The Best Instagram Spots in Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Playa del Carmen is the heartbeat of the Mayan Riviera, located strategically between Cancun & Tulum. It’s full of vibrant colors and unique backdrops. When you visit, you’ll probably want to capture those colorful vibes, along with your epic travel memories! So, I’ve teamed up with local photographer Viridiana Escobar to share some trade secrets about the best Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen.

Viry Diana Escobar is a photographer, content creator, and firm proponent of “c’est la vie.” She’s originally from Baja California, but came to Playa del Carmen ten years ago on vacation and never left (#goals). She’s been living in Playa for over ten years now, and professionally photographing for three. She kindly agreed to collaborate on this post to help you guys put your best photo forward!

Photo Tips

For the best photo results, use a tripod with your smartphone or a professional camera.

It’s best not to hand over your phone to a stranger to take your pic. You don’t know them, what airplane they’ve been on, or if they’re likely to steal your stuff. The safer option is to have a remote trigger with you instead.

None of the people in the photographs below are professional models. Most of them were on their first photo shoot, just having fun exploring the Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen! If they could do it, so can you.

The key to a good picture is communicating something genuine and natural. So, have some fun with it. Genuine joy shows!

Last but not least, remember that light is everything. The best times for photos are 9 am or 5 pm. 

Quick note on safety : When shooting on 5th street, as with any tourist attraction, use common sense and caution. Watch your bags. Avoid flashing expensive camera gear or lots of cash. If you’re shooting at night by yourself, try to stay away from La Colosio and similar places. 

1. Colors of Mexico

Playa del Carmen used to be a fishing town and connection point to Cozumel Island. The streets close to the ferry are super colorful and full of life. They represent different aspects of Mexico with a variety of handicraft souvenir shops.

While these streets are very ‘touristy,’ they still have strong traces of Playa’s historical identity. Here is 1ra Sur street. 

2. Souvenir shops

Which shop? That’s up to you! They are all honestly very Instagrammable, as long as you catch the right light and avoid large crowds.

This alley is in la 5ta avenida between calle 4 & 6.  

3. Street art

Senkoe is a Mexican painter who prefers streets over canvas. He is inspired by the nature surrounding Playa del Carmen. He has painted walls of artistic stories throughout Mexico, India, Nepal, Canada, and the United States.

You can find this famous piece of Senkoe street art on Calle 8 between 5ta & 10 Avenida.

4. What is Mexico without tacos?

Los Fabulosos Tacos is a well-known taqueria near the nightclub strip in Playa. Before the pandemic, people used to load up on these tacos before partying all night long. (It’s understandably a bit quieter these days.)

You can take pictures here in the morning before their opening hours. Viry shot this around 8 am.

5. Calle Corazon

Calle Corazon shopping mall has all your mainstay western chains, plus a library and a few quirky stops. These cool colorful chairs outside are perfect for a unique picture.

(Fair warning, it’s one of the more popular Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen, so you might have some company.)

6. Mexican Hats

“This side of Mexico is heavily influenced by Mayan culture,” Viry says. “It’s super common to find Mayan calendars and penachos (huge hats with animal shapes with colorful feathers) in shops all around.”

Take a walk down 5th or 10th streets and you’ll be sure to find the perfect penachos backdrop.

7. Before Dinner

All that walking around and posing making you hungry? You can find these glowing lamps right in front of one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Playa del Carmen, La Piola.

While you’re there, might as well stop in for some delicious food. The restaurant itself is full of gorgeous greenery too.

~

Now you’re ready to take creative photos at a few colorful Instagram spots in Playa del Carmen! Get out there and have some fun in front of the camera.