With so many first-time travelers to Mexico flying into Cancun, it’s no surprise that many just stay there. But there’s another town just an hour’s drive south that we think could be an even better option for your Riviera Maya trip — Playa del Carmen.
We’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for over five years, and during that time, we’ve gotten to know both Cancun and Playa (as the locals call it) really well. That means we’re in a great position to break down the pros and cons of each destination.
So, Cancun or Playa del Carmen, which is the best spot for you? In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the right choice for your trip.
Cancun or Playa del Carmen – What Sets Them Apart?
Cancun Beach
Playa del Carmen Beach
An Overview of Cancun
Cancun is the largest city in the Riviera Maya and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Mexico.
What makes Cancun unique compared to other places in the region is that it’s split into two main areas by a large lagoon called Laguna Nichupté.
Most locals live in downtown Cancun, while the big resorts, beaches, and main tourist attractions are all located in the Hotel Zone — a long, narrow strip of land that runs alongside the Caribbean Sea.
Because it’s such a big and developed city, Cancun offers a more luxurious experience, with high-end hotels, fine dining, and the best shopping malls in the entire state.
But if you’re hoping for a more authentic taste of Mexican culture, Cancun might fall a little short in that area.
An Overview of Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen was once a small fishing village, but over the past 30 years, it has grown into a much larger and livelier town along Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Unlike Cancun, Playa’s tourist area isn’t separate from the downtown — everything is blended together. That means you get a much more authentic feel of Mexico just by walking around.
It’s a popular winter destination with a thriving immigrant community, mostly made up of Americans, Canadians, and Argentinians — which brings a fun mix of cultures and plenty of variety when it comes to food!
Playa is super walkable, and since the tourist spots are mixed right into the local neighborhoods, you’ll come across tons of locally-owned restaurants, street food stands, and small shops.
This gives Playa that authentic Mexican charm that Cancun sometimes lacks.
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Location & Accessibility: Which Is Easier to Reach?
Cancun and Playa del Carmen are only about an hour apart, but when it comes to transportation and overall convenience, there are some key differences — and a clear winner when it comes to location, which we’ll get into below:
Airports
Cancun International Airport (CUN) is one of two international airports in the state of Quintana Roo. The other is Tulum International Airport (TQO), located about 2.5 hours south of Cancun in the town of Tulum.
When you land at Cancun International, it’s super easy to get to the Hotel Zone — it usually takes around 20 minutes, which makes Cancun a very convenient destination.
If you’re heading to Playa del Carmen, it’s just a 45-minute drive down the coast, so getting there is still fairly quick and simple.
Transportation
This might surprise you, but getting around Cancun and Playa del Carmen is very different.
In Cancun, transportation is much easier — and often cheaper. The public buses are new, air-conditioned, and cost less than a dollar per ride. They’re also super easy to use, running a simple loop up and down the Hotel Zone. On top of that, Cancun has multiple ride-share options like Uber, InDrive, and DiDi, which keeps fares competitive.
On the other hand, getting around Playa del Carmen can be a bit tricky. Public transportation is older and not very tourist-friendly unless you speak Spanish.
Most visitors end up relying on taxis (which we don’t really recommend) or the only available ride-share app: InDrive. While we’ve had some luck finding decent fares with InDrive, overall, rides tend to be more affordable in Cancun.
Cancun Public Transportation
Playa del Carmen Public Transportation
Location
If you’re coming to the Riviera Maya to explore — like visiting the islands (Isla Mujeres or Cozumel), checking out cenotes, or spending time at the Xcaret parks — then Playa del Carmen is the better base. It’s more centrally located than Cancun, and the first-class bus stations are much easier to reach. No matter where you’re staying in Playa, you’ll be within walking distance of one of the ADO bus terminals, making day trips super convenient.
In Cancun, you’ll first need to get into the downtown area to access the ADO station before heading out to your next destination, which adds an extra step.
