How big is Playa del Carmen?

Puerto Morelos is roughly midway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Population: Playa del Carmen has a population of more than 200,000, including a sizable expatriate community, and is growing rapidly.

Is Playa del Carmen a big city?

Cancun is a large city of more than 600,000 inhabitants, while Playa del Carmen is a small town of 150,000.

Is Playa del Carmen walkable?

If you're staying in the downtown Playa del Carmen, then you can walk to most places. The city is easily walkable, with pedestrian paths everywhere. If you don't want to walk you can either take a taxi or rent a bike.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?

Different travelers like different things about Playa del Carmen. We'd say it's popular because it strikes a great balance between local life and tourism. You can come here to sample a true, lived-in Mexican town but also enjoy the Caribbean beaches and the ancient Maya history.

Is Playa del Carmen nicer than Cancun?

Even though both destinations are family-friendly, Cancun stands out in terms of younger tourism, spring breakers, and those looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. Its nightlife is fantastic and surpasses what Playa del Carmen has to offer in this regard.

The Playa del Carmen Travel Guide (Mexico's BEST things to do in 2022)

What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen?

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.

How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?

Backpackers and other independent travelers can see most of Playa Del Carmen in three days. It will depend on what type of experience you want though. Playa Del Carmen does not offer really any museums or major cultural experiences.

Why does Playa del Carmen smell?

For several years, growing amounts of the thick macroalgae have washed up on the shores of resorts including Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, turning water brown, blanketing beaches and releasing a pungent smell as it decays in the sun.

Why is Playa del Carmen so popular?

Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.

Is English spoken in Playa del Carmen?

Bilingual or Trilingual Playa Del Camren

The great thing about Playa Del Carmen is just how international the city is and how many countries there are tourist from. English is by far the most spoken language besides Spanish.

Is the cartel in Playa del Carmen?

The cartel is in Playa del Carmen, although tourist-related cartel incidents are a rare occurrence. Tourists can stay away from cartel violence by not using recreational drugs, not being overly intoxicated, and by sticking to central tourist zones.

Is Playa del Carmen a party town?

Playa Del Carmen nightlife is almost legendary and sets itself up as one of the best destinations for going out. For people staying in the Rivera Maya along the coast, many choose one night to come into Playa Del Carmen and party for real because nightlife at all inclusive hotels can be, how shall we say, amateur.

Is Playa del Carmen crowded?

Playa del Carmen's beaches are narrow and crowded with either tables (as shown here), beach chairs, or seaweed.

Is Playa del Carmen Lively?

Playa del Carmen is a lively beachfront city on the Yucatan Peninsula offering a range of diversions from sophisticated to sand-between-the-toes casual.

Can you walk along the beach in Playa del Carmen?

The beach is always a great place to walk along the coast. No matter where you choose to stay in Playa, there are various walking routes that immerse you into the local scene or get you out of the tourist zone and into daily life.

Is Playa del Carmen beaches nice?

This stretch of Mexican coastline is famed for its turquoise water, sun-bleached beaches, thick palm groves, and laid-back living. It's among the most-visited destinations in not only the country of Mexico, but in the world. The Riviera Maya has dozens of beautiful beaches, many of which are in Playa del Carmen.

Who owns Playa del Carmen?

Playa Hotels & Resorts

Playa owns and manages Hyatt Zilara Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Panama Jack Resorts Cancun, Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen, THE Royal Playa del Carmen, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta and Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos in Mexico; Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall and Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall in Jamaica.

Is Playa del Carmen cheaper than Tulum?

Cost. In choosing Playa del Carmen or Tulum for your vacation, cost will be a big factor. While both destinations offer a range of cost options, Tulum's price point is roughly 20-30% higher than Playa del Carmen when you factor in accommodation, restaurants, and travel.

How far is Playa del Carmen from airport?

The Cancun International Airport is 55 km ( 34 miles) from the center of Playa Del Carmen. In a car this takes about 50 minutes to drive. It is a very easy to drive route with only one turn out of the airport and onto a four lane highway to Playa Del Carmen. By bus the drive takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

What is the prettiest beach in Mexico?

Are there sharks in Playa del Carmen?

Every year female bull sharks return to their breeding ground in the shallow waters in front of the coast of Playa del Carmen in Mexico. The bull shark is quite a large shark that can thrive in both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water.

Can you swim in the ocean in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!

Do you need a car in Playa del Carmen?

The town's grid layout is pretty easy to understand and drive through, but unless you're planning on exploring beyond the main Playa area, a car isn't necessary. Rental agencies are plentiful on the north end of La Quinta as well as in and near the Playa del Carmen airport.

Are US dollars accepted in Playa del Carmen?

The currency used in Playa del Carmen is the Mexican Peso, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and main tourist attractions. Buy pesos from your local bank before you come. Most banks offer a much better exchange rate than your hotel or the exchange houses along 5th Avenue.

What is the rainy season in Playa del Carmen Mexico?

Generally, the year is divided up into two seasons. Rainy season (October to April), and dry season (May to October). However, the highest temperatures often occur anywhere between March or April until October.