Playa del Carmen

Getting there

• From Cancún airport: ADO (about 1 h 25 min–1 h 50 min, departures every ~30 min), the only public option.
• Also shared transfer (minimum 2 people) or private.
• Maya Train: there is a station, but from the airport it is impractical due to schedules and extra transfers.
• Ferry to Cozumel: the terminal is a few minutes' walk from the ADO station.

Where to eat

Well-rated places on TripAdvisor (2026-09).

• Zitla

  Mexican and Caribbean
  4.9
• Harry's Steakhouse & Raw Bar

  Steakhouse and raw bar
  4.9
• Porfirio's

  Mexican and grill
  4.9
• Fuego Santo

  Steakhouse, off Fifth Avenue
  4.9
• La Vagabunda de la 38

  Breakfast and Mexican
  4.9

Tours & activities

• Xcaret
  Park with underground rivers and shows
• Río Secreto
  Caves and underground river
• Cenote Chaak Tun
  Cave cenote
• Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida)
  Pedestrian street of shops, bars and restaurants
• Chichén Itzá day trip
  Full-day tour

Where to rent

Most popular areas to rent a property.

• Centro (Quinta Avenida)
  Steps from shops and nightlife.
• Playacar
  Gated community with security and beach access; family-friendly and upscale.
• Coco Beach
  North of downtown; calmer, with services nearby.
• Zazil-Ha
  Cafés, coworking and a laid-back vibe; popular with digital nomads.
• El Cielo
  Residential and cheaper than the beach zone; good for long stays.

Commonly used rental sites: Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Inmuebles24.

Where to stay

Well-rated options on TripAdvisor (2026-09).

• Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún

  All-inclusive, luxury (Maroma, to the north)
  4.8
• Paradisus La Perla

  All-inclusive, adults only
  4.7
• Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen

  All-inclusive, near Fifth Avenue
  4.6
• Hotel Xcaret México

  All-inclusive with Xcaret parks access
  4.6
• Paradisus Playa del Carmen

  All-inclusive, family
  4.5

For downtown and Fifth Avenue, there are many boutique and city hotels outside this all-inclusive ranking.