Tulum vs Playa del Carmen vs Cancún: Where Should Your Group Stay?

All three are on the same stretch of Caribbean coast, less than two hours apart, but they feel very different. We have lived in Playa del Carmen and now in Tulum, and we plan trips in all three. Here is how we help groups choose.

Tulum: villas, beach clubs and the jungle

• Feel: relaxed by day, stylish at night, lots of green
• Stay: private villas in the jungle or near the beach, boutique hotels
• Nights out: beach clubs, dinner shows, jungle parties and, in high season, the big festivals
• Getting around: spread out; you will want drivers, bikes or scooters
• Best for: bachelorettes, birthdays, groups who want a villa as a base, festival trips

Playa del Carmen: walkable and social

• Feel: a real town, busy and easy-going
• Stay: condos and villas near Quinta Avenida or in Playacar
• Nights out: restaurants, bars and clubs within walking distance
• Getting around: walk to most things; the ferry to Cozumel leaves from the beach
• Best for: groups who want to walk to dinner, shorter trips, a stop between the airport and Tulum

Cancún: big nights and easy access

• Feel: a resort city, busy and loud in the Hotel Zone
• Stay: hotels and large apartments, some villas
• Nights out: the big clubs and party venues of the Hotel Zone
• Getting around: long distances along the Hotel Zone; drivers help
• Best for: short stays near the airport, big nights out, yacht days to Isla Mujeres

Travel times at a glance

• Cancún airport to Playa del Carmen: about 50 minutes
• Cancún airport to Tulum: about 1 hour 45 minutes
• Playa del Carmen to Tulum: about 1 hour

Or combine them

Many of our groups split the trip: one or two nights in Cancún or Playa del Carmen close to the airport and the nightlife, then the rest in a villa in Tulum. With one concierge for the whole trip, the transfers, bookings and timings are planned as one.

Read more about what we plan in Playa del Carmen and Cancún, or send us your dates and we will suggest the right mix for your group.