Playa del Carmen walking tour & city guide
A beach town with a famous walking street.
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Playa del Carmen grew from a small fishing village into the lively heart of the Riviera Maya. Its pedestrian Fifth Avenue runs parallel to the beach, lined with shops, cafés and bars, and the town is a convenient base for exploring cenotes, reefs and Mayan ruins.
Fifth Avenue and the beach
La Quinta Avenida, Fifth Avenue, is a long pedestrian street that buzzes from morning until late at night. It starts near the ferry pier and the Parque Fundadores, where the Portal Maya sculpture stands by the beach, and Papantla flyers perform their traditional pole ritual.
The beaches have white sand and turquoise water, with beach clubs in some areas and quieter stretches further north. Calle 12 is the center of the nightlife.
Cozumel and the Riviera Maya
Ferries cross to Cozumel, an island famous for its coral reefs and some of the best diving in the world. Along the coast, eco-parks, snorkeling lagoons and cenotes like Dos Ojos and the Cenote Azul are easy to reach.
Tulum's clifftop ruins are about an hour south, and the Mayan city of Cobá, where you can still climb a pyramid in the jungle, is a little further inland.
Visiting tips
Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes from Cancún airport by shuttle or bus. Colectivos, shared vans, run up and down the coast cheaply. Bring reef-safe sunscreen for cenotes and snorkeling.
Top sights in Playa del Carmen
- 1
Quinta Avenida
The pedestrian heart of the town.
- 2
Parque Fundadores
A beachfront square with the Portal Maya.
- 3
Playa Mamitas
A popular beach with beach clubs.
- 4
Cozumel
A diving island across the channel.
- 5
Cenotes
Natural swimming holes in the jungle.
- 6
Xcaret area
Eco-parks and snorkeling lagoons.
Food markets & where to eat in Playa del Carmen
Calle 38 and Calle 34
Streets of restaurants close to the beach.
Avenida 30
Local taquerías away from the tourist strip.
Fifth Avenue
Cafés, ice cream and street snacks.
Ejido neighborhood
Local markets and food stands.
Food to try in Playa del Carmen
Fish tacos
Battered or grilled fish with fresh salsa.
Cochinita pibil
Achiote pork, a Yucatán classic.
Aguachile
Shrimp in spicy lime and chili.
Agua de jamaica
A refreshing hibiscus drink.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Playa del Carmen
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Playa del CarmenCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Playa del Carmen.
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