Choosing Between Playa del Carmen vs. Cancun

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Should I Stay in Playa del Carmen or Cancun?

You might be asking yourself, should I stay in Playa del Carmen or Cancun? To many, the Yucatan peninsula is most well known for “Cancun”, however, what’s important to know is that when travelers refer to Cancun, they may be generally referring to the entire region of Quintana Roo. There is so much beyond Cancun, and many of the most popular spots are outside of Hotel Zone and either in Playa del Carmen, or even further south in Tulum. Choosing between Playa del Carmen and Cancun largely depends on personal preferences and what you're looking for in a vacation.

However, many people find Playa del Carmen more appealing for several reasons:

1. Less Crowded Atmosphere: While Cancun is known for its bustling hotel zone and large crowds, Playa del Carmen tends to offer a more laid-back atmosphere. It's still popular with tourists, but it's often perceived as less crowded and more relaxed.

2. Closer to Attractions: Playa del Carmen is centrally located on the Riviera Maya, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions such as Tulum, Cozumel, cenotes (natural sinkholes), and Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Coba. So many of the top places of interest in the Yucatan Peninsula are just a day trip away from Playa del Carmen.

3. Charm and Character: Playa del Carmen has a charming downtown area with pedestrian-friendly streets, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It offers a more authentic Mexican experience compared to the resort-dominated areas of Cancun's hotel zone.

4. Beaches: Both destinations boast beautiful beaches, but some travelers prefer the beaches in Playa del Carmen for their slightly calmer waters and less intense waves, which can be better for swimming and water activities, especially for families with children.

5. Nightlife: While Cancun is renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, Playa del Carmen also offers a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment options along its famous Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), providing a more intimate and diverse nightlife experience.

6. Accessibility: Playa del Carmen is relatively easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, allowing visitors to explore the town's attractions conveniently. Additionally, it's closer to the Cancun International Airport, making it a shorter transfer time compared to reaching some parts of Cancun's hotel zone.

Ultimately, whether Playa del Carmen is better to visit than Cancun depends on your preferences for atmosphere, activities, and the overall experience you're seeking during your vacation.

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How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is just 45 miles away from Cancun, and it only takes a little over an hour to get from Cancun’s airport to the beaches of Quintana Roo. Cancun’s airport is the closest airport to Playa del Carmen. Travelers have several options to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, both of which are popular destinations in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Whether you decide to stay in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, here are the most common transportation methods:

1. Shuttle or Shared Van: Many companies offer shuttle or shared van services between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The shuttle service from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen operates from 10:00 to 18:00. The airport shuttle conveniently transports you for a more economic price of about $25-$45 a person. This is the most convenient and cheapest way to get to Playa del Carmen if you’re traveling alone. The shuttles are clean and comfortable. You share the van with other travelers going in the same direction. Services typically operate from the airport in Cancun or from designated locations in the hotel zone. You can book these services in advance or upon arrival at the airport.

2. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Cancun and at the Cancun Airport and can take travelers directly to Playa del Carmen. However, this option can be more expensive compared to other modes of transportation. When you near the airport’s exit, you’ll likely be approached by many taxi drivers offering their services and providing inaccurate information. Some may say the shuttle is closed, that there are no rental services etc. Politely decline their service and keep on walking. If you decide on a taxi as your mode of transportation, it’s important to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver before starting the journey so you don’t get caught in an awkward situation once you arrive to your hotel. Prices can typically get close to $100 (2000MXN) for a taxi trip to Playa del Carmen, so I do recommend a private transfer over this option as it’s much more convenient than trying to negotiate. Be aware of price-gauging and know your fare before you go!

3. ADO Bus: The ADO bus company operates frequent services between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Buses depart from the ADO bus terminal in downtown Cancun and arrive at the ADO terminal in Playa del Carmen. This option is usually the most cost-effective and offers a comfortable ride. Make an advance purchase online and get discounts on the price of bus tickets from 10% to 50%. Of course, this requires navigating the bus schedule and routes, but for those comfortable taking the bus, this is a great option.

4. Rental Car: If you prefer the flexibility of driving where you’d like to go, you can rent a car in Cancun and drive to Playa del Carmen. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Major car rental companies have offices at Cancun International Airport and in downtown Cancun.

5. Private Transfer: For those seeking a more personalized and convenient option, private transfer services are available. These services provide door-to-door transportation between Cancun and Playa del Carmen in a private vehicle with a professional driver. Services typically cost $85 one way or $165 roundtrip. Here is the full list of rates for private transfers from Cancun Airport Transportations.

Each of these transportation options offers its advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and flexibility. Travelers can choose the option that best suits their preferences and budget for their journey from central Cancun or Cancun Airport (CUN) to Playa del Carmen. Whether you choose to stay in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, there are definitely plenty of options to choose from.

