Playa del Carmen

On the Mexican Caribbean coast on Yucatan peninsula, not far away from the tourist strip Cancun lies Playa del Carmen, a bathing-and diver's paradise with beautiful beaches and a very interesting environment. 

As a touristic destination, Playa del Carmen is still very young, 30 years ago the place was still a small sleepy fishing village. Today, there are many tourists who come here. "Playa", as the place is affectionately called, became one of the most popular resorts on the Riviera Maya.

It is also one of the best diving sites in Mexico and very easy to reach. The airport can be reached by car over the highway within 45 minutes. In 40 minutes one can travel to the island Cozumel by ferry.

Playa del Carmen is touristy but still a little more contemplative than Cancun. Still you can stroll on the Quinta Avenida, the boulevard of the city, wander along the many restaurants and taste fantastic regional cuisine.

There are also many shopping centers, colorful little shops and souvenir stalls, there are nightclubs and bars, but also still silent dreamy spots for all, that love nature and want to relax the soul. The absolute highlight of Playa is and will remain the beach.

White and with fine sand, shaded by palm trees, the beach falls flat to the turquoise blue water and is also perfect for families with children. Many providers of all water sports are here, especially around the old lighthouse and offer diving courses, surf courses, kayaking, boat trips and water skis.

The surrounding area of Playa del Carmen has many attractions to offer. Barely an hour away are the ruins of the ancient Mayan city Tulum located on a cliff above the sea. A visit to this to witness an extinct high culture is very worthwhile. 

A visit to the city Cancun should be a part of the travel program. This town between the Caribbean and the huge lagoon Nichupte is also still young. But since Mexico has discovered tourism, Cancun is a growing international tourist town with a lot of luxury and choices.

The city has a lot to offer as well like the Museo de Antropología at the Convention Center and the Museo del Aire libre, as well as the ruins of Yamil Lu'to. Nature lovers should not miss the Crococum eco park visit.

It includes Botanical Gardens and enclosures in which several different turtles, iguanas, monkeys, deer, birds and the strange hairless dogs of the Mayans live.

There is also a large crocodile farm, in which one can watch sweet-and salt water crocodiles. If you want you can touch a baby crocodile also.