Tulum to playa del carmen: guide for your next getaway
If you have in mind to move from Tulum to Playa del Carmen and you want to know how long this trip will take you, here we offer you all the information you need. Both tourist destinations are among Mexico's favorites, so knowing the distance and travel time between Tulum and Playa del Carmen will be essential to organize your itinerary without complications.
How to get to Playa del Carmen from Tulum?
The distance between Tulum and Playa del Carmen is about 65 kilometers. In ideal conditions, the drive between these two tourist destinations in the Riviera Maya could be completed in about an hour. However, due to frequent traffic and the characteristics of the region's roads, keep in mind that the actual travel time may vary.
The easiest way to travel from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is by car. If you are considering car rental it will be important to familiarize yourself with the route. The highway that connects Tulum and Playa del Carmen is Federal Highway 307, a two-lane road that runs along the coast of the Riviera Maya. Although the route is direct, this road has stretches where you will have to reduce your speed, especially near crosswalks, urban areas and entrances to cenotes and tourist parks.
What to do and what to visit in Playa del Carmen?
If you decide to make the trip from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, you will be on your way to one of the best jewels of the Mexican Caribbean. Known for its white sand beaches, energetic nightlife and a gastronomy that mixes local and international flavors, Playa del Carmen is a destination worth visiting.
Here you will find activities for all tastes: from boat rides and visits to theme parks in the region, to relaxing on its turquoise beaches. Playa del Carmen is an ideal Riviera Maya tourist destination to spend a few hours and enjoy its unique atmosphere before returning to Tulum or continuing your Riviera Maya adventure.
If you have extra time, you can take day trips: this tourist spot is also an excellent starting point to visit incredible destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula. Playa del Carmen is strategically located between Tulum and Cancun, just an hour's drive from each city. This privileged location makes it a perfect base to visit the main attractions of the Riviera Maya without long travel distances.
La Quinta Avenida: one of Playa del Carmen's top attractions to visit
La Quinta Avenida is the commercial and social heart of Playa del Carmen, a pedestrian street of more than 3 kilometers that runs parallel to the beach. Start your walk from 20th or 30th Street North and get to know its stores, galleries, spas, cafes and ice cream parlors.
At the end of the route, you can enjoy popular discos such as Coco Bongo or Mandala. In addition, the avenue offers excellent options to try Mexican and international food in places like Carboncitos, La Vagabunda and El Fogón.
Parque de los Fundadores: Playa del Carmen's emblematic place.
At the end of Quinta Avenida is the Parque de los Fundadores, a popular spot in Playa del Carmen ideal for photos. Here, you can't miss capturing a picture next to the sign of this destination and the sculpture of the Mayan Portal, which represents a man and a woman, symbolizing Mayan history and hope. At this attraction you can also admire the Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a beautiful traditional Mexican style construction.
Frida Kahlo Museum: one of the most interesting attractions in Playa del Carmen.
Even if you've already visited her house museum in Mexico City, this space offers a unique insight into her life and work through personal objects and reproductions of her famous paintings. Don't forget to take a picture in front of the mural at the entrance! If you're hungry, you can go upstairs to the museum's restaurant and enjoy a delicious Mexican meal overlooking Fifth Avenue.
Cozumel: a natural attraction to visit near Playa del Carmen
Just 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen is Cozumel: a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling lovers, thanks to its proximity to the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest in the world.
Among the activities we recommend you to do in Cozumel are swimming in its beaches such as Palancar, El Cielo and San Juan Cozumel, visiting the Mayan site of San Gervasio, and climbing the Celerain Lighthouse in Punta Sur. Undoubtedly, Cozumel is an excellent destination for families, thanks to the variety of activities it offers.
Cenotes: a must-do experience if you visit Playa del Carmen
These impressive bodies of water, formed by the erosion of subway rivers, offer you a refreshing swim surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the closest cenotes to Playa del Carmen are Chaak Tun, Cristalino, Azul and Jardin Eden. Enjoy the natural beauty of the region!
These are some of the activities you can do in Playa del Carmen and tourist sites to visit. Remember that with Tulum car rental, you can get to this beautiful tourist destination in the Yucatan Peninsula quickly and enjoy everything this place has to offer.