Playa del Carmen--or Playa, as it is commonly known--is a seaside town 70 km south of Cancun and 20 km west of Cozumel on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The resort is popular with holidaymakers for its pristine coastline, and the area has good retail facilities as well as ecological and historical attractions, such as Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park.
Mayan Ruins
The Mayan Ruins are located throughout the Yucatan peninsula, with some of the stunning stone structures in Playa del Carmen and in Playacar. They date back nearly 1,200 years and were constructed by the Maya without the use of cartwheels or metal tools. Perhaps the most impressive of these structures is at Tulum, 50 km down the coast from Playa. Visitors will find the site of a pre-Colombian Maya walled city, the ruins of which sit on the cliff tops along the east coast of the Caribbean Sea. Tourists can enjoy views of the ocean from the main temple.
Xcaret
Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park, 2.6 km south of Playa, which celebrates the area's biodiversity and culture. Visitors can see the local flora and fauna while visiting areas of the park, such as the bat cave, the mushroom farm, or the butterfly pavilion. There are a range of cultural exhibitions at the park, including a mock Mayan village, a collection of sculptures and a House of Whispers, where traditional Mexican handcrafts are sold. The park specializes in water activities, offering visitors the chance to go snorkeling or to swim with dolphins.
Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida--also referred to as 5th Avenue--is a cobbled pedestrian-only area of Playa, which spans 20 blocks and is packed with restaurants, shops and bars. Running parallel to the ocean, the strip is the main tourist thoroughfare where visitors can find a range of cuisine, from Italian restaurants to American diners and typical Mexican eateries. There are often street entertainers--such as fire breathers, mimes or clowns--working the strip for tips, adding to the vibrancy of the area. As this is the main tourist hot spot of Playa, prices tend to be higher in restaurants and bars, and as visitors move farther away from Quinta Avenida, they may find cheaper places to dine.
Cozumel
Perfect for a day trip, the island of Cozumel is visible from Playa, just across the coast from the mainland. It is Mexico's biggest island and boats operate tours daily. While there are plenty restaurants and bars to entertain visitors--including a Hard Rock Cafe--the island is particularly popular for its snorkeling and diving facilities. Its waters boast beautiful reefs and snorkelers are able to dive directly off the beaches of Cozumel with greater ease than in Playa. However, transport on the island is not great, and most visitors have to use taxis or rent a car to get around.
Beaches
One of Playa's main attractions is its unspoiled coastline, such as at Playa Tukan, at the north end of the town. Sunbathers can rent canopy beds on the beach, and the Mamitas Beach Club offers all-day entertainment. Topless sunbathing is accepted by locals. There are also beaches along 5th Avenue and along the ferry docks--although both of these areas can be busy. Walking farther south or north allows visitors to find more secluded patches of coastline, which are often lined with jungle.
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