Playa del Carmen

First of all - be on vacation! That’s what people do best here. The first thing you have to do when you get here is wind down. Relax... kick back. Get in vacation mode. The slow pace of Mexico is even slower here in the Caribbean. Don’t feel like you have to do things all the time. Just strolling around town, eating good food and drinking ice cold beers is enough excitement for a part of your vacation, at least. Luckily Mother Nature provided Playa with the best possible set-up for relaxing – the beach! The beach here is truly fantastic. The white soft coral sand never gets hot, so you won’t burn your feet. The clear turquoise Caribbean Sea is warm and clear. From the blue sky the Caribbean sun heats up your body and your mind. Sitting in the waves on the edge of the continent is a great way to spend your time here in Playa.

The Yucatan peninsula is unique for its many Mayan ruins. They are all over the place. There actually some in the town of Playa del Carmen and in Playacar. One can be found on Quinta Avenida, between Calles 12 and 14, another one inside the gates of the budget hostel/camping ground La Ruina on Calle 2 by the beach and yet another one in Playacar. These small coastal outposts are hints of the grand scale of the prolific and ancient Maya world. Many of the most amazing sites are near Playa, including Cobá, Tulum and one of the new seven wonders of the world Chichén Itzá. Do try and visit at least one of them.

Strolling along 5th Avenue, “La Quinta”, is a popular pastime for vacationers and locals alike. Most of the time the street is pedestrian only, with a casual esplanade feeling. Playa’s cutest shops and boutiques, offering souvenirs, clothes, handicraft, silver and much more are found here. Open air restaurants and bars create an overall welcoming ambiance perfect to enjoy dishes from around the world and the most exotic drinks of the Mexican Caribbean.