Playa del Carmen

Location: Quintana Roo State, Yucatán Peninsula, Caribbean coast, southeast Mexico
Distance from Cancun: 42 miles south
Population: 30,000
Closest major airport: Cancún International Airport (CUN)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time

The former Mayan village of Playa del Carmen today stands as a wonderful cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. As the capital of the Riviera Maya, the city is one of the most popular Mexican Caribbean destinations for both Mexicans and international tourists, with beautiful natural landscapes of sea and jungle.

Playa del Carmen lies halfway between Cancún and Tulúm on a coastal strip that combines jungle, mangrove swamps and white, sandy beaches. Some of the best beaches to visit are near Xcaret, a small bay with caves and freshwater cenotes; Akumal, Xel-ha and the ruins of Tulum. In addition to beaches, Tulum is also one of the main archaeological zones in Quintana Roo.

Playa del Carmen also offers a variety of water sports and outdoor activities. Snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef or nearby reefs are two of the most popular water activities, along with biking in Tres Ríos, an ecological park located between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, and kayaking on the Pájaros River, near the mangrove swamps. Other attractions include sailing, sport fishing, forest walks, and spectacular archaeological sites on the outskirts of the city.

Playa del Carmen is a great place for handicraft shopping. Boutiques and street vendors carry everything from colorfully embroidered blouses and dresses from the Yucatán to decorative objects made of copper and unique semi-precious stone jewelry. A variety of additional crafts from different parts of Mexico are available throughout the city, including traditional pottery and glass work.

During the evening, the city lights up with spectacular restaurants – both local and international – and high-energy bars and clubs. Strolling down Quinta Avenida is the best way to shop around for a perfect restaurant, bar or cafe. For travelers interested in dancing, the two most popular places are El Espiral and Señor Frog’s, while Captain Tulis, Safari and The Blue Parrot are perfect for a drink and listening to mellow music.

Playa del Carmen is a truly charming Mexican town with colorful avenues, friendly street vendors, traditional restaurants, wonderful bars, major resorts and boutique hotels. The city’s diversity is immense and provides endless opportunities for travelers interested in exploring a quaint city and enjoying a true Mexican adventure. Playa del Carmen perfectly combines the enchantment of Mexican folklore with the ambiance of a cosmopolitan city.

Recommended Accommodation in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has a number of quality resorts and hotels, but the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya resort is arguably the best. Unlike many major hotel and resort chains, the Mayan Palace group has demonstrated a clear dedication to preserving the natural beauty of this enchanting city. Tropical foliage and indigenous flora and fauna are found throughout the resort grounds, and the resort's crocodile farm is home to 20 or so reptiles. Moreover the resort protects the endangered marine turtles who nest on its beaches. Only at Mayan Palace Riviera Maya can guests witness these turtles hatching between July and December of each year.