On the flip side, if your main goal is to relax on the beach with a margarita in hand, either spot will do — but Cancun definitely has more all-inclusive resort options to choose from.
Here’s a quick comparison of Cancun vs. Playa del Carmen
| Category | Cancun | Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|---|
|
Airport Access |
20 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to the Hotel Zone |
45 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN)
|
|
Nearest Airport |
Cancun International (CUN) |
Cancun International (CUN); also accessible from Tulum Airport (TQO) 1 hr 45mins |
|
Public Transport |
New, air-conditioned buses under $1, easy to use |
Older system, confusing unless you speak Spanish
|
|
Ride-Share Apps |
Uber, DiDi, and InDrive — widely available and affordable |
Only InDrive — fewer drivers and slightly higher prices
|
|
Taxi Service |
Available but often outpriced by ride-shares |
Available, but not recommended due to pricing and lack of regulation
|
|
Ease of Getting Around |
Easy, especially within the Hotel Zone |
Very walkable town center; harder for longer distances without a car |
|
Best for Exploring |
Less convenient — need to go downtown to access bus station |
Great for exploring — central location and walkable access to ADO stations
|
|
All-Inclusive Resorts |
More variety and availability |
Fewer options, but still some all-inclusives available. |
|
Overall Vibe |
Modern, resort-heavy, more polished |
Laid-back, local charm, more authentic Mexican experience |
Accommodation: Cancun’s Resorts vs. Playa’s Boutique Stays
There’s a big difference in hotel options between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, so it really helps to know what kind of stay you’re after before picking your destination.
Cancun Hotel Zone
Playa del Carmen Boutique Hotel
Cancun is packed with some of the biggest and most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya. In fact, the entire Hotel Zone is almost entirely made up of all-inclusives, with just a few public beach entrances and small convenience stores in between.
If an all-inclusive getaway is what you’re after, Cancun is the clear winner — there are over 100 resorts to choose from in the Hotel Zone alone. Most of them are located right on the beach, which is perfect if you’re dreaming of a beachfront escape with everything taken care of.
Find your ideal accommodation in Cancun with this map 📍
Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, has fewer hotel options overall and very few all-inclusive resorts. That said, you can still find some beautiful all-inclusives here, like The Hilton and The Hyatt.
What really sets Playa apart is the variety of other places to stay. There’s a wide range of Airbnb apartments and condos — many with kitchenettes, rooftop pools, and great locations. You’ll also find smaller boutique-style hotels like Aloft and The Fives, which are just steps away from the beach and the lively 5th Avenue.
Find your ideal accommodation in Playa del Carmen with this map 📍
Where’s the Better Beach Scene?
Since Cancun and Playa del Carmen are both on the same coastline, many people assume the beaches are pretty much the same — but that’s definitely not the case. When choosing between the two, there are a few things to consider: water clarity, sargassum (seaweed), and ocean currents.
Cancun Beach
Playa del Carmen Beach
Cancun is where you’ll find bright, turquoise-blue water almost all year round, with very little sargassum.
Honestly, the beaches here look exactly like the postcard-perfect Caribbean beaches most people dream of. Cancun is also home to several Blue Flag beaches — a sign of high environmental and safety standards. Two of our personal favorites are Playa Delfines and Playa Chac Mool, both of which are absolutely stunning.
The only downside is that the waves and currents in Cancun tend to be much stronger than in Playa del Carmen. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with kids or people who aren’t strong swimmers. Also, even though all beaches in Mexico are supposed to be public, beach access in Cancun is quite limited.
The hotels in the Hotel Zone are built so close together that it’s only possible to access a few beaches unless you’re staying at one of the resorts.
Playa del Carmen also has some beautiful beaches, but this area is much more affected by sargassum — a brown, smelly seaweed that collects along the shore and in the water.
Maybe Cancun gets less of it because of the stronger currents, but whatever the reason, Playa tends to struggle with sargassum for much of the year (usually from March to October). The upside? Playa’s beaches are a lot easier to access, with many more entry points throughout town.
