How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?
- Most travelers spend 5-8 days in Playa del Carmen
- Visiting Playa del Carmen in 4 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Valladolid, Tulum, and Mexico City
How Many Days to Spend in Mexico
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Playa del Carmen
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 2 | Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 3 | Free Day in Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 4 | Río Secreto Guided Tour | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 5 | Return to Cancún, Depart |
On this short but satisfying itinerary to the Yucatán Peninsula, you'll sunbathe and swim on the white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya, spot wildlife in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and explore the water-filled natural cave formations of Río Secreto. Plus, as you'll be staying all four nights in Playa del Carmen, you can enjoy your surroundings more relaxedly. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Cancún, Transfer to Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 2 | Bicycle Tour of Cobá Ruins, Punta Laguna Wildlife Tour | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 3 | Free Day in Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 4 | Río Secreto Guided Tour | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 5 | Discover Cenotes of Chemuyil & Tulum Ruins | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 6 | Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Boat Tour | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 7 | Free Day in Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 8 | Return to Cancún, Depart |
The 100-mile (160 km) stretch of coast along the Yucután Peninsula, known as the Riviera Maya, includes some of Mexico's most incredible ruins, idyllic Caribbean beaches, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. And this escape to the Riviera is so packed with memorable adventures you'll be surprised you can do it all in eight days. Read more
Extended Itineraries
8-Day Itinerary Including Mexico City
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mexico City | Mexico City |
| Day 2 | Day Trip to Xochimilco & Coyoacán, Traditional Oaxacan Dinner | Mexico City |
| Day 3 | Food Tour of Mexico City, Visit Chapultepec Park | Mexico City |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Playa del Carmen, Optional Activities | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 5 | Visit Chichén Itzá & Underground Rivers | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Cobá Ruins & Punta Laguna Nature Reserve | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 7 | Puerto Morelos Snorkeling Tour | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 8 | Return to Cancún, Depart |
This eight-day adventure in Mexico City and the Yucatán is the perfect mix of history, culture, and delicious food. It begins in the capital with various food tours and visits to historic neighborhoods like Coyoacán. Then you'll jet off to Mexico's famous Riviera Maya for fun in the sun on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, plus tours of awe-inspiring Maya ruins and visits to Indigenous communities to explore underground lagoons. Read more
11-Day Itinerary Including Tulum & Vallodolid
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum | Tulum |
| Day 2 | Chemuyil Cenotes & Tulum Ruins | Tulum |
| Day 3 | Río Secreto Guided Tour | Tulum |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve | Tulum |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Valladolid, Cobá Ruins & Culture in Nuevo Durango | Valladolid |
| Day 6 | Tour of Chichén Itzá: Maíz Workshop in Yaxunah | Valladolid |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Playa del Carmen, Optional Activities | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 8 | Puerto Morelos Snorkeling Tour | Playa del Carmen |
| Days 9-10 | Free Days in Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 11 | Return to Cancún, Depart |
Escape to the Yucatán Peninsula, a region in southern Mexico known for its unparalleled beauty. On this adventure, you'll spend a lot of time on the famed Riviera Maya, a section of the Caribbean coast lined with white-sand beaches fronting turquoise waters. Aside from beach time, you'll also explore ancient Maya ruins, swim in underground rivers, and hike around nature reserves in and around Valladolid and the coast. Read more
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