The PERFECT 6 Day Playa Del Carmen Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Playa del Carmen but need help figuring out what to do in Playa Del Carmen, where to stay, or where to eat?
This 6-day Playa Del Carmen itinerary has everything for the perfect trip! I’ve included many things to do in Playa Del Carmen and out of town, such as which beaches to visit, must-do day trips, and so much more!
I’ve visited Playa Del Carmen many times and always find myself returning to it for a few reasons. It’s very walkable, you can walk most places in town in around 20 minutes or less, making it an ideal beach town to visit!
Playa Del Carmen’s prime location sets it apart in the Riviera Maya. With Cozumel accessible by ferry and Cancun and Tulum just an hour away, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region. Perfect for travelers planning extended stays of a week or more in the area.
How Many Days in Playa Del Carmen
At a minimum, staying at least five days in Playa Del Carmen is best for those visiting for vacation.
This gives you enough time to explore the popular beach town, relax at the beautiful beaches, and squeeze in a day trip or two!
For those traveling along the Riviera Maya on an extensive Mexico Itinerary, it’s best to spend at least four days in Playa Del Carmen. It depends on your preference. However, I’d argue you can spend longer there due to its excellent location in the Quintana Roo region.
How to Get to Playa Del Carmen
Once you’ve flown into Cancun International Airport, you must make your way 1 hour to Playa Del Carmen from Cancun.
Unfortunately, Playa Del Carmen has no airport, so you cannot fly into Playa Del Carmen.
If it’s your first time visiting this region of Mexico, don’t worry! It’s straightforward to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
There are a few different ways you can leave Cancun Airport to go to Playa del Carmen. See which one of the following works best for you!
- Take the ADO Bus (the cheapest way)
- Private Airport Transporation (the most fastest/convenient way)
- Shared Shuttle Bus (cheap/convenient)
- Car Rental
If you choose to take the ADO BUS, there are 4 ADO Bus Terminals at Cancun Airport. Make sure you go to the correct one stated on your ticket.
Day 1: Arrival
Depending on when your flight lands at Cancun International Airport, you may have some time to explore the town, or if it’s late, you may want to go to bed in your hotel!
As you arrive in Playa Del Carmen in the early morning or midafternoon, walk over to 5th Avenue Street, have a drink and some lunch, then walk over to explore the main beach shoreline.
Those arriving slightly later, around dinner, must be hungry. I recommend you start your first day with authentic Mexican food at one of Playa Del Carmen’s best taquerias.
After you’ve had some delicious tacos, take a walk on 5th Avenue Street and explore the town’s famous street full of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, shopping, and more.
Continue your evening at one of the many beach bars in town for a drink. Here are a few places to consider: Zenzi Beach or Lido Beach Club. Another great spot is INTI Beach, they have fire performers some evenings!
Day 2: Beach Day & Rest Day
Whether you had some time to explore the first day or arrived late to your hotel and went right to bed, spend your first day relaxing at one of Playa Del Carmen’s many beaches!
Start your morning off with breakfast before an active day at the beach. After breakfast, walk over to the beach. Some ends of the beach are more crowded than others, so you may want to see where’s less busy.
The central Playa Del Carmen Beach is accessible from several streets off 5th Avenue Street.
It’s an excellent beach, but the shoreline isn’t too large and can sometimes get crowded. The best part is you can walk to a restaurant in minutes, eat lunch, and return to the beach in minutes.
Suppose you’d prefer a more extensive, nicer beach shoreline that is more friendly for families. In that case, Playa Punta Esmeralda and Playa Xcalacoco are the best beaches in Playa Del Carmen. To get to these beaches, you will have to take a taxi.
Those visiting with friends and looking for a more lively beach day, either attend a catamaran cruise where you’ll cruise the waters of Playa Del Carmen and drink and party through the afternoon. Or consider one of the many beach clubs in Playa del Carmen:
- Mamaita’s Beach Club
- MVNGATA Beach Club
- Kool Beach Club
- Martina Beach Club
- Marena Beach Club
Day 3: Chichen Itza Tour & Cenotes
A trip to Playa Del Carmen or anywhere in the Riviera Maya, for that matter, without a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza is an incomplete trip!
Famous as one of the seven world wonders, the ancient Chichen Itza site is Mexico’s most recognized tourist attraction. Over 2.7 million tourists visit the archaeological site annually.
The best way to visit Chichen Itza is by attending an all-inclusive Chichen Itza day tour from Playa Del Carmen, they take care of everything for you!
On this tour, you’ll spend the day exploring Chichen Itza, swimming at Cenote Saamal, and visiting Valladolid, one of the most beautiful colonial cities of the Yucatan.
Another recommended ancient site to visit are the Tulum Ruins, however I’d recommend Chichen Itza instead!
The tour options includes hotel roundtrip transportation pickup and drop off, so you won’t have to worry about any transportation. A lunch buffet will be served during the day!
