Visit Playa del Carmen
There is no way to talk about Playa del Carmen without mentioning Cancún. The two cities are two hits of Mexican tourism, but at the same time they live in complete antagonism. If Cancún is a modern and grandiose space, perfect for shopping, as well as representing fun all day long, Playa del Carmen is the hippie cousin, alternative and intimate, where tranquility is essential.
The two cities are within an hour's drive of each other and, even in a short space, represent opposing tastes. Cancun is to the American taste what Playa is to the European. The coast of Playa del Carmen is protected by Cozumel, which means (with some exceptions) calm, clean and greenish sea. The Caribbean sea in this area of the Riviera Maya is an invitation to dive; along the long stretch of sand along the coast, there are no tall hotels and grandiose structures, as everything is simple and harmonious.
Playa is the kind of place to sit at a little table and watch the people come and go on the street, having a drink to cool off from the sun, or to enjoy the atmosphere of total relaxation. On the beach, the ritual is almost always the same: people lying on large mattresses, enjoying the shade of coconut trees. The city is small, but its audience is so varied that Playa has become a perfect spot for English and Spanish students to exchange and improve their languages.
Playa del Carmen does not have its own airport, but the city is just 50km from Cancún International Airport, one of the busiest in Latin America.
In the morning, the best thing about Playa del Carmen is to enjoy the sun, walk on the beach and take a dip in that blue sea. This is the ritual that almost every tourist follows when visiting the city: going to the beach. But the city doesn’t just live with sun, white sand and turquoise sea, it’s very common to take walks along the trip… of the coolest programs on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Scuba diving is sure to experience Playa from one of its most spectacular angles. In PdC, diving in cenotes or the coral reefs of Cozumel is a great opportunity to get your diving license. Those who prefer to venture into the snorkel will not be sad and will be able to discover beautiful landscapes.
Whether day or night, 5th Avenue is where the buzz of the city takes place. After enjoying a day at the beach or going for walks, be sure to walk along the avenue and eat at a restaurant or have a drink at a bar. Around 11 pm, go to Calle 12 and watch the movement in the bars, lounges and concert halls - one house next to the other, each with a different, super excited sound.
When choosing where to stay in Playa, there is no mystery. The tourist area of the city has many options of hotels, hostels and inns, some with great prices. The advantage of a trip to Playa del Carmen is that it doesn't have to be expensive; after all, you will find several accommodation alternatives that fit in your pocket. Hotels do not usually offer breakfast, but there are several restaurant options that are open for breakfast.
As 5th Avenue is the main tourist area, it is close to it that you should try to stay in order to see everything on foot. You will find good accommodation on the streets that cross 5th Av., but, to be very well located, prefer the stretch that goes from North 2nd to North 38th Street - always in the area close to 5th Avenue.
Those who want to stay close to the sea can choose one of the hotels on the edge of the beach, but those who do not stay in a hotel close to the sand can use the beach clubs, which sometimes have agreements with hotels. When choosing where to stay, remember that 12th Street is the street for clubs and nightclubs, and staying in the area can be a little noisy at night. A key tip is to choose a room with air conditioning, because the heat in the city is very strong.
Those who prefer to stay at large resorts will not be disappointed in Playa. All the big hotels are located in an area of the city called Playacar, a kind of gated community where the international chains of resorts are located. The negative points of these hotels are that they are not close to 5th Av. and have higher prices; the advantage is to have a good structure on the sand without paying anything other than the daily rates.
Enjoying good days by the sea is the right thing to do in Playa del Carmen. The sea is stunning in that region of the Caribbean and presents us with an incredible turquoise color and fine sand. The sea is warm and the region is perfect for diving, whether for swimming with a snorkel or exploring the seabed with equipment. Playa is protected by the island of Cozumel, which helps to make the sea calmer, but not always as crystal clear as in Cancún or Cozumel - the waves and transparency vary according to the winds.
The stretch of sand that goes from the center to the northern area of Playa del Carmen is no more than 6 km long, but this small space is enough to make tourists' heads. Despite this whole area being "Playa del Carmen", some stretches of sand are given different names and, consequently, some are more successful. Along the shore and close to the sand you will find very nice restaurants and beach clubs, great for stopping off and having a drink. The clubs are always a point and offer a great service with shade, drinks, mattresses and lounge chairs for those who are willing to pay. Check if your hotel has an agreement with clubs to reduce costs.
The part of the center is more used by local residents, who seek to enjoy the sea and pay less for services. For those who want to party, you can't leave Playa without visiting the Mamita's area. The restaurant and beach club that marks that stretch of sand with Kool by Playa is the space where you can see the most beautiful and lively people. To stay in a quiet area, go to the northern part, where the Hotel Gran Coco Bay is located - in addition to few people, there are several small fish in the sea.
Walking along the beach, stepping on the fine sand and being caressed by the waves is one of the most enjoyable activities in Playa del Carmen. Whether early in the morning or at sunset, be sure to walk along the beach and enjoy the beauty of this little piece of the Caribbean.
Have fun!
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