Playa del Carmen ratings & opinions
How our students rated their experience in Playa del Carmen
What our students said about Playa del Carmen
Unfortunately, the beach is not very pretty, due to the presence of algae on the beach and in the water. This makes swimming unpleasant. It was hot, of course, but the humidity was rather difficult. Otherwise, the atmosphere was festive, with lots of tourists, stores and restaurants. The main street is very crowded. Several tours are available to visit the surrounding area at reasonable prices. As we couldn't swim in the sea, we found hotels with swimming pools for a fee.
Canada
Playa del Carmen is very touristy. Therefore not the cheapest city by Mexican standards. By Swiss standards, however, life is much cheaper here. As a tourist you are often asked whether you want to buy something or go on a tour. For the language course, however, it was a good place to get acclimatized to the new country. There are many activities in the area.
Switzerland
Eating out is very good and cheap in the small restaurants away from the tourist mile. The prices for accommodation vary enormously. We had a flat a bit closer to the outskirts of the city and rented bicycles. This made us very mobile. Mexican drivers show great consideration for cyclists, quite different from Europe!
Germany
I love the school, but the city scene was not for me. If you like a club scene, then you will like. It was noisy and expensive. It was difficult to practice Spanish outside of the school because so many people want to and can speak English. I would use the school again but do it at one of the other locations.
I liked Playa del Carmen very much as there are many possibilities. From the beach to cultural programmes or nightlife, everything is there. It is very big. You can get from A to B quickly by taxi (approx. 5€ in the city) or by collectivo (approx. 1€). The people were very open and friendly.
Germany
I enjoyed the time we spent in downtown Playa del Carmen! The restaurants were excellent, especially Zitla, Sushi Club and Yum Yum by George! My husband and I have a trip to the area planned for November and I plan to show him around the downtown area!
Nice but not for very long. Very touristy. There are nicer beaches nearby and you don't have to be in Playa del Carmen to visit cultural activities. I also think it's expensive, especially a drink in a café, restaurant, etc.
Netherlands
Beach was beautiful. Weather was stifling hot & humid during the day. Area was pricey but it is a tourist destination so not a complete shocker there. Restaurants were fantastic. People were very friendly.
Germany
Nice place to visit. The climate was hotter than I anticipated for March. The city has grown so much since the last time I was here (some years back), modern yet with a slow pace. I can't wait to return!
I lived just north of 10 inters 58 and made some local acquaintances in a bar around the corner. Sure, everything on 5e Ave in the city centre is geared towards tourism without being unpleasant.
Canada
It is a busy place, but as a single female traveller, it felt perfectly safe. Very pleasant locals, great places to eat and stay everywhere at very reasonable prices.
Great place to party and meet new people. The people are super friendly and fun. Recommended for younger people and singles. You can find everything you need.
Germany
I'm actually a terrible tourist. Didn't go out much. Only shop for food. Enjoyed the restaurants. But have no knowledge of nightlife other than it was noisy.
Canada
Perfect location, well situated for excursions; plenty on offer, chilled beach bars and great atmosphere in the evening, mostly friendly, helpful people
Germany
Dance events such as bachata, salsa, etc. are held within a 10-minute walk for about 100 pesos. Particularly recommended for those who like to dance.
Japan
A very chill and relaxed place by day, exciting by night along 5th Ave. Like almost anywhere though, be attentive when walking around at night.
Great place nearby for Cenote diving. If you are interested, please contact Iguana Divers, a Japanese-owned diving shop.
Japan
Touristic City but good Situated as "Home-Base" to have daily trips like Valladolid / Cozumel / Tulum / Cancun
Switzerland
The city is a highly commercial expensive tourist trap but it has some beautiful Caribbean beaches :)
Ireland
It was very tourist focused. Many scams and more expensive than other cities I have visited.
What school directors said about Playa del Carmen
Discover a breath-taking, turquoise ocean, explore mysterious Mayan temples and meet lots of welcoming people. Playa del Carmen is a small town located less than an hour south from Cancún airport, in the state of Quintana Roo. Learn Spanish and discover our unique cultural heritage then spend time chilling on our white sand beaches.
Most recent student reviews of language schools in Playa del Carmen
The staff of IH are like family to me.
6 April 2024
Course: Intensive Course - 5 weeks
Student age: 61 years
Nice atmosphere, committed teachers and fun activities besides lessons.
