Travel Guide

Things to Do in Playa del Carmen and Nearby Places When You Rent a Car

Riviera Maya, Mexico · Road Trip Guide · 12 min read

Here’s the truth

Playa del Carmen is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and Fifth Avenue, but if you only stay in the downtown area, you are missing most of what makes this region incredible.

Cenotes, ruins, islands, eco-parks, small towns, and hidden beaches are all just a short drive away. These places are not accessible on foot and are not included in standard tours.

Renting a car in Playa del Carmen is not a luxury — it is the key to experiencing the real Riviera Maya with freedom, flexibility, and comfort.

🚗 Why Renting a Car in Playa del Carmen Changes Everything

Without a car

Limited to Fifth Avenue and nearby beaches
Dependent on tours and colectivos
Fixed schedules
Miss hidden cenotes and ruins

With a car

Total freedom of movement
Access to cenotes, ruins, islands, and eco-parks
Travel at your own rhythm
Real Riviera Maya experience

🌊 Best Beaches Near Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has beautiful beaches, but with a rental car you can reach even better, quieter, and more natural beaches in less than one hour.

Akumal: Swim with sea turtles in crystal clear water.
Xpu-Há: Calm, shallow water, perfect for families.
Punta Esmeralda: Freshwater meets ocean. Unique and beautiful.
Puerto Aventuras: Quiet marina town with clean beaches.

💧 Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen – The Underground World

The Riviera Maya is one of the best places in the world to explore cenotes. Many of the most beautiful ones are only accessible by car.

Cenote Azul: Large open cenote with crystal clear water.
Cenote Cristalino: Perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Jardín del Edén: Natural, open-air cenote surrounded by jungle.
Dos Ojos: World-famous cave system for diving.

🏛️ Mayan Ruins Near Playa del Carmen

Tulum: Cliffside ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Cobá: Ancient city deep in the jungle.
Chichén Itzá: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Ek Balam: Beautiful ruins with fewer crowds.

Explore Playa del Carmen Without Limits

Beaches, cenotes, ruins, islands, and hidden gems are waiting for you. Don’t limit your trip to downtown. Explore the Riviera Maya with total freedom.

👉 Rent your car in Playa del Carmen

Things to Do in Playa del Carmen and Nearby Places When You Rent a Car

Explore Playa del Carmen Without Limits

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