Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen
The 3 areas worth basing yourself in Playa del Carmen, Mexico — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Quinta Avenida (5th Ave.).
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We’ll match Playa del Carmen’s neighborhoods to how you travel — and show you why.
Top pick
Quinta Avenida (5th Ave.)
Pedestrian shopping and restaurant strip — walk end-to-end for the full evening.
19 min walk from center
#2
Playacar
Gated resort community south of downtown — most all-inclusive resorts are here.
27 min walk from center
#3
Playa Norte
Beach + boutique zone north of Quinta Avenida — quieter, higher-end.
34 min walk from center
Getting around
ADO buses from Cancun airport ($20, 60 min) are the standard. Colectivo vans down Highway 307 are cheaper and reach Tulum + cenotes.
Don't rent a scooter unless you're confident — Highway 307 is fast and dangerous. Uber isn't officially permitted; taxis charge tourist rates.