Is it safe to drive in Playa del Carmen?

Driving within Playa Del Carmen is safe but there are a few cautionary things to watch for. It can be hard to drive in a foreign country and have a lot of different distractions. Driving in the city of Playa Del Carmen can be more distracting then when you get on the highway and are in other locations.

Is it safe to drive from us to Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is a generally safe destination for solo visitors, though they should exercise caution as petty crime and scams have been known to occur in Mexico. Tips for solo travelers include sticking to main tourist centers, staying in hostels, and not walking alone at night.

Is it safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?

Paying attention to local rules and staying alert on the road will keep you safe (similar rules like any other place in North America). Highway 307 that connects Playa del Carmen to Tulum town is in good condition and is regularly patrolled by the police. So you are safe on the road.

Is it safe to drive from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?

While it’s definitely true that there are some parts of Mexico you probably don’t want to be driving in, the Riviera Maya isn’t one of them. This area is very heavily policed and is generally a safe place to travel around. … The drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is a straight shot down Highway 307 and is quite easy.

Is driving in the Riviera Maya safe?

First, driving is safe in the Riviera Maya. If you are not comfortable driving in areas that are unfamiliar to you, take public transport and play it safe for you.

Which is safer Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

The beaches at Playacar are as good as the ones in Cancun, albeit the one issue is that there’s less of them. … Playa del Carmen is a safe destination for tourists too – as is Cancun – but as always you must be vigilant in regards to petty crime in both destinations, and be careful of leaving drinks unattended.

Is it safe to walk around Playa del Carmen at night?

While we would never suggest walking around anywhere at night (especially by yourself), Playa del Carmen is technically safe at night. There are dodgy areas that you should avoid, but if you stay on the typical touristy streets, you will be okay. It is better to stick with a group though.

Is 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen Safe?

5th avenue is a pedestrian thoroughfare packed with tourists from all over the world. It’s quite safe. Don’t venture to far off the main drag. Talk to the locals and have fun.

Is driving to Chichen Itza safe?

From Cancun it is an easy route, just south of the airport you will see a sign for Chichen. Take the Cuota(toll road) It is very safe and patrolled by the Federales not local police. The toll is about $25.00 USD each way. It is about 2 1/2 hours there is a rest stop on the highway.

Is Tulum better than Playa del Carmen?

Tulum is more the destination of choice for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path, back-to-nature adventure where everything is much more rustic, small-scale, and low-key than in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is the better choice for those looking for a little more action and modern accommodation than in Tulum.

Are there sharks in Playa del Carmen Mexico?

Shark sightings are rare and shark attacks even rarer. You see much of the coral along the coast at Playa del Carmen has died off which does not attract reef fish, which the sharks feed on. … Due to the lack of prey and the large number of boats that cruise the waters sharks stay away from Playa del Carmen.

Do the cartels own the resorts in Mexico?

Right Robert…the cartels own many of the large resorts.

Why is Playa del Carmen so expensive?

It is more expensive than most other Mexican cities.

Playa Del Carmen is more expensive then most other places in Mexico because rents are high on 5th Avenue and prices have to be passed on. Many things are imported to Playa and this adds to the cost as well.

Is Route 307 in Mexico safe?

Driving at night in the Yucatan is generally no more dangerous than driving where you live at night. If you stick to highway 307 along the Riviera or any major highway in Merida you will be safe.

Why do people in Mexico drive with hazards on?

People put on their hazard lights when they’re slowing down quickly, such as when there’s traffic ahead. There aren’t rest stops on Mexican highways. If you need to use the bathroom, you usually have two options: at a toll booth, usually after you go through it, or at a gas station.

Is it safe to drive through Mexico?

Safety While Driving in Mexico

Firstly, driving through Mexico is quite safe, for the most part. There are some occurrences of drug-related violence which I will talk about below. To avoid drug violence, you need to plan your route according to the latest news.

What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen?

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.

What is the safest resort town in Mexico?

• Mexico safest cities: Merida, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is known as the safest city in Mexico. …
• The Tulum Ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea, and were once used as a Maya trade port. …
• The colorful homes in the Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica.

What is the number one vacation spot in Mexico?

1. Cancún and the Mayan Riviera. Lying along a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico are the resort destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, the island of Cozumel, and beyond. Collectively these are known as the Riviera Maya.

What cartel runs Playa del Carmen?

The gang, part of the Gulf Cartel, has long extorted protection money from bars and night clubs in Cancun, but has now apparently extended operations further south to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The gang is also fighting the Jalisco Cartel and other groups for the area’s lucrative drug market.

