PLAYA DEL CARMEN

The largest town on the Riviera Maya, with approximately 20,000 inhabitants, Playa del Carmen still conserves the atmosphere of a small fishing village. Until a few years ago, it was best known as the departure point for the ferry to Cozumel island. People soon discovered the long stretch of beautiful solitary beaches, the calm turquoise sea protected from strong currents by Cozumel, and an array of diverse lifestyles. 

It did not take long for Playa, as it is usually called, to become one of the most popular tourist destinations south of Cancun. Many visitors have remained and settled down here, creating a international cosmopolitan town where one is just as likely to encounter Mexicans as Europeans and North and South Americans, most of them young and enterprising. This conglomeration of nationalities has contributed both to the gastronomy and the general appearance of Playa.

Almost all the activity in Playa revolves around 5^th Avenue, which is a block away from the beach. Most of this streets is a pedestrian walkway, usually filled with people of different nationalities that give this town its cosmopolitan atmosphere. International restaurants, sidewalk cafes, handicraft stores, travel agencies, dive shops and almost anything else a visitor could ask for are found all along this avenue. 

Entertainers, such as musicians, traditional dancers and mimes are also characteristic features of this walkway. It is a great place to sit and enjoy a cold beer, an exotic tropical cocktail, a delicious espresso, a sumptuous dinner or to simply feel the Caribbean rhythm on 5^th Avenue.

Relatively small hotels, (anywhere from 2 to 50 rooms), can be found throughout the town. Some are on the beach, with an incredible view of the blue Caribbean waters, though all are in easy walking distance. Distinct touches, such as hand painted walls, garden hammocks and beautiful handicrafts, give a unique air to each hotel.

To the south, five minutes walking distance from 5^th Avenue, one finds a completely different Playa; the exclusive resort of Playacar. Built with the idea of providing comfort within a tropical paradise, there are homes, villas, condominiums, apartments, luxury hotels, tennis courts and an 18 hole golf course along its well paved stone streets, lined with palm trees and tropical flowers.

Another attraction of Playacar are the small archaeological sites, (over 100), that are scattered thought the resort. For the Mayans, the town that is today Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area was known as Xaman-Ha, or "Northern Waters". It was the main departure point for the trip to Cozumel to worship the goddess Ixchel. Pilgrims probably stopped here to rest and enjoy the beaches before sailing over to the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean.

To the north is yet another face of Playa: long semi-deserted beaches where there are hotels, beach clubs and restaurants.

Night life in Playa can be either quiet or exiting, depending on one's taste. In the six or seven bars in town there are all kinds of music from reggae, rock, techno and jazz to salsa and African drums. Some of the larger hotels also offer evening entertainment and discos.

PRINCIPAL ATTRACTIONS

Although the main attraction of Playa is Playa itself, there are many places to visit within and around the town.

XAMAN-HA AVIARY:

Located within the Playacar resort, this aviary, with 1.8 hectares of tropical forest, is home to over 200 birds of 60 different species.

CAVERNAS SACBA:

One of the most beautiful caverns in the peninsula, complete with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, both above and below water.