Real answers about the Riviera Maya
Everything you need to know about visiting, living, and owning property in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.
Popular Questions
Popular Questions
Start with what visitors and owners ask us most often.
How do I get to Playa del Carmen from Cancún Airport?
Three real options: pre-booked private transfer (~$60–95 USD, door-to-door, easiest), ADO bus ($16–20 USD, drops you at Playa's central bus…
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
Yes for visitors who use city-trip judgment. Tourist zones (Playacar, Centro, Coco Beach, Zazil-Ha) are calm day and night; petty theft is…
Where are the best tacos in Playa del Carmen?
El Fogón for al pastor (skip the 5th Ave location, go to the original on Av. 30). La Floresta for pescado/camarón. Taquería La Soriana…
How do I know if a property manager in Mexico is honest?
Honesty shows up as paperwork. A trustworthy PM will hand you a sample owner statement, a vendor list, a 12-month repair log from a…
Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?
Yes. In coastal areas like Quintana Roo, foreigners buy via fideicomiso (a 50-year renewable bank trust) — fully legal, fully transferable…
How do I avoid rental scams in Playa del Carmen?
If you're being rushed to wire a deposit before a live video walkthrough, it's a scam — full stop. Stolen photos relisted at 30–50% under…
What should I do if my Airbnb has no water?
Document in the Airbnb app first: time it stopped, photos, and whether neighbors/building staff see the same issue. Ask for an ETA and…
What should I do if the AC stops working in my rental?
Don't sit in a 32°C/90°F unit waiting for a callback. Try the 60-second checklist (remote batteries · breaker reset · drain unblock), then…
Browse by Category
Browse by Category
Seven clear topics — every answer sorted once, no overlap.
Getting Here & Transportation
Airport transfers, taxis, buses, ferries, and late arrivals.
10 answersAreas & Where to Stay
Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Isla, Cozumel, and neighborhoods.
8 answersBeaches & Things to Do
Best beaches, ruins, cenotes, diving, and day trips.
15 answersFood, Drink & Nightlife
Tacos, brunch, coffee, restaurants, bars, and where locals eat.
10 answersPractical Information
Money, internet, safety, groceries, weather, and mid-stay problems.
16 answersProperty Ownership & Management
Airbnb, buying, PM vetting, compliance, utilities, and owner protection.
13 answersLiving & Working in the Riviera Maya
Long-term rent, remote work Wi‑Fi, pets, and digital-nomad basics.
5 answersAll answers
Food, Drink & Nightlife
Search or filter the full library.
Where are the best tacos in Playa del Carmen?
El Fogón for al pastor (skip the 5th Ave location, go to the original on Av. 30). La Floresta for pescado/camarón. Taquería La Soriana…
Where are the best tacos in Tulum?
Antojitos La Chiapaneca in Tulum Pueblo for the local benchmark. Taqueria Honorio for pastor at lunch (closes early). El Camello Jr. for…
Where is the best brunch in Cozumel?
The Coffee Cozumel for laptop + espresso mornings. Casa Mission for hacienda breakfast plates. Mañana Restaurant for the locals'…
Where is the best brunch in Playa del Carmen?
La Cueva del Chango for the garden-Mexican-brunch benchmark. Choux Choux for French pastries + eggs benedict. Ah Cacao for cafe-and-laptop…
Where is the best brunch in Tulum?
Matcha Mama for the Instagram-y açai-bowl brunch (Hotel Zone). Raw Love for vegan health brunch. Burrito Amor for breakfast burritos in the…
Where is the best coffee in Playa del Carmen?
Ah Cacao for the laptop + flat-white default. Choux Choux for the French-pastry-and-espresso ritual. The Coffee Bay for serious specialty…
Where is the best coffee in Tulum?
The Real Coffee + Roastery for serious single-origin (Pueblo). Babel Café for the Hotel Zone laptop morning. La Malquerida for casual…
Where is the best pizza in Playa del Carmen?
Rolandi's for classic Italian-leaning Playa pizza. La Famiglia for thin-crust wood-fired. Pizza Pazza for Neapolitan. Don Sirloin (not…
Where is the best pizza in Tulum?
Posada Margherita for the Hotel Zone wood-fired benchmark. Pizza Lo Zio in the Pueblo for thin-crust Italian at local prices. Burrito…
Where is the best seafood in Cozumel?
La Cocay for the Cozumel benchmark (Mexican-Caribbean upscale). Casa Mission for old-school grouper. La Choza for fish tacos and ceviche at…
About these answers
Written or fact-checked by our Playa del Carmen operations team. We update entries as ferry schedules, regulations, and vendor lists change.