As Cancun Airport Transportation, our job is to provide safe, comfortable, and trustworthy transportation from Cancun to any destination. But we also like you to know more about where you are going, traveling tips and what to expect in each place. In this article, we’ll share information about one of the top destinations in the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. Keep on reading and take notes on the Things to do in Playa del Carmen and how to get there…
How to get to Playa del Carmen
Getting to Playa del Carmen can be actually easy by booking transportation in advance. The average transportation time from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is 55 min. This will vary according to the exact location where you are going, weather, and traffic conditions at the time of your service. The best time to avoid traffic is before 7:00 or after 21:00 since hotel workers whose workday starts between 8:00 – 9:00 and ends between 17:00 – 19:00 take this route on a daily basis. Learn more about how to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen here.
Things to do in Playa del Carmen
#1 Free Walking Tour
A good way to get to know the city is to in a free tour of Playa del Carmen, which will take you to see the main tourist attractions with local experts. The tour is free but remember to leave a good tip.
Free walking tours or “Free Walking Tours” exist in several tourist destinations around the world. They operate on a tip basis and offer a good overview of the city.
I suggest you take the free guided tour of Playa del Carmen with Estación Mexico: departures at 10 am and 5 pm daily, in front of the ADO station on Quinta Avenida (English and Spanish).
#2 Stroll along Quinta Avenida
At the heart of Playa del Carmen’s nightlife. It is a pedestrian street full of stores, bars, and restaurants and it is undeniable that it is the main artery of Playa del Carmen and that leaving without passing through here would be a crime.
#3 Eat local Tacos
If you want to eat some good tacos, take note of these names: El Fogón and El Rey de Los tacos. Soon we will tell you more places to eat in Playa del Carmen good and cheap.
#4 Swim in a Cenote
Cenotes are amazing places to stop by during a hot day. The crystalline cool waters of these natural sinkholes will leave you breathless. Cenote Azul is one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Riviera Maya. It’s highly recommended, the entrance fee is 100 pesos.
Another cenote that we were recommended to visit and which is also close to Cenote Azul, is Cenote Jardin Eden. The entrance fee is $200 pesos.
#5 Visit an Archaeological Site
Playa del Carmen has a perfect location to explore other interesting areas of the Riviera Maya. Even if you’re in town for a short stay, you can’t miss a trip to the Mayan Ruins.
One of the famous sites you can visit in the Riviera Maya is Tulum. Is extremely easy to get to Tulum since it’s only a 50 min drive on a straight line.
Cobá is another hidden gem near Playa del Carmen, and especially if going to see more Mayan ruins is on your bucket list, this is a place you don’t want to miss out on.
#6 Explore Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve will appeal to all environment lovers. It is not super close (110 km approx) but it can be a nice and different one-day getaway. If you have several days in Playa del Carmen it is a good idea to make a road trip there.
#7 Akumal
Another recommendable place is Akumal. Its main attraction is being able to swim with turtles.
#8 Isla Mujeres
There’s no doubt Isla Mujeres is one of the most beautiful islands in Mexico. You can spend a day in Isla Mujeres, snorkeling in the second largest coral reef in the world. Enjoy Playa Norte, considered one of the best beaches in the world, and you will not be disappointed.
You can spend the morning at Garrafón de Castilla Park, stroll through the Punta Sur Sculpture Park, discover its colorful streets, taste the Tikin Xic fish at Lancheros Beach, and much more.
To get there, first go to Puerto Juarez (1h) and then take the ferry to Isla Mujeres (20 min).
#9 Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is a quiet little town just 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, where you can spend half a day or a full day.
It is a great place to visit with the family, as you can snorkel in the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park and discover several cenotes in the famous Cenotes Route.