Home | Cancun | How much does it cost to travel to Cancun and Playa del Carmen: Tips and prices
The Mexican Caribbean is one of the favorite places of Brazilians, since it has beaches with transparent water and attractions for the whole family. To help in planning your trip, in this post we give tips on how much it costs to travel to Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
In addition to the beaches, what really does the trip there are the tickets of the attractions. Everything in Cancun and Playa is made for tourists to have fun and spend a lot.
What many people do on this trip is to divide the stay between Cancun and Playa. The distance of the two is about 70km. Without traffic, the route takes around 1h10. We really did that and it was great.
That said, let’s get to our tips:
As it is cost of travel to Canada and PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Before talking about how much it costs to travel to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I already give a not very exciting information: it is an expensive trip. But, calm, it is easy to not spend so much if you want. Let’s get some information:
What is the ? MEXICO?
The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican peso.
What is the change I take it?
It is not worth buying the Mexican peso here in Brazil. In almost all cases, those who buy this currency in exchanges here in Brazil take losses.
The ideal is to take dollars and there exchange them for Mexican weight. It is very easy to find exchange houses in the Hotel Zone in Cancún and also in Playa del Carmen. Change as little as possible at the airport because the amount is usually lower.
In Playa, we found the best price in the exchange house that is in the underside where the boats of the tours leave. That’s the picture.
In addition, virtually all tourist places accept the dollar and, in many cases, it is often more advantageous to use the American currency than to exchange it for the Mexican. So it’s good to always be with the two currencies in your wallet to see which one is worth more.
We made a very complete post explaining everything about which currency to take to Mexico.
PRICES IN CANNO AND PLAYA DEL CARMEN
To be easier to understand how much it costs to travel to Cancún and Playa del Carmen, I will divide the post by topics:
HOSEDING
Before anything else, all prices were checked in January 2020. The conversion of the pesos to the dollar was updated in June 2020.
CANC-N
Hotels are not usually so cheap in Cancun. Our tip is to stay in the hotel area. In the central region, the hotels are cheaper, but it is not worth staying there. First because it is far from the main attractions. Because this area is usually dangerous. Then the cheap can be expensive.
You have two options: stay in a normal hotel or in an all inclusive hotel. We preferred to stay in a normal hotel because I wanted to know the main beaches of the city and at night walk along Boulevard Kukulcan, street with bars and restaurants.
If the hotel is not all inclusive, it is not so expensive. We stayed in the Ocean Dream and we really liked it. It is located in Kukulcan in front of the beach Gaviota Azul.
For those who prefer all inclusive, among the options are Hard Rock, in Delphines, Le Blanc Spa Resort, The Ritz Carlton, Paradisus, The Royal Sands, and Live Aqua Cancun.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
In Playa del Carmen there are also options of all-inclusive hotels, but the ideal is to stay in a normal hotel, since there are many attractions to go. We stayed at Antera, which is close to Fifth Avenue and we like it very much (enjoy to see the value of the daily rates).
Attractions
Let’s start by talking about the main attraction of the entire region: the beaches!
The snaias of CANCON
In Cancun, if you stay in an all-inclusive hotel, you probably won’t know as many beaches beyond the one you’re staying.
The main ones are: Caracol, Blue Gaviota, which is in the region of Coco Bongo, Tortuga (we think well full), Langosta (direction center of Cancun), Delfines, which has more structure with tents and where is the sign with the name of the city, Ballenas and Marlim.
The amount usually charged on the beaches by the umbrella and two chairs is 250 pesos (US$ 11).
PRAIAS DEL CARMEN
In Playa del Carmen, the sand stripes of the beaches are taken by chairs. As the space has decreased in recent times, it even gets to be difficult to walk without stumbling on any of them. It’s even annoying.
On the downtown beach, in a simpler bar, you can pay 180 pesos ($ 8) for two chairs and umbrella for the whole day.
In beach clubs, the price varies greatly. On downtown beach: Inti Beach Club, they charge 500 pesos of consumption ($22), in Fusion Aloha, 400 minimum consumption pesos (US$ 18). In Lido, the value is 300 pesos (US$ 13) of consumption.
On the beach of Mamitas, from the Hilton onwards, the Coralina, the Grand Hyatt beach club, charges 1000 minimum consummation pesos ($45). Kool differentiates value as if it were a theater (I found this very funny). The closer to the sea (of the kkk stage), the more expensive it is. Another famous beach is Playacar.
In Tulum, Playa Paraiso, the minimum consumption value remains between 300 (US$ 13) and 700 pesos (US$ 30) on average. It is worth trying to negotiate if it is empty. We went to the Playa Las Palmas Bar and got a good price. We did a post talking all about Playa Paraiso..
To go to Akumal, the beach near Playa del Carmen, you must pay $5 entry. We made a scheme that was worth it. We pay little extra and pick up chair and umbrella from a hotel there. We tell you all about another post.
