7 language schools in Playa del Carmen from 101US$ for a 1 week Spanish course
Playa del Carmen ratings & opinions
How our students rated their experience in Playa del Carmen
What our students said about Playa del Carmen
Unfortunately, the beach is not very pretty, due to the presence of algae on the beach and in the water. This makes swimming unpleasant. It was hot, of course, but the humidity was rather difficult. Otherwise, the atmosphere was festive, with lots of tourists, stores and restaurants. The main street is very crowded. Several tours are available to visit the surrounding area at reasonable prices. As we couldn't swim in the sea, we found hotels with swimming pools for a fee.
Playa del Carmen is very touristy. Therefore not the cheapest city by Mexican standards. By Swiss standards, however, life is much cheaper here. As a tourist you are often asked whether you want to buy something or go on a tour. For the language course, however, it was a good place to get acclimatized to the new country. There are many activities in the area.
Eating out is very good and cheap in the small restaurants away from the tourist mile. The prices for accommodation vary enormously. We had a flat a bit closer to the outskirts of the city and rented bicycles. This made us very mobile. Mexican drivers show great consideration for cyclists, quite different from Europe!
I love the school, but the city scene was not for me. If you like a club scene, then you will like. It was noisy and expensive. It was difficult to practice Spanish outside of the school because so many people want to and can speak English. I would use the school again but do it at one of the other locations.
I liked Playa del Carmen very much as there are many possibilities. From the beach to cultural programmes or nightlife, everything is there. It is very big. You can get from A to B quickly by taxi (approx. 5€ in the city) or by collectivo (approx. 1€). The people were very open and friendly.
I enjoyed the time we spent in downtown Playa del Carmen! The restaurants were excellent, especially Zitla, Sushi Club and Yum Yum by George! My husband and I have a trip to the area planned for November and I plan to show him around the downtown area!
We really enjoyed our stay. Playa del Carmen is a beach town where life is good. The locals are extremely friendly, but the town is not clean and the pavements are extremely dangerous for anyone daring to venture off the Quinta Avenida.
Playa del Carmen is a large town with all the benefits, but is also great for walking around and has a wonderful pedestrianised road parallel to the beach - great for running. Everyone very friendly and shop-keepers not too pushy.
Nice but not for very long. Very touristy. There are nicer beaches nearby and you don't have to be in Playa del Carmen to visit cultural activities. I also think it's expensive, especially a drink in a café, restaurant, etc.
Beach was beautiful. Weather was stifling hot & humid during the day. Area was pricey but it is a tourist destination so not a complete shocker there. Restaurants were fantastic. People were very friendly.
What language school directors said about Playa del Carmen

Discover a breath-taking, turquoise ocean, explore mysterious Mayan temples and meet lots of welcoming people. Playa del Carmen is a small town located less than an hour south from Cancún airport, in the state of Quintana Roo. Learn Spanish and discover our unique cultural heritage then spend time chilling on our white sand beaches.
Most recent student reviews of language schools in Playa del Carmen

The school is very well located and all the teachers are dynamic and welcoming.
Positive: Frankie, who is in charge of the cafe, among other things, is extremely friendly. Always smiling and available, he is a definite asset to the school.
Negative: One of the teachers was not at all friendly. She didn't even introduce herself during the first lesson and always gave very concise answers to my questions, as if I should have known the answer... even though I was there to learn! It's a pity, because she's a very good teacher in other respects, but I'm not sure I would have repeated my classes if I'd had her from the start.
28 March 2025
Course: Intensive Course - 3 weeks
Student age: 62 years

Lovely people and some excellent teachers. Central location. Great little cafe.
More and better organization would be better.
17 February 2025
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 58 years

The teaching staff and administration, being a family-run business, had a very close relationship and were wonderful people.
4 February 2025
Course: Intensive Spanish - 2 weeks
Student age: 38 years

Easy to walk to and had aircon so not hot.
Friendly and welcoming.
We had good discussions ranging from politics to scuba.
10 December 2024
Course: Private Lessons - 1 week
Student age: 68 years

The location, the open classrooms and especially the professor Fernando who has a very effective teaching method
2 December 2024
Course: Intensive 20 - 2 weeks
Student age: 56 years
Information about Playa del Carmen
Key Facts about Playa del Carmen
- Big Mac price (Mexico average):
66.36 MXN (33% cheaper than in USA)
- Residential voltage: 127 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Weather in Playa del Carmen
Events in Playa del Carmen

01 July 2025 - 29 July 2025This traditional celebration is usually held in the Oaxaca region on the last two Mondays of July. The festival brings together the 16 different cultures living in town to show off their traditions and dances.

15 September 2025 - 18 September 2025On this day, Mexicans celebrate their independence from the Spanish crown. The event is held at the Central Park and there will be fireworks and people enjoying the night.

31 October 2025Although not a Mexican tradition, Halloween is becoming increasingly popular in Playa due to the number of foreign residents. The streets are teeming with costumed children and adults.

November 2025Usually held in November, this famous Festival gives Playa residents an opportunity to hear renowned jazz artists performing on the beach.

01 November 2025 - 31 December 2025A traditional event lending insight into Mexican culture and vision. The festival is held every year at Xcaret Park, where you can enjoy dance, theatre, music and food.
What to do in Playa del Carmen

Arrival airport
Public transportation to city center:
Every 30 minutes, 70 minutes.
Main stops: Cancún International Airport T2, Playa del Carmen Terminal Tuística
Taxi: 55 minutes drive to city center of Playa del Carmen
Q&A - Questions about Spanish courses and schools in Playa del Carmen
- How touristy is Playa del Carmen?“Of course, Playa is touristic but it all depends where you stay and where you go. There is a main street that´s quite touristic but Playa is also a place where locals live and work.
One good thing about Playa is that it´s a kind of hub, from where you can explore the area.
You can go north to Cancun and Isla Mujeres, south to Akumal (swim with turtles), XpuHa (beautiful beach) Tulum and the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. You can also go inland towards Coba, Valladolid and Chichen Itzá. You have the island of Cozumel that is only a 30-minute ferry ride away. Lots of people choose Playa for its convenient location.
I would say for 1 person who doesn´t like Playa, there are 99 who love it!”Anne Calderon, Student Advisor from Agora Language Center - Dec 19, 2023FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Courses in Playa del Carmen
- I'm not a go-to-bars, loud nightlife, kind of person. Would that make Playa del Carmen a bad choice for seniors?“As for Playa del Carmen, I would say it is an ideal place for those who want to stay active, no matter what their age. The Riviera Maya has miles and miles of clean, white sandy beaches for walking, running, or cycling. ”Maksym Sterpul, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Dec 12, 2023Do you have a language school that offers courses for senior students?“Yes, we only have one school offering this type of course: Don Quijote / Solexico Language & Cultural Centers. The programme starts on specific dates (to be consulted on the school's profile) and lasts 2 weeks. This two-week Spanish programme is a motivating combination of classroom teaching and a rich, integrated cultural programme which varies according to the time of year and location. Ideal for our Senior students! ”Madly Simba, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Aug 31, 2023I will be in Playa de Carmen and I am interested in private classes in the morning. Is this something that can be organized?“Yes, we can organise private lessons in the morning. Just let us know what your desired dates are and we can send you more information.”Nuria Castro, Enforex Spanish Department from Don Quijote / Solexico Language & Cultural Centers - Nov 21, 2022