Playa del Carmen is famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back bohemian vibe. This Playa del Carmen Itinerary will help you find the best times to visit, places to stay, things to do, places to eat, cenotes to visit, and what to pack.

Riviera Maya Travel Guide

Located 45 minutes south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen has surpassed Cancún as the most-visited destination in Mexico. Because of this, expect Playa del Carmen to be relatively crowded and expensive year-round. But you can find deals and escape the crowds in Playa del Carmen, especially if you venture beyond your resort.

Here’s the ultimate Playa del Carmen Itinerary!

When To Go

December – March is Playa del Carmen’s peak season, when the sunny skies and calm, warm waters are ideal for a beach break. Prices and tourist numbers will be at their highest, so book in advance to save some money.

June – September is hurricane season, so the chance of rain, choppy water, cloudy skies, and bad weather increases. This is also summer break for the U.S., so crowds and prices will still be relatively high.

April – May has fabulous weather – dry, sunny, and not too hot. The Spring Break crowds are usually gone by mid-April, so the end of April and May are good times to find accommodation discounts.

October – November is the shoulder season. These months are the “sweet spot” for lower prices, fewer crowds, and good weather.

If you’re a diver, May – August is whale shark season, and November – March is bull shark season.

Cenotes

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that form crystal-clear freshwater underground pools. These natural wonders are only found on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, so you don’t want to miss them when you’re here.

The underwater caves and caverns create a unique and breathtakingly beautiful swimming experience with underwater passageways, stalactites and stalagmites, and amazing marine life. You can dive, snorkel, cliff jump, and swim in dozens of public cenotes in Playa del Carmen.

Some of the most famous cenotes include Gran Cenote, Cenote Calavera, and Dos Ojos, but there are also more off-the-beaten-path cenotes you can explore.

Best Cenotes in the Riviera Maya

If you want to dive in a cenote (which I highly recommend), check out my guide to cenote diving!

What To Do

Have a beach day. I recommend getting a day pass to a beach club if your hotel doesn’t have one!

Spend a day at the Xcaret Eco-Park.

Stroll along the Quintana Avenida pedestrian street for shopping and dining.

Do a food and drink tour where you’ll sample authentic dishes from local restaurants.

Sail on a catamaran along the coast.

Go diving or snorkeling.

Visit Parque Los Fundadores.

Where To Stay

Playa del Carmen has incredible accommodations for every budget and preference, so I’ve rounded up the best resorts and vacation homes for you!

Where To Eat

The best foods I ate in Playa del Carmen are fresh ceviche, tacos al pastor, savory cochinita pibil, and elotes – corn on the cob slathered with tangy crema, crumbly cheese, and spicy chili powder. Playa del Carmen is also home to a thriving mixology culture, so be sure to try some one-of-a-kind cocktails!

Here are the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen.

My Favorites: MVNGATA Beach Club & Rooftop (Mexican, Caribbean $$ – $$$), Deck 5 Pool and Skybar (Bars & Pubs, Pizza $$ – $$$), Fuego Restaurante y Cantina (Mexican, Seafood $$ – $$$).

Mexican: The Traveler’s Table (Mexican $$$$), Pelicanos (Mexican, Caribbean $$ – $$$), La Cocina Restaurant & Terrace (Mexican, Latin $$ – $$$).

Beachfront: Sotavento (Caribbean, Seafood $$ – $$$), Lido | Cocina de Playa (Mexican, Caribbean $$ – $$$), INTI Beach (Latin, Seafood $$ – $$$).

Fine Dining: Parmigiano (Italian, Pizza $$$$), The Grill at 1- 26 (Steakhouse, Seafood $$$$), Tauro (American, Steakhouse $$$$).

International: Piaggia Playa Del Carmen (Italian, Seafood $$ – $$$), India Jones (Indian $$ – $$$), Saffron at Banyan Tree Mayakoba (International, Asian $$$$)

Cheap Eats: La casa de los antojos (Mexican, Latin $), Les Amis (French, Cafe $), Taquería Los Compas (Mexican, Latin $).

Best Day Trips

Chichen Itza. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is the most famous and iconic Mayan site on the Yucatan Peninsula. I recommend hiring a guide to explore the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote, El Castillo, and El Caracol.

Pro tip for visiting Chichen Itza: It opens at 8:00 am every day, and arriving early is the best way to avoid some of the crowds and beat the heat.

If you want to spend more than a day at Chichen Itza and the surrounding area, there are some incredible hotels nearby!

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique opportunity to explore a pristine ecosystem. Take a guided boat tour through the reserve, gliding along the crystal-clear waters of lagoons and mangrove channels, looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful bird species.

Coba. This archaeological site has stayed remarkably off-the-beaten-tourist path. I recommend renting a bicycle to explore these sprawling ruins deep in the jungle. The main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, is the tallest in the region, and you can climb to the top of it for stunning views.

What To Pack

In addition to your usual travel essentials, you’ll want these items:

-Multiple Swimsuits: With so many opportunities for water activities, you’ll want to make sure you have several swimsuits packed so you always have a dry one. I highly recommend this colorful, tropical bikini and this retro one-piece.

–Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Mexico, so pack plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin.

-Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in certain areas, so bringing insect repellent is a good idea.

-Water Shoes: If you plan on exploring the cenotes or boating, water shoes will come in handy.

-Comfortable Shoes: With all the walking and exploring you’ll be doing, it’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes in addition to sandals.

-Lightweight Clothing: Mexico can be hot and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothing.

-Electrical outlets in Mexico are Types A and B. So if you’re from the U.S., you won’t need an outlet adaptor. But British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.

What would you add to this Playa del Carmen Itinerary? Share with us in the comments!

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This Playa del Carmen itinerary is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Playa del Carmen itinerary are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Playa del Carmen itinerary are affiliate links, and at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Playa del Carmen itinerary.