Is Playa Del Carmen Worth A Visit & 11 Must-See Attractions for First-Timers!

Planning a trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya and wondering if Playa del Carmen is worth visiting? With its beaches, nightlife, cenotes, and Mayan ruins, it’s often a top contender for first-time visitors looking for that balance of relaxation and adventure.

Still, you might be asking yourself a few common questions. Is Playa del Carmen too touristy compared to Tulum or Cancun? Is it safe to explore beyond the resorts? And most importantly, what are the must-do activities that make a first visit truly worthwhile?

Having explored Playa del Carmen myself, I’ll share everything you need to know in this guide. From the best things to do, and tips for making the most of your stay, this review will help you decide if Playa del Carmen should be on your Mexico itinerary.

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Is Playa Del Carmen Worth Visiting?

I was blown away with Playa Del Carmen and definitely think it’s worth visiting. Not only for the awe-inspiring cenotes, but for the exciting adventure parks, the beaches and so many unique activities.

Fortunately, The culture here is rich and vibrant, the beaches CAN BE magnificent (just maybe not on my visit), and there’s a particular atmosphere to exploring the city that you just won’t find anywhere else. 

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back day trip or longer stay, Playa Del Carmen has something for almost every traveller and I don’t think you’ll regret booking that ticket.

Best things to do in Playa Del Carmen!

Playa Del Carman is located in the Quintana Roo Region, about one hour south of Cancun (your closest International Airport). Known fondly as ‘Playa,’ this resort town welcomes an array of visitors, from backpackers to luxury-seekers and everything in between. 

With a population of just over 300,000 people, the city has an intimate feel, yet there’s always something happening. Playa is a place that keeps giving, and you’ll soon find yourself under its spell. Please read on below for my best things to do and click here for my specially pinned map for their location.

➡  Find Playa Del Carmen Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

1. Visit one of the ancient Mayan ruins.

One of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula would be to visit some Mayan Ruins, and you can do it in several different places.

➡  Find Chichen Itza Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

However, one of the more popular spots would be the Chichen Itza ruins, which is a 2.5-hour one-way trip from Playa Del Carmen. 

Chichen Itza has day trip tours available and UNESCO World Heritage Listed. But does this make it the best Ruin to see? I think that’s debatable! Chichen Itza is definitely one of the most impressive historical sites, but it does come with crowds of tourists. 

My point is not to dismiss other Mayan Ruin sites just because they aren’t popular. In fact, we found our way to the Ek Balam Ruins, which was smaller but just as nice and slightly closer to Playa Del Carmen.

➡  Book our tour Ek Balam & Cenote Maya HERE with Viator

The day tour we booked to Ek Balam offered the unique opportunity to climb up the ruins’ stairs (which you can’t do at Chichen Itza), providing an exhilarating view of the surrounding jungle. The guide will talk about the history, the Mayan people, their traditions and answer any questions you might have. 

But the adventure didn’t stop for us there! Just down the road is the Maya Cenote, a crystal-clear pool of water perfect for cooling off in the Mexican heat. And if you’re feeling brave, the tour includes the chance to abseil down into the cenote.

This experience was unforgettable, and I continue to tell people about it today.

2. Shop for bargains and souvenirs at La Quinta.

If you’re searching for shops or to experience the vibrant heart of Playa del Carmen, La Quinta is the street to visit. The energy of this bustling avenue is noticeable from the moment you set foot on it.

With so many sights and sounds competing for your attention, you’ll be hard-pressed to decide where to focus your gaze first. 

The variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and street entertainment options at La Quinta ensures that there really is something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for the trendiest new bar or a street performer who will leave you stunned, La Quinta will deliver.

I couldn’t resist my souvenir shopping when I saw the magnet selection, and the brightly coloured blankets were just amazing. It was just like any mall I would get back home, with a whole Mexican feel to it.

And After all that shopping and street entertainment, we perched ourselves on a swing for a drink at the bar. (yes, I did say swing….lol)

3. Swimming in the Cenotes.

Most tourists will visit Tulum for the many cenotes nearby. However, since Tulum is only 1 hour away, it still makes them easy to access from Playa as well. 

These natural underground swimming holes can be found all over the Quintana Roo region, and I was lucky enough to visit a couple of them.

➡  Check prices for Cenote Tours HERE with Viator.

During my visit, I took the diving plunge and explored El Pit, which was an unbelievable experience thanks to its incredible depth. But if diving isn’t your cup of tea, Dos Ojos is worth a look and is a fantastic option for both snorkelling and diving. 

There are plenty of Day trip tours to cenotes and some others you might like to consider are the:

• Blue Cenote,
• Cenote Jardín Del Eden,
• and Cenote Cristalino. 

