Playa del Carmen Destinations
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Playa del Carmen Destinations and Things to do
Cenotes (freshwater underground springs) Located in the heart of the Yucatan’s underwater cavern region, there is an opportunity in Playa to experience cavern diving and snorkeling. Cavern diving is available at Cenote Dos Ojos. Tour the Bat Cave, and experience underwater caverns decorated unlike any others in the world.
Scuba Diving Extreme sports enthusiasts will enjoy scuba diving in the open seas in the crystal-clear waters of Playa del Carmen. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef, located less than 100 meters out from the beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the caves: a great experience.
Akumal Also known as “The Place of the Turtle” Akumal is a bay protected by a coral reef, which has been developed as a natural aquarium and an excellent site to learn how to scuba dive and snorkel. It has not so shallow waters and no streams affect it, so it is like a big natural swimming-pool waiting to be explored.
Archaeological Sites near Playa del Carmen Several of Mexico’s famous archaeological sites can be reached from Playa del Carmen, such as:
Chichen Itza This archaeological city of the state of Yucatan was founded by the Maya-Itzas who arrived in the Peninsula around the year 435-455 A.D.. Chichen was occupied twice. The first occupation was from 495 to 692, and the second from 948 to 1204. The architecture of the first period is considered to be authentically Maya, and the second is considered to have Toltec influence, since it has certain elements in common with those found in Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltec-Hueytlapalanecas.
Tulum Considered by many as the most beautiful of the Mayan sites, it is small, but is exquisitely poised on the fifteen-meter-high cliffs above the Caribbean. The Spanish first considered it to be as large and beautiful a city as Seville, Spain. They were apparently misled by their dreams of El Dorado, by the glory of its position, and by the brightly painted facades of the buildings. Architecturally, Tulum is no match for these great cities, but it is striking in its appearance.
Coba This archeological site was constructed between two lakes. More than 80 square kilometers of buildings remain. Its main pyramid is the tallest of the whole Peninsula and is 130 feet tall. It overlooks the rain forest area.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Heading south from Playa del Carmen, travelers reach the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as “the place where the sky begins”. It is an area of rain forest, lakes, swamps, coastal ponds, bays and reefs, all of which are the natural habitat of thousands of species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and 345 species of birds. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.
Xel-ha This is considered to be the largest natural aquarium in the world. Formed by a huge inlet, it is a setting for hundreds of tropical fish; and is also known also for its ruins, cenotes, and caves. Restaurants,, showers, and lockers are available.
Swimming With Dolphins
In the two nature parks south of Playa, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, you can have the opportunity of interacting with dolphins.
Reef Club Playacar This All Inclusive resort is located in Playa del Carmen, on the coast of the Riviera Maya, 40 minutes south of Cancun. Nestled on one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, the resort setting is one of lush tropical jungle greenery, natural springs (cenotes), and vestiges of Mayan ruins. The Reef Club Playacar is the first resort in the Playacar development area, within 15 minutes walking distance of downtown Playa del Carmen and the pier, from which the ferry to Cozumel departs.
Xcaret Playa Del Carmen is an ideal spot for visiting one of the most beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the point from which ferries set out for the 45 minute ride to the Island of Cozumel. It is near the natural well area of Puerto Aventuras.
Shopping in Playa del Carmen Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is Playa del Carmen’s main shopping area. This pedestrian walkway is also home to much of Playa’s activity both during the day and night. Not only does it have many shopping options, but also restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
All sort of handcrafts from Mexico’s different regions, including clothes and beachwear, hammocks and Mexican articles are sold. At the open markets furniture, and silver jewelry are also available.
Nightlife in Playa del Carmen The evening offers a number of options such as places to dance. Popular fiestas take place on the beaches and in the lively bars. On 5th Avenue there are bars and discos with a lively ambiance.
Visiting the Ruined Cities of the Maya
There are four cities within easy reach of Playa and most of the coast. The easiest to reach is Tulum. A half-hour inland from Tulum on a pock-marked road is Cobá, rising up from a jungle setting. This city has not been reconstructed to the same degree as the other three and doesn’t have the rich imagery or clearly delineated architecture. The other two cites, Chich¡ and Ek Balam, are 2 1/2 hours distant in the interior of the peninsula.
Tours
From Playa and the rest of the coast there are tours to the ruins. The tour buses usually stop at a few places along the way for refreshments and souvenirs. Some combine the ruins of Tulum with a visit to a nature park.
There is a tour agency in Playa called Alltournative: 984/873-2036 which offers small tours that combine a visit to a contemporary Mayan village; kayaking, rappelling, snorkeling, and cenote diving; natural history; and ruins. It offers these tours daily using vans for transportation.
Call the agency directly or arrange a tour through your hotel; they pick up at most of the large resorts that are along the coast.
Sian Ka’an Biopreserve Ecological Tour
This originates from Tulum.
