Take a trip! El Dorado Royale Located south of Cancun, Mexico on the secluded, white sand of Punta Brava Beach, El Dorado Royale presents a deluxe all inclusive spa resort amidst 450 acres of tropical jungle..  More Info ... Mayan Paradise The Mayan Paradise Hotel is an enchanting brand new hotel, pleased to offer you comfort and luxury of Mayan Caribbean hospitality. Located in the charming Playa del Carmen village, the Mayan Paradise sits in the Tourist Corridor between Cancun and Tulum.  More Info ... Reef Club Playacar All Inclusive Resort - Nestled on one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, the resort provides a unique feeling of freedom and natural relaxation amidst lush tropical jungle greenery, natural springs (cenotes), vestiges of Mayan ruins and much more.  More Info ...

Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Explore the Mexican Mayan Rivera along the Caribbean Coast.

The once sleepy village of Playa del Carmen doubled twice in population in the last few years, mainly due to Europeans who discovered the alabaster-white beaches, gentle surf, coral reefs and slow lifestyle were the equal of the more expensive island of Cozumel just across the straits. Playa's dock is the pier for the 'people ferry' to Cozumel, so it's only a short trip over to snorkel or dive on Cozumel's incredible coral reefs.

The strong Italian (and German) influence has created a unique vagabond traveler ambiance. Numerous outrageously delicious Italian restaurants provide sustenance and several German-owned hotels raise the standards of service to exacting levels. Combine that with a relaxed Mexican-Caribbean feeling and a sprinkling of American free-spirits and you've got Playa. It's definitely not the place to 'get away,' but it is a place to enjoy marvelous beaches by day and a lively nightlife in the evening. The mix of backpackers, archeological buffs and New Age sun worshippers makes Playa very interesting and worth some time.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico boasts miles of sandy, palm lined beaches, bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Dozens of varied restaurants and hotels are available to meet any budget or taste, and a tranquil and serene atmosphere and attitude that you won't find in tourist meccas like Cancun or Cozumel. Hit the beach and enjoy many watersports from windsurfing to scuba diving, jetskiing to peaceful snorkeling. Lie on the beach and tan, or boogie the night away to live music at a local hotspot. Take a short daytrip and visit Mayan ruins nestled in the jungle at Coba, or overlooking the Caribbean at Tulum. Visit the natural aquariums at Xel-Ha, or the nearby park at Xcaret.

In Playa and its surrounding environs you'll discover some of the worlds best diving and snorkeling (Cozumel is only 45 minutes from Playa on the ferry!). The waters are crystal clear, boast incredible visibility, and a diversity of marine plant and animal life forms in size, shapes, and colors that will astound the pro and novice alike.

Please note that coral reefs are extremely fragile and vulnerable. The lightest touch of hand or flipper can destroy years of growth. So please, DON'T TOUCH!!

Stroll along the new pedestrian walkway and discover fine dining and great shopping opportunities. Take a day trip and have an adventure...centoes, snorkeling, ruins, swimming, lagoons - it's all kick ass!  Our restaurants run the gamut from fresh seafood to T-bone steaks. Traditional Mexican, Yucatecan, French, and Italian dishes are all offered. Tacos and fresh pizza, spaghetti or grilled shish kabobs... lobster and shrimp... tropical fruit drinks and salads... Whatever your taste, chances are you can find it here in PLAYA!! 

Getting Around

The main road into town, Av. Juarez or Av. Principal, depending on whom you ask, leads you right to the ferry dock and the pedestrian-only 5th Avenue, running perpendicular to the beach. It boasts many of the town's hotels, stores and restaurants. The bus station is right there at Av. 5 and Juarez and is a hub for further journeys down to Tulum, Chetumal and Belize. Most hotels are within easy walking distance from the bus and the street in front of the station is full of men on large yellow tricycles (triciclos), who will ride you and/or your luggage cheaply to your hotel in a Mexican version of a rickshaw. If your hotel isn't close or you have to go on the back streets of Playa, get a cab right there. In 1994, in response to the growing popularity of the town, the streets were torn up for sewer and water lines. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough money left to repave them. Consequently, many of the new streets look as if the American Air Force has been using them as target practice with 500 lb smart bombs. The water- filled potholes in the unpaved roads outside of the oldest part of town make traffic crawl and require zig-zagging to the max.

A stroll on the beach leads to Playa's attractive lighthouse (faro), where you can climb its exterior circular cement staircase to the top. The view is excellent and provides a great photo op.

Adventures

Golf is available in Playacar on an 18-hole course designed by Robert Von Hagge. Beachcombers could hike north and make a whole day of it, relaxing in one or two beachside restaurants along the way. Wear a hat and much sunscreen.

Check for hotel availability in Playa del Carmen.  Or, Check out our site on Playa: PlayaDelCarmen.com