4. Day trip to Cozumel

Island day trips are extremely common in this area for beaches or alternative snorkelling spots. You can take day trips to Islands like Isla Mujeres and Holbox from Cancun, but from Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel is the place to go!

➡  Browse Cozumel Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Cozumel is the largest Island oasis in the Mexican Caribbean and offers a range of natural attractions for you to unwind or escape city life. This includes everything from stunning sunsets and jungle landscapes to ancient Mayan ruins. 

But what really makes Cozumel stand out is its pristine barrier reef, which offers some of the best snorkelling and diving experiences this side of Belize. 

5. Go Ziplining at the Xplor Park.

If you have ever craved an incredibly thrilling adventure, then it’s worth checking out Xplor Park.

➡  Find Xplor Park tickets HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Just like any theme park, we walked around Xplor all day and couldn’t get enough of it. The 18 ziplines took up the most time and had us zipping back and forth across the park several times. But, with the day’s heat, it was also ideal for swimming under waterfalls and gliding down a lazy river. 

This park is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking excitement and fun. It’s family-friendly, and the day trip ticket included lunch and a collection of digital photos activated by our helmets. 

You’ll get the blood pumping and heart racing with 18 different ziplines, waterslides, but watch my video below on the Amphibious quad bike rides through the jungle.

6. Catch a show on the streets.

How often are you looking around for free things to do on your vacation? Most of the time, exploring a new city can sometimes leave a dent in your wallet, but street entertainment is handy to run into, especially near the La Quinta shopping district.

Street performers are what made our trip unforgettable, and even better that it was so random and not something we had planned. We couldn’t believe our eyes as we watched fire breathers, painted mimes, and talented musicians/dancers all doing their thing. 

But our favourite performance was the Danza de Los Voladores, also known as the Flying Pole or Dance of the Flyers. It was an ancient Mesoamerican ritual, still being performed today, that left us both in awe. 

If you’re ever wandering a new place, keep your eyes peeled for these incredible street performers – trust us, it’s the one thing you won’t want to miss. Get a taste by watching my YouTube video below.

7. Hang out at the beach.

There’s no denying that Play Del Carmen revolves around the beach. Lucky for tourists and locals, getting to the sandy shores is a breeze either by foot or car. With a multitude of beaches to choose from, each with their unique vibe.

Spending a day at the beach is not only the best free thing to do, but also family-friendly and not time-dependent. You can stay for as little or as long as you want, go swimming, laze on the beach, take a packed lunch, or just fill in some time before other planned stuff.  

Unfortunately, we had a bit of bad luck as the beach wasn’t in its best condition during our visit. It was overrun with seaweed (which happens each year), and despite the constant efforts to clean it off with tractors, the weather and conditions just kept bringing it back in from the ocean. 

8. Try some of the local Food.

If you’re a foodie, Playa del Carmen is the place to be. I never got bored of eating here, from authentic Mexican cuisine to international flavours. 

The best thing is that the restaurants in Playa are often run by people who are genuinely passionate about food. They love what they do, which shows in every dish they serve. We also found them polite and great at making suggestions for foods we had to try. 

9. Enjoy a Dinner and Cultural show. 

When visiting any new country, I like to immerse myself in the culture as much as possible. After all, I’m there to learn and appreciate how other people live in the world! 

I mentioned the Xplor park above, but there are several parks in the group, and the main one is called Xcaret. This park is open every day, but we purchased a ticket for their evening “Mexico Espectacular show“, and I was in awe the entire time I watched it. 

➡  Find Xcaret ticket or show HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

The massive production takes place in an outdoor arena with 6,000 seats, so you can be sure you’ll have a great view wherever you sit.

The excitement builds as the first act begins and musicians, dancers, singers, and other performers take to the stage. There are over 300 in the cast with the clothes, colour, and talent that will surely impress everyone. 

10. Dive or Snorkel the reef

I must admit, the coral reef was worth diving into, but it would be just as impressive as a snorkeller too! We only had time for one day tour trip, but I saw so much in a short amount of time and would recommend it to anyone. 

It’s just a short trip on the boat to get there, and within minutes, you’re exploring the coral reef in Riviera Maya. The diversity of creatures and colours will leave you amazed and thrilled. Namely, the exotic flora and fauna of the Caribbean, from reef fish to sponges and sea fans. Turtles, moray eels, rays, and nurse or bull sharks (in season).

➡  Browse Snorkelling tours HERE with Vaitor, or HERE with GYG.

Since we were diving on this trip, we were also lucky to pass by the Mama Viña wreck, which was used for shrimp fishing until being sunk to create an artificial reef. The current was strong here, but still, an incredible place to visit. 

11. See the Portal Maya Sculpture

When you visit a new country or city, there are always those large sculptures, buildings, or things that stand out, that make you remember it.

