Playa del Carmen
| |
Photo
by Bruce Herman |
| Click
on the image for larger version |
|
The former Mayan village of Playa del Carmen today stands as a wonderful
cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. As the
capital of the Riviera Maya, the city is one of the most popular Mexican
Caribbean destinations for both Mexicans and international tourists, with
beautiful natural landscapes of sea and jungle.
Playa del Carmen lies halfway between Cancún
and Tulúm on a coastal strip that combines jungle, mangrove swamps
and white, sandy beaches. Some of the best beaches to visit are near Xcaret,
a small bay with caves and freshwater cenotes; Akumal, Xel-ha and the
ruins of Tulum. In addition to beaches, Tulum is also one of the main
archaeological zones in Quintana Roo.
Playa del Carmen also offers a variety of water sports
and outdoor activities. Snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan
Reef or nearby reefs are two of the most popular water activities, along
with biking in Tres Ríos, an ecological park located between Playa
del Carmen and Puerto Morelos, and kayaking on the Pájaros River,
near the mangrove swamps. Other attractions include sailing, sport fishing,
forest walks, and spectacular archaeological sites on the outskirts of
the city.
| |
Photo
by Bruce Herman |
| Click
on the image for larger version |
|
Playa del Carmen is a great place for handicraft shopping.
Boutiques and street vendors carry everything from colorfully embroidered
blouses and dresses from the Yucatán to decorative objects made
of copper and unique semi-precious stone jewelry. A variety of additional
crafts from different parts of Mexico are available throughout the city,
including traditional pottery and glass work.
During the evening, the city lights up with spectacular
restaurants – both local and international – and high-energy
bars and clubs. Strolling down Quinta Avenida is the best way to shop
around for a perfect restaurant, bar or cafe. For travelers interested
in dancing, the two most popular places are El Espiral and Señor
Frog’s, while Captain Tulis, Safari and The Blue Parrot are perfect
for a drink and listening to mellow music.
Playa del Carmen is a truly charming Mexican town with
colorful avenues, friendly street vendors, traditional restaurants, wonderful
bars, major resorts and boutique hotels. The city’s diversity is
immense and provides endless opportunities for travelers interested in
exploring a quaint city and enjoying a true Mexican adventure. Playa del
Carmen perfectly combines the enchantment of Mexican folklore with the
ambiance of a cosmopolitan city. |
