Playa del Carmen

Destination information

Lies in the northeast of Mexico in Quintana Roo, on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, right in the middle of the Mayan Riviera. Just a decade ago, Playa, as the locals call it, was a small fishing village with an amazing scuba scene, nowadays it’s a popular laid-back boutique resort with a decidedly European feel and a strong desire to keep true to its sleepy origins. Its popularity began as the ferries to the renowned Cozumel Island, which has some of the best coral reefs in the world leave from Playa’s port. Just a few miles out of town is the superb Xcaret (‘esh-caret’), a Mexican-themed Eco Park which explores Mayan culture and has a jaguar island, butterfly pavillion and even offers swimming with dolphins. Around an hour’s drive away is Tulum, the famous Mayan ruins which overlook the sea. Canopy beds are popular on the beaches, draw the shades back to top up your tan and then pull down again for a secluded afternoon snooze. Try Playa Tukan or the funky Mamitas Beach club. The main action in town takes place along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) a mainly-pedestrian area that leads down to the port.

Eats & drinks

Many of the bars and restaurants are on Fifth Avenue, you’ll find everything from gourmet french food to pizza slice joints on this street. For a more authentic Mexican experience head to the pier and try a zingingly fresh fish taco for just a couple of dollars from one of the food carts.

Getting around

You can easily walk around most of Playa but a fun alternative could be to hire a bicycle. Taxis are fairly cheap but beware that ones taken from the ‘sitio’ (cab rank) are a few dollars more than if you hail one on the street. There are two ferry companies running trips to Cozumel for around USD10, get a ticket from the booths at the end of the dock before boarding.