The Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen – A Guide to Quintana Roo’s Tropical Paradise

Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town in Mexico. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, within the Riviera Maya, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is famous for its paradisiac white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and world-class hotels. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The main attractions in Playa del Carmen’s Center include Fifth Avenue, Parque Los Fundadores, Museo Frida Kahlo Playa Del Carmen, and the 3D Museum of Wonders. See accommodation in Playa del Carmen City Center.

Xcaret Park, located south of the city center, is an ecotourism development, theme park, resort and one of the top tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya.

Due to its coastal location on the Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen has a tropical savannah climate. Average temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year and typically hover around 18 and 29 ºC. The wettest season goes from June to November. Because of its constantly pleasant temperature, Playa del Carmen can be considered an ideal tourist destination year-round. That said, since the summer is the rainiest season, the best time to visit Playa del Carmen is during the spring (March-May) when it’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about the rain.

To get to Playa del Carmen by air, the city is best reached through Cancún International Airport. This major airport, the second busiest in Mexico, offers connections to other destinations in Mexico, The United States, Canada, and Europe.

Playa del Carmen is also well-connected by long-distance buses to the rest of Mexico. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.

Local transportation in Playa del Carmen consists of bus lines. The City Center is very pedestrian-friendly. There are also taxi services available, and you can rent a cheap car during your stay.

The best area to stay in Playa del Carmen is the City Center. This charming area is home to some of Playa del Carmen’s best cultural attractions, some colonial architecture, restaurants, nightlife, and shops. It is also where some of the best hotels are located. See accommodation in Playa del Carmen City Center.

Other great options to consider when choosing the best location in Playa del Carmen include the resort developments of Playacar I, Playacar II, and Mayakoba.

Keep reading to find out more about the best location in Playa del Carmen for tourists.

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Best Location in Playa del Carmen, Mayan Riviera: A Quick Guide

Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen depending on your travel style and what you may be planning to do during your trip. Keep reading below to find all the specific information you need about each particular area mentioned here.

Best Hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico by Theme

Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Playa del Carmen. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!

The Best Areas to Stay in Playa del Carmen, Mayan Riviera

Playa del Carmen City Center revolves around La Quinta, a very safe and busy pedestrian avenue where a large number of restaurants, bars, spas, shops, cafes, and boutiques can be found.

In the City Center, you can also find attractions like Founders Park, where Mayan dance shows are held.

Capilla del Carmen, a small church that, inside, has a glass window overlooking the sea.

Events such as jazz and electronic music festivals can also be enjoyed in Playa del Carmen City Center.

Also, here, you’ll find the main bus and sea terminals, so it has the best transport connections in the city.

The City Center is the best area to stay in in Playa del Carmen. It has a wide variety of hotels; from budget posadas to the finest 5-star resorts.

Best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen - City Center
Best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen – City Center
Accommodation in Playa del Carmen City Center - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Playa del Carmen City Center – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:

  • Best area for sightseeing
  • Heart of the city
  • Great public transport connections

2. Playacar I

Playacar I is a private development next to the beach that is especially notorious for being home to some Mayan ruins.

It is located at the southern end of Playa del Carmen, between the end of the city and Playacar II.

It is a closed and upscale compound featuring many trees and green spaces.

Staying in Playacar I allows residents and tourists to be a few blocks from the beach, with very exclusive villas near the sea and close to the City Center.

On the beach, you can rent water scooters and easy-to-use motorboats, which guarantee fun rides and excellent views of the shore and the ferry terminal.

Although Playacar mainly offers upscale accommodation and all-inclusive hotels, you can also find privately-owned apartments.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen - Playacar I
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen – Playacar I
Accommodation in Playacar I - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Playacar I – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:

  • ear the City Center
  • Luxury hotels
  • Near the beach

3. Playacar II

Playacar II is located south of the main urban area of Playa del Carmen.

This development was built around a golf course, so it’s home to exclusive villas, hotels, and four and five-star resorts.

Somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Playacar II offers a quiet atmosphere that is suitable for sports, as well as big malls for shopping enthusiasts.

This area is also close to Playa del Carmen’s Mayan ruins, visible on the sides of the road, which creates an interesting contrast between the swanky luxurious condominiums and the region’s rich past.

Playacar II also has bars, restaurants, cafes and the possibility of outdoor activities such as golf, yoga and water sports.

This neighborhood stands out among the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen thanks to its luxury and great all-inclusive resorts.

Best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen - Playacar II
Best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen – Playacar II
Accommodation in Playacar II - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Playacar II – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:

  • Peaceful area
  • Luxury area
  • Great bars and restaurants

4. Mayakoba

Mayakoba is defined as an “Oasis of Tranquility” and luxury in the Mexican Caribbean, combining the beauty of its landscapes with gastronomic excellence, as well as cultural activities and sports.

Mayakoba is a popular area among visitors for its convenient location, 8km from the City Center and 40km from Cancún International, its closest airport.

Among the endless attractions nearby are El Camaleón golf club, Maroma Beach and Mamitas Beach Club, as well as the Guadalupe Church.

This area is close to natural spaces such as the Xcaret ecological theme park, lagoons, jungle, and beaches, as well as restaurants that serve a great gastronomic variety inherited from the Mayan culture.

Among the best areas to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba stands out for hosting luxury hotels and fabulous resorts, as well as endless entertainment options.

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen - Mayakoba
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen – Mayakoba
Accommodation in Mayakoba - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Mayakoba – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in Playa del Carmen:

  • Natural attractions
  • Golf courses
  • Nightlife

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