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How To Get From Playa Del Carmen To Tulum

If you’re continuing your journey south, there are a couple additional options to note apart from those listed above for getting from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Here are the most common methods to get to Tulum in from Playa del Carmen in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

1. Colectivo: Colectivos are shared vans or minibusses that operate along the Riviera Maya and are a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. Colectivos depart from designated locations in Playa del Carmen, such as just beneath Av Benito Juárez and 50 Avenida Norte, also known as the 307 highway. It will be easy to spot as there will be a long line of vans with drivers and helpers yelling out the destinations they are going to. The busses leave when full, but don’t worry as another will arrive within 5-10 minutes. Colectivos drop passengers off at various points along the route to Tulum. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the number of stops. Note that you cannot take a Colectivo to the Cancun Airport, they only run on the 307 highway and do not enter the airport. This is the cheapest option as going south to Tulum will cost just between 20 and 50 Pesos depending on how far south your destination is.

2. ADO Bus: The ADO bus company operates frequent services between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Buses depart from the ADO terminal in Playa del Carmen, located on Avenida 5 between Calle 12 and Calle 14, and arrive at the ADO terminal in Tulum. The journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the bus route and traffic conditions.

Just as with getting from Cancun Airport or central Cancun to Playa del Carmen, taxis, private transfers, and rental cars are all options to get to Tulum as well. Each of these transportation options offers its advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and flexibility. So whether you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or even Tulum, you can choose option that best suits your preference and budget.

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Is Playa del Carmen Gay-Friendly?

Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area is more so what you make of it. I recommend traveling to the region with a group of friends, as it’s the perfect area to do so and go out together. Playa del Carmen is the perfect location for Bachelor Parties and Bachelorette Parties. The beaches in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are known for amazing romantic getaways, and even exciting destinations for singles. While Quintana Roo isn’t known for an abundance of gay bars, on any given night out you’re bound to find many from the LGBTQ+ community out dancing in gay-friendly bars and clubs.

Just an hour south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum is also quite gay-friendly. Many of the hotels and businesses in the area are making an active effort to make it more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community. While there are not a ton of gay bars and clubs in Tulum, it’s still for Mexico standards considered a great destination for the gay couples and singles.

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Gay-Friendly Accommodations in Playa del Carmen

Thompson Playa del Carmen

This luxury hotel offers sophisticated accommodations and upscale amenities in the heart of Playa del Carmen. LGBTQ+ travelers will appreciate the hotel's inclusive atmosphere, chic design, and rooftop pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. For an accommodation well-integrated into one of the coastal cities, stay at The Thompson Playa del Carmen. The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and super close to the beach. The Thompson has two sites just blocks away from each other, one off the main shopping street and the other right on the beach.

Unico Riviera Maya

Unico Riviera Maya is a luxurious resort located along the stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Known for its upscale accommodations and top-notch service, Unico Riviera Maya offers a unique all-inclusive experience for its guests. Unico Riviera Maya also provides a range of activities and excursions for guests to enjoy.

The Palm at Playa

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, just steps from the beach and the vibrant Fifth Avenue. The Palm at Playa offers stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with stunning views, and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers.

The Reef 28

What better way to experience Playa than at an adults-only hotel that caters to LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a modern and stylish retreat. The Reef 28 features chic accommodations, a rooftop infinity pool, and easy access to the beach and nightlife. Visit the rooftop for fantastic cocktails. The Reef 28 boasts breathtaking views and daily beats curated by international DJs. It's the ideal spot to mingle, people-watch, or simply unwind in the cozy daybeds. What more could you ask for?

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Gay-Friendly Tours in Playa del Carmen

LGBTQ+ Tours with Living Dreams Mexico

Swim in cenotes, kayak in turquoios waters, and zipline through jungle canopies with Living Dreams Mexico. Living Dreams is predicated upon the idea that living an experience in a dream setting is possible. As an LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, Living Dreams certainly made our dreams come true in Quintana Roo.

Our favorite tour experience was seeing Tankah, bestled between Tulum and Akumal. Tankah is an active Maya community that provides private access to secluded cenotes, as well as kayaking and zip lining activities. The area is known for its picturesque beaches, untouched cenotes, and lush jungle surroundings. You’ll need at least a few hours to thoroughly explore the park, but I promise you’ll want to stay even longer. We took turns cliff jumping into the water, diving down to swim with the fish, and basking in the sun with iguanas waddling out of the vegetation to say hello.

We scheduled a tour with Living Dreams Mexico to visit the Mayan ruins at Muyil and the experience was worth the trip itself. Our tour guide was so passionate about the history, and they told us a lot about the gay history in Quintana Roo. I felt like the experience was super special and different in comparison to what I typically see people experience in the area.

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Should You Choose Playa del Carmen or Cancun?

Whether you choose to stay in Playa del Carmen or Canun, or even Tulum, we hope this article has given you everything you need to know in order to safely and conveniently get from Cancun Airport to your destination. Once you’ve arrived, you can stay at a gay-friendly hotel, go out to gay-friendly bars and clubs, or even take an LGBTQ+ tour in Playa del Carmen. Whatever you decide to do for your trip to the Riviera Maya, I know it’s bound to be an experience you’ll never forget!

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