It’s about a 2 hour and 30 minutes drive from Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza.
What To Bring on Tour:
- Sunscreen / There is limited shade, especially at Chichen Itza.
- Water / You can purchase more there, but it will be more expensive.
- Hat / Make sure to wear a hat or bring one as you explore to wear it sometimes.
To give you some added context, this world heritage site was once the city center of the Mayan Civilization, and this is where Mayans would come here for religious gatherings and trade of goods. The famous pyramid is named El Castillo.
Day 4: Adventure Park or Cenotes
While Playa Del Carmen has no parks in the city center, it’s close to the best adventure parks in the Riviera Maya.
For those looking for a day of adventure or if you’re visiting with kids, visiting an adventure park is an excellent way to spend the day!
XCARET
The most popular amusement park in the Riviera Maya is Xcaret. This large park is a haven for those looking for a day full of adventure: cave swimming, buggy rides, and zip-ling from treetops!
Xcaret is more suitable for those visiting with kids. It’s a more relaxed adventure day.
The main attraction here is the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show, a captivating performance show that’s taken place at Xcaret Park for over two decades now!
Xplor
Another fun amusement park is Xplor, which has very similar options to Xcaret but with the addition of thrills. Xplor has ATVs, zipping, river rafting, and much more!
Those looking to have an active day visit Xplor. This park is more suitable for young adults and teens.
Xel-Ha Park
At Xel Ha Park, you will experience an aquatic theme park, including swimming with dolphins, a massive water slide, and swimming with tropical fish coral reefs.
With all its water activities, Xel Ha Park is an excellent idea on a hot day! Also at the park are jungle trails, caves, and ziplines to ride.
Xenses
A unique type of adventure park is Xenses, it offers adventures into dark caves, gravity-defying chambers, zip lines, water activities, and much more!
Cenote Adventure Parks
For those looking for an adventure but would prefer to visit somewhere unique instead of an amusement park, Rio Secreto and Casa Tortuga Cenotes are perfect for you to discover!
Casa Tortuga Cenote
Swimming in a cenote is a must-do experience for any Riviera Maya trip. Make sure to add this unforgettable adventure to the top of your Playa del Carmen itinerary!
There are cenotes in Playa Del Carmen, but the best cenote park in the Riviera Maya is Casa Tortuga Cenotes. The park features four different cenotes, and one even has tropical fish and sea turtles swimming in it!
On this Casa Tortuga Tour from Playa Del Carmen, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the park. You’ll spend the day exploring the 4 different cenotes with a guide there.
Cenotes are sinkholes formed by nature collapsing with fresh spring water. There is no better way to cool off on a hot day than swimming in a Cenote! These very cenotes were once the prime water source for the Mayan Civilization long ago.
Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto is one of Mexico’s most stunning cenote caves in the region, famously featured in National Geographic for its unique rock formations.
On this Rio Secreto tour, you will follow a local guide as they navigate you through the beautiful underground cave.
Day 5: Day Trip to Cozumel
On Day 5, you’ll take a day trip from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel, a stunning island that is a must-see! The island is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
Cozumel offers many activities and excursions. From snorkeling and scuba diving to spotting sea turtles and starfish, the island is a paradise for water enthusiasts and nature lovers. There’s no shortage of adventures to be had both on and off the island.
Several excellent beach clubs in Cozumel offer all-inclusive deals and all-you-can-eat/drink. The most popular are Sanchos and Paradise Beach Cozumel.
If you’re visiting with kids, go to Playa Mia Beach Breaks. They’ve got a floating park on the water, kayaks, and more activities for kids to enjoy!
Punta Sur Ecological Park is worth checking out, too. It has some of the most beautiful beaches on the island and a mangrove. At the mangrove, you’ll spot several bird species and crocodiles!
My favorite thing to do is rent a scooter or jeep and drive around the island, seeing the beautiful coastline and stopping by the small beaches and restaurants.
Walk to the ferry dock just off 5th Avenue to get from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel!
Day 6: Travel Day
It’s time to fly home from Playa Del Carmen. No matter your flight time, I recommend you spend your last morning enjoying my favorite classic Mexican breakfast before you leave, chilaquiles verdes!
If your flight is in the evening, do some last-minute souvenir shopping on 5th Avenue Street or enjoy your last afternoon on the beach soaking up some sun before you go home!
Playa Del Carmen Itinerary for 6 Days+
Are you planning on visiting Playa Del Carmen for longer than six days? Here are some excellent suggestions to add to your longer Playa Del Carmen itinerary!
Visit Akumal and spend the day swimming with seven species of sea turtles. Akumal Beach is famous for being home to several sea turtles, and it’s an enjoyable experience!
Head back towards Cancun and take a ferry to Isla Mujeres, a beautiful island across Cancun famous for its beaches, nature, and island atmosphere. I recommend one or two nights here if you have time!
