|  Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) and known as the capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya). Located on the beautiful Caribbean coast some 40 miles (60 kms.) south of Cancun, Playa , as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the Cancun -Tulum Corridor of Quintana Roo ( now called Mayan Riviera ).
Playa Del Carmen is a fantastic place to spend your vacation, hang out, or live. The town has grown along the beach, so wherever you go, you will feel the closeness to the ocean. The main street is called Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue. It is a pedestrian walkway and a common point of reference. South of the dock is an area called Playacar. This
planned development is where all the big, all-inclusive resorts are located. You'll also find the golf course, some private homes
and condos, the aviary, and some interesting Mayan ruins.
There are diving facilities both inland and in the sea, the deep waters separating it from
Cozumel are ideal for sport fishing, the jungle invites you to explore its lush, magical world while trips to nearby archaeological sites are extremely gratifying. Playa Del Carmen is blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters that's proving harder and harder to find. It's a place for those in search of the real Caribbean. Experience Playa del Carmen and the endless adventures Mundo Maya has to offer.
Playa del Carmen Activities
If your visit to Playa del Carmen coincides with a full moon, you could camp on the beach and enjoy one of the celebrations the inhabitants hold in its honor. Playa del Carmen provides an enormous variety of water activities, ranging from swimming on the beach, or more strenuous sports such as windsurfing, sailing or diving in the nearby reefs to going on boat trips or using other types of watercraft.
Cenotes (freshwater sinkhole)
Worlds Cenotes, located in the heart of the Yucatan's underwater cavern region, is offering the unique opportunity to experience cavern diving and snorkeling at its best. Enjoy the ultimate in world renowned cavern diving at Cenote Dos Ojos and the Bat Cave, an exploration of underwater caverns decorated unlike any others in the world.
Scuba diving in Playa del Carmen
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, which is a great experience.
Akumal
Also known as "The Place of the Turtle" (translation from Maya language) this place is main bay is protected by a coral reef, which is now turned into a natural aquarium and 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 came led by Itzamna after separating from Acalon. They 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, is small but exquisitely poised on the fifteen-meter-high cliffs above the Caribbean. When the Spanish first set eyes on the place in 1518, they considered it as large and beautiful a city as Seville, Spain. They were, perhaps 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. Nevertheless, thanks to the setting, it sticks in the memory like no other.
Coba
This archeological site was constructed in between two lakes. More than 80 squared kilometers of buildings and remains. Its main pyramid is the tallest of the whole Peninsula with 42 meters high (130 feet tall) overlooking the rain forest area.
Sian ka'an biosphere reserve
Heading south of Playa del Carmen, travelers can get to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as "the place where the sky begins". It is an area of 530,000 hectare formed by rain forest, lakes, swamps, coast ponds, bays and reefs; all of which also come to be the natural habitat of thousands of animal species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and an astonishing 345 species of birds. About 1,000 inhabitants in the reserve live off fishing. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.
Xel-ha
This place is considerate the largest natural aquarium in the world. Conformed by a huge inlet is a nice setting for hundreds of tropical fishes; known also for its site ruins, many cenotes and caves. Restaurants, showers and lockers available.
Reef Club Playacar
Is an All Inclusive resort located next to 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 provides a unique feeling of freedom and natural relaxation amidst lush tropical jungle greenery, natural springs (cenotes), vestiges of Mayan ruins and much more. The Reef Club Playacar is the first resort in the Playacar development area, within 15 minutes walking distance to downtown Playa del Carmen and the pier, from where the ferry to Cozumel takes only 45 minutes.
Xcaret
Playa Del Carmen is also an ideal spot for visiting one of the most beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the place where ferries set off to the Island of Cozumel. It is also near the natural well area of Puerto Aventuras while the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha, is just forty-five minutes away.
Shopping in Playa del Carmen
Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is Playa del Carmen's main shopping area. This pedestrian walkway is also home too much of Playa's action both during the day and night. Not only does have many shopping options, but also restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
All sort of handcrafts from Mexico's different regions, clothes and beach-ware, hammocks and Mexican articles at the open markets including furniture, and silver jewelry available.
Nightlife in Playa del Carmen
The evening offers a number of options such as places to dance and shake off the insomnia caused by Caribbean nights, popular fiestas on the beaches and lively bars. Down the 5th avenue you will find a bunch of bars and discos with a great friendly and lively ambiance. Some of best places to dance are El Espiral and El Señor Frogs. If you'd like to have a drink and listen to good music, Captain Tutics, Safari and The Blue Parrot are all excellent choices.
Ferry services in Playa del Carmen
The ferry to Cozumel Island is located in Playa del Carmen, with scheduled trips there and back several times a day. You'll also be close to the Eco-Parks in the area.
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Information about Playa del Carmen, Mexico