20 best Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Come with me to discover the most vibrant Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen, Mexico! This charming coastal town in the Riviera Maya and its surrounding area is packed with photo-worthy, picture-perfect locations.

From gorgeous beaches and vibrant streets to modern installations and ancient Mayan ruins, there has to be something worth visiting for everybody traveling to and staying in Playa del Carmen, the heartbeat of the Mayan Riviera!

In this blog post, you will find the most iconic Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen (and nearby!) with photos, descriptions, and exact locations on Google Maps. Happy exploring!

Read more » 22 most popular day trips from Playa del Carmen, Mexico

1. Playa del Carmen letters

Wherever you travel in the Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Peninsula, every city, town, and village has a large art installation featuring its name somewhere in a central location. And Playa del Carmen is no exception!

You will find photo-perfect letters next to one of the most popular places in Playa del Carmen: Parque Los Fundadores. It is a gorgeous seaside park or a square surrounded by palm trees, vibrant streets, and the stunning Caribbean Sea from each side.

This colorful attraction is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen. We came here at sunrise to watch the sun beaming through the palm trees and letters. It is a must-visit place in Playa del Carmen!

Location: Letras Playa del Carmen

2. Portal Maya in Parque Los Fundadores

There is another photo-worthy attraction right in the middle of the seaside Parque Los Fundadores square: Portal Maya. It is a massive (50 ft. or 16m high!) arched sculpture, impossible to miss when visiting Playa del Carmen!

The sculpture depicts a man and a woman holding hands and leaning out of a spiral of water and wind. The arch symbolizes the beginning of a new era. You can’t visit Playa del Carmen and not have a photo at this square! Come early to avoid crowds in your photos!

Location: Portal Maya

3. Cenote Suytun

There are some truly iconic attractions just outside Playa del Carmen that you absolutely must visit during your travels, especially if you’re looking for breathtaking photo spots. One of these places is Cenote Suytun.

Cenote Suytun is one of the most famous photo spots in the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico. It is known for its unique stone pathway leading into the middle of a large underground cenote with a hole in the ceiling right above it.

Not to mention the massive stalactite hanging from above! If you time your visit right, there will be a light beam shining through the hole and illuminating the whole place, but it does look fantastic without the light, don’t you think?

Tip! We visited this cenote on March 9th and the stone platform was dry. However, the water level can be higher or completely cover the platform after rainy periods. The best way to make sure how it looks is by checking recent reviews on Google Maps.

Location: Cenote Suytun

4. Most famous street in Playa del Carmen: Quinta Avenida

As you might already know, Playa del Carmen is home to one of the most famous streets in the Yucatan Peninsula – the Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue. The bustling Quinta Avenida is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. During the night it is a busy spectacle like no other!

From morning until late at night, this famous street is full of activity, vibrant colors, photo spots, cafés, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, and street vendors. Stretching for miles, it offers just about everything you could imagine!

Quinta Avenida is not only one of my favorite places in the town but also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Playa del Carmen!

If there is one thing you must do in Playa del Carmen, then you have to walk this street from one end to the other, soaking in all the hustle-bustle! Quinta Avenida is a pedestrian street!

Along the way, you will find some of the coolest Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen like colorful statues and houses, street art, lines of vibrant vignettes, art installations, and more.

Start your walk at Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall and just continue on until there is nothing to see. The street is more attractive closer to the center of the city, and then all the fun slowly runs out as you go further out.

Location: Paseo del Carmen Shopping Mall – Quinta Avenida

5. Temple of Kukulcan at Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone

The Yucatan Peninsula is the land of ancient and modern Maya civilization, and you can’t leave this part of Mexico without paying a visit to some of those ancient Mayan archaeological sites. There are many, but the most famous of them all is Chichen Itzá.

Chichen Itzá is one of the most visited places in Mexico. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted among the New 7 Wonders of the World. Historically it was one of the largest Mayan cities dating back to 600 AD.

The most famous structure is the great El Castillo pyramid (the castle) which is also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The pyramid with the temple on top of it is 30 meters high and was built sometime between the 8th and 12th centuries.

Visiting the Chichen Itza is one of the bucket list things to do in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. It gets crowded so come here first thing in the morning! Morning is also the best time to take photos of the pyramid without breaking through massive crowds!

