Playa del Carmen (from Viator):
Private Roundtrip Transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
The price is for a group of up to 7 passengers.
However, it seems that the construction and the too-rapid expansion of the city consumed every corner of nature that was here, and therefore the Mexicans decided that in the next hotels they build along the shores, they will insist on preserving the vegetation and the beautiful beaches that the coastline was blessed with. Therefore, the new hotels built outside the city in the coastal area (both south and north of it) were built with low buildings that would not damage the view and not right on the water line to avoid harming the important coastline. Between the hotel buildings, they preserved the natural vegetation and trees so that we, as hotel guests, as we strolled enjoyably on the paths to the beach, often encountered monkeys in the trees, many iguanas, beautiful birds, small mammals from the raccoon family, and even a deer! Undoubtedly, the Mexicans have learned to protect their important natural treasure.
Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Today you will find luxurious hotels and resorts, many of them on an "All-Inclusive" basis, which are hidden within the forests along the coastline.
I lived in and visited some of these hotels, toured their attractions, pools, beaches, restaurants, clubs, spas, and enjoyed everything I saw.
Royal HideAway Hotel:
There is no doubt this Riviera has a lot to offer tourists. Besides the hotels, there are also many attractions in the area for those who want action, which I will detail soon, but the hotels are so successful that my escort on a tour of one of the luxurious all-inclusive hotels told me that guests hardly ever leave the hotel because they have everything they need for their vacation right there.
Below is a description of several successful hotels in the Playa del Carmen Riviera.
♦ Recommended Hotels in the Playa del Carmen Riviera:
One of the leading and largest chains in the Riviera Maya is the Barceló chain, which has a large selection of high-quality hotels for every style and composition. From boutique hotels for adults only to huge resorts full of attractions, facilities, and pools for the whole family. Three particularly recommended ones are:
Occidental at Xcaret Destination
A five-star all-inclusive hotel located adjacent to the "Xcaret" natural water park, about a ten-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen. The hotel has an amazing beach, one of the best in the Riviera Maya. It is a lagoon with calm and clear water teeming with friendly fish. An ideal beach for swimming and snorkeling. The hotel has a selection of pools, including a special pool adjacent to the sea with salt water and a spectacular view. The hotel is located in the heart of the jungle with pastoral walking paths where you will meet a variety of animals on the way to the sea, pools, and restaurants. The hotel has 11 quality restaurants, 10 bars, a nightclub (all included in the price), sports courts, a kids' club, and a spa (for an additional fee). Guests staying at the hotel can purchase a discounted ticket for the duration of their stay to the adjacent Xcaret park. Every evening, various shows, demonstrations, and activities are held at the hotel.
A short video of the hotel's beaches:
Barceló Maya Grand Resort
A huge resort consisting of five different hotels, four of which are 4-star level and are all-inclusive:
Barcelo Maya Beach , Barcelo Maya Colonial , Barcelo Maya Caribe , Barcelo Maya Tropical .
The additional hotel is a 5-star level Barcelo Maya Palace .
The hotels are located in the Riviera Maya, about 10 minutes south of Xcaret, 20 minutes south of Playa. The resort is located next to a vast beach full of activities. Each hotel has its own lobby and reception, separate restaurants and pools, but guests of all hotels in this huge complex can use the facilities of the other hotels except for the Barcelo Maya Palace hotel, which is considered the most luxurious of all where all rooms are suites. Its guests can use the facilities of the other hotels in the resort, but guests of the other hotels are prevented from using its facilities. The variety of leisure options, entertainment, and activities for the whole family in the resort is enormous. Part of the huge complex is a luxurious shopping center, with restaurants, shops, and bars (including a modern and equipped sports bar with bowling). The pools are huge, with slides and wonderful facilities for children, there is of course a quality kids' club, mini golf, and theaters where shows are held every evening. The hotel offers free snorkeling equipment and kayak rentals to its guests. Dolphin shows are held daily in the resort (at no extra charge), and you can swim with dolphins (for a fee and by appointment). The hotel has a huge and impressive spa, including a magical spa for children entirely in pink and with a bubblegum scent (for an additional fee).
Royal Hideaway Playacar
A high-quality five-star all-inclusive hotel for adults only. Located in the Playacar area, considered the closest resort area to the center of Playa (south of the ferry pier). In this area are hotels of all the major leading chains. This branch of the Barcelo chain is particularly high-quality and indulgent. It is an elegant hotel in classic European design with an "infinity pool" on a successful beach in addition to another pool. With 6 luxurious and quality restaurants and bars. The hotel has a high-quality spa (for an additional fee). The hotel offers entertainment shows every evening including a dinner with a show once a week. Also, the price includes sports activities, including water sports.
THE PALM AT PLAYA
A small and quality five-star hotel in the center of Playa del Carmen. Two minutes from "Fifth Avenue", a few minutes from the beaches of Playa. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis only. On the hotel roof is a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant + another restaurant on the entrance floor, where the excellent breakfast is served. The hotel has a spa and a gym. The rooms are large, spacious, and well-equipped. Each room has a spacious balcony with a hammock. A suite with a bedroom and living room spanning 75 meters is particularly recommended. For families, there are suites with two bedrooms and a living room over 120 square meters designed for up to five people. The hotel has tropical gardens with seating areas. The price is attractive and the service is amazing! Throughout the hotel, including the rooms, there is free fast internet.
Particularly suitable for those who want to get high value for money, be in the "heart of the action" and travel in the area and not just vacation at the hotel.
Attractions in the Playa del Carmen Area:
At the attractions in the Playa del Carmen area, tourists from the many hotels in the area spend time, of course, but for the cruise lovers among you, it's worth knowing that Playa del Carmen is located right across from Cozumel Island: about a 45-minute ferry ride, and Cozumel Island is a main destination on the routes of cruise ships in the Caribbean. Every day, several ships arrive with thousands of passengers on each ship, and these passengers also travel and spend time at the destinations and attractions I will detail here that are in the Playa del Carmen area.
♦ Book recommended guided tours in Playa del Carmen (from Viator):
The City of Playa del Carmen:
Playa del Carmen is a bustling tourist city with many hotels of all types. The main street to walk on is a pedestrian mall on the street called "Fifth Avenue" (Quinta Avenida) which is parallel to the beach and close to it. On this street are many shops, stalls, restaurants, and bars. This street is located a few meters from the beach, which can be reached from any alley or street perpendicular to it.
Throughout the city, you will also find a variety of shops and restaurants from American chains. Many American tourists come here and some have even bought vacation homes here.
The Beach in the City of Playa:
At the beach, there is a narrow strip of soft and pleasant sand. Many lounge chairs and umbrellas belonging to the restaurants and hotels on the beach are spread along it. On the beach, there are plenty of water sport and leisure options: jet skis, parasailing, kayaks, etc. All along the beach and the street next to it, massages are offered.
At the southern end of the beach is a large pier from which ferries leave for the nearby island of Cozumel. Near the pier is a large square with two tall statues creating an arch over the square. Various street performances are held in the square from time to time.
Frida Kahlo Museum:
This is a nice small museum that presents the life and works (mainly her self-portraits) of the famous Mexican painter. Located on the main pedestrian mall, Quinta Avenida corner of Calle 8 Nte. The visit includes an audiovisual presentation. It is recommended to take a guide at the museum, which adds a lot.
3D Museum
Another cool museum loved by young people and photography enthusiasts (especially selfies) is the 3D Museum of Wonders, also located in the city center. In the museum are huge 3D pictures that you can take photos in as if you were right inside them.
Street Food Tour
For those interested in experiencing local street food tastings, I recommend a street food tour. On this tour, you will experience tastings from various food stalls in the streets of Playa del Carmen.
♦ Book a street food tour from Viator -
Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour
Lasts about 3 hours.
Nightclub
Playa del Carmen is known for its vibrant nightlife and therefore attracts many young people. It has plenty of clubs, with the most famous and popular of all being Coco Bongo, located in the center of Playa.
Show
A successful show in a huge hall north of Playa (between it and Cancun) is Joya by the famous "Cirque du Soleil" troupe, which combines acrobatics with music, dances, stunts, and effects, which has many shows in Las Vegas.
♦ Book the Joya show by "Cirque du Soleil" from Viator -
Cirque du Soleil JOYA Admission Tickets
Lasts about an hour and twenty minutes.
Video of the city of Playa del Carmen:
Underground Pools called Cenote:
The entire area of Playa del Carmen is rich in underground caves with underground pools and rivers connecting them. In some of the caves, there are beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and lighting has been installed in them.
There are also caves where the ceiling has collapsed, creating a pool open to the sky:
The water in these pools is clear and is a destination for swimming and snorkeling. Many tours to various attractions in the area combine a visit and swimming in one of these pools. The water is cool and refreshing. Each "Cenote" has its own uniqueness. Over 800 underground pools have been discovered in the area so far, and there are likely many more.
