Playa del Carmen rests on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about 70 km south of Cancun. All the action revolves around Quinta Avenida or “Fifth Avenue,” the town’s main pedestrian thoroughfare located just off the beach. Packed with all manner of stores, bars, and restaurants, it transforms into a buzzing hotspot at night.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef off Playa’s shore—the world’s second-largest reef system—offers a wealth of scuba-diving and snorkeling options for beginners and masters alike. Catch a fascinating glimpse of the area’s incredible rainbow of underwater life, including tropical fish, turtles, manta rays, and dolphins.

What to see & do in Playa del Carmen

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Useful information

  • Playa del Carmen Travel Essentials

    Our Playa del Carmen Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do...

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