Private day trips from Playa del Carmen to places you'll never forget

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is from November to April during the dry season when temperatures range from 75-85°F (24-29°C) with minimal rainfall. December to February offers perfect beach weather and escapes northern winters. Hurricane season runs June through November.

Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN) as its official currency. US dollars are widely accepted in Playa del Carmen's tourist areas, though you'll typically get better value paying in pesos. ATMs are abundant and dispense pesos, accepting international cards. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Carry some pesos for street vendors, tips, taxis, and smaller establishments.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico. In Playa del Carmen, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators due to the large international visitor population. Many locals working in tourism are bilingual.

Playa del Carmen is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) with shops and restaurants, and proximity to world-class diving and snorkeling sites. The town serves as a gateway to nearby Mayan ruins, cenotes, and Cozumel island. It combines laid-back Caribbean beach culture with lively nightlife, making it popular with both relaxation-seekers and adventure travelers.

Playa del Carmen is generally safe for tourists in main areas and resorts, though crime has increased in recent years. Stay in well-traveled tourist zones, especially Fifth Avenue and the beach areas. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, use hotel safes for valuables, and be cautious with ATMs. Exercise more caution at night and avoid isolated areas. Most visitors enjoy trouble-free experiences by taking sensible precautions.

Popular day trips from Playa del Carmen include Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders featuring the iconic pyramid, Coba with its climbable ancient pyramid and jungle setting, and Ek Balam, a less-crowded Mayan site with well-preserved stucco sculptures. Valladolid offers colonial charm and cenote swimming. Cenote Yokdzonot provides a refreshing natural swimming hole experience in these sacred underground pools.

Pack lightweight, tropical clothing, multiple swimsuits for beach and cenote visits, reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen (required at many sites), and water shoes for rocky cenote entries. Bring insect repellent for jungle excursions, a sun hat, sunglasses, and quick-dry clothing. A light rain jacket is useful during summer months. Include modest cover-ups for visiting town and archaeological sites. Don't forget underwater camera gear.

Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, sacred to ancient Mayans. When visiting, use only biodegradable sunscreen as chemicals harm these delicate ecosystems. Bring water shoes for rocky or slippery surfaces, towels, and waterproof bags for belongings. Life jackets are often provided or required. Some cenotes have changing facilities while others are rustic. Respect these natural wonders by not touching formations or littering.