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KAIRO TRAVEL

Mexico

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is one of the Mexican Caribbean’s most vibrant destinations, blending beautiful white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, it serves as an ideal gateway to cenotes, eco-parks, archaeological sites, and nearby islands. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, shopping, or nightlife, Playa del Carmen offers something for every traveler.

Things to do in Playa del Carmen

  1. 1 Walk along the famous Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida).
  2. 2 Relax on the city's beautiful Caribbean beaches.
  3. 3 Visit nearby cenotes and underground rivers.
  4. 4 Explore eco-parks such as Xcaret, Xplor, and Xel-Há.
  5. 5 Take the ferry to Cozumel for snorkeling and diving.

Practical information for Playa del Carmen

Entry requirements can change: we review them with you before every trip.

Airports
Cancún (CUN) · Cozumel (CZM)
Documents for US citizens
Valid U.S. passport (book) for air travel; the passport card is only valid by land or sea. No visa for tourism up to 180 days (the immigration officer decides the number of days). Multiple Migratory Form (FMM): at major airports registration is digital/stamp; keep your receipt. The Non-Resident Fee (DNR) is included in the airfare. Quintana Roo also charges the VISITAX tax (approx. US$15, online) to foreign tourists. Cruise passengers have paid a per-disembarkation fee since 2025. U.S. permanent residents: may enter without a Mexican visa with a valid green card and a valid passport from their country; holders of a valid U.S. visa as well. Others: check by nationality.Read more ▾
Currency
Mexican peso (MXN). USD is accepted in tourist areas (Cancún, Los Cabos) but at an unfavorable rate; better to pay in pesos or by card
Language
Spanish
Time zone
Most of the country (Mexico City, Guadalajara) uses UTC-6 with no daylight saving time: 1 hour behind Miami in winter, 2 in summer. Cancún/Quintana Roo: fixed UTC-5 (same as Miami in winter, 1 hour behind in summer). Puerto Vallarta is the same as Mexico City. Los Cabos: fixed UTC-7 (2 hours behind Miami in winter, 3 in summer). Tijuana is the same as CaliforniaRead more ▾
Plugs
Type A/B, 120V (same as the U.S.; no adapter needed)
Weather
Warm tropical climate year-round (26-33 °C). Rain from June to October; hurricane season from June 1 to November 30 (peak August-October). Sargassum usually appears between April and September, with intensity varying by year and beach.Read more ▾

Hotels we recommend

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Inspected in person

Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen ★★★★★

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

  • All-inclusive

Three distinct ambiences (Zen, Ambassador, Grand Class) with the finest all-inclusive in the Riviera.

La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret, Adults Only

Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen ★★★★★

La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret, Adults Only

  • All-inclusive
  • Adults only

Xcaret's most exclusive ultra-luxury resort, featuring oceanfront suites, personalized butler service, and world-class dining experiences. Enjoy up to 15% off for a limited time.

From $1215

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive

Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen

Hotel Xcaret Mexico - All Parks / All Fun Inclusive

  • All-inclusive

A luxury beachfront resort featuring the exclusive All-Fun Inclusive® concept, with unlimited access to Xcaret parks. Enjoy up to 20% off for a limited time.

From $380

Family Selection At Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa

Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen ★★★★★

Family Selection At Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa

  • All-inclusive

5-star all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. 6 room types to choose from.

Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa

Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen ★★★★★

Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa

  • All-inclusive

5-star all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. 1 room types to choose from.

Grand Riviera Princess

Riviera Maya / Playa del Carmen ★★★★★

Grand Riviera Princess

  • All-inclusive

5-star all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. 7 room types to choose from.

Hotels in Playa del Carmen (97)

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