3 days in Playa del Carmen

Day by day

1. Day 1: Quinta Avenida and Parque Fundadores and Portal Maya

   Quinta Avenida, Parque Fundadores and Portal Maya and Reef snorkelling and diving, then Xcaret in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Quinta Avenida

      Fifth Avenue is Playa's pedestrian main street, running parallel to the beach from near the ferry pier north for several kilometres.

   2. Late morning

      Parque Fundadores and Portal Maya

      Come at sunset to see the plaza busy with families and street performers.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tacos al pastor

      Taquerías on Avenida 10, Avenida 30 and in Colosio, where prices are lower than on Quinta Avenida.

   4. Afternoon

      Reef snorkelling and diving

      Dive shops in town run reef dives just offshore and trips to Cozumel's walls and to the cenotes.

   5. Evening

      Xcaret

      Bring a change of clothes for the evening show and buy tickets online in advance for a better price.

2. Day 2: Mamitas Beach and Punta Esmeralda

   Mamitas Beach, Punta Esmeralda and Xplor, then Calle 12 in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mamitas Beach

      Bring your own towel and stay on the public sand to avoid beach-club minimum spends.

   2. Late morning

      Punta Esmeralda

      At the northern end of town, a small cenote spring flows into a shallow, clear lagoon beside the sea, creating calm pools where children can paddle.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Cochinita pibil torta

      Morning stalls and loncherías away from Quinta Avenida, usually until they run out.

   4. Afternoon

      Xplor

      Wear secure footwear and leave loose items in the lockers; minimum height rules apply for some activities.

   5. Evening

      Calle 12

      The main club street near Quinta Avenida, with large dance clubs and bars open late.

3. Day 3: Río Secreto and Cenote Azul

   Río Secreto, Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino, then Quinta Avenida in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Río Secreto

      A partly flooded underground cave system just south of town, explored on guided tours with wetsuits, helmets and lights.

   2. Late morning

      Cenote Azul

      Ask the colectivo driver to drop you at the entrance; go early before tour groups arrive.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Fish and shrimp tacos

      Marisquerías and taco stands a few blocks back from the beach.

   4. Afternoon

      Cenote Cristalino

      Next to Cenote Azul, Cristalino is a long open cenote with a small cave at one end and a jumping platform.

   5. Evening

      Quinta Avenida

      Bars, live music and rooftop lounges along the pedestrian street.

Before you go

• Xcaret: Tickets are sold for specific dates; book online in advance in high season.
• Xplor: Book ahead online; day and night tickets are sold separately.
• Río Secreto: Reserve a tour time in advance, especially in high season.

If it rains

• Swap in Paseo del Carmen (Centro and Quinta Avenida): Stop for a coffee here while waiting for the Cozumel ferry, a few minutes' walk away.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Centro and Quinta Avenida keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Mamitas and Calle 28–38 ($$$) suits beach, couples and nightlife. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 29–38 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.9 hours in December to 13.4 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Playa del Carmen
• 2 days in Playa del Carmen
• 5 days in Playa del Carmen

Questions travellers ask