Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, now one of Quintana Roo's largest cities, ranks right up there with Tulum as one of the Riviera's trendiest spots. Sitting coolly on the lee side of Cozumel, the town’s beaches are jammed with super-fit Europeans. The waters aren’t as clear as those of Cancún or Cozumel, and the sand isn’t quite as powder-perfect as they are further north, but still Playa grows and grows.
© Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Latest Stories
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- Nellie Huang | Dec 2, 2024The Top 7 Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
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Top places to visit in Playa del Carmen
Discover the best attractions in Playa del Carmen from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
- Attraction in Playa del CarmenPunta Esmeralda
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Attraction in Playa del CarmenParque la Ceiba - Attraction in Playa del CarmenParque Los Fundadores
- Attraction in Playa del CarmenMuseo Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya
- Attraction in Playa del CarmenQuinta Avenida
Travel Guides
Playa del Carmen travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
Yoga on the beach, dining among jungle greenery, and diving in cenotes: here's our guide to the top things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
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Things to Know
Before you set off for lively Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, read our tips on safety, etiquette and more.
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Free Things to Do
We round up the top 10 free things to do in Playa del Carmen so you can stay and play for longer.
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Day Trips
Explore the beauty and wildness of the Yucatan Peninsula on one of these 7 fun day trips from Playa del Carmen.
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Money and Costs
We give you the lowdown on how to enjoy the best of Playa del Carmen on the Rivera Maya without breaking the bank.
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