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Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, located in Mexico's sun-drenched Riviera Maya, is recognized globally for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural offerings. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dazzling white sand beaches, and the famous Fifth Avenue, a pedestrian walkway filled with exciting shops, authentic Mexican restaurants, lively bars, and local artisans showcasing their crafts. A haven for water enthusiasts, it offers scuba diving experiences among the awe-inspiring coral reefs, while those interested in the rich history can explore the nearby Mayan ruins. Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, rich history, or the vibrant nightlife, Playa del Carmen is an idyllic tropical paradise that caters to all.

Playa del Carmen is currently ranked #87 best place for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.1 /5

Based on 5 experiences

3.9 /5

Based on our research

4 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

Playa del Carmen is moderately safe for solo female travelers. Like any other tourist area, it's crucial to take standard safety measures. This includes avoiding lonely areas, especially at night, not flashing valuable belongings, and using reputable transportation services. There's been some crime reported in the city, but typically tourists are not the primary targets. Take precautions and you should have a pleasant trip.

Transport:Easy

Getting around Playa del Carmen is quite user-friendly. Most of the city is walkable, especially the popular tourist areas. Buses and taxis also seem to be prevalent for longer journeys or late-night transportation. For those wanting to explore some of the amazing surrounding areas, there are numerous car rental locations as well. Always keep safety in mind and use the same precautions you would in any urban area.

Things to do:Interesting

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant city with a wide variety of activities. Aside from its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, you can also enjoy its bustling shopping district at Quinta Avenida, filled with local boutiques, high-end luxury stores, and unique eateries. For history and culture lovers, it's strategically located close to ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum. Wildlife enthusiasts can appreciate the sea turtles in Akumal, the birding in Sian Ka'an Bioreserve, and underground cenotes ready for snorkeling or diving. It might not be for those looking for total tranquility, but for anyone seeking an active and culturally rich travel experience, Playa del Carmen has plenty to offer.

Food:Excellent

From traditional Mexican cuisine and sumptuous street food to international gastronomic experiences, Playa del Carmen offers an incredibly diverse array of culinary delights. Seafood lovers will be thrilled with fresh from the sea offerings, while the adventurous can savor regional Yucatecan dishes enriched with unique flavors. What makes this destination truly special is the mix of high-end dining options and delicious local eateries that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and food-scene, satisfying not only your hunger, but also your wanderlust.

Budget:Moderate

Playa del Carmen is moderately budget-friendly. Accommodation, food, and fun activities can be found at reasonable prices, especially compared to other popular tourist destinations. However, costs can escalate if you choose higher-end experiences or dining options. Bargains can be found, especially off-peak. It's definitely not the cheapest place for a vacation, but it's not prohibitively expensive either.

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 5 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet local women in Playa del Carmen who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Paola

About Me

Hi, My name is Paola and I'm interested in culture, architecture, art, books, camping, cinema, dancing, events & social, food & cuisine, health, live music, nature, photography, running, solo travel and history

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Sophie

About Me

I'm a dancer attending to a special event in Gotenburg from June 12th to 18th and then I will explore the country. I'm really clean and open minded.

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Stay with local women in Playa del Carmen who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.