The short answer is yes, it is safe to walk around Playa del Carmen. It is especially safe during the day and if you stick to the busy areas in the evening that are typically bustling with tourists and locals.
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Playa del Carmen is one of the safest places to travel in Mexico, and one of the best beach towns in Mexico. For the most part, Playa del Carmen is considered safe for the majority of visitors, with the biggest threats usually being hurricanes, hangovers, sunburns and mosquitoes.
Centro (Downtown Playa del Carmen)Fifth Avenue Playa del Carmen is the main street in town, a safe area, and the best area to walk. Fifth Ave. is in Downtown Playa del Carmen, and most visitors will want to stay right on this street, or as close to it as possible.
June 2023 Update: Of course it's quite a diverse region, so the safety situation can vary in different areas. However in general the Riviera Maya remains one of the safest areas you can visit in Mexico.
Driving from Cancun to Playa is no more dangerous than driving at night in any city/suburbs, aside what you already know about speed limits, etc. You will take a 2-3 lane expressway, well lighted and populated. One road. Driving in Playa and Cancun is like any unfamiliar city.
Yes, as long as you are in the right place at the right time. Hotel Zone in Cancun is still relatively safe. Playa Del Carmen is also safe as well, as there are much less danger than Cancun in general.
Don't Drive at NightThere's the threat of drunk drivers taking advantage of a sometimes lawless land, trying to make their way back home. Then, of course, there's always the possibility of bandits or thieves that prey on solitary vehicles on the road at night.
In general, the most popular resort areas are safe to travel to, and many tourists have no intention of leaving the resort. However, if you plan on venturing off your resort to explore, you should still take necessary safety precautions even if you are not visiting a “Do Not Travel” state.
It is generally safe for women to travel alone to Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Cancun. However, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash, and always trust your gut if you feel uncomfortable.
Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day! Playa del Carmen and the bays are protected by natural reef systems or in the case of Playa, the island of Cozumel so high waves just don't happen very often.
Playa del Carmen is generally safe at night, however, it is important to take the same precautions as you would in any other city. It is best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone at night. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep your valuables out of sight.
The short answer: No, it isn't that dangerous. Is it extremely dangerous to leave the resort in Mexico? I've been all over the Yucatan and never experienced any problems. I've walked away from the resort area and into the city of Cancun and have never been shot or beheaded.
No where is perfectly safe but the Mayan Riviera is one of the safest areas of Mexico. Traffic is getting worse (and thus more accidents) and both Cancun and Playa del Carmen have recently had some incidents of gang/cartel violence.
Cancun and Riviera Maya offer unique and exciting vacation experiences on Mexico's Caribbean coast. While Cancun is known for its lively nightlife, shopping, and entertainment, Riviera Maya offers a more laid-back and tranquil experience focusing on nature, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage.
Violent crimes, in particular, are typically target individuals connected to cartel activity. I mention all of this here just to make you aware, not to deter you from traveling to the Riviera Maya. Despite what the media portrays, the Riviera Maya is a welcoming and safe destination for solo travelers in Mexico.
Still, experts agree tourists are not the preferred target. “Most tourists will never meet the cartels. In other words, violence is often generic. The violence tourists face is much more local,” Hope said.