The site opens at 8 AM, the parking next to the entrance opens at 7:30 AM. We arrived even before that so that we could be amongst the first ones in. At 8 AM, there was already a long line of people, so it is best if you have a rental car and arrive early.

Location: Chichén Itzá

6. 3D Museum of Wonders

One of my favorite things to do in Playa del Carmen was visiting the unique 3D Museum of Wonders. I am not usually one of those who include museum visits in travel itineraries, but we had to see this wonderful, interactive museum in Playa del Carmen.

Turns out it is the ultimate epicentre of Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen! For an entrance fee of 35 USD (yes, it is a bit steep!), you can visit dozens of paintings in the museum that look three-dimensional.

We had a lot of fun in this museum and I hope you can see it in the photos! They do look quite deceiving (and…alive?) because every single painting was painted on a flat surface. Isn’t it crazy?

For every painting, there is a specific spot you have to stand on to see the special 3D effect in the painting. The 3D effect is especially visible through the camera, so the photos look more ‘alive’ than what you see in real life.

Location: 3D Museum of Wonders

7. AZULIK – City of Arts

Talking about art museums full of unique photo spots…

Located in the jungle, just over an hour’s drive from Playa del Carmen, is a contemporary museum like no other—AZULIK City of Arts. This out-of-this-world, handmade artisanal creation takes you on a journey through the most surreal spaces. Truly remarkable!

When I first entered this place, my immediate thoughts were of The Lord of the Rings—it felt like stepping into an elven realm with otherworldly structures nestled among the trees. It was hard to fathom how they built it or even came up with such a vision! Pure wow!

The City of Arts is a massive, interconnected structure with wooden pathways that allow you to explore the upper levels before leading you down to the ground floor. The lower level connects to various rooms and spaces, each offering something unique and creative.

Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll get your shoes back and can step outside to explore everything in the surrounding area: there’s a pool, a restaurant, and several hidden nooks waiting for you to see them.

The whole place felt like stepping onto a different world. The entrance fee is 400 pesos per person, and yes, it was absolutely worth it. You can take photos, listen to the sounds of nature, admire the art, and simply escape the world in this incredible space.

There are some things you should know if you want to take photos inside AZULIK City of Arts.

Firstly, no shoes, you can only walk around barefoot inside the building. Secondly, no outfit changes are allowed. Thirdly, you can only take photos with your phone. Extra fees apply if you want to use a professional camera. I absolutely loved this place!

Location: AZULIK City of Arts

8. Beachside of Playa del Carmen

The pride and joy of Playa del Carmen are its stunning tropical beaches with crystal clear waters, soft sand, and palm trees lining the shore. These beautiful white-sand beaches are what draw all types of travelers to this vibrant town.

The public beach was one of my favorite places in Playa del Carmen. We loved waking up for sunrise and watching people walk, run, do yoga on the white sand, or simply start their day by relaxing by the sea.

Beaches also make for fantastic photo spots in Playa del Carmen. If you take a stroll along the shore, you’ll find plenty of cute photo opportunities. I especially recommend going at sunrise when the beaches are less crowded to capture the beach at the golden hour.

9. Cenote Atik Tulum

Your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least a few cenotes – natural sinkholes in the ground typical in this area in Mexico. I already mentioned Cenote Suytun, but there is one more that I loved even more: Cenote Atik Tulum.

As you understand from the name, Cenote Atik Tulum is a gorgeous cenote near Tulum. Not only does it have a beautiful turquoise water and a fun waterfall, but it is also surrounded by lush vegetation and numerous hidden photo spots.

We spent some time wandering around the jungle to find hidden sculptures, art objects, and photo walls covered with animal skulls. This is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places near Playa del Carmen!

Entrance to Cenote Atik Tulum was 350 pesos per person, which is something you get used to near Tulum – prices here are higher! But you get extra value – besides all the necessary facilities, you also get to visit fun objects in the jungle.

This cenote looks like an oasis in the jungle. We did not swim there as we arrived shortly before the closing time, but I took lots of fun photos. I loved it especially because we were the only ones there!

Playa del Carmen has a prime location, with many attractions just a short drive away—including this gorgeous cenote. If you’re staying there, I highly recommend setting aside plenty of time for at least a couple of fun day trips from Playa del Carmen!

Location: Cenote Atik Tulum

10. Alux, an underground restaurant in Playa del Carmen

I am all about finding unique places and having special experiences when traveling. And not many places can compare with Alux, an underground restaurant in Playa del Carmen.

