Location: Yucatan / Mayan Riviera < Mexico
Nearest Airport
:
Cancun Airport ($8 & 45 min bus ride to Playa) at 40
Miles
Car: not necessary
Playa del Carmen is in the heart of the Mayan Riviera midway between Cancun and Tulum. Take a 45 minute bus ride from the Cancun airport and spend the rest of your time on foot, as everything is walking distance. The Avenida Quinta (Fifth Avenue) has exquisite dining and shopping, but there's also nightlife and people watching.
If you need to venture out, same-day tours are available to attractions as far away as Chitchen-Itza or similar ruins at Coba', or to see the whale sharks in Holbox, as well as the popular park areas of Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Zip lines, cenotes (fresh-water underground rivers), deep-sea fishing, and many other activities including scuba (same-day 'resort' certification is available) are all within reach and surprisingly affordable.