Playa del Carmen, bathed by the Caribbean Sea, is situated on the Mayan Riviera, south of Cancun. Up until the mid 1980s, Playa del Carmen was a quiet fishing village with a population of less than 1,500. Over the last couple of decades it has grown into one of the Mayan Riveria’s major tourist destinations thanks to the countless attractions both in and around this fabulous location.
Playa de Carmen is at once relaxing, romantic and vibrant. Here you’ll find locals, visitors and residents from all over the world that makes for a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. If you love fine white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and caressed by a cooling breeze, then Playa del Carmen is the place for you. Here you’ll be able to admire the 7 different tones of its waters, ranging from blue to turquoise green. Visitors to this destination simply can’t resist relaxing in a beachfront hammock before taking a refreshing dip in the sea.
The Quinta Avenida is the centre of this Caribbean city. If you’re a fan of retail therapy, then you’ll adore the local craft stores dotted between the exclusive fashion boutiques that run the length of this avenue. And when it comes to eating, you’ll be spoilt for choice; you’ll find Mexican, Mayan-Yucatan, Italian, French or Asian restaurants.
Playa del Carmen is renowned for its fabulous nightlife. Take your pick from the bars on the beachfront or in the centre of town. In addition to food and drink, many also offer live entertainment and music. Enjoy the sounds of marimba or a group of Huapangueros that we can pretty much guarantee will appear on the beach. There’s no need for transport here: you can make your way from bar to bar and back to the hotel on foot.
Once you feel totally relaxed and chilled, you really should take the time to join some of the excursions to discover more about this privileged location.
If you’re a nature lover (and even if you aren’t!), you mustn’t miss a trip to the Xcaret Nature Eco-Park, which runs programmes for the conservation and reproduction of typical floral and fauna such as the sea turtle, manatee and spider monkey. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of water-based activities in its cenotes, underground rivers and lagoons.
From Playa del Carmen you can take a ferry to Cozumel, a stunningly beautiful island that is a paradise for scuba divers thanks to the magnificent coral reef that lies below its crystal-clear waters.
A tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Tulum is an unforgettable experience. Standing next to the sea, this ancient walled site, perched on top of a 12 metre cliff, boasts the remains of what was one of the most spectacular cities of the Mayan civilisation.
Those with an interest in archaeology should also take the time to visit Chichen Itza, one of the most famous cities of the Mayan civilisation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The choice is yours: when on holiday in Playa del Carmen you can either indulge in total relaxation or spend your time exploring the countless places of interest on the Mayan Riviera.
“IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has two 5 star hotels in the Playa del Carmen area. Both the IBEROSTAR Tucán and the IBEROSTAR Quetzal offer all inclusive accommodation. Guests staying at either of these hotels will be able to luxuriate in the kind of services and facilities that only hotels in this category can offer: spa services, sports, the finest gastronomy and delightful rooms. What’s more, the facilities at these hotels make them the ideal venue for weddings or business conventions.”
The flying gurnard, a species which walks on the sea floor and also has large wings (right). It’s rare, and very odd-looking. In winter we also sometimes get sharks like the bull shark – also cat sharks and whale sharks. It’s awesome.