Playa del Carmen
Chill - Cheer - Celebrate
Playa del Carmen
The cosmopolitan heart of the Riviera Maya
Once a small fishing village, Playa del Carmen has grown into one of the Riviera Maya's liveliest destinations while retaining its Caribbean charm. Fifth Avenue, the pedestrian shopping street that runs parallel to the coast, is at the heart of the city.
Its beaches and beach clubs are popular during the day, while 12th Street is known for its nightlife. Nearby, you can explore parks, cenotes and underground caves, or catch the ferry to Cozumel.
- Right now
- 80°F (27°C)Drizzle
- Best for
- Beaches, culture and nightlife
- When to visit
- Year-round, with the most pleasant weather from December to April
- Bull shark season
- November to March
Getting here
Airport
Tren Maya
Ferry
Bus
Fifth Avenue
Where all the action is
The avenue is lined with small hotels, shops, shopping malls, art galleries, restaurants and rooftop bars, some with views of the sea. In the evening, the area comes alive with live music, mariachi performances and DJs, with many venues staying open late.
Meeting point
Parque Fundadores and the Portal Maya
At the seafront end of Fifth Avenue, Parque Fundadores is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors. The park features performances such as traditional Maya dances and the Voladores de Papantla. It is also home to the Portal Maya, a large sculpture that has become one of the city's most recognizable photo spots.
The beaches
Beach clubs downtown and quiet beaches to the south
The beaches along downtown Playa del Carmen are lined with beach clubs, and the main pier is the departure point for snorkeling, diving and catamaran trips. To the north, Punta Esmeralda has a freshwater spring that flows onto the sand. To the south lies Playacar. Farther along the coast are Xpu-Há, Akumal and Xcacel-Xcacelito, a sea turtle sanctuary. Water activities include kitesurfing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Nightlife
12th Street comes to life after sunset
The evening often begins at one of the rooftop bars along Fifth Avenue before moving to 12th Street, known for its bars and nightclubs. Live music, mariachi performances and DJs keep the area busy late into the night. Dinner shows are also available.
Nature and adventure
Cenotes, jungle and bull sharks
South of the city, cenotes such as Jardín del Edén, Cristalino and Azul are popular for swimming and snorkeling. Nearby adventure parks offer zip lines, underground rivers and ATV trails through the jungle, while tandem skydiving is also available along the coast. From November to March, dive operators run bull shark dives off Playa del Carmen for certified divers, and from May to September you can snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, with a guide.
More about Playa del Carmen
September 29, 2024
10 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
Discover the best things to do in Playa del Carmen: beaches, Fifth Avenue, cenotes, Maya ruins, Cozumel's reefs, eco parks and nightlife.
Read the article
September 29, 2024
Gastronomic Guide to Playa del Carmen
Where to eat in Playa del Carmen: cochinita pibil, seafood on the sand, taquerías, chef-driven dining and French pastry. Our gastronomic guide.
Read the article
September 29, 2024
Playa del Carmen Nightlife Guide: Bars, Clubs and Rooftops on and around Fifth Avenue
Playa del Carmen’s nightlife, block by block: the clubs on Calle 12, rooftops for sunset, live bands on the sand and a cocktail bar inside a cave.
Read the article- Sat82°F72°F
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