Luna Encantada is right by the sand, so the beach is the natural start of the session. Parque Fundadores and the Portal Maya sculpture are about five minutes away. For a session, choose sunrise for empty sand or the hour before sunset for soft light. Sessions start at 245 USD.
Luna Encantada is in central Playa del Carmen. This short guide tells you where we would photograph you nearby, how far each place is and when the light is best.
At a Glance
- StayLuna Encantada, in central Playa del Carmen
- To the beachBy the sand
- NearbyParque Fundadores and the Portal Maya sculpture
- Best hoursSunrise, or the hour before sunset
Where We Shoot
The nearest beach. Luna Encantada is right by the sand, so the beach is the natural start of the session. The sea here faces Cozumel, so the horizon has the island's low line on clear days.
A second setting. Parque Fundadores, with the Portal Maya sculpture and the ferry pier to Cozumel, is the classic Playa del Carmen backdrop, busiest in the evening and quiet at sunrise.
Colour in town. Painted walls and side streets off Fifth Avenue are lovely in the soft light after sunrise, before the shops open.
The Light, Month by Month
Times for this part of the coast on the 15th of each month in 2027. Quintana Roo keeps the same clock all year.
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:27 am | 5:56 pm | 6:28 pm |
| March | 6:57 am | 6:29 pm | 6:58 pm |
| May | 6:11 am | 6:47 pm | 7:18 pm |
| June | 6:07 am | 6:58 pm | 7:30 pm |
| July | 6:16 am | 7:01 pm | 7:32 pm |
| September | 6:36 am | 6:22 pm | 6:51 pm |
| November | 6:58 am | 5:36 pm | 6:08 pm |
| December | 7:17 am | 5:38 pm | 6:10 pm |
The beach faces east toward Cozumel: sunrise lifts over the channel and the hour before sunset gives soft, even light. If you can face an early start, from roughly October through February the sunrise appears from behind Cozumel.
Where We Meet You
We meet you at Luna Encantada or at an agreed beach access. Beaches in Mexico are public, so a session on the sand needs no resort pass. Early mornings are best in the centre, when the beach and Fifth Avenue are almost empty.
Sessions in the Riviera Maya, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios sessions along the Riviera Maya. They show our work in the area, not necessarily at Luna Encantada Playa del Carmen.
Collections and Prices
Prices include editing and delivery in a private 4K gallery, usually within one to three business days.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 35 min | 15 | 245 USD |
| Glow Hour | 45 min | 25 | 325 USD |
| Essential Flow | 60 min | 35 | 395 USD |
| Creative Runway | 75 min | 50 | 475 USD |
| Visual Story | 90 min | 70 | 575 USD |
| Full Experience | 90 min | Full gallery | 725 USD |