How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?

Best Things to do in Playa del Carmen Itinerary 4- 5 days

An ideal Playa del Carmen Itinerary should include ample beach relaxation time, great food, and pool parties. Set aside a day or two for exploring Mayan Ruins like a day trip to Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba or all three (we did all there – a day each).

What is the hottest month in Playa del Carmen?

The hottest month of the year in Playa del Carmen is July, with an average high of 90°F and low of 72°F. The cool season lasts for 2.5 months, from November 28 to February 13, with an average daily high temperature below 83°F.

Why does Playa del Carmen smell?

Tourists looking for sun and sand in Mexican resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum have been disgusted by foul-smelling mounds of sargassum — a seaweed-like algae — piling up on beaches and turning turquoise waters brown, and experts are warning that it may be the new normal.

Can you swim in the ocean in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!

Is Playacar safe?

Playacar is a gated community full of nice resorts and nice houses/condos. It is very quiet and very safe. Nothing much crazy goes on there. PDC is a small city, most tourists stick to 5th Ave.

Can you still climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza?

Unfortunately for visitors, no, Chichen Itza Pyramid is not allowed to climb. Luckily for all the locals and culture lovers, the main Mayan Building of Chichen Itza can’t be climbed. In this way, we contribute to preserving this sacred site. Years ago, the Chichen Itza Pyramid used to be claimed by tourists.

How safe is it to drive in Yucatan?

Yes, it is safe to drive in the Yucatan as a tourist, as long as you are sensible. You WILL pass drug compounds with armed men on the walls if you are driving in the Yucatan. Sometimes, those men may wave or shout at you. Exercise your common sense and DO NOT STOP.

Is the drive from Cancun to Tulum safe?

Yes, it is safe to travel from Cancun to Tulum. The road is regularly maintained and the buses are clean and well equipped with air conditioning. Be aware of petty theft in the area and take any necessary precautions as you would normally do when you travel.

Is Playa del Carmen beaches nice?

From the turtle nests of peaceful Akumal to the party crowd at Mamitas Beach, Playa del Carmen has the most beautiful places to soak up the sun, have fun and relax overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea along Mexico’s Riviera Maya. We have prepared a list of the best beaches for you to seek out on your trip.

Is it worth going to Playa del Carmen?

Located an hour south of Cancun, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, is the small town of Playa del Carmen. Since the two towns are so close together, a day-trip to Playa del Carmen is definitely a “must-do”. …

Do you need a car in Playa del Carmen?

The only time you really might need to rent a car in Playa del Carmen is if you are planning a trip to somewhere outside of Playa, or if you are staying outside of the center. If that’s the case then renting a car is a good call. … I always rent a car, in Tulum as it’s very hard to easily get around without a car.

Are there great whites in Playa del Carmen?

While some of the dive shops in Cancun say they cage dive with great white sharks out of Playa del Carmen, it is only Guadalupe Island that offers great white shark cage diving in clear blue water with 100 150 foot visibility.

How is crime in Playa del Carmen?

Everybody living here needs tourism so the unspoken agreement is that no one, cartels included, should do anything to put that at risk. Unlike other countries I’ve lived in where the crime is mostly muggings, pickpocketing, and bag stealing, Playa del Carmen doesn’t have a lot of petty crime.

Are there great white sharks in Mexico?

Guadalupe Island in Mexico is the destination for great white shark encounters. … Mexico’s shark cage diving jewel is located on a small volcanic island, located in the Pacific 240 kilometres (150 miles) off the west coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.

What should I be careful of in Cancun?

Avoid ingesting tap water, be it for drinking or brushing your teeth, and be cautious of ice in beverages at outside restaurants (some do not purify it). Even at the most high-end resorts, drink only bottled water, which is often provided the moment you arrive.

What drug cartel runs Cancun?

Avoid ingesting tap water, be it for drinking or brushing your teeth, and be cautious of ice in beverages at outside restaurants (some do not purify it). Even at the most high-end resorts, drink only bottled water, which is often provided the moment you arrive.

Is the cartel bad in Cancun?

The cartel, with its reputation for ruthlessness and violence, has littered the streets of Cancun with the bodies of its victims. … In 2018, two of the cartel’s victims were found dismembered in plastic bags, while other bodies have been found dissolved in acid.

Where do expats live in Playa del Carmen?

