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Where is Playa del Carmen, Mexico located?

Searching for where is Playa del Carmen, Mexico, located? Check out the Playa del Carmen Mexico map, fun facts, and frequently asked questions about Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is a coastal town situated along the Caribbean Sea within the Yucatan Peninsula. It is part of the municipality of Solidaridad in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. 

The region to which Playa del Carmen belongs is called the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is an area that is 200 kilometers or 124 miles long, running from Puerto Morelos in the north up until Punta Allen in the south. Playa del Carmen is conveniently located in the center.

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Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the nearest airport to Playa del Carmen. The distance between Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen is 55 kilometers or 34 miles, roughly a 45-minute drive.

Although there is an Airport located at 15 Avenida Sur 3 in Playa del Carmen, this facility is primarily used for skydiving and short flights.

Playa del Carmen’s exact location is 20.63 latitude and -87.08 longitude.

Distance to other major destinations:

DistanceEstimated travel time by car
Playa del Carmen to Cancun68 kilometers or 42 milesAbout an hour
Playa del Carmen to Tulum42 miles or 68 kilometersAbout 58 minutes
Playa del Carmen to Merida292 kilometers or 181 milesAbout three hours and 15 minutes
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel34 kilometers or 21 milesAbout an hour and 31 minutes, with a ferry
Where Is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Located

Where is Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on the Map

Playa del Carmen Fun Facts

1. Playa del Carmen’s original name in the Mayan language was “Xaman-Ha,” which means  “Waters of the North” in English. Nowadays, the place is casually regarded as Playa.

2. Playa del Carmen was a vital access point for the Mayans to worship the goddess Ixchel in Cozumel.

3. Playa del Carmen was once a simple fishing village until tourism-related developments started to rise during the 1990s. The mega-resorts at the nearby Playacar helped the area to grow rapidly.

4. Natural gum or chicle was invented by the Mayans in Playa del Carmen about 4000 years ago.

5. Residents of Playa del Carmen are called “Playenses.”

Where Is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Located

Frequently Asked Questions about Playa del Carmen

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Is Playa del Carmen in Cancun?

The quick answer is no, and it is essential to know, especially before your trip there. Playa del Carmen and Cancun are two different beautiful travel destinations, but both are in the Yucatan Peninsula. Playa del Carmen is the largest town in the Riviera Maya region that stretches along the Caribbean coastline, while Cancun is a city north of Riviera Maya.

Is Playa del Carmen better than Cancun?

Playa del Carmen brings a more laid-back feel than Cancun and its modern tourism services. This is not to say, though, that Playa del Carmen lacks life. It is, in fact, one of the best places to go when you want some nightlife. Whichever is better boils down to your personal preferences.

Is it safe to travel to Playa del Carmen?

Where Is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Located

With popularity comes people who would like to take advantage of the crowd. While Playa del Carmen is a relatively safe place to travel to, it is not exempt from petty crimes. Regarding natural calamities like tropical storms, visits from June until September must be carefully researched.

What is Playa del Carmen known for?

Playa del Carmen was once known as a simple fishing village. It is known for its fantastic beaches, good local food, and bustling nightlife, not to mention the World Heritage Site of Sian Ka’an and the New Wonder of the World that is the Chichen Itza.

What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen?

The best month to go to Playa del Carmen is April or May. This is when the stormy season starts, so the temperature is friendly enough to allow you to explore the outdoors easily. During this time, peak season is also yet to start, so you get good deals from hotels and other tourism services within Playa del Carmen.

Universal Traveller recommends the following websites to plan & book your trip to Mexico

  • Check & book all available transportation options on GuateGo
  • Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to.
Where Is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Located

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