Playa del Carmen is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, right in the heart of the Mayan Riviera. Located south of Cancun and west of Cozumel, this seaside community is a more relaxed, cosmopolitan alternative to the craziness of Cancun. If you’re looking for a place to get away while still having plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation, Playa del Carmen is the perfect spot.
 
Playa del Carmen offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. Scuba diving and snorkeling is excellent in this area, though many of the best places to go are located offshore and can only be reached by boat. The MesoAmerican Barrier Reef is the world’s second largest coral reef system, just behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This coral reef system is home to over 500 species of fish and is home to one of the world’s largest populations of manatees. Playa del Carmen, like much of the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, is also known for its cenotes. These cavernous freshwater sinkholes have excellent water clarity and are a great place for diving, snorkeling, or even just swimming.
 
If you enjoy sailing in the Hamptons, you’ll love Playa del Carmen. The area is great for sailing year-round. Playa del Carmen also offers so many water sports and activities; you won’t know where to start. There’s parasailing, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and so much more. Start your vacation planning by staying in the Playa del Carmen Mexico Vacation Rentals.  They have gorgeous condos and villas that will fit anyone needs from singles, to couples to families.
 
 
 
For a little history lesson, many visitors to Playa del Carmen enjoy visiting the nearby Mayan ruins. There are several options. The closest ruins are at Tulum, which is about 45 minutes away from Playa del Carmen. These ruins are small, but their location is excellent, poised on cliffs high above a gorgeous white sand beach. The next closest ruins are at Coban. This site is best visited as a day trip, as they’re located about an hour and a half from Playa del Carmen. At Coban, you can climb the pyramid and bike between sites. Located slightly further away is Chichen Itza
For a little history lesson, many visitors to Playa del Carmen enjoy visiting the nearby Mayan ruins. There are several options. The closest ruins are at Tulum, which is about 45 minutes away from Playa del Carmen. These ruins are small, but their location is excellent, poised on cliffs high above a gorgeous white sand beach. The next closest ruins are at Coban. This site is best visited as a day trip, as they’re located about an hour and a half from Playa del Carmen. At Coban, you can climb the pyramid and bike between sites. Located slightly further away is Chichen Itza. These are the most well known of the Mayan ruins and are best visited with a tour group. Although you can no longer climb the pyramid, these ruins are still well worth a visit.
 
If you’re looking for some of the best places to eat in Playa del Carmen, look no further. The area has a variety of restaurants that cater to their international, cosmopolitan visitors, but as expected, they also have a number of excellent Mexican restaurants. Many visitors favor Los Aguachiles. This Mexican restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and authentic Mexican dishes. For something different, try the excellent Kaxapa Factory. This Venezuelan gem offers organic Venezuelan and vegan food. For dessert, visitors to Playa del Carmen love Ah Cacao Chocolate Cafe. This bakery and coffee shop is a great place to get coffee, baked goods, ice cream, and other desserts and snacks.
 
 
Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com