Playa Del Carmen or Cancun?

Mexico takes me back to my roots. The culture, the people, the food, all of it. Last couple of weeks I have been asked a few times which place is better: Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

Really it depends on what you are trying to get out of your vacation.

Cancun was founded in the 70s as an up and coming hotel zone. There you will find shopping centers, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and all the amenities of a larger city. The mall had high end stores and all of it was close together for walking distance. The hotel zone in Cancun looks to be younger tourism looking for the nightlife scene or spring breakers. It truly is picturesque and you have the opportunity to take the ferry to Playa Mujeres.

About an hour south of the Cancun Airport is Playa del Carmen. It was originally a fisherman's village and has grown but still is true to its own roots. Like Cancun, it has its own hotel zone called Playacar, where most resorts are located. It has more of relaxed feel but you are in the heart of the Riviera Maya with lots to do. From Playa you have easy access to cenotes, Tulum or one of my favorites, Cozumel. What makes a good beach vacation is the ability to walk down the beach and this place checks the box. All in all I felt Playa was more relaxed and had a beautiful beach.

If I were going back, I would hands down pick Playa Del Carmen over Cancun but truly my next Mexico vacation will be neither because I would ultimately choose Cozumel.