Playa del Carmen vs Tulum
Tulum and Playa del Carmen are popular tourist destinations located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. They both offer amazing beaches, magnificent Mayan ruins, and plenty of beachfront hotels, restaurants, and bars to choose from. However, it can be very challenging to decide which of these two destinations is best.
In this article, you can learn about the similarities, differences pros and cons between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It covers the advantages and disadvantages of both destinations, and examines key factors to consider when deciding where to go for a holiday.
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Although Tulum and Playa del Carmen are only 1 hour apart, they have distinct vibes. If possible, I suggest visiting both places to experience what each town has to offer, even if it’s just for a day trip. However, if you’re short on time and need to choose where to spend your vacation, here’s a brief summary of each destination.
Located on the majestic Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and just 1 hour south of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a relaxed beach destination. Once a small fishing village, the town now has a population of about 310,000, including a significant expat and international community.
Playa del Carmen is popular for its beautiful turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant downtown area called Fifth Avenue or “La Quinta Avenida” in Spanish. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and stores situated in the downtown area and near the beach, giving visitors lots of opportunities to explore and unwind.
Tulum, Mexico is a highly sought-after travel spot for many, including celebrities, influencers, and wealthy individuals. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, around 2 hours away from Cancun by car, Tulum boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ancient Mayan ruins near the seashore. Even though it’s not very populous, with around 50,000 residents, the town remains popular.
Tulum has created a unique spiritual ambiance that is a mix of hippie and chic styles. The town is filled with many trendy hotels, restaurants, and boutiques that are all designed with earthy elements. These design elements focus on eco-friendliness and the bohemian style. Tulum’s design aesthetic makes it a great place for photography enthusiasts.
The following is a summary of which types of travelers are best suited for each beach town:
On the other hand, Playa del Carmen is best suited for
Next, let’s take a look at some of the Tulum Playa del Carmen pros and cons that I’ll discuss further in this post:
Tulum’s pros & cons | |
Pros | Cons |
More authentic feel and less touristy | Very few big hotel chains |
Relaxed atmosphere and bohemian vibe | Poor infrastructure and Internet |
Untouched nature and beaches | Hotels on the beach are expensive |
Amazing food (better than Playa and Cancun) | Very few All-inclusive hotels |
Next to Mayan Ruins | Poor quality of most streets |
More quiet during Spring Break | |
Active Nightlife | Not as walkable |
Luxury Boutique Hotels | Further away from Cancun airport (90-minute drive) |
Eco-Tourism | Accessibility is more limited |
Very Close to Sian Ka’an Biosphere | |
Very Instagrammable | |
Playa del Carmen | |
Pros | Cons |
Walkable with access between the beach and town | Not the nature destination that Tulum is |
More budget friendly | More noise and touristy |
Doesnt have the chill vibe and boho atmosphere of Tulum | |
Beaches in Tulum are better | |
More choices for accommodation and prices | Beaches in Tulum are less crowded |
Different boutiques for a variety of budgets | Not as Instagrammable |
Feels more tourist-friendly | Not the eco-conscious destination that Tulum is |
Better for Families and Couples | More hawkers on the street bothering you |
All-inclusive hotels | |
It has a wide plenty of restaurants and a better variety of food | |
More Shopping Opportunities | |
2 Large Malls | |
Better access to both private and public transport | |
The beaches in Tulum are more beautiful than the beaches in downtown Playa del Carmen. The turquoise waters and white sand are spread out and natural. The atmosphere is laid-back, and there are fewer people, so you can easily lounge and relax.
Getting to Playa del Carmen beach is hassle-free compared to other beaches because there are no resorts or restaurants blocking the way. Plus, you can directly access the beachfront via certain roads, and it’s just a short walk away. However, keep in mind that the beach may be narrow, frequently crowded, and not as unspoiled or picturesque.
If you prefer a quiet beach day, Playa del Carmen may not be the best option as there is typically a lot happening. However, if you enjoy a vibrant beach atmosphere, Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination for you.
Playa del Carmen is generally more affordable than Tulum. The cost of hotels, restaurants, and transportation in Tulum is around 30% higher than in Playa del Carmen. This is due to the fact that Tulum has become a popular spot for wealthy individuals and celebrities, causing prices to rise. Despite being in Mexico, Tulum’s prices can be compared to those in much larger cities worldwide.
Compared to Tulum, Playa del Carmen usually has lower prices. Additionally, you can get better value for your money when it comes to accommodation in Playa del Carmen since the beach is accessible to everyone and there are no major differences in prices depending on whether you stay near the beach or in the town.