ISLA MUJERES
In addition, those who visit the Cancún region usually take walks. Isla Mujeres, for example, is one of those. The island is located 18 km from the city and it is worth spending the day. The round-trip boat costs about 21 dollars (we made the route with the Overseas). You can take the ride alone. You don’t have to hire an agency.
There, people usually rent a golf cart to go around the island. When we went (January 2020), the value was $18 an hour or $4 million for the whole day.
See the post we have prepared telling how to get to Isla Mujeres.
COZUMEL
Cozumel is closer to Playa del Carmen. Therefore, it is worth trying to go when you are staying in the city. Like Isla Mujeres, it is possible to go alone (does not need agency). You can buy the boat along with Isla Mujeres at a discount and with the date open. The value of the round-trip boat to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is $20 (January 2020 price).
Cozumel is the ideal place for those who want to practice diving. To get to know the island well, you need to rent a car as soon as you get there. We paid $40 for a day, but the car was VERY bad. One of the most beautiful attractions, Punta Sur, charges $16 to enter.
We find it expensive to eat there. Therefore, if you want to save, it is worth taking a few snacks.
We made a very complete post on how to get to Cozumel.
PARQUES AND BALADA
The sum of how much it costs to travel to Cancún and Playa del Carmen changes when we start talking about attractions beyond the beaches. The region was created to entertain tourists all the time. With this, there are parks, nightclubs and distraction to roast many dollars.
I will put here the main paid attractions of the region. For those who share the accommodation, it is nice to know that some of them are closer to Playa del Carmen and others in Cancun. In any case, everyone can go everywhere, the difference is the displacement being bigger or smaller and with it the price increases or decreases as well. Let’s take a few examples:
COCO BONGO
We made a post telling our experience at Coco Bongo. I’m not a fan of ballads and I was very discouraged from spending $70 for the ticket even though it’s open bar (on the site has the updated amount), but even then, I didn’t regret it. I found the place really cool.
It is not quite a ballad, it has many performances with covers of famous artists and recreations of classic scenes from cinema. It even has a “homage” for Brazil (full of stereotypes, of course). It’s not a brega, it’s not that kind of show that gives depression like I’ve seen in some resorts around. It is very well produced. It’s worth it.
The Coco Bongo has units in both cities, but I suggest you choose Cancun for being more traditional.
PARQUES
It is difficult to list all the parks that the Cancún and Playa del Carmen region have, but the most famous and are usually most frequented by Brazilians are Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor (the three are in the region of Playa del Carmen)
We were once in Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Xcaret is one of the favorites of the brass (I don’t know why I used this term kkk). The park has several attractions focused on the animal world and the history of Mexico. With the right to show and photos with dolphins (which I find very sad in mid 2020).
The cool part is that it is it is a very beautiful park and with a great structure. The underground river is beautiful and it is fun to cross it. The night show is also very well produced. Only it’s VERY expensive! Tickets for adults start at $99. We indicate buy the $126 one because it includes lunch at least and a plus area.
But imagine how far this tour for a family goes? Children pay half, but a family with 2 adults and 2 children will spend at least $378. An absurdity. On the site there are the updated prices.
Xel-Ha is a water park integrated with nature, that is, there is also direct contact with animals. The ticket costs $ 90, but is all inclusive with national alcoholic beverages (see more information on the site).
The Xplor, which we don’t know, is famous for the underground rivers and caves (more information on the site).
To reach them, you can take the vans that circulate through Playa del Carmen. They even pass through all the hotels on the road. If you are in the Fifth Avenue region just go to Calle 2, where they leave. Below we will explain better about them.
OTHER Attractions
TULUM
Tulum is also much closer to Playa del Carmen than Cancun. The archaeological site is famous for the Mayan ruins, which are right next to the sea. It’s beautiful and well full. The ticket to enter costs 80 pesos (about US$ 3.50).
Anyone who wants can even go on tour, but we were alone and found it very quiet. You can take the van that leaves Calle 2 and leaves it at the door.
CHICHÉN ITZÁ
Chichen Itzá was the capital of the Maya people and is also a place much visited by tourists by its temples and its history. We didn’t go because we found it far away and didn’t have that long.
It is not difficult to find agencies that offer the tour in both Cancun and Playa. It usually lasts all day and makes stops in cenotes.
With AIDS and DRINK
Eating in Cancun and Playa is not that expensive. Near Coco Bongo, in Cancún, has some streets with typical restaurants. We eat, for example, clubs for 30 pesos (US$ 1.30) and 150 pesos for 4 tacos and one guacamole ($6.60). Recalling once again that these prices were checked in January 2020 and with the dollar version was made in June.
One restaurant we were that is coolest is the Mextreme. The enchiladas de la casa and quesadillas cost about $6.60. The pasture tacos went out for 95 pesos (about US$ 4.15). Drinks are not usually very cheap in restaurants. We pay 55 pesos ($2.40) in a long neck of the Sun and 45 pesos for a can of soda ($2).
