Playa Del Carmen Vs Cancun: Which One You Should Choose?

Do you want to go on a Mexican getaway for your next vacation? Cancun & Playa del Carmen are one of the best options to make your next adventure memorable. When you want to choose between Playa del Carmen vs Cancun, you may not figure out where to go for your next vacation.

Both destinations have their own unique charm. From vibrant nightlife scenes to amazing beaches and atmosphere, you can choose one based on your travel interests. In this blog post, we are going to mention major differences between both, making it easier for you to choose the best travel destination.

Playa Del Carmen Vs Cancun Map

If it’s difficult for you to choose between these famous Mexican destinations, there’s no need to worry. We will assist you in detail to choose the best one for your travel needs.

Location and Accessibility

Cancun Location

Cancun is one of the famous Mexican cities enriched with beaches, resorts and nightlife. It’s located on the Yucatan Peninsula’s northeast coast. It’s a convenient option for travelers as Cancun is too close to airport. No matter where you are staying in Cancun, you will reach to airport within half hour.

Playa Del Carmen Location

Playa del Carmen is the central hub, located in Riviera Maya. Although, it’s bit far from the airport as compared to Cancun. From airport to Playa del Carmen, you have to cover almost 1 hour distance that’s double as Cancun. One thing that makes Playa del Carmen special is easy proximity to notable attractions.

Transportation Options to Get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun

You can get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun through these transport options:

By Car

If you want to go for flexibility and manage your schedule accordingly, you can rent a car. By renting a car, you can explore various attractions and see nearby sights easily.

By Bus

Other than car, buses are also one of the affordable and cost-effective option for passengers. It also takes an hour and give you a hassle-free experience.

By Taxi

To get private travel experience, you can book a taxi or private transfer. You can easily find taxis on airports and other famous points from where you can get a taxi.

Playa Del Carmen Vs Cancun: Beaches and Natural Beauty

Cancun’s Beach Scene

Cancun is the chill spot and famous for vibrant atmosphere. From luxurious resorts to vibrant nightlife scenes, Playa del Carmen comes with non-stop entertainment.

During the day, you can enjoy your time at different shopping malls and restaurants. Beach is normally overcrowded so do not forget it before visiting.

Playa del Carmen’s Beach Vibe

Playa del carmen is less touristy as compared to Cancun and famous for relaxed & intimating atmosphere. In Playa del Carmen, you can explore local culture along with nearby attractions and stunning cenotes. If you are looking for better option between Playa del Carmen vs Cancun vs Tulum, go for Playa del Carmen.

Nearby Natural Attractions

Cancun

• Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park
• Rio Secreto
• Xel-Ha Park
• Holbox Island

Playa del Carmen

• Chikin Ha
• Bel Air Animal Par
• PDC Travel
• Xaman Ha Aviary

Accommodation Options

Cancun Accommodations

In Cancun, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, you will find everything. As compared to Playa del Carmen, Cancun features extensive range of lodging options. This thing makes Cancun one of the best spots especially when you are confused about Playa del carmen vs Cancun for couples. Plus, it comes with budget-friendly choices to choose from.

Cancun Famous Accommodations

• Mayan Monkey
• AVA Resort Cancun
• Akuazul Resorts

Playa del Carmen Accommodations

If you want to get intimate feel, you need to stay in Playa del Carmen one of the best hotels. As it’s smaller than Cancun so you could easily find small resorts and vacation rentals. However, if you want to go with family and stuck between Playa del Carmen vs Cancun for families, the hotels here provide assorted kitchen facilities.

Playa Del Carmen Famous Accommodations

• 5th Avenue Hotel
• Hotel B&B – PLAYA DEL CARMEN
• Riviera Maya Suites

Dining and Nightlife

Dining & Nightlife in Cancun

To enjoy a vibrant nightlife with delicious dining scenes, Cancun is at the top of the list. In Cancun, you will not feel any difficulty in finding restaurants, bars clubs, and live music. Also, some hotels feature inside bars and clubs. So, by staying at these hotels, you won’t need to go outside to enjoy nightlife scenes.

Culinary scenes in Cancun

• Puerto Madero
• Icaza
• Cambalache

Nightlife scenes in Cancun

• Coco Bongo
• La Vaquita Cancun
• Grand Mambo Café

Dining & Nightlife in Playa Del Carmen

To enjoy relaxing nightlife scenes, Playa Del Carmen is a must-visit spot for travelers who want an intimate night out scene. Also, it features clubs and late-night spots. The Fives bar in Playa del Carmen is one of the best bars with easy accessibility to downtown restaurants and clubs.

Culinary scenes in Playa Del Carmen

• Alux
• Los Aguachiles
• The Traveler’s Table

Nightlife scenes in Playa Del Carmen

• Coralina Daylight Club
• Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen
• The Roof 28 – At The Reef 28

Activities and Attractions

Unique Activities Available in Cancun

Whether you want to enjoy shopping, explore cultural experiences, or want an eco-tourism, Cancun has something for everyone.

Playa Delfines

Isla Mujeres

Mayan Museum of Cancun

Río Secreto

Xoximilco

Tulum

Unique Activities Available in Playa Del Carmen

Just like Cancun, Playa del Carmen also comes with water sports activities, worthy attractions & historical sites. The famous spots of Playa Del Carmen are:

• Xcarat
• Scuba Dive with Sharks at Blue Life
• Cirque de Soleil JOYA
• Cenote Chaak Tun
• Quinta Avenida
• D Museum of Wonders

Pros and Cons of Each Destination

Pros & Cons of Cancun

Pros:

• Cancun is a picture-perfect paradise and that’s why, a lot of photographers want to explore Cancun just because of its serene views.
• Cancun can be easily accessible to the airport as compared to Playa Del Carmen.
• From luxurious resorts to vacation rentals, it comes with top-notch budget-friendly accommodations.
• If you travel with your friends or family, you won’t be disappointed as it’s a family & group-friendly destination.

Cons:

• Cancun is an over-crowded place so if you do not like crowds, choose Playa del Carmen rather than Cancun.
• If you want to visit Cancun to get a Mexican vibe, unfortunately, Cancun is not like that.
• Most of the tourists experience poor value-of-money service and price gouging issues.
• Cancun is more expensive as compared to Playa Del Carmen.

Pros & Cons of Playa Del Carmen

Pros:

• Playa Del Carmen is a less crowded place compared to Cancun.
• It’s not only home to notable attractions but it will be easy for you to get access to these attractions.
• The cost of living in Playa Del Carmen is affordable and pocket-friendly.
• For nature enthusiasts, a must-visit spot with fabulous surrounding natural views.

Cons:

• A bit far from the airport may make your commute experience poor.
• The weather is hot & humid during peak season i.e., July through September.
• If you like peace, Playa Del Carmen place is not for you as it’s too noisy & rowdy, especially during peak season.
• Overall, it’s the safest place in Mexico but still, you need to be aware of your surroundings.

Ending Notes!

Your query “Playa Del Carmen Vs Cancun” gets solved. Each has its own unique charm, pros and cons. Among both, the best place for you is one in which you feel comfortable & better think that you will enjoy.

Additionally, we shared location & accessibility proximity, accommodation options and notable attractions of both. Now, it’s up to you which one you can choose based on your travel interests and needs.

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