2025 Playa del Carmen Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Words alone could never express, how romantic and wonderful the Carmen Beachfront Hotel in Playa Del Carmen truly is! PERFECT is an understatement! ROMANTIC as it gets! The love of my life and I have traveled the world and this place is our FAVORITE! The rooftop pool and restaurant definitely add to the ambiance! On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) this hotel and it’s staff deserve an 11!

This Valentin day is full of events and the Toscana Grill in Playa del Carmen is having a live music night for all the people who is in love and celebrating this special day. What a better excuse for going out and enjoy the love that music provoques us. #valentinescape #resort #beachlife #tulum #mytripvlog #mexico #maya #beach #tripblazers #budget #budgettrip #salsa #playadelcarmen

#thebesthotelever Gran bahia principe in riviera maya Mexico is one of my best places to visit, the complex is massive, I stayed in the coba part of the complex you can use all 3 hotels, there are golf carts that run all round the site so if your feeling lazy then you don’t need to walk, there are 19 different restaurants to try and about 15 bars, the staff, rooms, pools, drinks, wild life everything about this place is fantastic… go go go go !!!

#Overseas travel . . This is Scarlett Park, a theme park in Mexico. You can see various wild animals and swim in a jungle-like cave. In the evening, there are performances about wonderful Mexican culture that some people come just for the performance. #ScarlettPark #MexicoTravel

#Overseas travel . . Scarlett Park is a must-visit when traveling to Mexico. It is a famous theme park where you can observe various animals. The place that was especially amazing was the bird watching area. I felt like I was inside a bird's habitat! You can observe the birds in their natural state without being caged!! #Mexico travel #Scarlett Park

#Overseas travel . This is Scarlett Park that I visited during my trip to Mexico. Scarlett Park is a park with various themes and has a lot to enjoy. You can enjoy various water activities such as swimming in the ocean and river, and also see animal friends. There is also a performance in the evening, so you must see it! #Mexico travel #Scarlett Park

#Overseas travel . . This is the Mexican theme park, Scarlett Park. You can enjoy various activities here. Among them, the one I enjoyed the most was the Underwater River. At the starting point, you can put all your luggage in a bag and leave it there, then swim across this path. At the end, your bag will arrive separately, so you can get your bag back without getting wet! #Mexico travel #Scarlett Park #Underwater River

#Overseas travel . . This is Scarlett Park, a famous theme park in Mexico. You can play in the water and see the mangrove forest. You can also see various Mexican animals and there are traditional Mexican performances in the evening, so there is not enough time to play all day! #Mexico travel #Scarlett Park

Scarlett Park An activity place loved by all ages!! A nature-friendly and relaxing atmosphere where you can see many animals in person The best park where you can do many activities!!

no place is like Xcaret. Beautiful park where you will be surrounded by nature and amazing views. so many activities to do so be sure to get there early to enjoy ALL day. There is an amazing show in the evening in a pyramid like arena. This show will blow your mind guaranteed. it shows Mexican culture like history and traditional/folkloric dance and amazing music. Last but not least there is a buffet full of delicious Mexican food with flavours like no other! #themepark #beachlife #mexico #xcaret #nature #mexicanfood

One of my favorite places in Mexico is Playa del Carmen. It's located in the Yucatan peninsula, near its big brother Cancun. Playa doesn't have an airport, but you can take a bus from Cancun Airport in just about an hour. Playa has a long stretched beach where you are enjoy the sunshine or go for a swim. Parallel to the beach as 5th Avenue, a long street lined with restaurants, shops and bars where the party never stops. Try some authentic Mexican cuisine or find a place to have pizza or a burger if you prefer. From Playa del Carmen you can make some nice day trips to Cancun or Cozumel Island or visit the Mayan pyramids in Coba or Chichen Itza. There are also water parks around and beautiful cenotes to swim in. There's even a cenotes right at the beach. #beachlife

As a lover of street art, I almost didn't know where to look in Playa del Carmen. Most cities in Mexico have street art, but in Playa del Carmen it seems as though every single building has a mural on it. Walking through the suburbs especially, you'll see tag after tag after tag. It's not just a simple case of spray painting your name on the wall. No, these are super artistic paintings that would fit nicely in any art gallery. You really could set aside a whole afternoon just for spotting street art. It will make for an extremely colorful afternoon. And of course the best thing is that you don't have to pay anything.

