Cliff Notes Guide To Playa Del Carmen
Situated along the coastline of the Yucatan, washed by the waves of the Caribbean Sea sits Playa Del Carmen. The city is growing constantly, though it used to be just a quaint fishing village, it has grown to over one hundred thousand people making the third largest city in the state. Tourism is now the major industry in Playa, as it is for the neighboring Cancun, though life is still quiet and charming by and large.
What should you do and see while visiting this region of Mexico? In Playa Del Carmen is one of the most beautiful natural parks in all of Mexico called the Xcarat. Explore beautiful Mayan ruins, experience life as it was hundreds of years ago, and enjoy the amazing natural beauty of the region including swimming in cenotes and snorkeling in the warm crystal clear waters.
While Playa does maintain its reputation of being calmer than Cancun, it is slowly becoming more and more of a party town. As more resorts and clubs open up on the renowned 5th avenue and along the beach, they bring along many tourists from varied international locals. Topless sunbathing is quite common on the beaches here, though technically not permitted, reflecting a strong European influence. If you are looking for a truly sleepy Mexican pueblo experience than you will want to visit the nearby Tulum to enjoy a little calmer atmosphere. But if you are young and looking for a good mixture of fun and relaxation, then Playa is the place for you.
Perhaps one of the best reasons to stay here is the fact that it is ideally situated to tour all of the Yucatan. You can catch a quick ferry Cozumel or a short bus to Cancun, you can explore the ruins that fill the area, and you can visit Tulum as well for some much needed R&R. You can pack your luggage light since it’s warm weather! While in Tulum or Cozumel be sure you don’t miss out on taking a snorkel tour or even a dive tour with a certified dive operation to enjoy the beautiful waters and amazing fish. The diving isn’t as good around Playa Del Carmen, though it is still quite extraordinary if you are brand new to the experience.
If you are lucky you might come at a time when they are hosting a sand sculpture competition. This is common in the area since the powdery white sand is perfect for sculpting. Maybe you could even try your hand at the competition and see what your creativity is capable of!
Don’t worry too much about money or changing your money. The dollar is widely welcomed, ATM’s are easily reached and give you the best exchange rate possible for withdrawing cash from your foreign checking account, and Visa and Mastercard are almost universally accepted as well. The days of travelers checks and changing your money before hand are long gone.
July and August can sometimes have inclement weather such as high heat and rains with a potential hurricane. Though you will generally find cheaper rates if you travel during these times. The rest of the year is very enjoyable, though it never actually gets “cold” per se…
The more you explore Playa Del Carmen, the more you see what it has to offer. It can get crowded during the tourist seasons, so book your rooms in advance. Be sure you make the most of your vacation and get out to see this amazing part of Mexico. With a little research you will be well on your way to having an unforgettable tropical vacation experience!