Real answers about the Riviera Maya
Everything you need to know about visiting, living, and owning property in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.
Popular Questions
Popular Questions
Start with what visitors and owners ask us most often.
How do I get to Playa del Carmen from Cancún Airport?
Three real options: pre-booked private transfer (~$60–95 USD, door-to-door, easiest), ADO bus ($16–20 USD, drops you at Playa's central bus…
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
Yes for visitors who use city-trip judgment. Tourist zones (Playacar, Centro, Coco Beach, Zazil-Ha) are calm day and night; petty theft is…
Where are the best tacos in Playa del Carmen?
El Fogón for al pastor (skip the 5th Ave location, go to the original on Av. 30). La Floresta for pescado/camarón. Taquería La Soriana…
How do I know if a property manager in Mexico is honest?
Honesty shows up as paperwork. A trustworthy PM will hand you a sample owner statement, a vendor list, a 12-month repair log from a…
Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?
Yes. In coastal areas like Quintana Roo, foreigners buy via fideicomiso (a 50-year renewable bank trust) — fully legal, fully transferable…
How do I avoid rental scams in Playa del Carmen?
If you're being rushed to wire a deposit before a live video walkthrough, it's a scam — full stop. Stolen photos relisted at 30–50% under…
What should I do if my Airbnb has no water?
Document in the Airbnb app first: time it stopped, photos, and whether neighbors/building staff see the same issue. Ask for an ETA and…
What should I do if the AC stops working in my rental?
Don't sit in a 32°C/90°F unit waiting for a callback. Try the 60-second checklist (remote batteries · breaker reset · drain unblock), then…
Browse by Category
Browse by Category
Seven clear topics — every answer sorted once, no overlap.
Getting Here & Transportation
Airport transfers, taxis, buses, ferries, and late arrivals.
10 answersAreas & Where to Stay
Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Isla, Cozumel, and neighborhoods.
8 answersBeaches & Things to Do
Best beaches, ruins, cenotes, diving, and day trips.
15 answersFood, Drink & Nightlife
Tacos, brunch, coffee, restaurants, bars, and where locals eat.
10 answersPractical Information
Money, internet, safety, groceries, weather, and mid-stay problems.
16 answersProperty Ownership & Management
Airbnb, buying, PM vetting, compliance, utilities, and owner protection.
13 answersLiving & Working in the Riviera Maya
Long-term rent, remote work Wi‑Fi, pets, and digital-nomad basics.
5 answersAll answers
All answers
Search or filter the full library.
Are pets allowed in long-term rentals in Playa del Carmen?
Sometimes — deposits, breed/size caps, HOA bans, and furnished wear clauses are common; negotiate explicitly before signing.
Are smart locks and Wi‑Fi upgrades worth it for my Mexico rental?
Often yes for turnovers and guest confidence — prioritize lock reliability + mesh coverage before gimmicks; budget ongoing battery/firmware…
Are the Cobá ruins worth visiting?
Yes — Cobá is in the jungle, less crowded than Chichén, and was the largest Maya city in the region. Used to be the climb-the-pyramid site…
Are the Ek Balam ruins worth a day trip?
Yes — Ek Balam is the lesser-known Mayan site where you can still climb the main pyramid. ~1h 45min from Tulum. Less crowded than Chichén…
Are the Tulum Ruins worth visiting?
Yes — Tulum is the only Mayan site on the Caribbean coast, with cliffs over a turquoise beach. Go right when it opens (8am) — by 10am tour…
Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?
Yes. In coastal areas like Quintana Roo, foreigners buy via fideicomiso (a 50-year renewable bank trust) — fully legal, fully transferable…
Can I get to Isla Mujeres the same night I land in Cancún?
Sometimes — if you land before ~9pm and move fast through customs. After that, sleep near the Puerto Juárez ferry and cross in the morning…
Can my HOA ban Airbnb in Mexico?
Building regimes often restrict short-term rentals — sometimes outright. Review bylaws before buying or listing.
Do I need a rental car for the Riviera Maya?
Not always — beach-town stays often work with transfers + occasional taxis. Cars help for cenotes, ruins, Costco runs, multi-town…
How bad are mosquitoes at coastal rentals in Mexico?
Expect some biting insects near greenery/water — screens, fans, repellent, and closing doors at dusk help more than hoping for zero bugs.
