Playa del Carmen or simply "Playa" is a coastal resort town located in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is in the south side of Cancun and on the west side of Cozumel. It is also in the midst of the Mayan Riviera. It is a well loved tourist destination due to its relaxed atmosphere, distinct European ambiance and elegant all-inclusive resorts.
Playa del Carmen is definitely the vacation haven for those who can afford the best things that money can buy. One of their main tourist destinations is Quintana Avenida or "5th Avenue". Here you'll find a wide range of bars, restaurants, shopping venues and clubs.
Playa del Carmen Activities
There are lots to do in Playa. You can do charter fishing, swimming, diving and other water sports. Eve n topless sunbathing is tolerated in this area. When it comes to the nightlife, it is one to look forward to. Though it is not as wild as Cancun, it still has a bustling nightlife. Most of the nightclubs can be found by the beach. Some to consider are:
. El Pirata
. Blue Parrot
. Hotel Deseo
. Santenera
If you are into snorkeling and diving then Playa has an offshore reef called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef you can go to. It is regarded as the world's second largest coral reef system. Thus, most Playa del Carmen hotels have these dive shops. If they don't have one then head over to 5th Avenue.
Hotels and All-Inclusive Resorts in Playa del Carmen
In most beach locations, the best hotels are those with the beach onsite. This is not the case for Playa. Most of the finest hotels are actually a block or two from 5th Avenue and are not situated on the beach. Below are some of the best accommodations to consider:
. Om Playa del Carmen - This accommodation is located at Calle 12. It is near the beach and close to specialty shops, restaurants and night clubs along 5th Avenue. Their rates start at $55 US.
. Pueblito Luxury Condo Hotel - This accommodation offers every convenience possible. It offers luxurious suites with cozy living areas and dining rooms.
. Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen - This is located at Calle 24. It has 18 rooms surrounding a sun deck and a central pool. It also has views of 5th Avenue. They provide Continental breakfast every morning.
When it comes to all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen, you will find a few here and find the rest at Playacar. These resorts are secluded. Some of the best are Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort Riviera Maya and Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun.
Tips.Tips.Tips.
. When ordering tacos, take note that tacos in Playa del Carmen and in Mexico are different from those in the US. They just have beef and onion. For the taste, it's quite bland. Ask them for cheese and they'll just look at you so better tell them that you prefer American-style tacos which they call "con queso".
. The high season in Playa del Carmen is between the months of November to April. During this time, the rates are also the highest.
. Since most people in Playa know how to speak English but it's better to know a little Spanish. Just know the basics like: "Buenas tardes!"; "Buenas dias!"; "Buenas noches!"; "Por Favor"; "Muchas gracias"; and "Hola" among others.
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5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Aside from hotels, there are all inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen you can choose to stay in.