3 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
4 hours by bus from Mérida
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days
Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
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Émilie Couillard
Practical information on Playa del Carmen
Reviews of Playa del Carmen
A seaside town on the Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan coast, Playa del Carmen has idyllic beaches and a lot of tourist facilities.
My suggestion:
Take a cruise to discover the island of Cozumel, which is opposite Playa del Carmen. A pleasant boat trip which will let you get away from the bustle of a very touristy seaside town.
My review
Playa del Carmen's beaches are undeniably superb. Fine sand, perfect waves, and clean, clear water have made this destination a little paradise for lovers of Mexican beach holidays.
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Émilie Couillard
Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Lying next to the Caribbean Sea, it is a veritable little corner of paradise and offers a feast for the eyes. Playa del Carmen is very tourist-oriented, but it has a completely different atmosphere than Cancun, for example.
My suggestion:
Don't stay in accommodation on its main central avenue. Everything you require is to be found there of course, e.g. restaurants, hotels, travel agencies and so on, but the best option is to book a room in a little hotel ten minutes from the centre. This way you're guaranteed an authentic, traditional atmosphere.
My review
Playa del Carmen has everything you need to really enjoy yourself and have a great time. Whether you're a party animal; a fan of diving, ancient civilisations, nature or nautical sports of all kinds; or whether, alternatively, you enjoy heading out to discover the local area or even just simply relaxing and taking it easy, you'll be happy here and won't want to leave at the end of your stay. That's how I felt once I was there. I felt as if I was visiting a little corner of paradise. And saying goodbye to the place at the end was quite difficult! The atmosphere in Playa del Carmen is very laid back and relaxed. We stayed not far from the centre in a very traditionally authentic district, with lots of characteristic little restaurants. The locals there were very nice and friendly.
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Virginie Bigeni
A few kilometres from Cancun,Playa del Carmen is little seaside town in Mexico. Not as flashy as its famous neighbour, it's the ideal compromise between mass tourism and tranquility.
My suggestion:
Playa del Carmen is a great place to round off a tour to the Yucatán and finish your trip on a fun, happy note. It's also got some great bars and restaurants...not to mention the beach.
My review
Although it's a popular tourist seaside resort, Playa del Carmen is still charming and has kept its soul. I felt good here, in a town that's not overwhelming and away from the 'look at me' culture of Cancun. It's a place where you can have a few drinks in bars opposite the sea and have a little dance in the beach. It's easy to make friends as the hotels and hostels are as welcoming as their guests.
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Sonia Goupil
162 travelers' photos
