Playa del Carmen

Nestled along Mexico’s stunning Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is the beating heart of the Mayan Riviera. With its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, and laid-back cosmopolitan vibe, “Playa,” as the locals call it, is the perfect blend of beach town charm and vibrant city life.

Once a quiet fishing village, Playa del Carmen has blossomed into a lively destination full of energy and culture. Its iconic 5th Avenue, or “La Quinta Avenida,” is a pedestrian paradise stretching more than five kilometres and packed with global cuisine, boutique shops, open-air bars, and colourful local art. Day or night, it’s where the city comes alive.

Adventure is always close by. Whether you’re zip-lining through jungle canopies, diving into freshwater cenotes, snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs, or exploring the ancient ruins of Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and Cobá, the region offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveller.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the Great Maya Reef—the second-largest coral reef in the world—and the region’s many protected bays, offshore islands, and jungle hideaways. From swimming with sea turtles in Akumal to kayaking in Soliman Bay, the area is rich with opportunities to connect with the natural world.

Just 35 minutes north lies Cancún, famous for its world-renowned beaches and exciting nightlife. While Playa del Carmen offers a more relaxed and eclectic atmosphere, Cancún delivers the buzz—perfect for a day trip or night out. With 133 kilometres of Caribbean coastline, Cancún also opens the door to nearby gems like Puerto Morelos, Xpu-Há, Puerto Aventuras, and Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Our home base, Paradisus La Perla - Playa del Carmen, places you right in the heart of it all—just 12 minutes from downtown Playa—and surrounds you with beauty, culture, and the warmth of true Mexican hospitality.

Climate

The weather is fantastic in Cancún and the Mayan Riviera in November when the average temperature is 25°C. At this time of year, temperatures can reach highs of up to 29°C during the hottest part of the day, cooling down to around 22°C after sunset.

CANCÚN WEATHER

Cuisine

Playa del Carmen’s cuisine is a flavourful fusion of traditional Mexican dishes, Mayan influences, and international flair. From street-side tacos al pastor and fresh ceviche to upscale restaurants serving gourmet takes on local ingredients like achiote-marinated meats and Yucatán spices, there’s something for every palate. Seafood is a standout, thanks to the Caribbean coast, and global tastes are well represented with Italian, Asian, and vegan-friendly options throughout the town. Dining in Playa is as diverse and vibrant as the destination itself.

Shopping

Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant and diverse shopping scene that caters to every style and budget. The heart of it all is La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), a bustling pedestrian street lined with a mix of upscale boutiques, local artisan shops, and international brands. Visitors can explore stores showcasing handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, and traditional textiles, including the colorful huipiles worn by Yucatán women and classic guayaberas for men. Paseo del Carmen, an elegant open-air shopping plaza near the beach, features stylish fashion outlets and unique souvenir spots, while Quinta Alegría mall brings popular global retailers to the center of town. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, handmade crafts, or memorable keepsakes, Playa del Carmen’s shopping experience is both sophisticated and authentically local.

Nightlife

Playa del Carmen comes alive after dark with an exciting mix of beach clubs, rooftop bars, and dance venues. The heart of the action is Quinta Avenida, where music fills the streets and every corner offers a new vibe—from laid-back lounges to high-energy nightclubs like Coco Bongo and Mandala.

From oceanfront venues to hidden speakeasies and salsa bars, there’s something for every mood. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or unwind with a cocktail by the sea, Playa’s nightlife is a vibrant, unforgettable experience.

Attractions

  • Cobá

    Explore the ancient Maya in this remarkable ancient city, one of the more important archaeological sites in the area. Tread on the thousand-year-old causeways, climb the steep incline of Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula, and enjoy some rest under the shade of the trees.

  • Chichén Itzá

    Located inland, this Mayan archaeological site was founded sometime in the fifth century and, for centuries, was a large city of regional importance. Many of its impressive temples and buildings are still standing, and it's been voted a new wonder of the world – and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a fascinating place to visit.

  • Akumal

    In the Mayan language, Akumal means "place of the turtles", and this beach is one of their favourite places to lay their eggs. Akumal is known for its spectacular protected bay of transparent waters and the freshwater currents that flow through its caves and underground rivers. Offshore reefs protect Akumal's silky, white-sand beaches. Divers from around the world have been coming to this haven for decades.

  • Xcaret

    Once a Mayan port for departures to Cozumel, Xcaret is a destination like no other. Visitors who come to this expansive nature park will learn about the area's ecology and Mayan history or can relax on the beach, float down one of two underground rivers, swim with dolphins or wander jungle trails.

  • Diving

    You can dive in both salt and fresh water here! The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are great for scuba diving, and the unforgettable Great Maya Reef – the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere – extends along a large portion of the coast. Or try cave diving in the numerous subterranean rivers and "cenotes" formed by water filtering through the limestone. Many locations in the jungle provide rental equipment and guides, and instructors for this unique experience.

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling allows everyone to explore the underwater world. With the beautiful coral reef and the cenotes, there is always something to discover.

  • Fishing

    Fishing in the Mayan Riviera draws thousands of visitors each year. Almost all warm-water marine species can be found here, and sailfish are particularly prevalent. Throughout the year, there are frequent fishing tournaments.

  • Tulum

    Close to Playa del Carmen is Tulum, whose original name is Zamá, which means "Sunrise" in Mayan. Tulum is the best-known and most representative archaeological site of the region.

    There are over 60 well-preserved structures in Tulum. Amongst them is "El Castillo" or "The Castle", the highest structure in Tulum, whose splendour and unique beauty are framed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. From the many murals and paintings found in the buildings, it is believed that Tulum was an important ceremonial site dedicated to the Descending God.

  • Xaman-Ha Ruins

    Nestled among the resorts is a small archaeological site called "Xaman-Ha". On this ceremonial site, the Maya practiced purification ceremonies before crossing to the island of Cozumel to worship Ixchel, goddess of the moon and fertility. They brought offerings to Ixchel to favour fertility and ask for blessings such as good health and abundant crops for their community. Xaman-Ha is also the name of the small bird sanctuary located in Playacar, where you can see many species of exotic birds from the region.