Our first introduction to the Viva Wyndham Maya was meeting our concierge, Luis Raul, and it couldn't have been better. He was so welcoming, so friendly, so empathetic with my tired 14 year old daughter, that within minutes, he had us slowing down and relaxing. The resort itself it beautiful--everything was amazing. We loved the walking under the palapa covered walkways, reading the information about the wildlife we saw along the paths and the ancient sculptures located on the property, sitting on the patio under the lights and the trees while listening to live music, swimming in the pools and of course at the spectacular beach. Our room was clean and comfortable. Staff checked in regularly to make sure we had everything we needed. The food was great. The buffet had tons of options. We ate in the restaurants twice and those were fabulous as well. I couldn't take part in the activities (yoga, merengue, aerobics) due to a prior injury, but that looked like a lot of fun. There was live music every night on the patio and performances in the amphitheater. As beautiful and fun as the Viva Wyndham Maya is, it really was the staff that made the experience so amazing. Every single employee we encountered was helpful, patient, kind, and polite. Even the bartenders, making drink after drink in the sweltering heat by the pool, had smiles on their faces and would take a second to do a trick for a child, like throwing a piece of ice in the air and catching it behind their back with a cup. I highly recommend this resort to anyone and will go back as soon as I can. #bestislandtraveltowns#parachute#café#hoteldeals#summertrip#exhibition2021#swimmingpoolphotography

Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there's the whole other side of the city. It's a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around.

Fantastic tour with Raul our guide. Very knowledgeable about Mayan culture and very pleasant man. It’s worth the travel. My husband made it right to the coba. #mynovgetaway#awesomepic#couplestrip

I canceled several trips this year due to Covid-19 and was starting to feel trapped. My feelings of wanderlust and desire to explore were being trampled by this horrible virus and the travel restrictions that followed. Being an RN and frontline healthcare worker dealing directly with Covid-19 positive patients I really needed a break. I decided to book a trip using trip.com and headed to Mexico for some amazing scuba diving and fun adventures in the beautiful Cenote’s located on the Yucatán. This was the escape I needed and have now returned to once again help those in need and hopefully save some lives. #awesomepic #mynovgetaway #rn #frontlineworkers #diving #mynovgetaway#awesomepic

#tripaway Some of the photos taken at our recent trip to Hotel Xcaret in Mexico! Be sure to check out all of their included parks, like Xcaret, Xel-ha, and Xplor with your stay! #tripaway

i loved being in mexico, went to this lovely beach and i enjoyed it so much. it was so tropical and i got a lovely tan from being here. i hope to travel to this place again. if youre going to mexico then you should definitely visit this hotel and enjoy the scenery.

Rosewood Riviera del Carmen is located in Playa del Carmen, surrounded by lagoons, mangroves and white beaches. It is surrounded by lush jungles and the warm breeze of the Caribbean Sea. It is filled with the unique charm of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and has a rare private beauty along the Maya River, just like being in a jungle secret. The hotel has 130 suites, and guests will be transported by barge to their luxurious two-story suites. The room has a large terrace, a private waterfall pool, a rooftop sundeck, a garden shower and a private dock. There are also 129 standalone villas with private plunge pools, garden showers, and separate docks. At night, the twinkling candles on the riverside are quite charming. The hotel’s 8 restaurants and 7 bars are also a great place to linger, and the various Mexican delicacies will bring endless satisfaction to your taste buds. 🏨Rosewood Riviera 📍Ctra.Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen Km 298, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Mexico

