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Is Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen the same?

Where is Playa del Carmen? Playa del Carmen is a town, which is in the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is also called the Mayan Riviera and is an area, which runs from just south of Cancun, until Tulum, and the entrance of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.



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The distance between Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen is 20 km. The road distance is 26.5 km. How do I travel from Riviera Maya to Playa del Carmen without a car? The best way to get from Riviera Maya to Playa del Carmen without a car is to bus which takes 40 min and costs $28 - $35.

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Playa del Carmen, known colloquially as 'Playa', is a resort city located along the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

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Playa del Carmen Mexico has long been a favored tourist destination. Formerly a small fishing village, “Playa,” as the locals refer to it, has its touristy areas, but a growing number of retirees and expats call it home part or all of the year.

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Its pristine, white beaches, beautiful cenotes, archaeological sites, divers cuisine, restaurants, hotels, condos and resorts. Here are 10 reasons to visit the Riviera Maya, in the south of Cancun, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an in the south of Tulum.

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Its pristine, white beaches, beautiful cenotes, archaeological sites, divers cuisine, restaurants, hotels, condos and resorts. Here are 10 reasons to visit the Riviera Maya, in the south of Cancun, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, Sian Ka'an in the south of Tulum.

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Tulum is a more rustic and laid-back destination that is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more authentic travel experience. Riviera Maya, on the other hand, offers a wider range of amenities and activities, and is perfect for those looking for a more modern and luxurious travel experience.

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It is said that the waters of Playa del Carmen are among the world's most beautiful.

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There are also some really safe areas in the Riviera Maya mainland too. Some of the main towns include Akumal, Bacalar and Puerto Aventuras, where tourists can easily walk around during both the day and night with little issues.

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Check out the hip epicenter of nightlife Calle 12, Playa del Carmen is a street lined with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment that is one of the major hubs of local Riviera Maya nightlife.

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Riviera Maya has over 700 kms of underwater caverns and almost 200 archeological sites sprinkled across the peninsula. Making it a great destination to explore ancient Maya Ruins, cenotes, and connect with nature too!

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The best months for good weather in Riviera Maya are January, February, March, April, May, July, November and December. On average, the warmest months are April, May, June, July, August, September and October. The rainiest months are June, September and October.

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Another reason the best beaches in the Riviera Maya are so popular is the ocean temperature. The water temperature on this, the Caribbean side, is often 10F warmer than the Pacific side. Hence, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and water sports are fabulous all-year-round.

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There are expensive options in both cities and budget options in both. However, we've noticed on the whole, Rivera Maya tends to be a bit cheaper than Cancun. It's a little off the beaten track and as a result, the resorts tend to be a little easier on the wallet. This is also true of the surrounding area.

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Compare with the average cost of living in: On average, the cost of living in Riviera Maya in 2023 is 27% less than the average cost of living in the United States (USA).

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The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.

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It is more expensive than most other Mexican cities. Many things are imported to Playa and this adds to the cost as well. Once you travel out of the area you start to notice how things are cheaper but after a while you get used to what things cost and how to stretch your budget if you live in Playa Del Carmen.

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