♦ Book a tour to swim in a Cenote (from Viator):
Hidden Cenote Swim: Snorkeling, Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch
Video about a Cenote:
Xcaret Water Park
This is the most popular and successful park in the area. It is located about a fifteen-minute drive south of Playa del Carmen.
A full-day trip to the Xcaret natural water park is recommended. The main attraction at the site is underground rivers where you swim for about forty minutes. The water is clear and cool, but the air is warm. This is a unique and enjoyable experience. Adjacent to the rivers is a lovely bay with soft white sand and very calm water dotted with yellow tubes, which anyone can sprawl on in the water, a real treat and serenity.
♦ Book an entry ticket for a fun day at Xcaret Park from Viator -
Xcaret Park Entry Tickets with Cultural Night Show Included
The beach (and the entire park) are full of rich vegetation and many coconut trees. Near the beach are dolphins that you can swim with for a significant fee. In the park are many other animals: iguanas, peacocks, monkeys, sea turtles, butterflies, birds, and more.
Various shows take place in the park during the day, but the most spectacular of all is the evening show including stunts, dances, and acrobatics. Do not miss this trip.
Xel-Ha Water Park
This is a natural water park with pools and a lagoon. You can snorkel, ride on tubes in a natural river. The site has Cenote underground pools, a zipline, bicycle riding, wall climbing, restaurants, and lockers.
♦ Book an entry ticket for a fun day at Xel-Ha Water Park from Viator:
Xel-Ha Park Admission Tickets-Food, Beverages & Open Bar Included
Xplor Park
Another successful park full of action and especially loved by young people and teenagers with a long and cool series of ziplines, driving special off-road vehicles, ATVs, underground rivers, and more. It is located between Playa del Carmen and Xcaret.
♦ Book a day trip and entry ticket to Xplor Park from Viator -
Xplor Park Day Trip with Lunch and Transportation
Includes lunch and includes transportation from hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Snorkeling on Cozumel Island
Ferries leave Playa del Carmen for the nearby island of Cozumel, there is a ferry almost every hour and the price is quite cheap. A trip to Cozumel Island, known for its variety of fish, is particularly recommended for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. You should reach the Fonatur marina in Cozumel from where 4-hour snorkeling trips leave twice a day. Lots of information about Cozumel in the article: Destinations and attractions on a trip to Cozumel
Buggy Off-Road Tours
A 3-hour tour in the forests with a buggy vehicle where you will be exposed to the flora and fauna in the forests with a professional guide. The trip also includes swimming in a Cenote underground pool. Pick-up from the hotel; the tour leaves from a site located 10 minutes from the city of Playa.
♦ Book an ATV tour and swimming in a Cenote from Viator:
Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit
Lasts 4-5 hours. Includes drink and snack. Includes pick-up from the hotel.
Pyramid Sites and Buildings from the Mayan Period:
Chichen Itza
The most famous and popular site of Mayan pyramids, highly recommended for fans of archaeology and ancient cultures. The site is located about a two-hour drive west of Playa del Carmen.
♦ Book a trip to Chichen Itza (from Viator):
Mayan Ruins in Tulum
Mayan ruins site located on the beach about 50 minutes drive south of Playa del Carmen. There is also a bathing beach at the site.
♦ Book a variety of tours to Tulum including swimming in a cenote:
A short video of Tulum:
Coba Ruins
An archaeological site with a pyramid from the Mayan period. You can rent bicycles at the site to reach the pyramid instead of walking on a long path in the forest. Located about an hour and a half drive southwest of Playa del Carmen.
To book from Viator: A trip to Coba combined with Tulum or a cenote:
A short video about Coba:
Location and Arrival
The city of Playa del Carmen can be reached by a 50-minute drive south from Cancun International Airport. Cancun airport is located only about a two-hour flight from Orlando, Florida, so you can easily combine a vacation in Orlando with a holiday in the Playa del Carmen Riviera.
♦ Book a private roundtrip transfer from Cancun Airport to a hotel in Playa del Carmen (from Viator):
Private Roundtrip Transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
The price is for a group of up to 7 passengers.
The Weather
The average daily temperature ranges from 28 degrees in the winter months to 32 degrees in the summer months. The months of December to May are considered the dry season with 30-80 mm of rain per month. The rainier season is between June and November with precipitation of 130-290 mm of rain per month. During these months (especially in August-September), there are also chances of tropical storms and even hurricanes.
When to Visit?
The most successful months to visit the area are the winter months from mid-November to April, during the drier season. The summer months are rainier and the autumn months are known for tropical storms in the area. It is advisable not to arrive during the Christmas period until New Year's, nor during Easter and Spring Break, as it is very crowded and, of course, more expensive.