Playa del Carmen Travelers Recommend

A full Playa del Carmen experience can be had in 72 hours if you plan an itinerary that combines the outdoor activities and cultural attractions of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Here are our top ideas for how to spend your time in this coastal destination about an hour south of Cancún.

Day 1: Explore Local Attractions and Activities

Start your trip at one of the three adventure, jungle, and eco-archaeological parks—Rio Secreto, Xplor, and Xcaret. All are located just 15 minutes south of central Playa del Carmen and offer a variety of family-friendly activities, including ziplining and swimming in underground rivers. Spend a few hours, or the whole day, at the one that best suits your group. 

If you’d rather get out in the Caribbean’s clear waters, hop on a half-day catamaran tour to go swimming and snorkeling. Look for sea turtles and tropical fish and admire the scenery as the boat glides along the coast. Cruises often include drinks and lunch on board. Then, begin your evening on a food tour to learn about Playa del Carmen’s culinary culture, or enjoy Vegas-style entertainment with a Riviera Maya theme at a Cirque du Soleil show, which offers dinner and champagne options.

Day 2: Discover More Adventures

Make the most of Playa del Carmen’s location between the sea, jungle, and ancient Maya sites on a day tour that matches the interests of your group. For a mix of adventure and history, take a combo tour to the ruins of Tulum with ziplining and swimming in underground caves. If you’d rather be on the water, book a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres, or visit Xel-Ha aquatic park for water activities. For a shorter excursion that doesn’t take all day but still provides a little adventure, opt for a half-day jungle buggy tour, where you’ll explore the lush landscape in an open-air 4x4, stopping to swim in an underground swimming hole known as a cenote. 

Back in Playa del Carmen, head out to sea on a sunset cruise before mingling with other partygoers at a few of the top nightlife venues with a nightclub pass.

Day 3: Marvel at Ancient Ruins

Take a day trip to see one of several ancient ruins of the Maya civilization, which dominated the Yucatán Peninsula before the Spanish conquerors arrived. The biggest and most popular site is Chichen Itza, located roughly 110 miles (180 kilometers) west of Playa del Carmen. Once one of the Maya’s biggest cities, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Great Ball Court and El Castillo, a step pyramid nearly 100 feet (30 meters) tall. To avoid the crowds and gain the most insight into the pre-Colombian culture, book an early access tour with an archaeologist guide. 

If you’ve already been to Chichen Itza or prefer less travel, try a day trip to Coba, another set of Maya ruins a bit closer to Playa del Carmen where you can see the tallest pyramid in the region.

Located about an hour south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen is a popular Riviera Maya destination. Enjoy its white sand beaches and access to numerous outdoor and cultural activities on a visit. Here are some ways to enjoy 24 hours in Playa del Carmen.

Morning: Get to Know the Area

To visit the ruins of Tulum, an ancient Maya archaeological site about an hour south of Playa del Carmen, opt for an express tour with an early morning start—leaving you time in the afternoon to enjoy the beach or another activity. Or stay in Playa del Carmen and get to know the local cuisine on a food tour. Alternatively, head about 15 minutes south of town to one of three outdoor adventure, jungle, and eco-archaeological parks—Rio Secreto, Xplor, and Xcaret—where all kinds of family-friendly activities are available such as ziplining and swimming in underground rivers.   

Afternoon: Discover the Natural Environment

Head out to sea on a half-day catamaran cruise for the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Look for tropical fish and sea turtles and admire the scenery as the boat glides along the coastline. Cruises often include lunch and drinks on board. If you’d rather stay on land, head into the jungle on a buggy tour that introduces you to the lush landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula. Drive or ride in an open-air 4-wheel-drive buggy, and stop to swim in a cenote, a natural underground swimming hole.

Night: Eat, Drink, and Be Entertained

You have another chance to sample local cuisine and learn more about the town of Playa del Carmen on an evening food tour. Or, perhaps, you’d rather relax and watch the sunset from the water on an evening cruise. Enjoy Vegas-style entertainment with a Riviera Maya twist at a Cirque du Soleil show, which offers dinner and Champagne options, or go dancing with a nightclub pass to some of Playa del Carmen’s top nightlife venues.

With 48 hours in Playa del Carmen, you can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities dedicated to the natural beauty and culture of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula. Here are a few ways to create a 2-day itinerary that highlights the best of the region.

Day 1: Get to Know the Local Attractions

**Morning:**About 15 minutes south of central Playa del Carmen, a collection of three adventure, jungle, and eco-archaeological parks—Rio Secreto, Xplor, and Xcaret—offer a variety of family-friendly activities including ziplining and swimming in underground rivers. Spend a few hours, or the whole day, at the one that best suits your group.

**Afternoon:**Head out to sea on a half-day tour by catamaran to go swimming and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters. Look for sea turtles and tropical fish, and admire the scenery as the boat glides along the coast. Cruises often include drinks and lunch on board.

**Night:**Learn about Playa del Carmen’s culinary culture on an evening food tour, or enjoy Vegas-style entertainment with a Riviera Maya spin at a Cirque du Soleil show, with dinner and Champagne options to suit your budget and preferences.

Day 2: Choose Your Own Adventure

**Morning:**Take advantage of Playa del Carmen’s position near the sea, jungle, and ancient ruins on a day tour. If you prefer the water, book a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres. For history and adventure, choose a combo tour to Tulum with ziplining and swimming in underground caves. Or visit Xel-Ha aquatic park for snorkeling.

**Afternoon:**For a shorter excursion that doesn’t take up the whole day but still provides adventure, opt for a half-day jungle buggy tour, where you traverse the lush environment in an open-air 4x4, stopping to swim in a cenote, a natural underground swimming hole.

**Night:**Hop aboard an evening cruise for a relaxing way to watch the sunset, and then amp up the energy with a nightclub pass to some of Playa del Carmen’s top nightlife venues, where you can mingle with locals and other visitors and dance ‘til you drop.