We came here during our week-long stay in Playa del Carmen and really enjoyed it. Although it is a much pricier dining place than many others (food was pretty decent!), having dinner underground was just as exotic as it sounds.

This is arguably the most unique dining experience in Playa del Carmen. The restaurant is built inside an underground cave system—similar to the cenotes found throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, but without water

It’s a great spot for a special occasion. A reservation is required, but we found it easy to get one. After dinner, they let you walk around and explore more of the cave system—it goes pretty deep and we even saw a bat! Quite impressive, if you ask me!

Location: Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge

11. Pink lakes of Las Coloradas

The bright pink salt lakes Las Coloradas is one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatán Peninsula! These stunning lakes offer unique photo opportunities and give you a glimpse into the region’s salt production industry.

If you have a day to spare, then I recommend a day trip from Playa del Carmen to this picture-perfect place!

But, visiting this place is also a bit of a gamble. Before coming here, I read all the reviews on Google Maps and felt really conflicted. It’s a long drive, and the thought of going all that way only to be disappointed worried me.

But we decided to go and, somehow, we arrived on the perfect day with the best weather conditions (we visited on February 4th). It was around midday on a sunny, cloudless day, and the lake was shining in pink! A little bit of wind made the color really pop!

The lakes won’t appear pink if there has been a storm or heavy rain in the previous days, or if they harvest salt (mid-July to August). But if you time your visit right, it will be a beautiful experience so it definitely has to be on your bucket list of things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula!

Location: Las Coloradas

12. Mexico’s Yellow City—Izamal

There is no other place like Mexico’s Yellow City—Izamal! Visiting this Pueblo Mágico was one of my favorite memories from our trip and it is also among the best places to go for iconic and unusual photos!

Izamal is located a 2h30min drive from Playa del Carmen, but this destination can be easily combined with a trip to Chichen Itza or other nearby attractions.

This colonial town captivates visitors with its vibrant yellow color, as all the buildings in the center are painted in shades of yellow. We arrived in Izamal in the morning and spent half a day exploring everything it had to offer.

The most famous attraction in Izamal is the Convento de San Antonio, which sits atop a hill where an ancient Maya pyramid once stood, right in the heart of town. Next to it, you’ll find the second-largest atrium in the world, surrounded by a stunning yellow arcade.

Other must-do activities in Izamal include climbing the Mayan pyramids—Kinich Kak Moo and Itzamatul. If you only have time for one, I highly recommend Kinich Kak Moo, as it offers a panoramic view of the entire town from the top (yes, you can climb the pyramids!)!

Location: Convento de San Antonio in Izamal

13. Beach clubs in Playa del Carmen

One of the reasons Playa del Carmen has become such a popular tourist destination is its stunning seaside location. Those gorgeous tropical beaches with warm, crystal-clear water are just steps from the city center.

Beach clubs offer a relaxing day by the sea, with sunbeds, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails. But they’re also perfect for capturing cute photos—whether it’s swings at the bar, charming coconut carts, or photogenic heart-shaped benches.

We stopped by Lido Beach Club in Playa del Carmen for a wonderful breakfast by the sea. The tables were lined along the water, allowing us to sit with our feet in the sand. I really enjoyed this place!

Lido Beach Club also has a very picturesque inner garden with lush plants. If you are looking for cute Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen, then definitely check out some of the top-rated beach clubs!

14. The colorful Hotel Hacienda in Playa del Carmen

The colorful Hotel Hacienda María Bonita is a beautiful colonial-style boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen that captivated everyone with its vibrant colors and traditional architecture.

We actually stayed in this hotel during our trip to Playa del Carmen and it was quite nice. Everything was colorful! The place has its character for sure!

The hotel is set inside a traditional Mexican hacienda with a charming inner courtyard, decorated with lush plants, benches, and statues. It reminded me of the Latin American soap operas I watched as a teen!

This colorful hotel also doubles as a fun Instagram spot in Playa del Carmen. It’s easy to access—you don’t need to be a guest to take photos. The front of the building is right by the sidewalk, so you can snap a picture anytime!

Location: Hotel Hacienda María Bonita

15. Cenote Ik Kil

Some attractions in the Yucatán Peninsula are must-visits, no matter where you’re staying. And one of them is Cenote Ik Kil—one of the most iconic cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula—located just a stone’s throw from Chichén Itzá.

