Cancun or Playa de Carmen

[momeason]

Which do you like best? Which has the better sites to explore?
I have never been to either. We would want things to do in addition to the beach..ruins, snorkeling..

 

[Talent312]

If you want more than beach, ruins, snorkeling, you'll want to stay in Cancun, where there's nearby shops, restaurants, nightlife, and a short trip to the Super Wal-Mart downtown for food, supplies and discounted tours. Its not an idyllic getaway where you are removed from the real-world, but then, that's not what you're looking for right?

If you want more natural beauty, nearby ruins, and a laid-back atmosphere, Playa it is.

 

[momeason]

I wasn't very clear. We want something to do other than the beach such as ruins, snorkeling and natural beauty. Nightlife not a big deal. Which is closer to interesting ruins and historic sites..excursions?

 

[909swede]

Playa of course

Cancun is night life, think Las Vegas. Playa is smaller, more relaxed, closer to Tulum, canotes, XelHa, Akumul (sea turtles), Coba ruins, ATV, zip lines, Cozumel, 5th Ave, Xcaret, etc.

I would go to Playa 10 to 1 over Cancun.

 

[Catira]

Cancun is night life, think Las Vegas. Playa is smaller, more relaxed, closer to Tulum, canotes, XelHa, Akumul (sea turtles), Coba ruins, ATV, zip lines, Cozumel, 5th Ave, Xcaret, etc.

I would go to Playa 10 to 1 over Cancun.

Totally agree. You can also snorkel at Puerto Morelos or take a ferry over to Cozumel and explore the island there. We like the riviera maya area way better then Cancun. But we always rent a car so transportation is not an issue for us.

 

[Joan-OH]

We love both! If you want a really good all inclusive deal, try the pp-ai option at Playacar Palace, RCI A700. Resort is quiet but literally steps away from all the action on 5th Ave and the ferry to Cozumel

Joan-OH

 

[Tacoma]

Playa most definitely although I will admit the last time I went there (this summer) I even felt it was ruined by too much activity and too many hustlers. Not at all the Playa of 10 or so years ago. I love Akumal and want to check out Puerto Morelos next time. As you can tell I really like smaller quieter places. I also love how all you have to do is walk to the highway and the local transportation takes you up and down the corridor allowing you to get on and off wherever you want. I may not be into nightlife but we did Xcaret, Shellha and Xplore all by just hopping the local vans. Also took a tour of Coba and Tulum ruins. If you enjoy lots of shopping and bars probably Cancun but if you are content doing day trips either would work.

Joan

 

[am1]

Playa as well but I have only driven through on the way to Xplor. But did stay 6 nights in puerto morales and 2 nights in the hotel zone.