Such a beautiful, but, unfortunately, distant country like Mexico is becoming increasingly popular among domestic tourists. One of its most interesting regions is Playa del Carmen. It is about this tourist town, as well as about its attractions, that we offer to learn from our article.
Description
Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist centers of the Mayan Riviera, located between the cities of Cancum and Tulum. More recently, it was only a small fishing village. Today, a real city has grown here, whose population has exceeded 150 thousand people. Such a rapid pace of development is due to the construction of a large resort area near Playa with a complex of hotels and restaurants, huge golf courses and other entertainment.
Beaches
Since tourists come to Mexico not only to visit various interesting sights, but also to swim in the cleanest water and sunbathe on the sand, this point is very important. It is safe to say that the beaches of Playa del Carmen are one of the main advantages of the Mexican coast of the Caribbean. Transparent turquoise clear water in combination with snow-white sand will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, the local beaches are not as crowded as, for example, on the coast of Cancum. Playa del Carmen also attracts diving enthusiasts due to its clear water, beautiful reefs and a variety of bright fish. In addition, sport fishing and parasailing are popular activities.
One of the most popular beaches for family vacations is Chunzubul. This is the perfect place for snorkeling for both adults and kids. Playa del Carmen also has the best and most famous beaches in Mexico: El Faro, Shangri-la and Aleariari. The picturesque virgin nature makes them a magnificent romantic place, which annually attracts newlyweds and couples in love.
All the beaches in Playa del Carmen are well equipped, on the coast you will find many bars and cafes where you can enjoy cold drinks and a snack.
sights
Thanks to the good location in the heart of the Mexican Riviera from Playa del Carmen, a variety of interesting excursions are organized. We offer you to learn more about them.
Tulum
If you want to explore the sights of Playa del Carmen, then locals, experienced tourists and guides unanimously recommend starting with Tulum. This place is the only ancient Mayan city located on the coast. The unique combination of the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the secrets of an ancient and mysterious civilization gives Tulum special flavor. In total, 13 architectural structures have been preserved here, which include temples that have preserved bas-reliefs and frescoes, as well as a fortress wall.
Cenotes
This is the name of freshwater reservoirs that can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Most cenotes are available for swimming and diving. Some of them come to the surface, while others are located underground and surrounded by caves. They differ in size: from very small, the diameter of which does not exceed half a meter, to very large, having the dimensions of a small lake. Of particular note is the transparency of the water in the cenotes, which often reaches 70 meters. As for Playa del Carmen, there are several similar unique ponds in its environs within a 30-50 minute drive. Cenote diving requires a PADI certificate and at least five dives. If you do not have such a document, then you will be offered to swim with a snorkel and mask.
Shkaret
This name has one of the most popular Mayan Riviera ecological parks. It is located just 10 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. Shkaret is a unique complex that allows visitors to plunge into the virgin nature of Mexico and penetrate the ancient Mayan civilization. An interesting feature of the park is the presence of an underground river passing through caves and underground canals. Tourists are invited to swim on it, during which they can enjoy stunning views of petrified corals. Shkaret also offers a rich show program. The most popular spectacle with confidence can be called an evening performance, which reveals the history and culture of Mexico for guests of the country. About 300 artists take part in the grand show.
In addition, Shkaret Park includes such cultural and historical sights as the various Mayan archaeological sites, the Mexican cemetery, the Whisper House, Stained Glass Plaza, St. Francis Church and Blue Agave Plantation.
Chichen Itza
The place under this name represents the largest archaeological area of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under the protection of this organization. Visiting Chichen Itza, you will see the ancient city, the Kukulkan pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, the sacrificial platforms, the largest of the found ball fields, the Convent, the Holy Cenote, the Karakol Observatory, the group of the Thousand Columns and other cultural monuments and the history of the ancient Mayan civilization, preserved to this day.
Hidden Worlds Park
The name of this entertainment complex can be translated as “Hidden Worlds”. The park, located 25 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, offers tourists several options for jungle tours, including swimming in cenotes with a mask and snorkel, rock climbing, zipline (descents on the ropes), sky bike, diving, communication with dolphins and much more. The nature of “Hidden Worlds” is very diverse and picturesque. It is no coincidence that a large number of filming of the popular science programs of the Air Force and National Geographic channels was conducted here.
"5th Avenue"
This is the name of the central pedestrian street, where, as a rule, tourists spend their evenings relaxing in Playa del Carmen. 5 Avenue reviews are usually about nightlife or shopping. After all, all this is in abundance on this famous street. If in the evening you want to dance and have a drink, then go to "5 Avenue". On both sides of the street there are many clubs and bars. Moreover, the music in most of them plays so loud that you can dance without even going into the room. The most famous 5 Avenue clubs are Mandala and Shots Factors. Be sure to pay attention to establishments that have a sign with the inscription "meskaleria". Here you will be offered to try the traditional drink of the inhabitants of Mexico called mezcal. It is obtained from fermented blue agave juice .
In the daytime, “5 Avenue” becomes a shopping area where you can buy almost everything: from the most necessary (clothes, shoes, etc.) to a variety of souvenirs. Very popular, for example, handmade hammocks and a variety of dishes.
Hotels Playa del Carmen
Mexico, like most countries, a significant part of the budget of which is tourism revenue, offers hotel complexes for every taste and budget. Therefore, every tourist can easily choose a suitable hotel: from cheap small establishments that do not even provide breakfast, to large five-star hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis.