I chose Playa del Carmen for my second trip to Mexico because of my previous experience in Cancun. I realized how happy I was with my choice after I visited Playa del Carmen. My experience there was amazing and I am so happy to share it with you.
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Getting to Playa del Carme
After flying into Cancun International Airport, I chose the bus (you can also take a taxi here) because it was the most economical way to get to Playa del Carmen, so after a 45-minute drive, I arrived in this incredible paradise. The last time I visited Cancun, it felt like a big city, but Playa del Carmen, although not that big, is a cool, peaceful and beautiful area full of nature. The locals call this area “Playa”.
The white sand beaches bordered by azure waters give Playa del Carmen a different kind of charm. Once a small fishing village, it has now become one of Mexico’s leading tourist destinations. This small town stretches all the way to Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and its beauty is hard to capture in a single photo. It truly is a blend of Mexican culture and beach paradise.
Playa del Carmen, is the heart of the Riviera Maya, was once a fishing village known as Xaman Há; Nowadays it is a cosmopolitan beach town with a wide gastronomic offer and variety in lodging and entertainment options. ( lossy j 2025/03/02)
Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue
is a pedestrian-only avenue in Playa del Carmen, located near the beach. It is also known as Quinta Avenida, one of the main streets in Playa del Carmen.
This avenue is lined with shops selling everything from cheap clothes to expensive jewelry. As in Cancun, this street is always full of live music. There are also excellent restaurants with a variety of tastes and aromas. There are also bars with any kind of floor you want and artists who perform amazing acts like fire dancing.
During your time in Quinta Avenida, you will realize how friendly the people are. You will find cute Mexican families sharing stories with backpackers, couples on romantic trips, and groups of friends getting together to celebrate.
You can buy anything here, from colorful handmade blankets to silver jewelry to painted pottery.
The Beach Life
The beach in Playa del Carmen is sure to leave you with a wonderful feeling. The white sand that covers the entire beach and shimmers in the afternoon sun is indescribable.
The sand on the beach is very soft and feels like baby powder. When you look from the beach, the sea near the sand is a light blue, and as you go deeper, its color turns into a deep blue.
You can swim in the sea in the afternoon with the sun shining or read a book on the beach, or watch the sunset while drinking a beer in the evening.
The water is warm all year round and the waves are quite calm. So this beach area is always great for relaxing.
Amazing Food
If I had any idea of Mexican food, it was during my trip to Cancun. But the amazing and delicious experience I had in Playa del Carmen was completely different. The food includes both traditional dishes and more recent, more exotic dishes.
(Huevos rancheros) Fried eggs served on corn tortillas with salsa roja or verde, often with refried beans.
(Chilaquiles) Crispy tortilla chips dipped in red or green salsa, topped with cheese, cream, onions and sometimes eggs or chicken. It’s a beloved comfort food that makes great use of day-old tortillas.
(Huevos divorciados) Two fried eggs separated by different salsas (usually red and green), representing a playful “divorced” presentation.
(Machaca con huevos) Scrambled eggs with dried, shredded beef, popular in northern Mexico.
(Molets) Topped with refried beans and cheese, then served with fried bolillo rolls with pico de gallo.
The coastal cuisine is dominated by seafood, while meat-based dishes can be found further north. Playa del Carmen is also filled with many tropical fruits.
Adventure Beyond the Beach
Have you ever heard of the Cenote, located just off the coast of Playa del Carmen? This site is a wonder of the ancient Mayan civilization. The freshwater in the Cenote is crystal clear and a swim in it is an experience you will never forget. For more information about the Cenote, visit
Ancient Mayan Ruins in Tulum
My interest in seeing ancient Mayan ruins that date back thousands of years led me to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, which are nestled in the mountains overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
I must say that my eyes were filled with beautiful and amazing sights that I had never seen before.
The knowledge of the ancient Mayans in astronomy and mathematics is evident in the amazing ruins that still exist.
What are the things you should know when traveling
The best time to visit is from November to April.
You can use Mexican pesos or US dollars for money, and it is more advantageous to pay in pesos, as you can save money. There are also ATMs everywhere, and you can also use credit or debit cards.
For transportation, you can use bicycles, and for long trips, you can use these shared vans called colectivos.
I did not have any problems with safety, but you should still use common sense.
If you want to have a great experience in Playa del Carmen, plan a trip of at least a week. The following is a guide for a single person
Playa del Carmen 7-Day Solo Trip Cost
| Category | Budget Travel | Mid-Range Travel | Luxury Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $105 – $140 | $280 – $420 | $700 – $1,050 |
| Hostels ($15-20/night) | Boutique hotels/Airbnbs ($40-60/night) | Beachfront resorts | |
| Food | $70 – $105 | $140 – $175 | $350 – $420 |
| Local restaurants, street food | Mix of local & tourist restaurants | Upscale restaurants, resort dining | |
| Transportation | $21 – $35 | $70 – $105 | $210 – $140 |
| Public transit, local buses | Taxis, some tours | Private transfers, premium tours | |
| Activities | $35 | $70 – $100 | $238 – $140 |
| Free beaches, affordable experiences | Cenotes, archaeological sites | Premium excursions, spa treatments | |
| TOTAL 7-DAY COST | $231 – $315 | $588 – $672 | $1,498 – $1,750 |
| Daily Average | $33 – $45 | $84 – $96 | $214 – $250 |
Key Money-Saving Tips
- Stay away from beachfront: Places from 10th Avenue to 30th Avenue offer more local prices
- Local dining: Basic plates cost 130-180 pesos ($7-$10 USD) at local restaurants
- Public transport: Much cheaper than taxis or private drivers
- Exchange rate: Approximately 18 Mexican Pesos = $1 USD
Note: International flight costs not included. Tipping 10-15% is customary at restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Playa del Carmen exceeded every expectation I had. This isn’t just another beach destination – it’s where Mexican culture meets Caribbean paradise perfectly. From cenote adventures to sunset beers on Quinta Avenida, every moment felt authentic and memorable. Give yourself a week here to understand why it feels like home.
