Playa del Carmen Destination Guide

Playa del Carmen, now called "Playa" was once thought of as a rest stop for travelers making their way from the cities of the Mayan world to the island of Cozumel.  Today it is considered a nice place to relax away from the crowds of Cancun but it shares the same alabaster-white beaches and turquoise waters found in Cancun.  Playa del Carmen's gentle surf and coral reefs offer excellent scuba diving opportunities, as well as cenote diving for the more adventurous.  Scuba Diving should be the feature thing to do for Playa Del Carmen activities in the water.

If this is your first trip to Playa Del Carmen you will notice the strong foreign influence of the Europeans who discovered this once sleepy village.  It's delicious resturants, pristine beaches by day, and the lively nightlife of the evening provide the Mexican-Carribean feeling that leaves you wanting more.  Playa provides adventure, culture, relaxation, and fun - all part of an experience you'll never forget.  Whether it is your first trip to Playa del Carmen on holidays, or a return visit, our Playa del Carmen destination guide will provide you with the best places to be, and show case some Playa Del Carmen activities to experience during your stay.

Playa Del Carmen Attractions

Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue is a pedestrian walkway and common point of reference for travelers to Playa.  Exploring Quinta Avenida should be a must visit and be part of every destination guide for Playa Del Carmen. Known as the main street of Playa Del Carmen, you will find hotels, and open-air restaurants with reasonable prices and deliciously tasting authentic Mexican food in a variety of settings and a wide selection of bars.  While shopping you will find your choices range from chic-European style boutiques to the funky handcrafted stalls that goes on for blocks and blocks and sell anything you can dream of. 

Xel-Ha, A Play Del Carmen travel guide would not be complete without a mention of Xel-Ha.  Xel-Ha is a wonderful activity for the whole family and many will tell you that it is one of the world's most spectacular aquariums in the world, making it a nature lover's paradise.  This aquatic adventure will take you on an exploration of creeks, lagoons, natural wells, and ancient caves that are fed by the subterranean rivers, which flow to Mexico's beautiful Caribbean Sea.  The reef barrier keeps the predators out and protects the ecological preserve while giving you the chance to experience a freshwater river and a saltwater lagoon all at the same time.  An experience you will never forget is when you swim with the dolphins.

Xcaret, an eco-park on the coast, is loaded with activities to try while in Playa Del Carmen.  You can snorkel in the underground river, observe the wonders of the aquarium, enjoy the butterfly exhibit, the sea turtles nesting, or even walk among ancient Mayan ruins.  A perfect end to your visit will be when you experience Xcaret's wonderful night show.

The Aviary, if you have ever wanted to experience the wonder of the jungle you will love to wander through the botanical garden where you will find Flamingos and long-legged birds.  As you wander about the ponds you will occasionally find an adventurous bird hop onto the pedestrian path.  Overhead you will see parrots of many colors and hear them squawking in the trees.  While in the main enclosure you can get within ten feet of a toucan.  There are many Playa Del Carmen tours available to help you navigate the jungle, so don't worry if this is your first time visiting.

Scuba Diving, For those who love the underwater adventure of scuba diving you will marvel at the magic of the almost virginal underwater environment of the waters of Playa del Carmen.  If you are looking for a safe and comfortable place to drift dive, the tunnel-like effect between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island, with its reef extensions is the place to be. 

Playa del Carmen Beaches, Playa del Carmen, known as a family-oriented vacation destination attracts families and couples alike.  An overview of the Playa Del Carmen beaches is the perfect compliment to any Playa del Carmen travel guide.  A playground to all, the beaches of Playa del Carmen stretch northward and southward from the ferry docks.  North of the docks, the city itself is paralleled by white, translucent beach with many access points.  You can bask in the warm sun while enjoying a cool drink or build sandcastles with your children on the beautiful white sand along the waters edge.  The calm waters and the gentle surf make any of Playa del Carmen beaches suitable for everyone to enjoy. 

When the sun goes down if you are looking for an exciting fun packed evening of activities, Playa del Carmen's nightlife is what you want to experience.  From the Dragon Bar at the Blue Parrot, the Mambo Café, the Alux, Senor Frogs or the cozy hole-in-the wall bars, there is something for everyone.  Whatever your tastes, you can sit and relax with a cold beer, glass of wine or your imaginations delight, while chatting with a passerby, your best friend or the love of your life.  If dancing is your thing then you can dance the night away on the warm white sand to music that ranges from Caribbean reggae to electronica, sounds which are as good as any world-class club.

Whether you come to Play del Carmen to visit the Mayan ruins, snorkel, fish, horseback ride on the beach, or dance the night away in the bars along the beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Playa Del Carmen offers a majestic getaway from the rhetoric of your everyday life.  Our Playa del Carmen destination guide will point you in the right direction.  Bring the family, come by yourself or make new friends, we guarantee you will enjoy your trip to Playa del Carmen and it will be a trip to remember.