Noted as a destination along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, it is part of the Yucatan Peninsula and features a long expanse of Caribbean coast. While it is noted for its luxurious shops, restaurants and amenities, as well as its nightlife and palm-lined Quinta Avenida, there is much more to any experience of Playa del Carmen.
Natural Destinations Growing in Popularity
If you wish to experience Playa del Carmen in an unforgettable and positive way, it helps to know that it is growing in popularity for its gorgeous beaches, water sports, fishing, and even its activities like golf and spa holidays. It began as a charming fishing town, and has rapidly grown to include many high-end amenities and services. It is most noted as a diver’s destination, and its sea life is something to behold.
What this means is that anyone planning a holiday to Playa del Carmen must first ensure they book some time scuba diving, snorkeling or touring the waters that draw so many. Keep in mind that there are guided tours and dives, and there are also many eco-friendly options that are ideal for families and small groups.
Eco-friendly is a term you will hear often during a visit to Playa del Carmen, especially if you have booked an accommodation away from the more crowded tourism areas. This is because there are some remarkable natural wonders here, and for most, it is best to experience them in the hands of a knowledgeable local guide.
Just consider, you may want to spend a day exploring the many cenotes that dot the entire peninsula and coastline. There are also a huge number of gorgeous caves to explore and even mangroves and underground rivers. What better way to experience them than to explore them with a guide who ensures these beautiful natural wonders remain undisturbed and pristine.
The Rio Secreto is one such destination and is a popular place for those visiting Playa del Carmen to explore. There are also some Mayan villages that offer zip lining activities that take you above the jungle canopies and allow you to see sights unavailable in any other way.
If you are fortunate enough to have booked one of the many premiere villas available to visitors, inquire about private tours and eco-friendly activities. These will introduce you to the unique setting that is the Maya Riviera and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Local Favorites
Of course, if you want to truly experience Playa del Carmen, you may also want to take the opportunity to enjoy some of the many popular classes and interactive options readily available. For instance, a great many travelers to the region will book a cooking class at one of the noted restaurants or resorts. This allows them to master their ceviche, learn about the drinks and ingredients native to the area, and more. If you are in a villa, you might also inquire about your chef giving you custom courses as well.
The learning doesn’t stop with the cuisine, and many travelers enroll in salsa dancing lessons, local language classes and other culturally relevant activities for a day or more of their visit.
Of course, one unforgettable experience for those visiting Playa del Carmen is to witness a sunrise on the water. Kayaking tours are available, and can take you to destinations like Sian Ka’an or nearby Tulum where you will witness the morning mists rising from ancient Mayan pyramids.
Don’t let the popularity and high numbers of visitors steer you away from an experience of the Maya Riviera and Playa del Carmen. It is a world of delicious foods, amazing sights, gorgeous beaches, guaranteed-to-be-beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and so much more.