Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) Playa del Carmen is a living vibrant part of the Maya World (Mundo Maya). Located on the beautiful Mexicana Caribbean coast some 40 miles (60 kms.) south of Cancún, Playa , as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the Cancún -Tulum Corridor of Quintana Roo ( now called Mayan Riviera ). 

Playa del Carmen is blessed with miles of unspoiled White sandy beaches cristal-clear Caribbean waters and 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.
 
A Different Kind of Adventure The unique harmony of Playa del Carmen is generated by its village like atmosphere and the smiling face of its people. Although Playa is becoming a very maintain it's original charm and integrity by townspeople -the tranquil and hassle free life - style it is famous for hospitality.

Playa del Carmen offers the kid of service and hospitality provincial Mexico is so well-known for you'll find mi casa es su casa the prevailing attitude, whether you book a rustic beach front cabańa or a 5-star hotel surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The town offers both And if you're concerned about your meals, don't be. Playa's restaurants are as varied as its hotels and offer traditional Mexican food, fresh seafood, pastas and other continental cuisine.

Playa del Carmen's pedestrian avenue (Quinta avenida) is littered with sidewalk cafes, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. In the evening you can sip tropical cocktails at a waterfront bar, dance the night away to live music , or join an impromptu beach party bonfire. Shoppers looking for that special gift will find it here; handicrafts from over the country are available in Playa.

Playa del Carmen beckons with a range activities that's as diverse as the beautiful hues of azure and turquoise Caribbean waters. Activities range from log walks on endless stretches of fine white sandy beach en to afternoon siesta in a palm-shaded hammock If you're not an aficionado, you can learn to scuba dive or take a snorkelling. lesson.

Either way; you will marvel at the beauty and scope of the longest reef in the northern hemisphere. Windsurfing, jet skiing, or a full day of big-game fishing are also available. If golf is your game, the Playacar Club de golf offers a spectacular par 72 championship course designed by world-renowned Robert Von Hagge.

The course winds its way through the lush tropical jungle, around mystical cenotes , and next to ancient Maya ruins. If you'd rather stay on the beach, there are afternoon volleyball games on the beach almost every day , but beware, losers buy the first round of cold beers. Whatever your interest, Playa del Carmen has something for everybody.

Ferries to Cozumel Island, one of dive capitals of the world, leave from Playa del Carmen just about every hour and the town's centres proximity to some of the greatest ceremonial centers of the ancient Maya make 'ruin hopping' one of the town's chief attractions.

Tulum and Xel-Ha are 45 minutes away; the jungle site of Coba is bit further; but worth the trek ( about an hour and a half ). Xcaret; the original eco - archaeological park is almost next door and offers a multitude of activities. Here you can snorkel in the natural aquarium (caleta) or float down its two crystal - clear; underground rivers; go horseback riding on the beach or swim with the dolphins.

In addition; the park boasts a botanical garden; a farm featuring regional wildlife; a small museum with reproductions of major Mayan cities and several small archaeological sites.


Ecotourists can take a number of interesting trips from Playa del Carmen. Sian ka ' an; a 1.3 million - acre Biosphere Reserve lies just to the south of Tulum and daytrips are available. An alternative is the archaeological sites of Kohunlich ( Quintana Roo), Xpuhil, Becan, Chicanna in Campeche, Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Ek Balam in Yucatan . These ancient cities are located deep in the jungle and are excellent spots for bird- watching.

Playa del Carmen geographic location let you visit nearby places and sites like Cozumel, Xcaret, Xel Ha, Tulum, Koba, and the Ecological reserve of Sian Ka´an and colonial cities such Valladolid, founded by the Spanish conquerors.