Although Playa del Carmen still has great food options, there are also many international chain stores and restaurants. This can help to balance out the overall cost of food. In summary, Playa del Carmen has more affordable options, while lower-priced options are limited in Tulum.
Tulum hotels and vacation rentals prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. As a result, they offer rustic jungle accommodations like tree houses, bungalows, and luxury glamping, which provide a unique experience compared to typical hotels or resorts. These types of accommodations usually include outdoor showers, communal bathrooms, mosquito netting, and limited technology, such as air conditioning, TVs, and Wi-Fi.
The accommodations in Tulum have a minimalist design that aligns with the environment. The aim is to provide a retreat that has minimal impact on the surroundings. You are essentially paying for an exclusive vacation experience that enables you to escape from the everyday life. Furthermore, it’s important to note that most hotels in Tulum don’t offer all-inclusive packages. Hence, you will have to pay for your meals and alcohol separately, in addition to your nightly room rate.
However, if you’re looking for more affordable all-inclusive hotels, Playa del Carmen and the surrounding Riviera Maya region have a diverse selection to choose from. These options include modern and luxurious hotels, family-friendly hotels, and small boutique hotels.
If you want to simplify your vacation with an all-inclusive booking that provides meals and alcohol, staying at Riviera Maya resorts in Playa del Carmen is a great option. The resorts boast stunning landscaping, various restaurants, large pools, and swim-up bars.
If you want to indulge in high-end dining during your Mexico vacation, Tulum is the better choice. Their restaurants are famous for their creative menus and chic ambiance, but they are also more expensive compared to Playa del Carmen. Tulum also has some of the best and most authentic tacos in Mexico.
If you want many dining options in a small area, Playa del Carmen is a good choice. This town is a very popular tourist destination with various restaurants ranging from affordable taco places to fancy international cuisine. Though not as refined as restaurants in Tulum, Playa del Carmen still offers delicious meals at lower prices.
Tulum and Playa del Carmen offer distinct nightlife experiences.
Tulum’s bars and nightclubs have a dark and mysterious ambiance, set against an outdoor jungle backdrop. The town is known for hosting famous DJs from all over the world who spin house or techno music, creating a hardcore party atmosphere. While there are still laid-back bars in Tulum, the main draw is music festivals and special events, as well as high-end party experiences like the legendary Full Moon Party at Papaya Playa Project.
In Playa del Carmen, you can find both high-end nightclubs with indoor/outdoor settings and casual local hangouts, as well as rooftop bars and the popular Coco Bongo Show. These establishments are mostly situated on or near the well-lit and busy 5th Avenue, which gives a sense of safety when going out at night.
Shopping
If you enjoy shopping during your vacation, Tulum may not be the ideal destination for you. It has limited small boutiques and local stalls, which are great for buying souvenirs and some casual shopping.
In Playa del Carmen, there is a street full of shops and two large malls. If you enjoy having access to familiar stores and spending time in malls, then visiting Playa del Carmen would be a great choice.
When comparing Tulum and Playa del Carmen, it is important to take into account factors such as transportation affordability and accessibility.
You can walk around the beach and in the Pueblo (Center) and you can also walk between the Pueblo and Beach. Just make sure you avoid walking alone at night.
You can easily walk on 5th Avenue and around the beach. Just make sure you are always aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
You can easily find taxis in both towns, but they are more expensive in Tulum. Keep in mind that Tulum is not as pedestrian-friendly as Playa del Carmen, so if you choose to stay in downtown Tulum, you will need to hire a taxi to get to the beach or the popular Tulum beach hotel zone. Uber service has been on and off and we recommend not using in this part of the world.
It is easier to access public transportation in Playa del Carmen because it is more developed. ADO bus, colectivos (shared vans), and city buses are available in Tulum town, but they are more frequent and readily available in Playa del Carmen.
Getting to Tulum from the Cancun Airport takes approximately 2 hours, which is almost twice as long as the journey to Playa del Carmen. Additionally, the cost of an airport transfer to Tulum will be almost double the cost of getting to Playa del Carmen.
Tourists can enjoy various activities in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
There are many outdoor activities and day trips to enjoy near Tulum. These include visiting the Tulum Ruins, swimming in cenotes, relaxing in hidden lagoons, and exploring the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
You can find plenty of fun activities near Playa del Carmen that can be reached by a short drive. These include the Xcaret adventure parks, Ce
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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