Cancun and Playa del Carmen are two of the leading tourist destinations in Mexico.
Photo by Sergio Sala on UnsplashThey are located about an hour’s drive apart. These two destinations are pretty similar, yet so different. The two share some of the top tourist attractions. This makes it hard for people to choose between these two locations, especially first-time visitors to the location.
Where to stay in this area
Since these locations are popular tourist destinations, the areas host the best accommodation facilities for local and international visitors, like the Ocean Coral & Turquesa Resort all Inclusive.
Places to stay in Cancun
Cancun is famous because it is pretty close to the airport. The hotels in Cancun are located ten to fifteen minutes from the Cancun International Airport. Therefore, when choosing the best place to stay in Cancun, you may want to consider a hotel close to the airport. You may also want to stay in places near the beaches and some of the top attractions in the area. Some of the best places to stay in Cancun are; the Zona Hotelera, Cancun Airport zone, Habitacion Potter, and the Haven Riviera Cancun hotel, to name a few.
Places to stay in Playa del Carmen
When choosing the best place to stay in Playa del Carmen, you must consider its proximity to the top attractions in the area. A hotel or accommodation facility near the airport and other transportation avenues would also come in handy. The cost and the facilities offered in the hotel are also worth considering. The most popular hotels in Playa del Carmen are; Suites Cielo y Mar, Claro de Luna, the Andaz Mayakoba, and the Newport House Playa Boutique Hotel, to name a few.
Things to do in Cancun and Playa del Carmen area
Below are some things you can do and places you can visit in this area:
Visit the beaches
These two areas are known for their beaches. The beaches feature aesthetic and warm turquoise waters. The beaches are also famous for their soft white sand and soaked sunsets. The waters in the beaches in both locations are warm all year round and clear, especially when there aren’t too many people in the water. All the beaches in Playa del Carmen and Cancun are public. This means that anyone can visit and you need not spend any money to access them. However, as with most public beaches, you can look forward to beach vendors and large crowds. Note that each destination features different beaches to choose from.
Enjoy authentic Mexican foods
You can also enjoy authentic Mexican food in these destinations in Mexico. These two destinations feature several restaurants that serve some of the best Mexican cuisines you have ever tasted. It is worth mentioning that the destinations also host global restaurant franchises like KFC and the sorts. Additionally, there are numerous local restaurants you can visit and enjoy the best meals, depending on what you are looking for. You can find restaurants like the Outback Steakhouse, Subway, Hooters, and several other standard establishments in Cancun as well as Playa del Carmen. However, you can expect high prices when you visit these global restaurant franchises. The area also hosts dozens of local restaurants that serve the best meals at affordable prices.
Visit the cenotes
A cenote is a natural pit, also known as a sinkhole, that forms from the collapse of limestone bedrocks, exposing underground water. The two destinations in Mexico host some of the most attractive and exciting cenotes. These are some of the things that people go to see at these destinations. In Cancun, the closest cenotes are located about forty minutes from Puerto Morelos city. On the other hand, in Playa del Carmen, there are at least five cenotes, like the Cenote Azul and Cenote Cristalino, at about twenty-minute drives.
Partake in diving and watersports
Both locations have incredible diving and watersport destinations. In Cancun, you can check out the Underwater Museum MUSA, where you can see things like sharks. In Playa del Carmen, you can also visit El Cuyo for some of the best water sporting activities. Therefore, if water sporting is something you enjoy there is something for you in both destinations.
It is worth mentioning that you do not have to choose between Playa del Carmen and Cancun. As mentioned before, these two destinations are located one hour apart. Therefore, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The trick is to get a hotel near both destinations so you can go back and forth and explore what the two destinations have to offer.