How do I avoid rental scams in Playa del Carmen?
If you're being rushed to wire a deposit before a live video walkthrough, it's a scam — full stop. Stolen photos relisted at 30–50% under…
How do I find a long-term rental in Playa del Carmen?
Agents, FB groups, referrals, managers, platforms — best channel depends on furnished vs bare, budget, pets, and risk tolerance.
How do I find a property manager in Playa del Carmen?
Interview systems — guest messaging SLAs, cleaning, maintenance tickets, owner statements, emergencies, pricing, compliance — not just a…
How do I get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
Three real options. Private shuttle ($90–130 USD) is the fastest door-to-door — ~1h 45min. ADO bus ($20 USD) is reliable and goes to the…
How do I get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen?
Two ferry companies (Ultramar and Winjet) run between Playa and Cozumel every hour. ~45 min crossing. ~$23–28 USD round trip per person…
How do I get to Playa del Carmen from Cancún Airport?
Three real options: pre-booked private transfer (~$60–95 USD, door-to-door, easiest), ADO bus ($16–20 USD, drops you at Playa's central bus…
How do I know if a property manager in Mexico is honest?
Honesty shows up as paperwork. A trustworthy PM will hand you a sample owner statement, a vendor list, a 12-month repair log from a…
How do I know when to switch my property manager in Mexico?
Five red flags: monthly statement is opaque or late, occupancy is below market without explanation, you don't get photos of the unit after…
How do I visit Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen?
Chichén Itzá is 2.5 hours west — feasible as a day trip but long. Go before 9am to beat tour buses and heat. Combine with Cenote Ik Kil +…
How does the colectivo van work between Playa and Tulum?
Colectivos are shared 15-passenger vans that run constantly between Playa and Tulum (and stops in between like Akumal, Puerto Aventuras)…
How does the Mexican hospedaje (lodging) tax work for vacation rentals?
Quintana Roo's hospedaje tax is 6% on the nightly rate for all short-term rentals (under 30 nights). Owners are legally responsible for…
Is direct booking safe in Playa del Carmen?
Safe with legitimate operators — real company, traceable contacts, written terms, sane payments. Risky with anonymous chats and hurry-up…
Is Isla Mujeres safe?
Yes — Isla is generally calmer than mainland hubs. Normal travel judgment still applies: secure valuables on the beach, use licensed golf…
Is it normal to pay electricity separately in Mexico rentals?
Yes on many longer stays and some vacation rentals — especially when AC runs hard. Ask before booking: included cap, meter read policy, and…
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
Yes for visitors who use city-trip judgment. Tourist zones (Playacar, Centro, Coco Beach, Zazil-Ha) are calm day and night; petty theft is…
Is Playacar worth it?
Yes if you want quieter, greener, more residential energy — especially families or longer stays. Tradeoff: less walk-to-nightlife density…
Is Sac Bajo too far from everything on Isla Mujeres?
Sac Bajo is quieter and more spread out — fine if you want calm and plan golf cart or taxis for dinners and Norte beach runs.
Is the Tren Maya worth taking?
Tren Maya opened in late 2023 and now runs Cancun ↔ Playa ↔ Tulum ↔ inland to Mérida and Campeche. It's modern, scenic, and reasonably…
Is Uber or taxi better at night in Playa del Carmen?
Uber + InDriver work in Playa and are usually cheaper than street taxis. They're safer for tourists too — your route, driver, and fare are…
Is Wi‑Fi reliable enough for remote work in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, in most modern condos — fiber (Telmex, Megacable, Totalplay) delivers 50–300 Mbps reliably. Always backup with a Telcel/AT&T eSIM…
Is Zazil-Ha a good area to stay in Playa del Carmen?
Often yes — beach proximity, dining, and a slightly more residential feel than the loudest Centro blocks — but exact block matters.
Is Zazil-Ha safe in Playa del Carmen?
Generally yes — Zazil-Ha is a residential beach-adjacent zone locals and repeat visitors use. Petty theft is the main risk; use normal…
My flight lands late in Cancún. Can I still get to Playa del Carmen?
Yes — pre-book a private transfer before you fly. ADO buses run until ~11pm; after that you're on a $80–120 airport taxi or a pre-paid…
Our Puerto Morelos home is barely occupied — bills still feel high. How do we interpret usage and find someone to verify solar and wiring?
