Your arrival airport is Cancun International Airport, located about 40 miles north of Playa del Carmen. Via private shuttle, it will take you about 45 minutes from the airport to Playa del Carmen. Direct flights are available from almost any major airport in the world.
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Which airport do I fly into?
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How do I get from the Cancun International Airport to my BRIC vacation property in Playa del Carmen?
There are a few options: private van shuttle, taxi, or ADO bus. Your reservations agent can schedule a van service to meet you at the airport. A private van or taxis are the quickest modes of transportation and will get you to Playa del Carmen in 45 minutes. The ADO airport bus is economical and takes 1 hour after stops at all four terminals. Once you arrive at the bus terminal on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, you will take a taxi to the property to check-in.
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Is Playa del Carmen Safe?
Playa del Carmen is a very safe, and award-winning travel destination. Popular with snowbirds, families, and digital nomads, this beautiful seaside town also has a huge, multinational expat community. Like any other city in the world, travelers should take precautions to lock their valuables in a safety deposit box and abstain from using drugs, or drinking alcohol in excess. To avoid credit and debit card fraud, only use ATM machines located within a bank. Do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
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When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen’s climate is a tropical one, which means it is warm year-round. The Riviera Maya receives the majority of its rainfall during the months of June to November. However, often times, it rains for only an hour or two, then the sun comes out for the rest of the day. During this period, there may be more cloud coverage, but still plenty of opportunities for fun and outdoor activities. The possibility of a hurricane is greater from the months of August to October. Fortunately, it has been over 10 years since the last hurricane (Wilma) passed through this region.
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Why rent a private condo or home when there are so many All-Inclusive resorts?
These are two totally different vacations. If you are the type of person that is happy to stay in the same resort area throughout your entire vacation, eat buffet style meals for a week straight, and drink watered down margaritas, then an All-Inclusive hotel is the way to go. On the other hand, you may be the traveling type who seeks an engaging experience, full of memorable local encounters. You plan to explore all that this magical city has to offer, which makes a private condo or home rental the perfect accommodation choice for you. By connecting with our team of reservation specialists and BRIC ambassadors, you can arrange every detail of your vacation even before you arrive. You will have the privacy, comfort, and space needed for ultimate rest and relaxation, without schedules or rowdy guests at the pool bar. Playa del Carmen is one of the most incredible destinations in the entire world for its endless list of enticing attractions and its enchanting, Caribbean vibe. We cannot wait to introduce you to paradise. For more enticing reasons to select a Bric vacation rental, visit 'All-Inclusives vs Vacation Rentals' on our travel blog page.
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Why rent through BRIC Vacation Rentals?
Our hospitality team works diligently to make you feel like family - comfortable and well taken care of from the initial inquiry until it comes time to say goodbye. The entire staff strives to provide personalized service that will directly enhance your vacation experience so that you cannot wait to book a return trip! But don’t just take our word for it. There are 300+ BRIC Vacation Rentals reviews on our website, Google, and TripAdvisor. Read what other happy customers have to say to understand why we have remained the top-rated vacation rental firm in Playa del Carmen for 14 years and counting.
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What to do in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen’s central location means that you have convenient access to hundreds of amazing Riviera Maya attractions. Within a few short minutes, there are dozens of eco and adventure parks including Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses, Rio Secreto, and Emotions. There are a string of cenotes (Eden, Azul, Cristalino & Chikin Ha Cenote Park) within 20 minutes heading south on Highway 307. Plus ancient Mayan cities such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Ek Balam, and Muyil make excellent day trip ideas. Scenic PGA Tour-worthy golf courses abound as do dive shops. Spending your time on, under, or near the water will not only keep you cool, but also reveal some of the most breathtaking scenes you will ever come across. The island of Cozumel is only 45 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen by ferry and Holbox, another island gem is one hour, 20 minutes away. Valladolid, Merida, and Izamal are charming colonial towns to add to your itinerary for a taste of authentic culture and history. Within the city, there is the Frida Kahlo museum, El Acuario (aquarium), the 3-D Museum of Wonders and Parque Fundadores with free cultural presentations on a daily basis. Try authentic Mexican food, savor the Caribbean views from one of the swanky rooftop pools in the city, or rent a paddleboard for a sunrise paddle at one of the fabulous beach clubs that line the white sand shores. This is only a glimpse of the endless activities available in Playa del Carmen. For more ideas, your Bric ambassador (and Playa expert) is happy to point you in the direction of unforgettable fun and adventure. You can also visit our Travel Blog for more Yucatan Peninsula travel inspiration.
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Should I exchange money for pesos before I go to Mexico?
