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
Areas & Where to Stay
Search or filter the full library.
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 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.
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 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'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 +…
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.