Punta Cana or Cancún and Playa del Carmen? What is the best?

In recent months we have received the question numerous times as to where is best and Where should I travel: Punta Cana or Cancún (including Carmen beach and other cities in Riviera Maya)?

If you follow us on Instagramyou have already seen that this probably happens because in the last 12 months we have been in both regions, both in Dominican Republic of course Mexico. And we love it! So it’s a very recurring question.

To make your decision easier, in this post we show you the main differences between the two regions, the advantages and disadvantages of each of them and what to expect each trip, as they are very different.

PUNTA CANA OR CANCÚN? WHERE TO TRAVEL?

Before we talk about the main peculiarities of Punta Cana or Cancún and the region, it is worth saying that both are in the Caribbean and have that dreamy sea. So if you’re looking for beautiful beaches, you’ll find them regardless of the destination you choose.

For those who like resorts all inclusive, they are also present in both cities. And there are options for all tastes and budgets. Even so, there are many differences even when it comes to hotels, as we will talk about below when detailing each of them.

WHY GO TO PUNTA CANA?

We went to Punta Canaalready Dominican Republic, on vacation. As we travel all year round for work, we wanted a place to really relax, without having to “see anything” or take tours. Really enjoy the beach and the resort. It was a more than right choice!

| WHERE WE STAYED: Barceló Bavaro Palace

PUNTA CANA IS FOR YOU

• Who wants to enjoy the resort and the beach in front. That’s why it’s important to choose a good hotel with good service. all inclusiveand, since there are some very cheap ones with very poor service;

• If you are a couple, with your family (including children) or any tourist who really wants to rest and enjoy the beach;

• Don’t plan on taking many tours, as there aren’t many alternatives. The most common are for Saona Island, Coco Bongo e a capital Santo Domingo.

• That you don’t make a point of visiting many different beaches from the one you’re staying at;

• Who wants to make the money paid in all inclusive be worth it and enjoy all the meals and drinks at the resort.

• You don’t want to spend much more than you have already spent on accommodation and tickets.

+ See when to go there

Some other Punta Cana tips

• It’s worth choosing to stay at Playa Bávaro, which has few waves and that breathtaking blue sea;

• As we said above, research your resort well. There are many economic options that frustrate the all inclusiveIt is. You don’t want to go to the Caribbean for crappy drinks or food penne at dinner (penne really, those cheap noodles);

• A tip for choosing your resort well is to ask the opinion of someone who has been there (if you don’t have someone close to you, we bloggers are here to help) or keep an eye on the hotel’s social media. Search, for example, on Instagram for the hotel location and see the storiess of whoever is staying there.

• We chose not to go on any tours, we spent exactly eight days relaxing at the resort as the intention was to rest. Worth it!

+ What is immigration like there

WHY GO TO CANCUN?

We went to Cancun and Riviera Mayano Mexico, working for 10 days. We visited several islands, beaches and cities, including Carmen beach e Tulum. The sea in this region really is incredible, the beaches are beautiful and there are many tours and attractions for all tastes, as well as very lively nights.

| WHERE WE STAY
In Cancun on the Ocean Dream
In Playa del Carmen at Antera Residences

CANCÚN AND PLAYA DEL CARMEN ARE FOR YOU

• Who doesn’t care about staying at a resort all inclusive (there are many all-inclusive options, but if you don’t want to, there are also options on the beachfront);

• Who wants to go on lots of walks all day. There are dozens and dozens of attractions, theme parks, islands, cities and beaches in the region of Cancún and Riviera Maya, where Playa del Carmen is located;

• Who wants to mix the beach with a bit of history, like Mayan ruins.

• Who likes to hang out in a shopping center after a day at the beach or a day out. Both in Cancún and Playa del Carmen there are many stores, shopping malls and restaurants;

• Looking for parties, clubs and bars;

• Who doesn’t mind spending more on the trip than he already spent on accommodation, such as tours and food;

• Who likes to visit several different beaches and cities. There are many options both in Cancún and throughout the Riviera Maya.

+ How many days to stay in Riviera Maya
+ What currency to take to Mexico
+ When to go there? The best time

Some other tips for Cancún and Riviera Maya

• As I said above, this region of the Mexican Caribbean has hotel options for those looking for resorts all inclusive as well as for those who also don’t care about this; there are even boutique and more economical hotels;

• But if you want a big resort with great all inclusive to enjoy most days on the beach in front of the hotel, it is also possible both in Cancún and especially along the Riviera Maya, where there are large developments that are more isolated from the cities;

• Normally, those who come to this region of Mexico end up doing a lot of tours. We spent 10 days here and went to a different place, park or beach each day. I confess that on the eighth day we were exhausted and had to take the last few days to relax. So take it easy, it’s a vacation after all, right?

• The beaches of Cancún and especially Playa del Carmen tend to be very crowded at certain times of the year; It’s good to know that if it’s not your resort’s beach, you’ll have to pay to sit and eat, as well as having a lot of people around you. If you want more tranquility, it’s worth looking for less crowded places, such as Playa Paraiso in Tulum and several others along the Riviera Maya.

+ What immigration is like in Mexico

| CANCUN AND PLAYA DEL CARMEN PODCAST

🎧 We’ve already done one travel podcast with ALL the tips for the Cancún and Playa del Carmen region. It will help you a lot! You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Deezer or other platforms. If you prefer, just listen in the player below.

BE CAREFUL OF SARGAÇO ON BOTH BEACHES

Sargassum is an algae that is currently a plague on beaches throughout practically the entire Caribbean, whether in Punta Cana or Cancún and cities on the Riviera Maya. It’s difficult to predict, but normally during the winter and autumn season there (version and spring in Brazil) the chance is usually lower.

In any case, it’s worth following the situation on social media and the news from today until the date of your trip. It’s very frustrating to arrive in the Caribbean and the waters are filled with brown algae and have a really bad smell.

But, as I said, unfortunately it is difficult to predict. So it’s good to travel knowing about the existence of sargassum and also, if so, check with your hotel for other algae-free beaches to visit.

Playa del Carmen:

• Location: Situated on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, along the Caribbean Sea.
• Attractions: Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to archaeological sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza.
• Activities: Offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving in cenotes (natural sinkholes), exploring Mayan ruins, and enjoying the lively atmosphere of Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).
• Accommodations: Provides a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and budget-friendly options.

Punta Cana:

• Location: Located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, facing the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Attractions: Famous for its expansive beaches with white sands and turquoise waters, as well as its world-class golf courses and luxury resorts.
• Activities: Offers various water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing, along with excursions to nearby islands and ecological reserves.
• Accommodations: Known for its all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana provides a plethora of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences.

Comparing Punta Cana vs. Cancun:

Punta Cana:

• Location: Located on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, facing the Caribbean Sea.
• Attractions: Known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and world-class golf courses.
• Activities: Offers a wide range of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing, as well as opportunities for eco-tourism and exploring nearby islands.
• Nightlife: While there are some nightlife options within resorts, Punta Cana is generally more focused on relaxation and beach activities than vibrant nightlife.

Cancun:

• Location: Situated on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, facing the Caribbean Sea.
• Attractions: Famous for its pristine beaches, archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum, and vibrant nightlife centered around the Hotel Zone and downtown area.
• Activities: Offers a wide array of activities, including water sports, eco-tours, visits to Mayan ruins, shopping, and exploring the underwater museum of art (MUSA).
• Nightlife: Known for its lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

+ Discounted resort deals
+ All tips from the Dominican Republic
+ All posts from the Mexican Caribbean