Playa del Carmen Budget Travel Guide

Playa del Carmen on a Budget: Planning Your Visit

In Beaches, City Guides, Mexico by Sheena2 Comments

Playa del Carmen on a Budget isn’t as fun as the rest of the Yucatan –  but if you find yourself here, soak in the ultra-chic vibes & check out our tips to see you through!

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Playa del Carmen on a Budget

Known simply as “Playa” to locals & tourists alike, Playa del Carmen has come a long way from its humble small town, fishing village roots – just like its nearby neighbour Cancun.

Tourism started with the passenger ferry service to nearby Isla Cozumel, a world-class scuba diving destination – Playa hasn’t looked back since.

Development has sharply increased over the past 10 years, inspired by the success of Quinta Avenida.

Here, life revolves around this long shopping strip, also aptly referred to as Fifth Avenue. It’s a pedestrian-only, shoppers-paradise, lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants & bars – there’s even Mexico’s only H&M store, among much more exclusive labels.

It might not quite be New York City, but the ultra-chic atmosphere & look of Quinta Avenida feels much closer to Miami than anywhere in Mexico.

* Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before any trip to New York. We’ve been using World Nomads for over 10 years. It’s the best-value provider we’ve found but there are other important things to consider. Check out our post and find out which of our claims were successful or denied.

Ferry terminal at Playa del Carmen

I didn’t get a picture of Quinta Avenida but look – even the ferry terminal looks chic!

The beach vibe, however, is distinctly European. This is the home of the fit, tanned & beautiful of the Mexican Riviera.

The water near the ferry terminal is surprisingly gorgeous – clear & turquoise. The sand is a little thin in parts but still packed with tourists in the latest Euro-beach fashion.

If you’re after some serious beach action, head out of the city centre to Playa Norte.

If you’re a budget traveller like us here at DIY Travel HQ cosmopolitan Playa del Carmen is not an ideal base.

Avoid staying here if possible but do make time for a quick visit as you’re transiting through to Cozumel or to other destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula.

However if you find yourself stuck here, cheap food & affordable accommodation can be found, with similar prices to elsewhere along the coast.

Tour options:

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Playground & public art on Playa

Playground & public art at the beach front

Playa del Carmen Hostel

We spent a night at La Tortuga Azul hostel.

A bed in a 10-bed dorm with shared bathroom cost M$160 pesos / $8.90 – as with all hostels on the Yucatan peninsula, booking online is cheaper than booking in person, even at the last minute.

Dorm at La Tortugal Azul Hostel

La Tortugal Azul Hostel may be your cheapest bed in Playa

Getting to/from Playa del Carmen

From Cancun, ADO buses & colectivos depart very regularly to Playa del Carmen. The prices are the same, M$34 pesos / $1.90 and the rides takes just over 1 hour.

The cheapest way to get to Tulum is by colectivo. They depart very regularly from Calle 2 near Avenida 20. The ride costs M$40 pesos / $2.25 & takes 45 minutes.

You can buy ferry tickets to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres here.

Check out Lonely Planet for more travel inspiration in the Yucatan.

Mexico Wateriest ferry

Ferry from Playa to Cozumel

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Sea and waves

*** The Final Word – Drop-by Playa del Carmen for a short & sweet visit! ***

What do you think of Playa del Carmen – love it or hate it?

Visited in July 2016

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Comments

  1. Great travel guide!

    Playa del Carmen is a great place to stay after arriving in the Yucatan or on the way back to the airport. I loved the wide variety of restaurants that they had there (with lots of vegetarian options as well) and it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs.

    Thanks for sharing!

    1. Author

      Thanks Brittany! We didn’t spend too long in Playa as it was a bit too fancy for our budget but I did love the main shopping strip & updating my travel wardrobe at H&M 🙂

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