Playa del Carmen
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The small city of Playa del Carmen, about 25 minutes north of Puerto Aventuras, is the geographic and cultural center of the Riviera Maya, and one of Mexico's fastest-growing destinations. It is cozy, funky and quite international, though still with a Mexican flair.
Despite it's growing popularity, the pace remains delightfully slow much of the time. And the heart of this pleasant town is authentic. During the day, the central plaza is full of local youngsters playing games and Maya women selling handicrafts; in the evenings it takes on a festive air, as seemingly everyone in town gathers for a stroll. |
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Sights—The ancient Mayan temples overlooking the Caribbean at Tulum; the town's bustling main square.
Memorable Meals—Refined dining at Sur Steakhouse; nuevo Mexican cuisine in a rustic ambiance at La Cueva del Chango; authentic Italian dishes at Ristorante Da Bruno or Casa Mediterranea; fresh Mexican-style seafood at Karen's Seafood Grill.
Late Night—The lively bars on Avenida 5 and Calle 12; Cancun-style mingling and dancing at Coco Bongo and La Santanera Nightclub.
Walks—Along Avenida 5, Playa's main pedestrian walkway, lined with shops and restaurants; Playa's sandy beaches stretching north and south of the ferry dock.
Especially for Kids—Snorkeling, dolphin encounters, pony rides and exotic animals at Xcaret; underground river swimming (with life jackets) at Xplor.
Memorable Meals—Refined dining at Sur Steakhouse; nuevo Mexican cuisine in a rustic ambiance at La Cueva del Chango; authentic Italian dishes at Ristorante Da Bruno or Casa Mediterranea; fresh Mexican-style seafood at Karen's Seafood Grill.
Late Night—The lively bars on Avenida 5 and Calle 12; Cancun-style mingling and dancing at Coco Bongo and La Santanera Nightclub.
Walks—Along Avenida 5, Playa's main pedestrian walkway, lined with shops and restaurants; Playa's sandy beaches stretching north and south of the ferry dock.
Especially for Kids—Snorkeling, dolphin encounters, pony rides and exotic animals at Xcaret; underground river swimming (with life jackets) at Xplor.
Interesting Facts
- Though Spanish and English are the most common languages in town, you'll also hear Italian and German spoken by many visitors and expats.
- The shores of Playa del Carmen were the launching point for ancient Mayans who made the pilgrimage to Cozumel Island to pay homage to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. The Riviera Maya tourist office now sponsors an annual canoe excursion in May, complete with ancient rituals that replicate this passage.
- Movie director Robert Rodriguez selected Tulum as a key filming location for the 2007 thriller Grindhouse.
- Several Corona beer commercials have been filmed at the nearby beaches of Punta Venado.
- Jaguars, which are on the endangered species list and considered sacred by the Maya, still roam the jungles of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, south of Playa.
- The annual Jazz Festival, held in late November, has attracted more than 21,000 music lovers to the free, beachside event.
