Playa del Carmen, Mexico: attractions, beaches and traveler reviews

Increasingly popular among domestic tourists is such a beautiful, but, unfortunately, far away country like Mexico. One of its most interesting regions is Playa del Carmen. It is about this tourist place, as well as its sights, we suggest to learn from our article.

Description

Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular tourist centers of the Riviera Maya, located between the cities of Cancun and Tulum. Until quite recently it was only a small fishing village. Today, here grew a real city, whose population exceeded 150 thousand people. Such a rapid pace of development is due to the construction near the Playa large resort area with a complex of hotels and restaurants, huge golf courses and other entertainment.

Beaches

As tourists come to Mexico not only to visit various interesting sights, but also to swim in the cleanest water and sunbathe on the sand, this point is very important. It is safe to say that the beaches of Playa del Carmen are one of the main advantages of the Mexican coast of the Caribbean Sea. Transparent turquoise, pure water combined with a snow-white sand will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, the local beaches are not as crowded as, for example, on the coast of Cancun. Playa del Carmen also attracts diving enthusiasts thanks to the clear water, beautiful reefs and a variety of bright fish. In addition, sport fishing and parasailing are popular attractions here.

One of the most popular beaches for families - Chunzubul. It is an ideal place for swimming with a tube for both adults and children. In Playa del Carmen are also the best and famous beaches of Mexico: El Faro, Shangri-la and Aleiari. The virgin, picturesque nature makes them a magnificent romantic place, which annually attracts newlyweds and couples in love.

All the beaches in Playa del Carmen are well equipped, along the coast you will find many bars and cafes where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and a snack.

sights

Due to its location in the heart of the Mexican Riviera from Playa del Carmen, a wide variety of interesting excursions are organized. We suggest to learn more about them.

Tulum

If you want to explore the sights of Playa del Carmen, then the locals, experienced tourists and guides unanimously recommend starting with Tulum. This place is the only ancient city of Maya, located on the coast. A unique combination of the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the secrets of the ancient and mysterious civilization gives a special flavor to Tulum. In total, there are 13 architectural structures preserved here, which include temples that preserved bas-reliefs and frescoes, as well as a fortification wall.

Cenotes

So-called freshwater reservoirs, which can be found on the whole Yucatan peninsula. Most cenotes are available for swimming and diving. Some of them come to the surface, while others are underground and surrounded by caves. They differ in size: from very small, the diameter of which does not exceed half a meter, to very large ones, having the dimensions of a small lake. Of particular note is the transparency of the water in the cenotes, which often reaches 70 meters. As for Playa del Carmen, then in its environs in 30-50 minutes drive there are several similar unique reservoirs. For diving in the cenot you need a PADI certificate and at least five dives. If you do not have a similar document, then you will be offered to swim with a tube and mask.

Shkaret

This name has one of the most popular eco-parks of the Riviera Maya. It is located just 10 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. Shkaret is a unique complex that allows visitors to plunge into the virgin nature of Mexico and be imbued with the ancient Mayan civilization. An interesting feature of the park is the presence of an underground river, passing through caves and underground canals. Tourists are invited to swim on it, during which they can enjoy stunning views of petrified corals. She also offers a rich show program. The most popular spectacle with confidence is the evening performance, which opens for the guests of the country the history and culture of Mexico. About 300 artists take part in the grandiose show.

In addition, the Shkaret Park includes such cultural and historical attractions as a variety of Mayan archaeological sites, the Mexican Cemetery, the Whisper House, Stained-glass Plaza, the Church of St. Francis and the Blue Agave Plantation.

Chichen Itza

The place under this name is the largest archaeological zone of the Yucatan peninsula. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under the protection of this organization. Visiting Chichen Itza, you will see the ancient city, the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Warriors, sacrificial platforms, the largest of the found ball fields, the Female Monastery, the Sainte Cenote, the Karakol observatory, the Thousand Column group and other monuments of culture and history of the ancient Mayan civilization, Preserved to this day.

Hidden Worlds Park

The name of this entertainment complex can be translated as "Hidden Worlds". The park, located 25 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, offers tourists several options for tours in the jungle, including swimming in cenotes with a mask and snorkel, rock climbing, ziplain (descents on ropes), skycike, diving, communication with dolphins and much more. The nature of "Hidden Worlds" is very diverse and picturesque. It is no accident that a lot of filming of popular science broadcasts of the Air Force and National Geographic channels was conducted here.

"5th Avenue"

This name is the central pedestrian street, where, as a rule, spend the majority of evenings the tourists, having a rest in Playa del Carmen. Reviews of "5 Avenue", as a rule, relate to nightlife or shopping. After all, all this is in abundance on this famous street. If you want to dance and have a drink in the evening, then go to "5th Avenue". There are many clubs and bars on either side of the street. And the music in most of them plays so loud that you can dance without even going into the room. The most famous clubs of "5th Avenue" are "Mandala" and "Schott Factory". Be sure to pay attention to the institutions on which there is a sign with the inscription "meskaleria". Here you will be offered to try a traditional drink of the inhabitants of Mexico called mezcal. It is obtained from the fermented juice of the blue agave.

In the daytime, "5th Avenue" becomes a trading area where you can buy almost everything from the most necessary (clothes, shoes, etc.) to a variety of souvenirs. A great popularity is, for example, handmade hammocks and a variety of dishes.

Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Mexico, like most countries, a significant part of the budget of which is income from tourism, offers guests hotel complexes for every taste and purse. Therefore, every tourist can easily find a suitable hotel: from cheap small establishments that do not even provide breakfast, to large five-star hotels working on the "all inclusive" system.