Ik Kil from Mayan means ‘place of the winds’.

This cylindrical cenote stands out with its circular shape and 26-meter walls covered with hanging plants and tree roots. The cenote itself is 40 meters deep and served as a place for sacrifices for the ancient Mayan people a long time ago.

The cenote is located within the territory of a hotel and a restaurant, so you can not only go for a swim here but also buy a combined ticket that offers a buffet-type catering. That’s why it is a popular place amongst tour buses. Arrive early to avoid them!

We visited Ik Kil Cenote on the same day we went to Chichén Itzá. The entrance fee to the cenote was 200 pesos per person. This gorgeous cenote is also a great place for photos, so if you have time for a fun day trip from Playa del Carmen, then this is a fantastic option.

Location: Cenote Ik-Kil

16. Church of Uayma

Now, here’s a unique photo opportunity! If you go on a trip to Chichen Itza or Cenote Ik Kil, then you might want to add this amazing church to your itinerary: Convento de Santo Domingo or Church of Uayma.

The beautiful building is one of the most colorful photo-perfect places in the Yucatan Peninsula! It is a former convent built by the Franciscans in the middle of the 17th century, and was built by using stones from Mayan sites, including the nearby Chichén Itzá.

The captivating building stands out with its unusual decorations – the white roses and stars symbolize the veneration of the Virgin Mary, but the red color represents sacrifice and martyrdom. There is also a green color that symbolizes hope.

There isn’t much to see in Uayma town so there’s no need to plan a longer stay here – 1 to 2 hours will be plenty to take unique photos and check out the beautiful church! We arrived on Saturday at 11 AM and it was open (entrance from the side street!).

Location: Church of Uayma

17. Street art murals in Playa del Carmen

They definitely love colors in this part of Mexico! It’s no surprise that Playa del Carmen is filled with vibrant street art murals, especially in the downtown area.

If you’re searching for cool Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen, take your time to go on a longer walk and explore the town’s streets and squares—you never know what hidden gems you might find!

I’m not sure if you’ll be able to find the exact murals in my photos, as they fade over time and are sometimes replaced with new (different) artwork. We found the coolest street art murals near the ADO bus station and in Leona Vicario Park in Playa del Carmen.

We also spotted many murals on the side streets between 5th Avenue, 10th Avenue, and 15th Avenue. Some taco restaurants and coffee shops also had beautiful murals. Keep an eye out, find one you love, and snap a photo!

18. Benches with bronze Mexican statues

While exploring Playa del Carmen, we stumbled upon a couple of bronze statues of Mexican men sitting on benches. These statues were definitely popular photo spots among tourists!

The iconic figures depict a Mexican revolutionary—a man wearing a traditional sombrero and a bandolier across his chest. We found both statues along Quinta Avenida.

One of them was located at the Hacienda Tequila liquor store, but the other statue was inside Plaza Paseo del Carmen shopping mall, right at the end of Quinta Avenida.

19. Cenote Taak Bi Ha

Located just a 50-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, Cenote Taak Bi Ha is one of the most stunning and photo-friendly cenotes in the area.

It sits in a special region filled with breathtaking cenotes, many of which are connected by underground rivers. Other popular nearby cenotes include Dos Ojos and Cenotes Sac Actún, but we chose Cenote Taak Bi Ha to avoid the crowds.

Cenote Taak Bi Ha is a breathtaking underground cenote with crystal-clear water and impressive rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites. You can even have fun jumping into the water from a stone platform built above it.

I noticed that they also hold traditional wedding ceremonies inside this cenote—and I can see why! It’s absolutely stunning. The stone platform is perfect for capturing some of your best Instagram photos. Entrance was 350 pesos per person, with life jackets included.

Location: Cenote Taak Bi Ha

20. Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Carmen

Looking for a cute photo spot in the heart of Playa del Carmen? This beautiful, modern white chapel is incredibly charming and stands in stark contrast to the vibrant and colorful streets in Playa del Carmen!

What makes this chapel truly special is its glass wall facing the ocean, allowing you to admire the palm trees and sea while sitting inside the chapel. That’s why it draws so much attention. Definitely peek inside if it is open!

Plus, the charming chapel is located in the most central location in Playa del Carmen—right next to the famous Parque Los Fundadores Square. It is wonderful and definitely worth a visit!

Location: Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Carmen