5 April 2024
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 53 years
Great teacher. Very well organized and knowledgeable.
5 April 2024
Course: Intensive Spanish - 1 week
Student age: 69 years
Friendliness of the teachers, location of the school, tips on leisure activities and help with organisation, patience of the teachers, organisation of transport from the airport to the accommodation, communication/support in Germany
Please give the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the main topics and requirements.
19 February 2024
Course: Intensive Spanish - 2 weeks
Student age: 53 years
Excellent teacher. Very methodical, experienced, patient, kind and enthusiastic. Well organized and easy to understand and learn from.
Highly recommend.
22 January 2024
Course: Intensive Spanish - 1 week
Student age: 60 years
Information about Playa del Carmen
Key Facts about Playa del Carmen
- Big Mac price (Mexico average):
58.53 MXN (33% cheaper than in USA)
- Residential voltage: 127 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Weather in Playa del Carmen
Events in Playa del Carmen
02 April 2024 - 08 April 2024Usually the celebration of Semana Santa (Holy Week) includes a catholic parade on Good Friday representing the Passion of Jesus Christ.
22 July 2024 - 29 July 2024This traditional celebration is usually held in the Oaxaca region on the last two Mondays of July. The festival brings together the 16 different cultures living in town to show off their traditions and dances.
16 September 2024On this day, Mexicans celebrate their independence from the Spanish crown. The event is held at the Central Park and there will be fireworks and people enjoying the night.
30 October 2024 - 02 November 2024A traditional event lending insight into Mexican culture and vision. The festival is held every year at Xcaret Park, where you can enjoy dance, theatre, music and food.
31 October 2024Although not a Mexican tradition, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Playa due to the number of foreign residents. The streets are teeming with costumed children and adults.
November 2024Usually held in November, this famous Festival gives Playa residents an opportunity to hear renowned jazz artists performing on the beach.
What to do in Playa del Carmen
Arrival airport
Public transportation to city center:
Every 30 minutes, 70 minutes.
Main stops: Cancún International Airport T2, Playa del Carmen Terminal Tuística
Taxi: 55 minutes drive to city center of Playa del Carmen
Public transportation in Playa del Carmen
Q&A - Questions and answers about Playa del Carmen
- How touristy is Playa del Carmen?“Of course, Playa is touristic but it all depends where you stay and where you go. There is a main street that´s quite touristic but Playa is also a place where locals live and work.
One good thing about Playa is that it´s a kind of hub, from where you can explore the area.
You can go north to Cancun and Isla Mujeres, south to Akumal (swim with turtles), XpuHa (beautiful beach) Tulum and the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. You can also go inland towards Coba, Valladolid and Chichen Itzá. You have the island of Cozumel that is only a 30-minute ferry ride away. Lots of people choose Playa for its convenient location.
I would say for 1 person who doesn´t like Playa, there are 99 who love it!”Anne Calderon, Student Advisor from Agora Language Center - Dec 19, 2023FAQ about schools in Playa del Carmen
- I'm not a go-to-bars, loud nightlife, kind of person. Would that make Playa del Carmen a bad choice for seniors?“As for Playa del Carmen, I would say it is an ideal place for those who want to stay active, no matter what their age. The Riviera Maya has miles and miles of clean, white sandy beaches for walking, running, or cycling. ”Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 12, 2023Do you have a language school that offers courses for senior students?“Yes, we only have one school offering this type of course: Don Quijote / Solexico Language & Cultural Centers. The programme starts on specific dates (to be consulted on the school's profile) and lasts 2 weeks. This two-week Spanish programme is a motivating combination of classroom teaching and a rich, integrated cultural programme which varies according to the time of year and location. Ideal for our Senior students! ”Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Aug 31, 2023I will be in Playa de Carmen and I am interested in private classes in the morning. Is this something that can be organized?“Yes, we can organise private lessons in the morning. Just let us know what your desired dates are and we can send you more information.”Nuria Castro, Enforex Spanish Department from Don Quijote / Solexico Language & Cultural Centers - Nov 21, 2022Didn't find what you are looking for?Interested in language travel to other cities? Have a look at Spanish language schools in other cities in Mexico such as Cancun, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Mérida (YUC) ..., Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro or see our list of all schools in Mexico. You may also want to consult options outside Mexico for learning Spanish.Show more