Playa del Carmen Mexico has long been a favored tourist destination. Formerly a small fishing village, “Playa,” as the locals refer to it, has its touristy areas, but a growing number of retirees and expats call it home part or all of the year.
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Playa del Carmen, known colloquially as 'Playa', is a resort city located along the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
In fact, it was called “Xaman-Ha”, which in Mayan means “waters of the north.” Xaman-Ha was an important stop along the Mayan pilgrimage to Cozumel, considered a sacred island. Xaman-Ha and the surrounding areas served not only as a religious center but also as a major trade route.
The thriving city of Playa del Carmen was not long ago, an undeveloped region of dense jungle. The ancient Maya used the beaches of Xaman Ha, Playa's Mayan name meaning “waters of the north” as a resting point to prepare their massive canoes for the 30 mile trek to the Island of Cozumel.
Playa del Carmen, or just Playa as it is also commonly referred to by locals, is a large coastal resort town in Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
Where is Playa del Carmen? Playa del Carmen is a town, which is in the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is also called the Mayan Riviera and is an area, which runs from just south of Cancun, until Tulum, and the entrance of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, 5th Avenue Playa del Carmen – “La Quinta Avenida” to locals – is 22 blocks of high-end retailers, bars, restaurants, local shops, cafes, and much more.
The beaches, the water, the amenities, and the nightlife are just a few of the things that make Playa del Carmen a top Mexican Caribbean destination. With proximity to nearby Mayan cultural centers and offshore islands, there's a little something for everyone in “Playa”.
Be extra careful at night in Playa del CarmenAs with many places in the world, most crimes in Playa del Carmen occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Playa del Carmen, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.
Compared to Cancun, Playa del Carmen is known for its more laid-back and intimate nightlife scene. It's perfect for those who prefer a relaxed night out, sipping cocktails at beachfront bars, and listening to live music. That being said, Playa del Carmen also has its fair share of clubs and late-night hotspots.
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal town located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and bustling nightlife. Playa del Carmen offers something for everyone, from quiet beachfront lounging to lively nightclubs and bars.
It is more expensive than most other Mexican cities.Many things are imported to Playa and this adds to the cost as well. Once you travel out of the area you start to notice how things are cheaper but after a while you get used to what things cost and how to stretch your budget if you live in Playa Del Carmen.
Parallel to the beach, you'll find Playa del Carmen's main strip, la Quinta Avenida (or “Fifth Avenue''). The five-mile-long pedestrian walkway is lined with hotels, shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a popular nightlife spot.
Poised along the glitzy Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is no doubt one of the most expensive parts of Mexico, but even shoestring travelers will rejoice at the legion of well-priced apartments, cheap local eats and affordable day-trip options available in Playa del Carmen.
As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, Playa Del Carmen's Fifth Avenue is a hotbed for high-end retailers, bars, restaurants, local shops, cafes, street entertainment, and more.
To get to Playa del Carmen, most travelers fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is about 35 miles north of Playa del Carmen. To reach Playa, you can rent a car, take a bus or hop in a taxi.
The beaches on Tulum are much more picturesque when compared to Playa del Carmen. However, Tulum isn't very walkable. If you're staying in Downtown Tulum, you'll have to rent a car, get a cab ride, or bike to the beaches. The same goes for if you're staying at a beach resort and want to visit downtown.