Plus, the water is usually much calmer, making it a safer and more enjoyable swimming spot for children or anyone who’s not super confident in the ocean.
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Vibe & Atmosphere: Cancun’s Energy vs. Playa’s Chill
There’s a clear difference in vibe and atmosphere between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Cancun is loud, vibrant, and draws way more tourists each year — especially during Spring Break. A lot of people who visit Cancun are simply looking for fun in the sun and some well-earned relaxation.
It feels like most travellers to Cancun aren’t really interested in learning much about Mexico from a cultural perspective — and honestly, that’s totally fine. They’re here for the beaches and all-inclusive hotels, and Cancun delivers that perfectly.
Cancun Party Zone
Playa del Carmen Party Zone
The party scene in Cancun is big and bold. It’s especially popular with younger travellers, thanks to the legal drinking age being 18. The party zone is located on one busy strip in the Hotel Zone, packed with clubs and bars like Coco Bongo, Mandala, Señor Frogs, and Abolengo — so if nightlife is your thing, Cancun has you covered.
Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, attracts a more chilled-out, curious crowd — people looking for a more authentic experience of Mexico. The town is smaller, more walkable, and blends right into the downtown area, giving visitors a better chance to connect with the local culture.
While many first-time travellers to the Riviera Maya choose Cancun because it feels easier and safer to book an all-inclusive, Playa tends to attract more adventurous travellers who are keen to explore and experience more.
That said, Playa del Carmen still has great nightlife — it’s just a little different. Instead of mega-clubs, you’ll find smaller bars, beach clubs, and a few stylish restaurants all within walking distance. The nightlife here feels a bit more balanced and family-friendly.
Fifth Avenue (La Quinta) offers a mix of restaurants, bars, shops, ice cream spots, and low-key clubs. Compared to Cancun’s party zone, Playa feels more relaxed and less like a non-stop drinking fest.
🏖️ 48 Perfect Hours in Playa del Carmen Mexico, Read The Article Here
Things to Do in Cancun vs. Playa del Carmen
By now, you’ve probably realised that Cancun and Playa del Carmen are two very different destinations, each offering its own kind of experience.
Before we dive in, it’s worth noting that most of the major attractions in the Riviera Maya — like the Xcaret Parks, cenotes, and nearby islands — aren’t actually located in Cancun or Playa, but we’ll cover those in the next section
Xcaret Park Near Playa del Carmen
Isla Mujeres Island Near Cancun
When it comes to things to do in Cancun, the focus is mostly on the all-inclusive hotels.
If you stay at a good one, you’ll probably have entertainment included — like poolside games during the day or live shows at night.
Of course, there are also the beaches, but as we mentioned earlier, public access is pretty limited. You’ve also got the big party zone with its famous nightclubs, and two beautiful outdoor malls that offer upscale shopping and dining.
Overall, everything in Cancun feels very polished and commercial — which is great if that’s what you’re looking for.
Day Trips and Excursions: Best Base for Exploring the Riviera Maya
Like we mentioned earlier, most of the main tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya aren’t actually located in Cancun or Playa del Carmen — they’re nearby.
No matter where you stay, you’ll need to travel to reach these spots. But between the two, Playa del Carmen is more centrally located, which makes getting around much easier. It also has better access to the ADO bus stations, which connect you to other towns throughout the Riviera Maya.
Whenever friends or family visit us here in Quintana Roo, we always recommend staying in Playa as a base — it’s hands down the most convenient location for exploring the region.
Chichen-Itza Mayan Site
Xplor Park Near Playa del Carmen
There’s so much to see and do, from snorkeling in Cozumel, swimming in cenotes, and visiting the Xcaret Parks, to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like swimming with whale sharks.
Most activities offer transport (usually as an add-on), but you can also get around easily using the ADO buses or by renting a car if you want more freedom.