The Nature Parks: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, & Tres Rios: These parks require full-day excursions, and offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and other aquatic activities, educational tours highlighting the region’s natural history and local Mayan culture and entertainment. They are completely self-contained and offer food, drink, watersports equipment, and various choices of merchandise. Tres isn’t far north of Playa. Xcaret is just south of Playa, while Xel-Ha is further south, almost to Tulum.
Sports
Deep Sea Fishing
The largest marina on the coast is at Puerto Aventuras, not far south of Playa. There you will find a number of options for boating and fishing.
Horseback Riding
There are several places along the highway that offer horseback rides. One is just south of Playa near the Calica Pier and is called Rancho Punta Venado (984/877-9701).There is a clearly marked sign.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
In Playa, Tank-Ha Dive Center 984/873-0302;arranges reef and cavern diving. The owner offers reef and cenote diving excursions. He and his staff speak English. There are also good dive shops in Puerto Morelos, north of Playa, and in Akumal, south of Playa. The area around Akumal has a number of underwater caverns and cenotes that have become popular scuba and snorkeling destinations. The Akumal Dive Shop specializes in cavern diving and offers a variety of dives.
Hidden Worlds Cenotes, 15km south of Akumal provides everything, including wet suit.
Golf
an 18-hole championship golf course (984/873-0624), designed by Robert Von Hagge, is adjacent to the Continental Plaza Playacar. The club also has two tennis courts.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Heading south of Playa del Carmen, travelers reach the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as “the place where the sky begins”. It is an area of rain forest, lakes, swamps, coastal ponds, bays and reefs, all of which are the natural habitat of thousands of species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and 345 species of birds. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.
Xel-ha This is considered to be the largest natural aquarium in the world. Formed by a huge inlet, it is a setting for hundreds of tropical fish; and is also known also for its ruins, cenotes, and caves. Restaurants,, showers, and lockers are available.
Swimming With Dolphins
In the two nature parks south of Playa, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, you can have the opportunity of interacting with dolphins.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
January Jan 1st: Public holiday.
March Mid-March: Carnival with dancing, parades and floats
June June 1: Navy Day Fishing Tournament. Playa Del Carmen hosts an annual fishing tournament.
September September 16: Independence Day. Public holiday celebrated throughout Mexico with grand parades.
December December 16 - December 24: Las Posadas. Each night the faithful re-enact Joseph and Mary’s search for posada (shelter) on their journey to Belen. For others, it’s an occasion for a party. Many hotels and restaurants hold their own posada festivities.
Check for Playa del Carmen Last Minute Travel Deals, Playa del Carmen Hot Rate Hotels, Playa del Carmen Travel & Vacation Packages, Playa del Carmen Car Rentals.
* Region: Yucatan
* Geography: Northern Hemisphere
Scuba Diving Extreme sports enthusiasts will enjoy scuba diving in the open seas in the crystal-clear waters of Playa del Carmen. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef, located less than 100 meters out from the beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the caves: a great experience.
Akumal Also known as “The Place of the Turtle” Akumal is a bay protected by a coral reef, which has been developed as a natural aquarium and an excellent site to learn how to scuba dive and snorkel. It has not so shallow waters and no streams affect it, so it is like a big natural swimming-pool waiting to be explored.
Archaeological Sites near Playa del Carmen Several of Mexico’s famous archaeological sites can be reached from Playa del Carmen, such as:
Chichen Itza This archaeological city of the state of Yucatan was founded by the Maya-Itzas who arrived in the Peninsula around the year 435-455 A.D.. Chichen was occupied twice. The first occupation was from 495 to 692, and the second from 948 to 1204. The architecture of the first period is considered to be authentically Maya, and the second is considered to have Toltec influence, since it has certain elements in common with those found in Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltec-Hueytlapalanecas.
Tulum Considered by many as the most beautiful of the Mayan sites, it is small, but is exquisitely poised on the fifteen-meter-high cliffs above the Caribbean. The Spanish first considered it to be as large and beautiful a city as Seville, Spain. They were apparently misled by their dreams of El Dorado, by the glory of its position, and by the brightly painted facades of the buildings. Architecturally, Tulum is no match for these great cities, but it is striking in its appearance.
Coba This archeological site was constructed between two lakes. More than 80 square kilometers of buildings remain. Its main pyramid is the tallest of the whole Peninsula and is 130 feet tall. It overlooks the rain forest area.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Heading south from Playa del Carmen, travelers reach the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as “the place where the sky begins”. It is an area of rain forest, lakes, swamps, coastal ponds, bays and reefs, all of which are the natural habitat of thousands of species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and 345 species of birds. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.
Xel-ha This is considered to be the largest natural aquarium in the world. Formed by a huge inlet, it is a setting for hundreds of tropical fish; and is also known also for its ruins, cenotes, and caves. Restaurants,, showers, and lockers are available.
Swimming With Dolphins
In the two nature parks south of Playa, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, you can have the opportunity of interacting with dolphins.