Travel Tip: If you choose to visit Isla Mujeres, you can spend a night there and then take the ferry back to Cancun from Isla Mujeres and go to Cancun Airport!
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Where to Stay in Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is a small beach town, so no matter where you choose to stay, you can walk to most restaurants and the beach, and go shopping in under 30 minutes.
Below, I’ve included some of the best hotel recommendations in town, from luxury to mid-range and budget-friendly hotels too!
RESORTS – All Inclusive
Hilton Playa – 5 Stars / Located steps away from 5th Avenue Street, Hilton Playa is right on the beach and steps away from 5th Avenue Street.
The Reef 28 (Adults Only) – 4 Stars / Popular amongst singles and couples, The Reef has an excellent rooftop restaurant and bar with beautiful sea views.
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Mvngata Beach Hotel – 4 Stars / A more boutique hotel with large spacious rooms, exceptional rooftop and one of the best beach clubs in town.
Thompson Playa Del Carmen – 4 Stars / Excellent location, minutes from the beach, and home to the best rooftop restaurant/bar in Playa!
Singular Dream Residences (Condo Residences) – Spacious condos, steps away from the beach and located in a quieter area.
HOSTELS
Che Playa Hostel & Bar – Best-rated hostel in town with spacious rooms, clean dorms, and a rooftop pool bar.
Maui Hostel – Popular hostel offering dorms and private rooms. It is located steps away from the beach and 5th Ave.
Best Restaurants in Playa Del Carmen
El Fogon: Known as the king of tacos in Playa by locals/tourists, El Fogon has 3 locations in town and is a staple in town for tacos/tortas/quesadillas/nachos, all the Mexican food favorites.
Primo: A modern Mexican restaurant with an open layout serving an exceptional seasonal menu; last time there, we experienced the flamed octopus, braised duck, and suckling pig.
La Cueva del Chango: Legendary breakfast/brunch restaurant in Playa that’s been open for many years with a tropical junglelike setting; make sure you order the Chilaquiles here.
Alux Restaurant/Bar: Known as the most fancy restaurant in town, Alux provides a unique dining experience inside a cave/cenote, serving many modern Mexican dishes with a twist.
El Oasis Seafood: An absolute seafood paradise, from fried fish to crab tacos, oysters, Mexican seafood soups and much more; seafood lovers must-visit.
Best Time To Visit Playa Del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is in the Riviera Maya, and the region has two main seasons here: dry and rainy seasons.
This is when the weather is best, days are hot enough to go to the beach, humidity levels are low, and the chance of rainfall is unlikely.
The best time to visit Playa Del Carmen is during the dry season, from November to April.
Dry Season: November to April
Rainy Season: May to October
It can be risky if you choose to visit Playa del Carmen during the rainy season, but some months are better than others.
During the rainy season, expect high humidity and occasional scorching hot days. You’ll likely encounter some tropical showers, but they typically pass quickly, offering brief respites from the heat without disrupting your plans.
Travel Tip: If you want to visit Playa Del Carmen during the dry season and find cheaper flights and hotels, visit during the shoulder season months of November and April!
Is Playa Del Carmen Safe?
Yes, Playa Del Carmen is safe. Several police officers and a national guard army patrol the streets of Playa Del Carmen at all hours of the day.
This doesn’t mean bad things don’t happen here; they do. But it’s normal, like any busy city with an influx of tourists coming and going. When visiting Playa Del Carmen, you only need to watch out for a few scams.
A few other travel tips you should know are to stick to lit streets always, take a taxi if you’re far from your hotel at night, refuse any illegal substances offered to you, and watch your belongings at all times, especially on the beach.
Playa Del Carmen Itinerary — Final Thoughts
Playa del Carmen boasts plenty of activities in and around town. As mentioned, it’s an ideal base for first-timers to explore the wider Riviera Maya region, offering easy access to many of Mexico’s top attractions.
Whether you plan to spend 5 days in Playa Del Carmen, 6 or a week, this guide has you covered! I hope you enjoyed this action-packed six-day Playa Del Carmen blog itinerary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below! While it’s great to experience a lot on vacation, remember to relax!
Is Playa Del Carmen nicer than Cancun?
Many travelers prefer Playa del Carmen for its more relaxed, authentic atmosphere and walkability. However, Cancun offers larger resorts and accommodations and is near the airport.
Is it safe to go off the resort in Playa Del Carmen?
Yes, it’s safe to leave the resort. Playa Del Carmen has a large police and army presence patrolling the streets. At night time, it’s wise to avoid streets which aren’t well-lit and take a taxi instead!
What is Playa Del Carmen Mexico known for?
Playa del Carmen is renowned for its stunning beaches, lively 5th Avenue, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also a popular base for exploring the Riviera Maya and nearby attractions like Cozumel.
Can you drink tap water in Playa Del Carmen?
No, you cannot drink tap water in Mexico. You can get sick from doing so. Always purchase and drink bottled water in Mexico.
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