While it is beneficial to have some pesos upon arrival in Mexico, you will most likely discover that the casas de cambio offer a better exchange rate than your bank. Casas de cambio (exchange houses) are located every couple of blocks along 5th Avenue. The exchanges centers that offer the best rates are CIBanco, San Jorge and Capital. Most banks will not exchange your cash for pesos unless you have an account with them. In order to exchange money, be sure to have your passport with you. USD and credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, grocery stores and for tours. Note that the exchange rates at restaurants are much lower than at a casa de cambio. If you plan to do groceries, the big superstores in town offer excellent exchange rates for USD. However, you must spend 40% in order for the cashier to accept the bill. (For example, the total of the groceries must be $40USD when using a $100 US bill.)
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What is the best way to get around Playa del Carmen?
95% of Bric's vacation rental homes are within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Some vacation homes come with bikes for clients' use, or there are bike rental shops along 5th Avenue. Taxis are readily available throughout the city. Rates are standard (and a little bit pricier) at a 'sitio de taxis' (an official taxi site.) You can save some money by hailing a cab from the street, but be sure to agree on a price before you get into the vehicle so there are no surprises. There is a reliable service available in Playa del Carmen called Taxi WhatsApp. You can add these contacts to your phone as a resource before arriving: +52 1(984)138-1075 / +52 1(984)197-0814. A taxi within Playa del Carmen should cost from $40 - $120 Mxn or ($2.50 - $7 USD.) A colectivo (shared van taxi) is a very local option that many travelers enjoy. This service runs along the Federal 307 Highway from Cancun center to Tulum. It does not stop at the airport. The colectivo station is on Calle 2 in between 20th and 25th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. The super comfortable ADO bus is an excellent way to get from Playa del Carmen to the airport, as well as to nearby attractions and towns. You can take a direct VIP (Plantino) service to Merida for example, which takes 4 hours. Included in your ticket are a bagged lunch, access to electronic charging outlets, movie (in Spanish) and air-conditioning. There are several rental car companies in Playa del Carmen that typically receive mixed reviews. It is recommended to arrange for a rental from an official rental company at the airport before arriving. everythingplayadelcarmen.com has a few articles with excellent tips for renting a car in Mexico.
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What is the best area to rent a vacation home in Playa del Carmen?
The north end of town (Calle 34 - CTM) is a quieter, up-and-coming neighborhood, flourishing with quaint eateries and new beach clubs thanks to the expansion of 5th Avenue. Staying in Centro (downtown Playa del Carmen), you will have easy access to grocery stores, galleries, spas, restaurants, brand name shops, night clubs, pubs, and gyms. Keep in mind that you are in the heart of the action, where all bustles until late at night. On the south end of town (Playacar Fase 1 & 2) is where you'll find tranquil neighborhoods that are popular with families and snowbirds. In this area, you'll find a handful of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a 6km walking path around the community. Fase 2 is where the Hard Rock Riviera Maya Golf Club is located. Fase 1 features villas near the beach, perfect for group and family getaways.
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Tips for navigating 5th Avenue
5th Avenue is Playa del Carmen's main dining, shopping and entertainment district. It is a pedestrian-only avenue that spans over 24 city blocks. The cobblestone street is lined with brand name and boutique stores, souvenir shops, hundreds of restaurants, museums, the aquarium, pubs, day spas, galleries, dive shops, convenience stores, cafes, tour providers, and exchange houses. Visitors love to walk the vibrant thoroughfare to shop, enjoy good food and drinks, and people watch. But be prepared to be offered tours of every kind and offers for 'almost free' souvenirs. These shop owners invent very creative tactics to get buyers into their stores. Don't be fooled by 'Hey, I was your waiter at [hotel's name on your bracelet] yesterday. Do you remember me?' Simply say 'Gracias' to the continuous invites to buy products that do not interest you and continue on. You can find some beautiful jewelry, souvenirs and other treasures along 5th Avenue. It can get crowded during the high seasons, so keep your purse, cell phone, and wallet secure as you navigate through the masses.
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Do I need to know Spanish?
Although Spanish is the first language spoken here, Playa is a top travel destination in the world. Therefore most people who work in the tourism industry speak English as well. It is not necessary to be fluent in Spanish, however, any effort made to learn basic words and salutations is appreciated. Our Bric team is a multi-lingual staff with native Spanish and English speakers, as well as French, Portuguese, and Italian.
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What extra services does Bric Vacation Rentals offer?
We understand that each client has a unique idea of their dream vacation. So we offer a variety of extra services that you can add to your vacation to further enhance your stay and go beyond Relax. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Your designated ambassador can arrange for airport transfers, grocery delivery, in-suite massage or chef service, childminding, or dinner and tour reservations. Your vacation wish is our command. Furthermore, our team is connected with the best photographers, catering companies, and event planners in town. We have had the privilege of hosting weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions such as 50th birthday parties. For more information, please contact abril@bricrental.com