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Playa del Carmen

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Playa Del Carmen is one of Mexico's best kept secrets, and is attracting more and more attention - more publicity than the town actually wants. Literally Playa, as it's called by the locals and familiar visitors, has been regulated so that it doesn't become over-populated and tourist reliant. Despite the town's efforts, i.e. passing a construction restriction against building any structure higher than three stories, it has become the third largest town in Quintana Roo, after Cancun and Chetumal. Perhaps what city officials don't realize, is that Playa del Carmen has actually been something of a tourist attraction for over a thousand years, so perhaps it is logical that so many visitors are attracted to the beautiful little city.

Many centuries ago, travelers used to stop and relax in the area on their way to the island of Cozumel. Even before it was a popular Mexican travel destination, Playa was known for being an attractive respite. What turned Playa into such a popular place was pretty simple, and almost an irrelevant convenience: its ferry. Tourists arriving in Playa would take the ferry to Cozumel to go scuba diving, which is the island's top attraction. While in Playa, people gradually realized what a great place the city was, and that there were also numerous diving opportunities in the city as well. Of course there are also beach activities, and hiking, wildlife, and many other things to stimulate the discerning ecotourist. Plus, it's not a huge city, and ideal for relaxation, as well as family vacations.

Areas

The urban area in Playa del Carmen is where most of the tourist hotels and activities are; i.e., resorts, golf courses, shopping, dining, for just a few examples. Playacar is south of downtown Playa, and is a mainly residential area for tourists and upper middle class locals. The city is also expanding northward towards the highway, but continues to maintain its restrictions on building construction. The coastal area is where tourists will find the beaches, as well as snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Weather

The weather in Playa for the most part is about of average sub-tropical temperatures. The temperatures in summer rarely go above 100F, and in the winter months it can be chilly at night, but rarely falls below 60F. Occasionally cold air comes in from the U.S., and can make things a bit cooler from November into January. The rainy season is usually in the summer, but is pretty much limited to a heavy but short shower after a hot afternoon.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	75	76	76	79	79	80	80	81	80	79	77	75
C	24	24	24	26	26	27	27	27	27	26	25	24

Average Precipitation/Rain

In./CM	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
In.	3.8	4.8	2	6.8	8.2	14.9	5.7	4.8	14.2	3.7	3.5	4.1
CM	9.7	12.2	5.1	17.3	20.8	37.8	14.5	12.2	36.1	9.4	8.9	10.4

Getting There

By plane

The nearest airport to Playa del Carmen is in Cancun, so you'll have to either rent a car, or take some form of public transportation to the city. Many people prefer colectivo vans, because they're cheaper than taxis. A colectivo van holds many people, and if you're first on, then you'll have to wait until the van is full until they leave. It usually costs about eighteen dollars (USD) a head to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Or more easily, one can fly to the international airport in Cozumel, instead; at which point, all you have to do is take a cab to the docks, and a ferry to the coast, then you're in Playa!

By boat

Generally you can take either a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, if you're already there. It will only cost a few dollars, and you can bring your rental car with you. Or if you're planning to come by ship from overseas, or any other international starting point, the preferred method is by cruise ship. The cost depends on the travel agency.

Getting Around

Getting around in Playa del Carmen is a bigger task than it once was. At one point it was just a small fishing town, and now it's become a major tourist destination. So the roads aren't quite sure of themselves, and it might be easier to use public transportation if you're the kind of person who gets lost easily.

By car

Rent cars at the airport you're traveling from, if you plan to rent one. The agencies in town might not be as reliable. With all the recent expansion in Playa, the roads might be a little turned around, so be sure if you plan to drive yourself that you have the most current available maps of the city. Traffic can be a bit congested because there are plenty of other tourists driving too, who have lost their way as well.

By taxi

Traffic is the same as stated above, but using taxis to get from place to place can get a bit tricky. It's usually cheap, but it's important to keep in mind the prices of transport in the city. Haggle if you can, and watch the meter; drivers are not allowed to charge over 40 pesos for destinations within the city.

By public transportation

The buses in Playa are not exactly worth raving about, but they are cheap. If traffic permits, you'll arrive at your destination on time, though it's best to leave early if you have an appointment to keep, just in case. Currently, there are only two bus stations in the city, and you should never take the schedule for granted. Always ask for current departures and arrivals at the counter before you buy tickets. Ferries going back and forth to Cozumel are particularly favored, usually quite reliable as well as convenient, and pleasant.

On foot

Walking around in Playa was probably much easier before the city expanded, so currently there are a lot more roads, and going from point A to point B on foot isn't as picturesque as it once was. If you're on the outskirts of the city, and not in the urban area, there are more scenic views, and pedestrians are welcome.

Food & Dining

Although Playa del Carmen offers many different types of food to satisfy just about any appetite, the city is most known for its Mexican flare. Seafood makes up a large part of the diet in Playa del Carmen and you can try it in a number of ways as it is fried, stewed, grilled, boiled, and cooked just about any other kind of way you can imagine. Seafood tacos are very popular as are the different seafood soups and fried fish such as calamari. Getting a taco in Playa del Carmen will be good no matter where you purchase it from but for the best tacos, you have to try the different taco stands that set up along the pier. They are freshest around mid-morning when the vendors are just setting up and before the huge lunch crowd comes. Other street vendors that are available are the pizza vendors, which set up right in the street and stay open until well after the bars close, at 6:00 am.

Beaches

Central Playa del Carmen (Sand beach) Location: In the center of Playa del Carmen True to its name, Central Playa del Carmen is the center of it all! Not only is it in the center of the city but it is also here where you find it all happening! Whether you want to get up close and personal with the sea life by snorkeling or simply want to hang out at one of the beach bars, there is a little something for everyone here! Also check out the many dive shops and pick up some of the latest gear or just lay in the fine sand that has areas of beautifully and naturally carved limestone.

North Playa del Carmen (Sand beach) Location: In the northern part of the city In the north of the city lies a beach that awaits those who are visiting the many beautiful resorts in this area of the city. On this beach you can find just about any water activity including snorkeling, diving, parasailing and so much more! There are less amenities right on the beach than there are in Central Playa del Carmen but you can find several more in the different dive shops and other stores that are just a short walk away!

Sights & Activities

Xcaret

An amusement park specifically designed for eco-tourists, history, and nature lovers. Also, very appropriate for families, and children as well. It's actually just south of Playa del Carmen, and visitors are advised to go in the evening for cheaper prices.

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Playa del Carmen used to be just the jumping-off point for divers who planned to spend the duration of their stay in Cozumel. However, recently, more and more aquatic adventurers have discovered the great diving and snorkeling opportunities right off the coast of Playa. Snorkeling can be done right off shore, or on the beach if you have kids, where it's probably safer for kids under 12.

Beaches

The main beach is the one that starts at the ferry docks, just called "Playa Beach" for short. Other beaches are, Playa Tukan Beach, Mamitas Beach, Shangri-La Beach, Zubul Beach, and Coco Beach. All the beaches are open to the public, despite usually being named after resorts.