Both in Cancun and Playa del Carmen has the Cerveceria Chapultepec. Their concept is to have a menu with all items being sold at the same price. When we went, everything was 21 pesos, just under $1. Of course, you can not demand excellence in service and food, but we like it very much.
It has Corona beer, for example, mini burger and tostadas with ceviche. It is a good value for money. Just keep an eye on the tip. They usually put 20% and not always service all of this.
In Playa del Carmen, on Fifth Avenue, there are many options of restaurants with different types of gastronomy for all pockets.
Dishes in restaurants usually range from 150 pesos ($7) to 300 pesos ($14). Of course, there are much more expensive places. A small ice cream in Amorino, for example, comes out for 92 pesos ($4).
BUY BARRATE IN CANCON
A great tip for those who want to save time to eat in Cancún is to go to Selecto Chedraui, a supermarket that is very close to Coco Bongo in Kukulcan. They sell various freshly prepared foods, such as pasta, meat, pizzas, ceviche and Mexican food. It’s better more on account than on the street and very tasty. We ate the ceviche and guacamole and found it great (Boulevard Kukulcan mz. 48). ).
IN THE BEACHES IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN
On the beach, a long neck costs between 40 pesos (US$1.80) and 70 pesos ($3). The soft drink costs 40 pesos(US$1.80). A guacamole on the beach can be found for 100 pesos ($4.50), as well as portions of chips. Of course, this varies greatly from place to place. The “best” the beach club, the more expensive the menu will be.
How to a CIRCULAR
If you want to know how much it costs to travel to Cancún and Playa del Carmen, you also need to think about the expenses with the circulation there. There is no Uber in either city and taxis are very expensive.
CANC-N
In Cancun there is a bus that passes through the entire Hotel Zone. It stops in all hotels practically. Just talk to the driver when it comes to getting down. The ticket costs only 12 Mexican pesos (about US$ 0.50).
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
In Playa, the easiest way to circulate is using vans. They leave Calle 2, but pass through the city and stop at the big resorts. So, you will share the same van with Mexicans and with gringos even on honeymoon. The price varies depending on the place you will go down. For example, from Calle 2, which is close to Fifth Avenue, to Tulum, we paid 45 pesos (US$ 2), an optimal value for more than 65 km of travel.
Remembering once again that these figures were checked in January 2020.
DE CANOCEN PRA PLAYA DEL CARMEN
For those who want to save, it is worth taking the ADO bus from Cancún to Playa del Carmen or vice versa. In fact, the bus station of Playa del Carmen is super well located, located in the middle of the most touristic part. The Cancún is in the center. We went there by bus with the company ADO (that same as 12 Mexican pesos) and it was quiet, but there goes from each one. We pay 85 pesos on the ticket from Cancun to Playa (around US$ 4)
AIRPORT
INDO PRA CANCAN
The taxi from the Cancun airport to the Hotel Zone can vary greatly. You can book through the website or close there on time. If you make the reservation before the value is much cheaper. For Zona Hoteleira, departs from US$ 24.85 if closing online. If you pay on time, you can leave for $45.
INDO PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Already from the airport to Playa del Carmen if closes on the site leaves for US$ 44.14. Already pay on time, $ 70.
The taxi from Quinta Avenida, in Playa del Carmen, to Cancún airport leaves 750 pesos (about US$ 35) for up to 4 people. This amount we checked on Fifth Avenue with Calle 6, a street after Hard Rock.
A good way out is to close a transfer before Brazil. It might get cheaper. We did that and it worked well. Take a look at the Get Your Guide to see the values and close the transfer.
DO NOT HAVE UBER
I have already said, but it is good to repeat: there is no Uber or Playa del Carmen or Cancún. At least until the date of publication of this post.
Don’t WILL THE PENA LIGHT CAR
Although you may even want to circulate a lot, we do not recommend the car rental in Mexico. We know many Brazilians who had problems with the police because of this. Even though they had all the correct documents and doing nothing wrong, they were forced to pay fines or even tuition fees. So, better avoid headache, right?
INSURANCE TRAVEL WITH DISCOUNT
Be sure to take your travel insurance to Mexico. It is a low investment. For example, we found insurance for 10 days for $ 150. It is 15 reais a day for you to travel quietly. Not to mention the discounts.
If you quote by Promo Insurance and use our coupon ESSEMUNDOSSO5 you get 5% discount. If you choose to pay via boleto, you get a further 5% discount.
A story that we always tell here on the blog of how insurance makes a difference is when Rafa went to Valle Nevado, in Chile. He fell, fractured his spine and needed to be hospitalized. If it wasn’t for insurance, I would have spent a lot. It is a small investment that is worth. Don’t forget to enter the Promo Insurance website.
Have you got a question about how much it costs to travel to Cancún and Playa del Carmen?
+ See all our posts about the destination
+ Which currency to take there?
+ How many days to stay there to know the region well
Immigration in Mexico: How it is and documentation
