Beaches, cenotes, Maya ruins, snorkeling and day trips — all easy reach from our Playa del Carmen condo.
30 min walk · evening
The heart of Playa, at the foot of 5th Avenue by the beach. A brisk 30-minute stroll down 5th — get your morning (or evening) exercise in on the way. Catch the nightly Voladores de Papantla ceremony as the sun goes down.
Ferry + 30 min · half day
Cozumel sits on the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Palancar and Columbia reefs offer turtles, rays and crystal-clear visibility. Ferry leaves from the Playa pier, within walking distance of the condo.
15-45 min drive · half day
Cenote Azul, Cristalino and Jardin del Eden are clustered south of town. Further afield, Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos near Tulum are world-class.
45 min drive · full day
Cliffside Maya ruins overlooking the Caribbean. Arrive at opening (8 AM) to beat the heat and crowds, then spend the afternoon at Playa Paraiso.
2.5 hr drive · full day
One of the New Seven Wonders. Easiest by guided tour from Playa; combine with a cenote stop and the colonial town of Valladolid.
10-30 min · full day
Eco-parks with snorkeling, underground rivers, zip lines and cultural shows. Xcaret is the most family-friendly; Xplor is the adventure park.
25 min drive · half day
Swim with sea turtles in a protected bay. Go early; guides are mandatory in the turtle zone.
Ferry from Cancun · full day
A laid-back island with golf-cart roads and Playa Norte, often rated the best beach in Mexico.
1.5 hr drive · full day
Climb Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan you can still climb (when open). Rent a bike or pedicab to reach the structures through the jungle.
Walking distance · evening
Where locals eat. Tacos, tortas, marquesitas and aguas frescas — cheaper and better than 5th Avenue tourist spots.
Walking distance · evening
Beach loungers, cocktails and a DJ as the sun goes down over the Caribbean. Walk back to the condo in 5 minutes.
Walking distance · day
Playa's signature scene — infinity pools, DJs and beach views from the top of town. Deck 5 (beachfront rooftop with day-party vibes), The Roof 28 at The Reef 28, and the Fives Downtown Pool Sessions (foam parties and Sunday pool brunch) are all an easy walk from the condo. Reservations recommended on weekends.
1.5 hr drive · full day
UNESCO-listed wetlands south of Tulum. Boat tours through mangroves, dolphins, and a Maya canal you can float down.
Boat from Playa · half day (Nov-Mar)
Playa del Carmen is one of the few places in the world where you can dive with bull sharks in winter. Several reputable shops operate from the marina.
Walking distance · 1-2 hr
An immersive walk through Frida's life, art and personal story on 5th Avenue — reproductions, photos, costumes and a courtyard cafe. A nice air-conditioned break from the heat and an easy stop on any 5th Avenue stroll.
Walking distance · day or evening
Long-running beachfront hangout with chairs in the sand, food and drinks all day, live music most nights and salsa dancing right on the beach. Laid-back, unpretentious and a Playa institution — easy walk from the condo.