First Time in Playa del Carmen: Centro and 5th Avenue

Centro is where most first visits begin. 5th Avenue runs through it, and the beach, the bus terminal and many restaurants are close.

Key takeaways

• Playa Fundadores is less than a minute from 5th Avenue.
• Playa Mamitas is a 3 to 5-minute walk from 5th Avenue at Calle 28.
• The ADO Terminal Turística is on 5th Avenue at Avenida Juárez, a 2-minute walk from our Uva suites.
• El Fogón has branches within a 12-minute walk of 5th Avenue.
• Centro is the easiest neighborhood for a first-time solo traveler.

The beach

Playa Fundadores is the public beach at the end of 5th Avenue. For a beach club, read Playa Mamitas.

Getting in and out

The ADO Terminal Turística is the central bus terminal. The Cozumel ferry leaves from the central terminal on Avenida Benito Juárez. Read the ADO guide and the ferry guide.

Eating

Start with El Fogón for tacos al pastor and La Cueva del Chango for breakfast. See our full restaurant list.

At night

Read 5th Avenue nightlife. Staying in Centro? See Uva de Mar.

FAQ

How far is the beach from 5th Avenue?

Playa Fundadores is less than a minute from 5th Avenue. Playa Mamitas is a 3 to 5-minute walk from 5th Avenue at Calle 28.

Where is the main ADO bus terminal?

The Terminal Turística is on 5th Avenue at Avenida Juárez.

Is Centro good for first-time visitors?

Yes. It is the easiest neighborhood for a first-time solo traveler, and the beach, bus terminal and restaurants are close.