The best area to live in Playa del Carmen is between Juarez Ave on the south, up to calle 46th (CTM) on the north, and from the beach back to the highway. This square is the main area of Playa del Carmen, and where you want to be when living in Playa del Carmen.

Is Cancun safer than Cabo?

Cabo has a much safer feel than Cancun, has a more laid back atmosphere, has really great restaurants, and a ton of fun bars that you don’t have to be indoors for or pay a cover charge to get into like many in Cancun.

What is Playa del Carmen known for?

Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there’s the whole other side of the city. It’s a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around.

Is driving in Quintana Roo safe?

1. Re: in the yucatan and Quintana Roo is it safe to drive? Yes it is safe to drive in the Yucatan Peninsula area, including the communities of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Merida, and points in between.

Is it safe to drive to Tulum from USA?

Driving during the daytime is relatively safe, but take caution when driving at night, as some foreign travelers have experienced robbery. That being said, Tulum occasionally sees violent crime, though it’s not usually against tourists. For the latest safety information, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

Is the drive from Cancun to Merida safe?

You have 3 options in fact, firts if you decide to drive you can either take the highway (you will need to pay), it’s safe, 2 lane each side, not too much traffic but if your car broke down you will be alone in the jungle. And the trip from cancun to Merida is about 4 hours by highway.

Is Highway 57 in Mexico safe?

The road climbs up to a small mountain pass at 2690 m above the sea level, near Calpulalpan. … The highway is so dangerous because is the country busiest highway with an average of 3 accidents each day, in a stretch of 200km between both cities.

Is Highway 15 in Mexico safe?

Highway robbery and carjacking are ongoing security concerns for travelers on the Mexican toll road Highway 15 in Sonora and on Maxipista Benito Juarez in Sinaloa. … These highways are known to be particularly dangerous at night when roadside robberies occur.

Is it safe to drive at night in Mexico?

Driving at night, outside of a municipality, tourist area, or on a toll road is risky and dangerous but if your careful it isn’t really that dangerous. There are some Mexicans who (perhaps to save fuel) drive without lights, drunk driving is very common at night.

Can I use my US license to drive in Mexico?

Yes a US driver’s license is all that you would need to be legal to drive a vehicle in Mexico. Make sure you understand that if you use your CC for insurance, Mexico does not recognize any out of country coverage. So be prepared to have a hefty deposit for damages to be authorized on your Visa Card when you rent.

Is Central America safe to drive through?

Central America is quite safe for solo travelers. As long as you avoid isolated areas and don’t travel alone at night, you’ll be able to avoid the most common issues tourists face, such as petty crime.

Where are the bad parts of Mexico?

Are there hurricanes in Playa del Carmen?

Playa del Carmen is located in the peninsula, and in an area where we are susceptible to hurricanes. … Hurricane season and rainy season coincide. Just like you can get snowfall in the winter, we can get rain during rainy season….

Is the water warm in Playa del Carmen?

The sea in Playa del Carmen is warm enough to swim in all year round, in fact, the water temperature ranges from 26 °C (79 °F) between January and March to 29 °C (84 °F) between August and October.

Is there a seaweed problem in Playa del Carmen?

From about early October 2019 to March 2020 the beaches were very clear of seaweed. We believe the hurricanes of 2020 changed currents and it helped the sargassum situation. Starting in May of 2021 the seaweed is coming back. It still does depend on the location of the beach and not all are 100% clear.

Where do most American expats live in Mexico?

The lakeside villages of Chapala and Ajijic are where most of the expats live, and it’s an easy drive (about 40 minutes) to Guadalajara which offers all of the amenities you would expect from Mexico’s second-largest city, including direct flights to the USA.

Where should you avoid in Mexico?

Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Mexico?

Oaxaca is one of the most affordable expat destinations in Mexico, with low-cost food, lodging and transportation. It’s more budget-friendly than other top Latin American highland retirement options like Boquete, Panama, and Medellín, Colombia.

Which side of Mexico is better?

West Coast: Mexico’s west coast is often visited by those looking for a more cultural experience. From art galleries to old traditions and architecture, the west coast provides a strong insight to Mexico’s past and present. Thanks to its Pacific waves, it’s also the best coast for surfers.

Where do the Kardashians go in Mexico?

In celebration of Kourtney’s 38th birthday, the sisters along with their massive girl squad, camped out at Casa Aramara, the only ultra-luxury 5 star private estate in Punta Mita, Mexico. They went during high season (November 1st to May 31st) meaning they spent $17,000 per night with a 3 night minimum.

What is the prettiest beach in Mexico?