"Fridge only" almost never explains 11–17 kWh/day in a vacant Puerto Morelos house. Hidden loads, CFE tariff slip, or solar/CT mis-wiring…
Should I day-trip to Isla Mujeres or stay overnight?
Day-trip if you have 1 day and Playa Norte is the only goal. Stay overnight (2+ nights) if you want sunrise/sunset on the beach, a quiet…
Should I stay in Akumal or Playa or Tulum?
Playa for the most amenities + nightlife + transit access. Tulum for the bohemian-luxury beach + cenotes. Akumal for the quiet condo-style…
Should I stay in Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen?
Puerto Morelos for quiet fishing-village vibe + the closest healthy reef snorkel + easy car-rental day trips. Playa for restaurants…
Should I use cash or card in Mexico on vacation?
Both — use card at hotels, restaurants, supermarkets (always say "pesos" not USD); carry 1,500–2,500 MXN cash for taxis, taquerías, tips…
Should I visit Bacalar instead of Tulum?
Bacalar is the quiet alternative to Tulum's chaos — a 60km freshwater 'seven-color' lagoon ~3 hours south of Tulum. Cheaper, slower, more…
What are red flags when hiring a property manager in Mexico?
Opaque pricing, no agreement, ghost comms, no reporting, vague repairs, unrealistic revenue promises.
What are the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen?
The big-three day-trip cenotes from Playa: Cristalino (closest, 20 min, good for families), Azul (next-door, great for beginners), and…
What are the best cenotes near Tulum?
Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera are walking distance from Tulum Pueblo. Dos Ojos (15 min) is the cave-system showpiece. Cenote Carwash is…
What are the best coworking spaces for remote workers in Playa del Carmen?
Selina (5th Ave) and Bunker have the best wifi and the most consistent setup. Nest is the quieter, slower-paced option. Cafés are fine for…
What are the best dive sites in Cozumel?
Cozumel is one of the top dive destinations in the world. Palancar (3 sections — Gardens, Caves, Bricks) is the showpiece. Santa Rosa Wall…
What are the best family activities in Playa del Carmen?
Xcaret Park for a full day. Cenote Cristalino for a half-day. Akumal Beach for swimming with turtles. Mayakoba bike tour for a quieter…
What are the best gyms and yoga studios in Playa del Carmen?
Playa Fitness (5th Ave) and Anytime Fitness for traditional gym. CrossFit Playa for, well, CrossFit. For yoga, Yoga Loft (donation-based…
What happens if I miss the last ferry to Isla Mujeres?
You stay overnight in Cancún or Puerto Juárez and take the first ferry the next morning — there is no late-night backup ferry. Build 60+…
What is the beach like in Akumal?
Akumal Bay is the iconic 'swim with sea turtles' beach — protected feeding area, calm water, easy snorkel access. Hire a federally-licensed…
What should a property manager charge in Playa del Carmen?
Fees vary — compare scope: inspections, linens, revenue ops, statements, emergencies, compliance — not only %.
What should I ask before booking an Airbnb in Playa del Carmen?
Ask 10 blunt questions before you book: exact street + cross-street, WiFi speed test screenshot, last AC service date, electricity policy…
What should I ask before hiring a property manager?
Cover money (statements, fees, repair approvals), operations (cleaning QA, maintenance SLAs), compliance (hospedaje tax, HOA), and exit…
What should I do if my Airbnb has no water?
Document in the Airbnb app first: time it stopped, photos, and whether neighbors/building staff see the same issue. Ask for an ETA and…
What should I do if the AC stops working in my rental?
Don't sit in a 32°C/90°F unit waiting for a callback. Try the 60-second checklist (remote batteries · breaker reset · drain unblock), then…
What should travelers know about hurricane season in Quintana Roo?
Hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30; September-October are peak risk. Most weeks pass uneventfully. The smart play: buy refundable…
What's the best area to stay in Tulum?
Two main zones plus a growing third. Hotel Zone for beach + Instagram-y restaurants (expensive). Tulum Pueblo for value + walkable food +…
What's the best beach in Cozumel?