This is what the Portal Maya Sculpture was for me in Parque Los Fundadores. It was perched right beside the beach and near the La Quinta shopping district. 

With a height of 52.5 feet, this bronze masterpiece features a man and woman clasping hands while forming an arch. The rings on the arch represent those found on Mayan ballcourts, a nod to the ancient Mayan culture that once thrived on the Yucatán Peninsula. 

But perhaps most intriguing is the etching on the sculpture that reads December 21st, 2012. For the Maya, this marked the end of the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar, a momentous occasion. 

Where to Stay?

If you’re planning to travel to the Playa del Carmen area, you should make sure you explore the best areas for First-time travellers. Downtown is a great starting point for the best accommodation, with neighbourhoods like El Centro, Quinta Avenida, and Playacar known for their nightlife, shopping, and dining options.

➡ Find Playa Del Carmen Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

• However, if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere and a better beach, consider North Playa del Carmen, only a 30-minute walk to Downtown.
• If you’re up for an adventure, South Riviera Maya is a must-visit location, including cenotes, jungle, and striking beaches between Playa and Tulum.
• And last but not least, the North Riviera Maya, with its stunning beaches and attractions on the way to Cancun, including some of the largest luxury resorts in Mexico. 

How to get there & Around town?

The closest airport is Cancun, which is conveniently located just 45 minutes north of Playa Del Carmen. We opted for a convenient private shuttle transportation service with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off.

It may have been a little more expensive, but our time was definitely more utilized. 

➡  Book Airport Shuttles HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Other options could be renting your own car from the Airport, or, if you’re on a budget, there are cheaper ADO public bus transportation. 

This ultimately brings me too how you’re going to get around. Walking or biking is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the city and Biciplaya offers a bike-sharing system for a more eco-friendly option.

With central hotel, tour pickups and Taxi’s, we didn’t need a car. But, if you’re looking to explore at your own pace, hiring a car in Playa can be handy for getting around and seeing sites outside the main areas.

➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE

While Colectivo and the City Bus provide affordable public transportation around town.

For those who prefer organized tours (which is what I mostly opt for), plenty of options are available. These come with experienced guides that are handy for organising your time or learning from with their local knowledge.  

➡  Find Playa Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.

Taxis are convenient too, and if you’re not going far, they can be a better option. We caught a Taxi for our Day Trip to Xplor Park, which was easy and cheap. 

How many days do you need?

When it comes to how many days you should plan for Playa del Carmen, we opted for a five day itinerary and found we were never bored. I could have certainly stayed for longer, but it really depends on what you have planned.  

It would help if you first looked at everything there is and plan out how much time you need. Then, weigh that up against your budget and edit the days from there. 

Whether you plan to sit at the beach relaxing every day or get out there to see all the best attractions, it will not be hard to fill in your time. 

What is the best month to visit?

Playa Del Carmen is best visited through the months of December to March! These winter months are perfect for visiting and enjoying the sun without enduring sweltering temperatures. 

If you want to avoid the heat, January is the coolest month, with an average daily maximum of 27 C. Alternatively, May is undeniably the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching an average daily maximum of 33 C. 

If there’s anything we can rely on when it comes to weather, it’s that some months will be rainier than others. Around these areas, that tends to be September and October, when the rain starts to fall more frequently, and the skies are often overcast with clouds. This is also when you’ll see the most Cyclones or Hurricanes!

I visited the area in July/August to swim with the Whale Sharks, and while this is still a rainy season, it’s the best and only time of year to do it. 

Can you drink tap water?

You might want to pay attention to what you drink in Playa Del Carmen and opt to stay away from Tap Water. Unfortunately, it’s not safe for everyone to consume, especially if the water filtrations systems in your country are different. 

But don’t fret! Finding bottled or purified water is easy, cheap, and readily available at the corner stores or your hotel. Trust me, the last thing you want is to get sick from the water and lose precious vacation time. 

What time of year is seaweed bad?

Unfortunately, the overpowering amount of seaweed (or sargassum) is a seasonal hindrance to the beaches in this area. And, It can happen anytime from May to October, with July and August being the worse (yep, that’s when we were there). 

The best way to combat this seaweed on a beach holiday is to be aware of which months typically see the most sargassum and adjust your travel plans accordingly. However, since ours was not a lazing-on-the-beach type vacation, it only affected us a little. 

Wrap up!

All in all, if you’ve been considering Playa as your destination of choice while vacationing, I hope this article has given you a better sense of all the activities and attractions the town has to offer. 

Thanks for reading this blog post today and finding out if Playa Del Carmen is worth visiting. I hope you found the information you were looking for and helpful in planning your vacation. Remember to check out my other Mexico Blogs to research other areas.