Things to Do in Playa del Carmen: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Playa del Carmen, on Mexico's Riviera Maya between Cancún and Tulum, combines Caribbean beaches with a lively walkable center. Quinta Avenida's shops and restaurants, crystal-clear cenotes, eco-parks like Xcaret, the reefs of Cozumel, turtles in Akumal and Mayan ruins at Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá make it an ideal base.
This guide covers the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Playa del Carmen
Quinta Avenida
Pedestrian street.
Playa Mamitas
Beach clubs.
Cenotes
Freshwater sinkholes.
Cozumel
Island reefs.
Tulum ruins
Mayan site by the sea.
Xcaret
Eco-park.
Akumal
Swim with sea turtles.
Chichén Itzá
Wonder of the World.
Playa del Carmen in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Playa del Carmen
Relax on the beach at Playa Mamitas or a quieter stretch north of town, then stroll along Quinta Avenida, the pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés and bars. Lunch with tacos al pastor. In the evening, enjoy dinner and live music, and see the Papantla Flyers perform in Fundadores Park.
2Day 2 · Cenotes
Visit the cenotes south of town, such as Cenote Azul, Jardín del Edén and Dos Ojos, to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear freshwater among stalactites. Lunch at a roadside spot. In the afternoon, return to the beach for sunset cocktails.
3Day 3 · Cozumel
Take the ferry to Cozumel, about 45 minutes, and snorkel or dive the famous reefs of the Mesoamerican Reef system. Lunch with fresh ceviche. Explore San Miguel's waterfront before the return ferry. The ferry docks right next to Quinta Avenida, making the trip easy.
Playa del Carmen in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Tulum and Akumal
Visit the Tulum ruins, perched on a cliff above a turquoise beach, then snorkel with green sea turtles in Akumal Bay with a licensed guide. Lunch in Tulum town. Evening return to Playa.
5Day 5 · Xcaret
Spend a full day at Xcaret eco-park with underground rivers, wildlife and the evening Xcaret México Espectacular show. Lunch in the park. Return late. The park is large, so arrive at opening and plan your route between the rivers, the aquarium, the butterfly pavilion and the beaches.
Playa del Carmen in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Chichén Itzá
Day trip to Chichén Itzá with El Castillo pyramid, plus a swim in Cenote Ik Kil and a stop in colonial Valladolid. Lunch in Valladolid. Return in the evening. Arrive early at Chichén Itzá to beat the heat and the tour buses.
7Day 7 · Farewell
A last morning swim, shopping for silver, hammocks and vanilla, and a farewell dinner of cochinita pibil with a mezcal or margarita. Cancún airport is about 45 minutes away by ADO bus or shuttle.
What to do in Playa del Carmen on a weekend
Things to do in Playa del Carmen on a weekend? Saturday: beach and Quinta Avenida. Sunday: cenotes and Akumal.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in late November.
What to do in Playa del Carmen in the evening
In the evening, Quinta Avenida and Calle 12 nightlife.
Rooftop bars.
Playa del Carmen for couples
For couples, cenotes, Cozumel and beachfront dinners.
Playa del Carmen with kids
With kids, Xcaret, Xel-Há, turtles and beaches.
What to eat in Playa del Carmen
Tacos al pastor
Street food.
Cochinita pibil
Yucatán pork.
Ceviche
Fresh seafood.
Marquesitas
Crêpe snack.
Margarita
Cocktail.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen: best areas
Downtown
Walkable.
Playacar
Resorts.
North beach
Quieter.
Puerto Aventuras
Marina.
What to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains
Things to do in Playa del Carmen when it rains? Cenotes, Xcaret, museums and shopping.
How much does a trip to Playa del Carmen cost?
Expect $100–300 per night.
Practical tips for Playa del Carmen
Best time to visit
December–April.
Getting around
Colectivos, ADO buses, taxis and car.
Our practical tips
- Use colectivos.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Licensed turtle guides.
- Cash in pesos.
- Ruins early.
- Watch for sargassum reports.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hurricane season risk.
- Unofficial taxis.
- Midday ruins.
- Touching turtles.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen?
Beaches, cenotes, Cozumel and Tulum.
Is it safe?
Use common sense, especially at night.
How far is Tulum?
About 50 minutes.
Best time?
Winter and spring.