El Cielo (sandbar) for the iconic snorkel beach — boat-only. Playa Palancar for the polished west-side beach club. Playa Mia for family…
What's the best beach in Isla Mujeres?
Playa Norte is one of the best beaches in Mexico — north tip, knee-deep turquoise water, soft white sand. Playa Centro for in-town access…
What's the best beach in Playa del Carmen?
Mamita's Beach Club (Coco Beach side) for the polished beach-club day. Punta Esmeralda (north end) for the free public-beach + cenote…
What's the best beach in Puerto Morelos?
The central beach next to the lighthouse is the public benchmark — wide, calm, sheltered by the reef. Punta Brava (north) is quieter. There…
What's the best beach in Tulum?
Playa Paraíso is the best public-access beach with classic Caribbean white sand. Playa Pescadores is the local move (free…
What's the checklist for owning a Mexican vacation rental remotely?
Six pillars: (1) legal structure (fideicomiso + RFC), (2) tax compliance (hospedaje + RETUR-Q + ISR), (3) property manager with transparent…
Where are the best tacos in Playa del Carmen?
El Fogón for al pastor (skip the 5th Ave location, go to the original on Av. 30). La Floresta for pescado/camarón. Taquería La Soriana…
Where are the best tacos in Tulum?
Antojitos La Chiapaneca in Tulum Pueblo for the local benchmark. Taqueria Honorio for pastor at lunch (closes early). El Camello Jr. for…
Where do I buy a SIM card or eSIM in Mexico as a tourist?
Easiest: Airalo or Holafly eSIM bought before you fly (~$15–25 USD/week unlimited). Cheapest physical SIM: Telcel Amigo at any OXXO ($150…
Where do I buy groceries in Playa del Carmen?
Chedraui Selecto for imports + reliable quality. La Comer for produce + general. Walmart for the cheapest staples. Mercado 28 or Mercado de…
Where do I find an English-speaking doctor or clinic in Playa del Carmen?
For non-emergencies: Hospiten Playa del Carmen has English-speaking staff and most insurance acceptance. Costamed and the International…
Where is the best brunch in Cozumel?
The Coffee Cozumel for laptop + espresso mornings. Casa Mission for hacienda breakfast plates. Mañana Restaurant for the locals'…
Where is the best brunch in Playa del Carmen?
La Cueva del Chango for the garden-Mexican-brunch benchmark. Choux Choux for French pastries + eggs benedict. Ah Cacao for cafe-and-laptop…
Where is the best brunch in Tulum?
Matcha Mama for the Instagram-y açai-bowl brunch (Hotel Zone). Raw Love for vegan health brunch. Burrito Amor for breakfast burritos in the…
Where is the best coffee in Playa del Carmen?
Ah Cacao for the laptop + flat-white default. Choux Choux for the French-pastry-and-espresso ritual. The Coffee Bay for serious specialty…
Where is the best coffee in Tulum?
The Real Coffee + Roastery for serious single-origin (Pueblo). Babel Café for the Hotel Zone laptop morning. La Malquerida for casual…
Where is the best pizza in Playa del Carmen?
Rolandi's for classic Italian-leaning Playa pizza. La Famiglia for thin-crust wood-fired. Pizza Pazza for Neapolitan. Don Sirloin (not…
Where is the best pizza in Tulum?
Posada Margherita for the Hotel Zone wood-fired benchmark. Pizza Lo Zio in the Pueblo for thin-crust Italian at local prices. Burrito…
Where is the best seafood in Cozumel?
La Cocay for the Cozumel benchmark (Mexican-Caribbean upscale). Casa Mission for old-school grouper. La Choza for fish tacos and ceviche at…
Where is the best snorkeling in Puerto Morelos?
The Puerto Morelos National Marine Park reef sits ~500m offshore — one of the closest healthy reefs to anywhere in the Riviera Maya. Book a…
Which Riviera Maya city is best for buying a rental property?
Depends on goals. Playa for steady year-round occupancy + lowest management complexity. Tulum for highest peak-season ADR but higher…
Why did the water stop working in my Playa del Carmen rental?
Message your host on-platform immediately with photos. It may be the unit (valve, pump), the building (cistern, pressure), or municipal…
About these answers
Written or fact-checked by our Playa del Carmen operations team. We update entries as ferry schedules, regulations, and vendor lists change.