Imagine a place where the waters are clear, clean and full of beautiful sea life, where a relaxing stroll down a main thoroughfare was not interrupted by the sound of traffic, a place where ancient ruins and enormous natural preservations were all within a short distance from glittering nightlife and some of the best food in the world. Well all of this can be found in the Mayan Riviera, and at the heart of it all is Playa del Carmen.
Whether you are here to relax and unravel, or to immerse yourself in an abundance of cultural or adrenaline filled activities, the possibilities are endless and will definitely exceed your expectations.
Affectionately called Playa by those who live there, this once quiet fishing village located just 50 Km. from Cancun’s International Airport, is now the largest town on the Yucatan Peninsula. Interestingly those who vacation in Playa del Carmen will not encounter the enormous crowds, busy streets and commercial activity they might expect of such a popular destination. The town has kept its own growth to a minimum, forbidding high rise buildings that would block the view of the gorgeous Caribbean waters and lovely natural scenery all around.
The Playa del Carmen beach scene is very family friendly, and a huge number of Mexican, European and American families enjoy a visit to Playas sparkling white sands.
The area is also rich in history and culture, and even its cuisine offers a unique experience. There are more than seventy restaurants in the town, but for the truly authentic Mexican cuisine of the region head to the same areas as the locals. This is the area not far from the main thoroughfare, 5th Avenue, along 30th Street.
In addition to white sandy beaches and inexpensive dining, many take advantage of the great shopping. One of the most popular things to do in Playa del Carmen is browse the local artisans shops along 5th Avenue in order to obtain some of the best souvenirs and everyday goods.
For those on a vacation in Playa del Carmen there are also many fantastic tours around the entire region, the peninsula was home to the Mayan civilization which flourished until the arrival of the Conquistadors and today, one of the most popular things to do in Playa del Carmen is to take one of the tours to the historic, cultural or natural areas that remain intact and protected. Playa del Carmen tours can include those on land or on water because the area is also a popular diving and snorkeling on the second biggest barrier reef of the world.
Less than an hours journey visitors can see Mayan ruins in the ancient fortress Tulum, or they can head to one of the three major eco-parks in the area as well.
Almost all activity take place around Playa's 5th Avenue, a pedestrian walk way filled with restaurants, sidewalk cafes, bars, handicraft stores where people from all over the world get together giving this town it's cosmopolitan atmosphere.
This multiethnic fusion is reflected in its gastronomy, which mixes regional products in its international dishes. The options are exceptional from sipping cocktails at a beach club or eclectic lounge bar, to taking in live music or dancing salsa and merengue. You will find a wonderful variety of stores and boutiques to do your shopping, and a great variety of services offered to visitors.
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Restaurants and Bars
There are roughly seventy five Playa del Carmen restaurants offering a range of cuisine. From chocolate cafes specializing in the native cacao products, Thai noodle shops and local Mexican grills, a visitor can choose from a host of price ranges and options. Many inexpensive, but fantastic, local establishments are found on the outskirts of the popular tourist locations. This area usually begins along 5th Avenue at 30th Street.
Bars can be found along the beachfront side of 5th Avenue and these tend to come to life around midnight. Though other towns are known for their bustling night life, the bars and clubs along Playa del Carmens waterfront are getting to be quite popular with those enjoying a vacation in Playa del Carmen.
Destinations and Tours
There is a huge amount of historical and ecological significance to this part of Mexico and many people on a vacation to Playa del Carmen make sure to visit at least one of the three major eco-parks Xcaret, Xel-Ha, or Avirario Xaman-Ha. They will also frequently head to Tulum which is a Pre-Columbian city of Mayans. Tours to any of these locations will give visitors a unique view of the archaeological, historical and ecological significance of the Mayan Riviera, and they are all incredibly convenient for those on a vacation in Playa del Carmen.
Emergency Services
Those visiting the area need not worry about a lack of appropriate medical or emergency services. Many of the all-inclusive resorts have on-site staff and many of the hotels also make doctors and physicians available. The region has such a significant year round population that there is no lacking of appropriate facilities or services.
The police forces of the region are also adequately matched to the population, but crime against visitors is known to be nearly non-existent.
General travel advice
A vacation in Playa del Carmen can be as simple or as relaxed as desired. There are many ways to get around, and among the most popular are on foot, via a bicycle scooter rental for those who want to move faster and for the adventurers you can also find ATVs “It’s just fun”, if your desire is to go out of Playa, you can always take a colectivo that is a common white Vans which can take a visitor from Playa as far south as Tulum, or all the way to Cancun for a very reasonable price.
The town is a shopping hub and any traditional conveniences can be found easily, including all pharmacy goods and products, clothing, even scuba gear.