Reef Club Playacar This All Inclusive resort is located in Playa del Carmen, on the coast of the Riviera Maya, 40 minutes south of Cancun. Nestled on one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, the resort setting is one of lush tropical jungle greenery, natural springs (cenotes), and vestiges of Mayan ruins. The Reef Club Playacar is the first resort in the Playacar development area, within 15 minutes walking distance of downtown Playa del Carmen and the pier, from which the ferry to Cozumel departs.
Xcaret Playa Del Carmen is an ideal spot for visiting one of the most beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the point from which ferries set out for the 45 minute ride to the Island of Cozumel. It is near the natural well area of Puerto Aventuras.
Shopping in Playa del Carmen Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is Playa del Carmen’s main shopping area. This pedestrian walkway is also home to much of Playa’s activity both during the day and night. Not only does it have many shopping options, but also restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
All sort of handcrafts from Mexico’s different regions, including clothes and beachwear, hammocks and Mexican articles are sold. At the open markets furniture, and silver jewelry are also available.
Nightlife in Playa del Carmen The evening offers a number of options such as places to dance. Popular fiestas take place on the beaches and in the lively bars. On 5th Avenue there are bars and discos with a lively ambiance.
Visiting the Ruined Cities of the Maya
There are four cities within easy reach of Playa and most of the coast. The easiest to reach is Tulum. A half-hour inland from Tulum on a pock-marked road is Coba, rising up from a jungle setting. This city has not been reconstructed to the same degree as the other three and doesn’t have the rich imagery or clearly delineated architecture. The other two cites, Chich¡ and Ek Balam, are 2 1/2 hours distant in the interior of the peninsula.
Tours
From Playa and the rest of the coast there are tours to the ruins. The tour buses usually stop at a few places along the way for refreshments and souvenirs. Some combine the ruins of Tulum with a visit to a nature park.
There is a tour agency in Playa called Alltournative: 984/873-2036 which offers small tours that combine a visit to a contemporary Mayan village; kayaking, rappelling, snorkeling, and cenote diving; natural history; and ruins. It offers these tours daily using vans for transportation.
Call the agency directly or arrange a tour through your hotel; they pick up at most of the large resorts that are along the coast.
**Sian Ka’an Biopreserve Ecological Tour*
This originates from Tulum.
The Nature Parks: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, & Tres Rios: These parks require full-day excursions, and offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and other aquatic activities, educational tours highlighting the region’s natural history and local Mayan culture and entertainment. They are completely self-contained and offer food, drink, watersports equipment, and various choices of merchandise. Tres isn’t far north of Playa. Xcaret is just south of Playa, while Xel-Ha is further south, almost to Tulum.
**Sports*
Deep Sea Fishing
The largest marina on the coast is at Puerto Aventuras, not far south of Playa. There you will find a number of options for boating and fishing.
Horseback Riding
There are several places along the highway that offer horseback rides. One is just south of Playa near the Calica Pier and is called Rancho Punta Venado (984/877-9701).There is a clearly marked sign.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
In Playa, Tank-Ha Dive Center 984/873-0302;arranges reef and cavern diving. The owner offers reef and cenote diving excursions. He and his staff speak English. There are also good dive shops in Puerto Morelos, north of Playa, and in Akumal, south of Playa. The area around Akumal has a number of underwater caverns and cenotes that have become popular scuba and snorkeling destinations. The Akumal Dive Shop specializes in cavern diving and offers a variety of dives.
Hidden Worlds Cenotes, 15km south of Akumal provides everything, including wet suit.
Golf
an 18-hole championship golf course (984/873-0624), designed by Robert Von Hagge, is adjacent to the Continental Plaza Playacar. The club also has two tennis courts.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Heading south of Playa del Carmen, travelers reach the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as “the place where the sky begins”. It is an area of rain forest, lakes, swamps, coastal ponds, bays and reefs, all of which are the natural habitat of thousands of species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and 345 species of birds. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.
Xel-ha This is considered to be the largest natural aquarium in the world. Formed by a huge inlet, it is a setting for hundreds of tropical fish; and is also known also for its ruins, cenotes, and caves. Restaurants,, showers, and lockers are available.
Swimming With Dolphins
In the two nature parks south of Playa, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, you can have the opportunity of interacting with dolphins.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
January Jan 1st: Public holiday.
March Mid-March: Carnival with dancing, parades and floats
June June 1: Navy Day Fishing Tournament. Playa Del Carmen hosts an annual fishing tournament.
September September 16: Independence Day. Public holiday celebrated throughout Mexico with grand parades.
December December 16 - December 24: Las Posadas. Each night the faithful re-enact Joseph and Mary’s search for posada (shelter) on their journey to Belen. For others, it’s an occasion for a party. Many hotels and restaurants hold their own posada festivities.
Check for Playa del Carmen Last Minute Travel Deals, Playa del Carmen Hot Rate Hotels, Playa del Carmen Travel & Vacation Packages, Playa del Carmen Car Rentals.
* Region: Yucatan
* Geography: Northern Hemisphere