Playa del Carmen is located in the north of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast Maya Riviera.
The rapidly growing city is halfway between Cancun and Tulum. Today, the city is a popular tourist destination on the Caribbean coast of Mexico and will exceed your wildest expectations.
History
Xaman-Ha which means waters of the North, is what early Mayan settlers called Playa del Carmen as they used this area as a rest stop on their way to CozumelIsland. When traveling to Cozumel in search the goddess of fertility Ixchel, Mayan women regularly stopped and visited Playa. Originally this area was a small fishing village, but today it is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Mexico in addition to Cancun's most popular tourist destinations in Yucatan.
Nevertheless, the approximately 70,000 city residents have preserved a lot of its original charm. Unlike Cancun 40 miles North, Playa del Carmen offers a good mix of comfort and Mexican Serenity . The sea and the beaches are just as heavenly as in Cancun, but the atmosphere is far less Americanized / commercialized. So you can avoid the crowds and relax, and also enjoy the prices which are much more pleasant!
Climate
Playa del Carmen is ideal year-round - the average air temperature is around 79 degrees Fahrenheit, the water temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best time to travel for European guests is in mid-October to late April because in summer the climate is quite hot and humid. In winter, however, there is a nice dry heat and the waters are still warm.
Geography
The long coastal beach of Playa del Carmen with its white sands and crystal clear turquoise sea conveys perfectly the typical Caribbean feeling.
Unlike Cancun and more like Cozumel Island, the sea is relatively calm and on the horizon you can see that the Yucatan is upstream. The waves and winds are very gentle- ideal for swimming/diving/snorkeling in the warm waters.
Incidentally, the world's second largest reefs are found in Playa del Carmen and this makes the area one of the most famous diving spots worldwide. Snorkelers and divers of all experience levels can enjoy the beautiful waters inhabited by many tropical fish and cave diving adventure.
Downtown Playa del Carmen
The beach promenade with its lighthouse is the landmark of Playa del Carmen. This is the shopping street Quinta Avenida, also known as Fifth Avenue. Filled with numerous shops Fifth Avenue also has many restaurants offering Mexican and international cuisine. There are also many places with live music, beach bars, lounges and discos with music ranging from salsa, reggae to other international sounds for an international audience.
There is pulsating tourist life - making Playa del Carmen an ideal place to vacation. Right on the main road from Playa del Carmen after Tulum, is the Central Mayan shopping center with numerous clothing stores, restaurants and a cinema. The center is about 20 minutes (on foot) from the beach.
Excursions
Playa del Carmen has an ideal location and is the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding area. There is so much culture and history, along with the best of what nature has to offer. Here are a few top destinations:
Mayan Cultural Sites , such as Chichén Itzá, Tulum, Uxmal and Coba
Cozumel Island (Ferry ride away), because of the bright coral reefs Cozumel is one of the most popular diving spots in the Caribbean.
A trip to the 3,000 Cenotes (sink holes) and freshwater caves around Playa del Carmen offer a unique diving experience - Cave Diving that is world class!
The most famous Cenotes Sites : Grand Cenote - Sac Aktun, Casa Cenote, Dos Ojes, Cenote Sagrado
Water amusement park Xcaret: Swim with dolphins, relax on the beach in hammocks, visit the exotic wildlife, exhibitions, etc. http://www.xcaret.com/
