Cruel doubt: Playa del Carmen or Cancun?
When starting to plan a trip to Cancun, most travelers have this question: Playa del Carmen or Cancun? Where is better to stay?
And it becomes more difficult when you consult with friends who have already visited both destinations or look for information on travel blogs, as opinions are quite divided.
Some people like Playa more, others love Cancun and there are travelers who like to stay in both (many Brazilians have been doing this lately).
Finally, if you have a lot of questions about planning your vacation in Cancun, I'll help you with some tips to help you plan your trip to the Mexican Caribbean.
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Playa del Carmen or Cancun: Different styles

Playa del Carmen
I personally like Playa del Carmen more, but I can't rule out the charm and beauty of Cancun. Both cities are places of indescribable beauty with beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise blue sea.
Each destination has its own unique personality, Playa del Carmen is more bohemian, full of excellent restaurants, vibrant nightlife, beautiful boutique hotels and a more relaxed vibe, a place where you can party and relax at the same time.
On the other hand, Cancun is the city of gigantic all-inclusive resorts, full of restaurants and bars, with a breathtaking beach.
The nightlife leaves nothing to be desired, as the best clubs are there, one next to the other for all budgets and tastes. If you want to know more, just see which are the best nightclubs in Cancun.
Have I created more confusion in your head? Don't worry, there's more!
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Beaches in Cancun vs Beaches in Playa del Carmen

Cancun Hotel Zone
This can be a deciding factor when deciding whether to stay in Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
In Playa del Carmen the beaches are more accessible and if you are in a boutique hotel a few blocks from the beach don't worry, as one of the city's trademarks are the excellent beach clubs, where you can spend the day with lots of good music, excellent food and an incredible structure with swimming pool, bathrooms, sun loungers and much more.
In addition, Playa del Carmen's geographical position puts it close to other beautiful beaches and Riviera Maya cenotes. If you are more interested, read the article with the best Riviera Maya tips that I wrote.
In Cancun you can access several public beaches, in another article I explain which ones most beautiful and accessible beaches in Cancun, so take a look there to find out more.
While you still have access to these beaches, you will enjoy them even more if you are staying at one of Cancun's all-inclusive hotels.
So? Are you getting a better idea with these tips for Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
Accommodation in Playa del Carmen vs Accommodation in Cancun

Playa del Carmen offers excellent boutique hotels
If you don't know where to stay in Cancun, you will certainly find more offers than in Playa del Carmen, although both destinations are well prepared to receive thousands of tourists every year.
There are many options for where to stay in Cancun, from cheaper hotels in the city center to the most luxurious resorts in the hotel zone.
In Playa del Carmen you will find beautiful boutique hotels with much more affordable prices compared to Cancun.
If you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, you can, but they are located outside the city, most of which are accessible via the highway that connects Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Most have shuttle services if you want to enjoy the city.
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Nightlife in Playa del Carmen vs Nightlife in Cancun

Plaza Forum is in the area of most of Cancun's nightclubs.
If you want to party all night and relax all day with 5-star service, Cancun is the place for you. There's nothing better than partying all night long in the Mexican Caribbean and then winding down by the pool with drinks and food included in your package.
In Playa del Carmen, travelers usually enjoy several tours of the Riviera Maya during the day and a lighter nightlife at night (there are those who stay out all night and enjoy a relaxing beach during the day).
It all depends on your vibe, but don't worry, because when it comes to nightlife, both destinations offer plenty of cool options. If you want to go to the famous Cocobongo, it's in Playa del Carmen and Cancun, and in both cities the nightlife is really cool and very popular with Brazilians who visit the region.
Exploring the Riviera Maya

Cozumel is a must-see destination in the Riviera Maya
If you want to discover all the wonders of the Riviera Maya, then Playa del Carmen is the perfect place, as it is halfway between Cancun and Tulum and it is much easier, and cheaper, to book a tour or even explore the region on your own.
Also, the ferry to Cozumel departs from the Playa del Carmen maritime terminal.
Advantages of staying in Cancun

One of the advantages of staying in Cancun is its proximity to Isla Mujeres.
In Cancun you can enjoy the beautiful resorts, enjoy a beautiful day in Isla Mujeres (the ferry leaves from Tortugas Beach and the Puerto Juárez maritime terminal) and is “the place” if you want to shop, as it has large shopping malls and many great deals.
If you want to know where to buy, just access the article with the best places to shop in cancun.
If you want to see the tourist attractions of Cancun and the surrounding area, you should know that you are closer to the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá and the beautiful island of Holbox, two unmissable places for those who enjoy adventure, whether with a tour or on their own.
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Mexico Guide Suggestion
I believe that with this information, you will be able to better plan your trip to Mexico. But to help you a little more, the Mexico Guide leaves the final suggestion based on the behavior of many Brazilians who are visiting the region and from their own experience.
If you are planning a 7-night trip to the Mexican Caribbean, for example, the suggestion is: Stay 4 nights in Playa del Carmen to be able to explore the best of the Riviera Maya and then stay “lounging” for 3 nights in a luxury resort enjoying all the luxuries that Cancun has to offer.
Of course, this is just a suggestion, but splitting your stay between the two destinations is a great idea, as you will save money and at the same time get to see the whole region. And look, it is definitely worth it.
I hope these tips can help you decide where to stay. If you want more tips about Cancun and Playa del Carmen, have any questions or want to make a comment, just write here.
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