The area is known for its white sand beaches, blue turquoise waters, coral reefs, surrounding rainforests, and balnearios.

The downtown area of the city revolves around Quinta Avenida, a busy pedestrian thoroughfare lined with many shops, clubs, and restaurants.

[6] Playa del Carmen is located within the Riviera Maya, which runs from south of Cancún to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve.

In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma passed directly over Playa del Carmen, remaining in the vicinity for two days and causing significant damage and a temporary drop in tourist arrivals.

Hurricane Wilma arrived from the Caribbean Sea, passing over Cozumel before making landfall in Playa del Carmen.

The US series The Amazing Race was shot on location in Playa del Carmen, and The Celebrity Mole was set in that area.

In the American series Spies in Disguise, the Yakuza arms dealer named Katsu Kimura lays low in a hotel in Playa del Carmen.