🌴 Here are 11 unmissable things to see and do in The Riviera Maya
Which Destination Gives You More for Your Money?
It’s a little tricky to compare the overall cost of staying in Cancun vs. Playa del Carmen, because it really depends on what kind of vacation you’re planning.
So, to make things easier, let’s compare Cancun as an all-inclusive getaway and Playa del Carmen as a more independent, exploring-style trip.
Costs Involved in Staying in Cancun
If you’re booking an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, most of your costs are covered upfront — that’s the main appeal. You won’t need to worry about spending extra on food or drinks since it’s all included.
You might want to bring a few dollars each day to tip your servers and bartenders, and maybe set aside a bit more for transport if you’re planning any excursions (unless transport is already included, which it often is).
The nice thing about an all-inclusive stay is you pretty much know your daily budget ahead of time. But here’s the catch: not all all-inclusives are created equal. Some of the cheaper ones are, quite frankly, terrible — we stayed at the cheapest one in Cancun for US$120 a night, and it was a complete disaster.
Save yourself the trouble and spend a bit more. From our experience, anything under US$250 a night is probably not going to meet your expectations.
📸 WATCH OUR REVIEW ON THE CHEAPEST ALL-INCLUSIVE IN CANCUN
Costs Involved in Staying in Playa del Carmen
Most hotels in Playa del Carmen — even the beachfront ones — aren’t all-inclusive, which means you’ll need to budget separately for food and drinks. The great thing is that Playa has something for every budget. For example, a nice breakfast on 5th Avenue might cost around US$35 per person, while a more local spot could be as little as US$10.
Playa also has a lot more ways to spend your money — rooftop pools, beach clubs, nice restaurants, shopping, and more. But how much you spend is totally up to you and your preferences. As a rough guide, we’d recommend budgeting around US$150 per person per day to comfortably cover meals, entertainment, and a few extras.
Best for Families, Couples, or Solo Travelers?
As you probably know by now, Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer very different kinds of travel experiences. In our opinion, Cancun is the better choice if you’re looking for a family-friendly destination.
Many of the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun are designed with kids in mind — they often have kids’ clubs, splash pools, play areas, and even teen zones. Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, doesn’t really cater specifically to children in the same way.
When it comes to couples, it really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. If you’re coming to Mexico for a honeymoon or a romantic escape where you just want to relax and be pampered, then a beautiful all-inclusive resort in Cancun would be perfect.
But if you and your partner love exploring together and getting to know the local culture, then we’d definitely recommend Playa del Carmen. There’s just so much more to see and do outside the hotel.
Delfines Beach in Cancun
Fundadores Park in Playa del Carmen
For solo travellers, we’d absolutely recommend Playa del Carmen over Cancun. Cancun isn’t really known as a social spot for solo adventurers, since most people visiting are either with their families or on couples’ getaways.
Playa, on the other hand, has a much more active and welcoming social scene — largely thanks to the big immigrant community. There are always game nights, meetups, and social events happening, which makes it a great place to connect with others and make new friends.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
Cancun and Playa del Carmen are two very different destinations, each offering its own unique kind of vacation.
If you’re looking for a true tropical escape where you can switch off completely — the kind of trip where your biggest decision is whether to order a piña colada or a mojito — then an all-inclusive stay in Cancun is probably the best choice for you.
But if you’re heading to Mexico to explore, experience the culture, and try delicious local food, then Playa del Carmen is definitely the better option. It’s got that local charm and a much more authentic vibe.
If it were our first time visiting the Riviera Maya, we’d probably split the trip between the two.
Spend the first few nights in Playa del Carmen for sightseeing and adventures, then finish off with a couple of nights at an all-inclusive in Cancun to unwind and soak up the sun by the pool.
A little bit of Playa, a little bit of Cancun — that’s our idea of the perfect, balanced vacation.
We hope this helped you choose the right destination for your trip! Feel free to drop any questions or share your own recommendations in the comments below. 👇
