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
Getting Here & Transportation
Search or filter the full library.
Can I get to Isla Mujeres the same night I land in Cancún?
Sometimes — if you land before ~9pm and move fast through customs. After that, sleep near the Puerto Juárez ferry and cross in the morning…
Do I need a rental car for the Riviera Maya?
Not always — beach-town stays often work with transfers + occasional taxis. Cars help for cenotes, ruins, Costco runs, multi-town…
How do I get from Cancun Airport to Tulum?
Three real options. Private shuttle ($90–130 USD) is the fastest door-to-door — ~1h 45min. ADO bus ($20 USD) is reliable and goes to the…
How do I get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen?
Two ferry companies (Ultramar and Winjet) run between Playa and Cozumel every hour. ~45 min crossing. ~$23–28 USD round trip per person…
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…
How does the colectivo van work between Playa and Tulum?
Colectivos are shared 15-passenger vans that run constantly between Playa and Tulum (and stops in between like Akumal, Puerto Aventuras)…
Is the Tren Maya worth taking?
Tren Maya opened in late 2023 and now runs Cancun ↔ Playa ↔ Tulum ↔ inland to Mérida and Campeche. It's modern, scenic, and reasonably…
Is Uber or taxi better at night in Playa del Carmen?
Uber + InDriver work in Playa and are usually cheaper than street taxis. They're safer for tourists too — your route, driver, and fare are…
My flight lands late in Cancún. Can I still get to Playa del Carmen?
Yes — pre-book a private transfer before you fly. ADO buses run until ~11pm; after that you're on a $80–120 airport taxi or a pre-paid…
What happens if I miss the last ferry to Isla Mujeres?
You stay overnight in Cancún or Puerto Juárez and take the first ferry the next morning — there is no late-night backup ferry. Build 60+…
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.