A Breathtaking Journey Through Ancient History Visiting Chichén Itzá was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all expectations. The sheer magnitude of this ancient Mayan city, combined with its intricate architecture and deep historical significance, makes it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Mexico. The highlight, of course, was El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán)—a stunning pyramid that showcases the Mayans' incredible understanding of astronomy and engineering. If you visit during the equinox, you can witness the mesmerizing shadow effect that creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, providing fascinating insights into the history, culture, and mathematical precision behind the structures. The Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Cenote Sagrado were equally impressive, each telling its own story of the Mayan civilization. One of the best parts of the trip was stopping at a nearby cenote for a refreshing swim after exploring the ruins under the sun. The cool, crystal-clear waters were the perfect way to unwind. If you're planning a visit, I highly recommend arriving early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Also, bringing water, comfortable shoes, and sun protection is a must. Overall, Chichén Itzá is an awe-inspiring destination that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a remarkable travel experience, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly worth the trip. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended!

#favouriteitinerary Exploring the lively streets of Playa del Carmen today was an absolute treat. I began my journey on the bustling Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian-friendly avenue stretching for miles, lined with an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and vibrant street art. The energy here is infectious, with locals and tourists alike meandering, shopping, and savoring the local flavors. As the sun began to set, the energy on 5th Avenue only amplified. Street performers emerged, music filled the air, and the vibrant nightlife began to unfold. It's clear that Playa del Carmen is a city that never sleeps, offering endless adventures from dawn till dusk.

A hotel where you have to row a boat to check in Rosewood Mayakoba, a hotel in Mexico, is located by the sea but does not focus on ocean views. It's funny to see people playing in the lagoon every day, some playing in the water, some playing ball games, all having a great time. The beach is deserted, and the tropical rainforest view is more attractive. The photo shows a four-bedroom villa by the lagoon. I don't recommend any activities, restaurants, or rooms by the sea at this hotel.

I am still wondering how to choose a hotel during my Cancun vacation❓The all-inclusive hotel Secrets Moxché can be chosen with confidence. The hotel is located in Playa Del Carmen, a coastal resort town next to Cancun. It is very close to X Park, the Pyramids, and Tulum. The hotel is novel and fashionable🌊 Adults only. - 📍Secrets Moxché Hotel is located in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, a top-notch all-inclusive hotel newly opened in December 2022. Not in the Cancun hotel zone, it is more suitable for a private and leisurely vacation ⛱️ It is about a 45-minute drive from the airport and very close to X Park, Tulum and the Pyramids; There are two hotels in the resort, Secrets Impression Moxché and Secrets Moxché, with Impression being a higher-end hotel. Enjoy 3 additional exclusive fine dining restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool in the hotel. - 🛏Hotel rooms It has 485 luxurious suites with an area starting from 62 square meters and is very spacious. The room design is very modern and warm, with earth tones as the main tone, combined with wooden and metal elements, creating a natural and luxurious atmosphere. The room has various luxury facilities, indoor minibar, lounge chairs, etc., and an open balcony. You can lie here to bask in the sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Caribbean 🏝, which is full of holiday atmosphere. - 👯‍Activities: 🔸Tennis, archery, catamaran, paddle board, yoga classes, bartending classes, music performances, acrobatic performances, etc. 🔸7 heated swimming pools, 3 man-made cenotes, a rooftop infinity pool with restaurants and bars, and a nightclub! - 🍽Catering &🥃Bar: There are 12 restaurants and 8 bars 🔸Seasoul: Sea view restaurant, great atmosphere and food 🔸Bisou: French restaurant with great atmosphere and good food 🔸Teorodo: Impression upstairs infinity pool restaurant 🔸Ember: Charcoal barbecue restaurant

📍Banyan Tree Mayakoba has 34 private beachfront pool suites and a brand-new beach club. It is only 20 minutes away from the party town of Playa del Carmen, but it feels like a super secluded world. - The resort offers luxurious villas, each with a private pool and landscaped garden. The spacious villas have an open layout, with a private sun terrace, large bathroom, walk-in closet, and iPod dock. - The full-service Banyan Tree Spa offers massages and full-body treatments. You can work out in the gym or take a boat tour of the Mayakoba wetlands from the lobby, with dense forest trails, winding freshwater lagoons, and exciting wildlife, from colorful birds 🐦 and coatis to turtles and even crocodiles. It's a rare experience!

