Cancun vs Tulum Vs Playa del Carmen

Aaaa … the great debade! Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen. It just is very hard to choose which one of these Mexican paradises should be your next vacation getaway in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

All three of these stunning places look amazing in the photos and they are even more stunning when you visit them. But don’t worry! We have been visiting the area for the past 7 years and this comparison guide of Quintana Roo’s most beautiful locations should help you make up your mind with confidence and ease.

Read Next:

• Cancun vs Tulum
• Cancun vs Playa del Carmen
• Tulum vs Playa del Carmen
• Playa del Carmen vs Cozumel

Where to visit – Cancun or Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

Let’s start with the big brother of the three. The famed city of Cancun.

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Cancun Highlights:

• Great for beach lovers, there are many stunning stretches of sand that offer the perfect getaway
• Though you won’t find any good surfing due to the currents
• You can explore a variety of attractions. Most of them are a 90 minutes road trip away from Cancun.
• Lovely small boutique hotels nestled among large resorts
• Plenty of family and kid-friendly amenities in the resorts and in town
• The largest airport in the area is Cancun International Airport and it is just 20 minutes away. Very convenient. You need to use the same airport for Tulum and Playa del Carmen but its a longer trip
• Great high-end shopping and great shopping in general!
• While most restaurants provide subpar service and food, those willing to search will be rewarded with some authentic and delicious food (and some great tacos and local Mexican beer) 
• Vibrant nightlife and plenty of entertainment options, international Dj set and large venues and clubs
• Cancun is not suitable for walking or biking enthusiasts
• The stunning Coba ruins or Chichen Itza are two hours away by car
• The magnificent Cenotes are 90 minutes away. Trust us and make the trip to cenote

Let’s go to Playa del Carmen now.

Playa del Carmen Highlights:

• Stunning beaches
• Perfect for taking a leisurely stroll or just biking around
• Not good for surfing due to the currents
• The beach and city are next to each other
• Several resorts very close to the town
• You can choose from luxurious seaside hotels to smaller and more intimate lodging options
• Just 50 minutes by car from Cancun International Airport
• Fantastic restaurants and food
• Plenty of shops and local souvenir items in the shopping districts 
• Vibrant nightlife and great bars and clubs
• A great family-friendly destination
• Great for tours and day trips: 90 minutes away from Coba ruins and 2 hours drive away from Chichen Itza ruins!
• You can visit some of the best cenotes that are just 15 minutes away by car

Tulum Beach

Last but not least the famed Tulum.

Tulum Highlights:

• Truly immerse destination in the Mexican culture. 
• More authentic experience than Cancun and Playa del Carmen
• Bohemian and laid-back atmosphere and vibe
• Idyllic beach paradise
• The best of both worlds: enjoy a vibrant town atmosphere and soak up the sun on beautiful beaches!
• Amazing (yet more expensive) boutique hotels,
• Delicious restaurants
• Very close to Mayan Ruins and some of the best cenotes in the area
• Tulum is located just 1 hour and 45 minutes south from Cancun International Airport
• Lively nightlife at bars and beach parties that are sure to captivate the younger and adult crowds

• Family-friendly options also. Even though Playa del Carmen is our favorite family destination in the area.
• Easy to move around and take leisurely walks along stunning coastal paths
• Great for biking …its a lot of fun
• If you wish to explore further Chichen Itza awaits 2 hours away by car and Coba ruins 40 minutes away!

In all honesty, you can’t really go wrong with any of these destinations. Whether you are a family, a solo traveler, or are looking for a romantic getaway all three of these beautiful destinations are sure to leave you in awe and with some lasting memories.