Playa del Carmen is ideally located between Cancun and Tulum, so people call it the heart of the Riviera Maya. To make your trip more perfect, we recommend here 10 wonderful places you must visit starting from Playa del Carmen!
1. Playa Mamitas
Although they are not as famous as Cancun, the scenery is not worse than Cancun! The beach here has been repeatedly called “the most beautiful beach in the world” by many professional media because of its fine white sand and warm turquoise sea. Some of the beaches here: are Playa Paamul, Playa Paraíso (Playa means beach, Paraíso means paradise), Playa Tukan, and Playa Mamitas.
2. Cozumel
From Playa del Carmen, it only takes 45 minutes to take the ferry to Cozumel Island. This is simply a paradise island with beautiful beaches, natural parks, and archaeological sites, and not to be missed is the second-largest coral reef in the world!
3. La Quinta Avenida
La Quinta Avenida is located in the center of Playa del Carmen, integrating shopping, dining, and relaxation. La Quinta Avenida is also located next to the beach. Here, everything is possible, making you stop involuntarily.
4. Xcaret
The facilities in Xcaret Park are very high-end and very user-friendly. It is a combination of culture and adventure, tradition and technology. Cenote snorkeling, various flowers, birds, fish, and insects in the tropical rainforest, close encounters with dolphins in the aquarium, beaches, theater folk performances, and many places of interest and attractive activities. It is best to book tickets online in advance. There will be corresponding discounts according to the booking time. Tickets also include various packages to choose from, such as transportation, self-service, etc. In short, this is the most popular place in the entire Riviera Maya. It is not to be missed!
5. Cancún
I believe Cancún needs no introduction. It is one of the most famous tourist resorts in Mexico. Starting from Playa del Carmen, it only takes an hour by bus. With exciting parties and a paradise-like atmosphere, Cancun is an indispensable part of your itinerary!
6. Tulúm
Tulúm is the only ancient Mayan city located on the beautiful Caribbean coast. It is only 68 kilometers away from Playa del Carmen and can be reached directly by bus. Its magnificent location and its architecture are all relics of Mayan culture and history. If you are interested in Mayan culture, you definitely can’t miss this place!
7. Cobá
Cobá is 42 kilometers away from Tulum. It is another city with ruins of the Mayan civilization. There are countless roads and several representative buildings. The most famous one is the tallest Mayan civilization building, the Great Pyramid “Nohoch Mul”, which is as high as 42 meters. It is speculated that there were once 50,000 residents here or even more!
8. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza has been included as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is an important ancient Mayan city ruin. Its famous architectural ruins include the El Castillo Mexican Pyramid, Warrior Temple, Astronomical Observatory, Stadium Ruins, etc. Tickets are MXN 80, free every Sunday. Opening hours: 8:00-17:30, 8:00-17:00 in winter.
9. Cenotes
Cenotes are a unique natural landscape in the Yucatan Peninsula. There are more than 2,400 of them near Playa del Carmen. One of them and the most complete one is in the Kantun Chi Ecological Park (Kantun Chi). You can buy tickets online. Enjoy 20% off and here are 10 fascinating cenotes near Playa del Carmen.
10. Akumal
Akumal is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Historically, Akumal was the first tourist resort of the Riviera Maya. Here you can relax and enjoy everything, you can practice fishing, snorkeling, diving, or simply bask in the sun on this quiet and beautiful beach, so comfortable and leisurely!
