Explore the most captivating destinations across Latin America — from colonial cities steeped in history to secluded beaches framed by jungle and sea.
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” That was the motto of our second day in Cartagena. We had planned to focus on the Old Town’s history and museums. Per our itinerary: Begin your morning with breakfast at Café Stepping Stone, a social‑impact café in Getsemaní known for excellent coffee…
We’re excited to share with you that we’re taking our first trip to Latin America of the year, a special 2-week Valentine’s day trip to Cartagena and Playa del Carmen. We’ll be sharing some of what we discover each day in a series of posts. Each one will be pretty short (we have some exploring…
Jet Set Shopping Notes · Santiago · Barrio Italia Shoes, handmade jewelry and something sweet: a compact Barrio Italia edit that leaves time to look closely at Chilean design. Your shopping afternoon at a glance The edit 2 shopping stops + a sweets pause The walk 100 metres · about 1 minute between the two…
Jet Set Shopping Notes · Lima · Barranco Peruvian design at an unhurried pace: objects and textiles at Puna, a broader designer edit at Dédalo, and a café pause in the same setting. Your shopping afternoon at a glance The edit 2 shopping stops + 1 café pause The walk 450 metres · about 6…
Quick Links Flights ✈ | Hotels 🏨 | Experiences 🎟️ (TripAdvisor links added when published) Highlights Six of Latin America’s dreamiest colonial towns Cobblestones, courtyards, artisan shops, and candlelit evenings Perfect for romantic escapes, cultural trips, and slow travel days Featuring Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil The Most Magical Colonial Towns to Visit This…
Quick Links Flights ✈ | Hotels 🏨 | Experiences 🎟️ (TripAdvisor links added when published) Highlights The region’s best wellness retreats and spa resorts Mountains, jungles, hot springs, coastlines, and desert sanctuaries Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and restorative escapes Featuring Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Argentina Luxury Spa & Wellness Retreats Across Latin…
Cartagena Getsemaní vs. Bocagrande Where should you stay in Cartagena? Two neighborhoods, two completely different rhythms. Cartagena is a city of dualities — colonial charm wrapped in Caribbean heat, modern skylines rising beside centuries-old walls, and neighborhoods that each tell a different story. Two of the most popular areas for travelers, Getsemaní and Bocagrande, sit…
The Riviera Maya is a coastline of contrasts — a place where turquoise water, ancient culture, and modern luxury meet in two very different travel personalities. Cancún and Playa del Carmen sit just an hour apart, yet they offer completely distinct rhythms, landscapes, and styles of travel. Choosing the right home base can shape your entire experience, from how you explore to how you unwind.
Below is a master guide that breaks down each destination with clarity, nuance, and practical insight — perfect for travelers deciding between the two or planning a split‑stay adventure.
🌴 Cancún: Polished, High‑Energy, and Resort‑Forward
Cancún is the Riviera Maya’s original icon — a purpose‑built resort city with sweeping beaches, mega‑hotels, and nightlife that hums until sunrise. It’s the place for travelers who want convenience, comfort, and a classic “everything handled” vacation.
Why Cancún Works
Cancún is built for ease. Wide beaches, all‑inclusive resorts, and quick airport access make it ideal for short trips or travelers who want to relax without logistics.
Advantages of Cancún
Close to the airport
You can be on the beach within 20–30 minutes of landing.
Wide, postcard‑perfect beaches
Long stretches of soft sand and bright turquoise water define the Hotel Zone.
All‑inclusive convenience
Dining, drinks, entertainment — all bundled and effortless.
Nightlife capital of the region
Mega‑clubs, beach parties, and big‑name venues.
Luxury infrastructure
Upscale malls, spas, golf courses, and international restaurants.
Disadvantages of Cancún
Less walkable
The Hotel Zone is long and linear; taxis and buses are the norm.
More commercialized
Cancún can feel polished but less culturally immersive.
Higher prices
Resorts, dining, and activities often cost more than in Playa.
Crowds
Especially during holidays, spring break, and long weekends.
Best For
Resort lovers
Nightlife seekers
Short trips
Travelers who want convenience over exploration
Tips for Cancún
Stay in the Hotel Zone for beach access and amenities.
Book restaurants and clubs in advance during peak season.
If you want a quieter stay, choose the northern end of the Hotel Zone.
Use the R1/R2 buses for cheap, easy transportation along the strip.
🌺 Playa del Carmen: Walkable, Stylish, and Culturally Blended
Playa del Carmen is the Riviera Maya’s cosmopolitan heart — a blend of beach life, boutique hotels, global cuisine, and a lively pedestrian core. It’s more intimate than Cancún, more stylish than Tulum, and perfect for travelers who want to explore on foot.
Why Playa del Carmen Works
Playa offers a balance of beach, culture, gastronomy, and walkability that’s hard to beat.
Advantages of Playa del Carmen
Extremely walkable
Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) and surrounding streets are filled with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.
Boutique hotel scene
Smaller, design‑forward stays offer charm and personality.
Culinary diversity
From street tacos to rooftop dining, Playa is a foodie’s playground.
Central location
Ideal base for day trips: Cozumel, Akumal, cenotes, Coba, Puerto Morelos.
More local energy
Playa blends tourism with a real community — expats, creatives, and locals.
Disadvantages of Playa del Carmen
Smaller beaches
Some areas experience seasonal sargassum and narrower shorelines.
More urban feel
Playa is lively and dense; not ideal for travelers seeking seclusion.
Nightlife is vibrant but less polished
Expect beach bars and lounges rather than mega‑clubs.
Busy center
Quinta Avenida can feel crowded in the evenings.
Best For
Walkers and explorers
Food lovers
Boutique‑hotel travelers
Longer stays
Those who want culture + convenience
Tips for Playa del Carmen
Stay near 5th Avenue between Calle 24–38 for the best mix of quiet + walkability.
Take the ferry to Cozumel for snorkeling or a beach‑club day.
Explore nearby cenotes early in the morning for fewer crowds.
Book a rooftop dinner — Playa’s skyline at sunset is underrated.
🌊 Side‑by‑Side Snapshot
Category Cancún Playa del Carmen
Vibe Resort, polished, high‑energy Walkable, cosmopolitan, local‑meets‑global
Best For Short trips, nightlife, all‑inclusive stays Foodies, walkers, boutique hotels, day trips
Walkability Low Very high
Beaches Wide, turquoise, iconic Smaller, charming, sometimes affected by sargassum
Nightlife Mega‑clubs, big venues Beach bars, lounges, intimate clubs
Costs Generally higher More range and flexibility
Authenticity Lower Higher
Access to attractions Good Excellent (central hub)
TL;DR — Quick Decision Guide
If You Want… Choose Cancún Choose Playa del Carmen
A resort‑style vacation ✔️
Walkability + urban energy ✔️
Big nightlife + mega‑clubs ✔️
Boutique hotels + food scene ✔️
Short, easy trip from the airport ✔️
Central base for day trips ✔️
Wide, iconic beaches ✔️
Local culture + global mix ✔️
Playa del Carmen is a place where the Caribbean hums softly in the background, where bougainvillea spills over balconies, and where every corner reveals a new scent — grilled octopus, warm pastries, sea salt, copal smoke. For this trip, we stayed at the Acanto Hotel, a boutique sanctuary just steps from Quinta Avenida. It’s the…
