Dreaming of a sunny getaway to Mexico but the party scene and bustling crowds of Cancun do not sound particularly inspiring?
The Mexican Caribbean is a vast territory comprising lush jungles, an extensive coastline and ancient ruins with origins lost to time, and you can definitely have a great time without following the masses into an already-packed Zona Hotelera.
One of the most popular alternatives to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen is a beautiful beach town offering a more laid-back experience and reasonably-priced hotels––without compromising on luxury:
What Makes Playa Del Carmen Great?
The Beaches
Located roughly an hour from the Cancun conglomeration, ‘Playa’, as it is commonly called by foreigners, is best-known for its unspoiled strip of shoreline, bathed by cobalt-blue water and fringed by tall palm trees––the quintessential Caribbean postcard.
Some of the most iconic beaches in the entire region can actually be found here, from Parque Los Fundadores, with its iconic Portal Maya, a bronze archway depicting two human figures swirled in wind and water, reaching out to touch, to the idyllic Playa Mamitas.
The latter is one of the widest sandy beaches in Playa, and a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, beach clubbing, and every other beach-related activity––it’s also a short 12-minute walk from Rockas Beach, a casual Caribbean diner we love for the fresh tuna tartar.
Great Food
The lively Downtown is where some of the best-loved eateries in the entire Mexican Caribbean are located, including tourist-fave steakhouse Sonora Prime, serving the best smash burgers, and seafood paradise El Gobernador, famous for its ceviche and fun cocktails.
The beaches are the big draw for tourists coming here, but food plays an equally-important role, especially when you factor in the tasty tacos for under $5 and the generously-stuffed tortas––El Fogon can’t be beaten for prices and that authentic taqueria experience.
Its Quinta Avenida is a busy, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare adjacent to the main municipal beach, flanked on both sides by souvenir shops, traditional restaurants serving Mexican food (with an American twist), and the overall atmosphere is incredibly inviting.
In sum, it is big enough of a town to boast a thriving social scene, and a big choice of restaurants and bars––and trust us when we say that Downtown Playa nightlife is unmatched––but it’s still significantly smaller, and thus far less chaotic than Cancun.
The Most Incredible Resort In Mexico
As if that weren’t enough of an incentive, it lays claim to the best resort in all of Mexico!
As voted in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, La Casa de la Playa is the most incredible property not only in the Mexican Caribbean but the entire country, owing to its intimate layout, adults-only environment, and prime beachfront location.
A five-star, all-inclusive Xcaret listing that feels so exclusive it’s like you’ve booked an entire beach for yourself, it is protected from perving eyes by verdant jungle and equipped with 63 suites, costing a whopping $2,184 a night to book this season.
It’s the top-rated hotel in Mexico, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Luckily, there are numerous budget-friendly properties in Playa that offer as phenomenal an experience:
Playa Has Some Shockingly Affordable All-Inclusive Offers
In the heart of the Playacar development strip, a short 10-minute drive from Downtown Playa, the all-inclusive Allegro Playacar has nightly rates starting from a far-more affordable $145 this season, per adult.
The Hilton-administered, adults-only Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen is yet another budget-friendly option for solo travelers and honeymooning couples alike, starting from only $147 in the fall, and if you’re bringing the kids, the Ocean Riviera Paradise is a sound choice:
Straddling a swim-friendly stretch of beach, and boasting 5 outdoor pools, a spa, 12 bars, and as many as 10 restaurants, it is the best bang for your buck as a traveling family of 4, setting you back an acceptable $335 per night, all expenses paid.
Budget-Friendly Adventures!
Not really looking to barricade yourself in a resort for your entire vacation? No worries!
There is a wide range of activities to participate in during your Playa sojourn, whether you’re into big thrills, culture, or relaxing water-based tours:
One of our favorite day trips for is Xplor Park, a playground for adults nestled deep in the tropical jungle.
Slide across the highest zip lines on the Mayan Riviera, paddle through underground rivers, slide ride into crystal-clear cenotes, and explore hidden caves with breathtaking geological formations, all of this from $149.99 per person, including unlimited snacks and a buffet lunch.
For the History buffs not looking to get wet, this cultural excursion visiting a number of Mayan ruins, including Tulum’s world-famous archeological zone and the abandoned city of Coba, is a great alternative, costing from $59.
Now, if you love nature, and you can’t seem to get away from those teal waters every time you’re in Mexico, a guided tour of Tulum and Akumal and some swimming with turtles might appeal to you––should we mention the price has been slashed from $91.35 to $45.67 this fall?
Visit Trendy Playa With The Maya Train
Playa Del Carmen is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Cancun, and that’s in part thanks to the recent launch of the southbound Maya Train, leaving straight from Cancun International Airport.
From now on, tourists will no longer have to bet their money on unreliable taxis or transportation providers or face a bumpy ADO bus ride to travel from the Caribbean metropolis to the charming Playa: they can do so by rail in a much safer, more convenient manner.
Find out more about the Maya Train and how to get tickets to Playa Del Carmen here.
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