I never left the hotel for the 10 days I was there and I regret nothing! Food was amazing, got to choose from 7 different restaurants every night as well as water sports on the beach and the daily activities at the hotel. #travel #resorts #mexico

#Emotional Accommodation My stay at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya was a magical experience combining luxury and nature. The resort is located in the middle of beautiful green nature and a quiet sandy beach. The rooms were modern and spacious, with great views of the lake or the ocean. The service was excellent, and the crew was friendly and helpful at every turn. I enjoyed the various activities such as biking and hiking in the surrounding nature reserve. The food at the restaurant was delicious, with a wide variety of local and international cuisine. The place offers a perfect balance between comfort and luxury, making it an ideal destination to relax and enjoy nature.

#SummerTravel Visiting **Playa Car** Beach in Cayman was an unforgettable experience. 🏖️ The beach features soft white sand and clear turquoise waters that encourage swimming and relaxation. 🌴The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, making it an ideal place to spend time with family or friends. ☀️ Walking along the beach or enjoying the sun was a delightful moment, and the stunning ocean view added a magical feel to the visit. 🌺 Playa Car is the perfect destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the picturesque nature.

Life advice: You must check out the treasures in Mexico💥||🇲🇽Mexico is a magical country full of wild and unique customs, with colorful towns, lush tropical jungles🌴, orange deserts🏜 and jewel-like lakes🏞. The mysterious Mayan culture...has therefore become the back garden for North American residents to travel on vacation. . 🏡GuanajuatoGuanajuato The prototype of "Coco" is a colorful and vibrant treasure town. The ancient gravel roads and colorful houses scattered in the valley are like God knocking over the paint tray. You can climb the hillside and overlook the entire town. There is nightlife with singing and dancing~ . ⛰Las ​​Coloradas Pink Lake Dating back to the Mayan period, seawater poured in from the mouth of the river and poured into the inland lake. It was exposed to the scorching sun☀️, salt crystals precipitated, and the concentration of pink plankton increased, so this pink beach was formed💖. Ps: I am very picky about the weather. Try to choose a sunny day so that the pink color will be more obvious. . ♨Grutas Tolantongo Natural Hot Spring The hot spring canyon is located in the volcanic belt and is built against the mountain. The hot spring water in the well-proportioned area looks very cute one by one. It is surrounded by clouds and mist. It shows a beautiful blue-green color due to the action of mineral salts. It looks like a fairyland on earth under the sunlight. . 🏞Cenote Carwash Underwater Garden There are many sinkholes near Tulum. For taking photos, I recommend this treasure cave to dive into the wonderland. The water is crystal clear. There are groups of small fish and lotus leaves in the green pond. You can also find a beautiful cave when you dive into the water. Underwater Monet’s Garden 🌸. . 🌑Azulik Pandora Planet The world's first wild luxury hotel, backed by the rainforest 🌲, is built with ebony and the sea. The intertwined vines fully demonstrate the wildness and spirit of the Mayan tribe. It is like a real-life version of Pandora, the residence of Avatar. Taking pictures in a white dress is very sacred and beyond the movie. , as if you are a goddess in the palace of ancient mythology. You can check in at the art museum here without staying in a hotel. . 🌊Underwater Museum Underwater Museum There are more than 400 statues made of ecological concrete on the seabed, as well as corals 🐚 and various fish 🐟, which can provide good growth conditions for marine life. It is the undersea version of the "Terracotta Warriors", very spectacular and shocking. . 🌈Ven a La Luz into the light A 10-meter-high sculpture designed based on local female residents, the "Tree Elf" is made of steel, wood🪵, rope and green leaves🍃. Its chest is a passage full of green plants, inviting you to walk into it. atrium . .