Posts Tagged ‘Playa del Carmen’

Playa del Carmen - Centre of the Mayan Riviera

Monday, August 10th, 2009

The coastal city of Playa del Carmen is ideally situated on the Caribbean Sea approximately 70km south of Cancun. Boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and year round sunny weather it should come as no surprise that Playa del Carmen has become one of the premier tourist destinations in the country. Indeed, along with the beaches comes a wide variety of world class water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and parasailing. In addition, as this fine city served as a rest point for Mayans travelling to the island of Cozumel, the peninsula where Playa del Carmen is situated is a great spot for touring Mayan ruins. For example Tulum, the last Mayan outpost, is less than an hour from the city and is known for its collection of ruins. Clearly, there are a number of interesting attractions for the tourism industry.

Play del Carmen Beach

Originally a small fishing village, it wasn’t until later that tourism became a major player in Playa del Carmen. With the addition of a ferry to the island of Cozumel and access to world renowned scuba diving tourists began to notice the charm of the city. Because it’s much smaller than Cancun, Playa del Carmen was considered a great vacation alternative for tourists who wanted to escape the crowds. Moreover, there was no sacrifice to be made in choosing to visit this growing city as it is home to stunning beaches, lush surrounding jungles, and countless outdoor activities.

Play del Carmen Beach Bar

Most recently, Playa del Carmen has become a popular destination for cruises as well. As the geographical centre of the Mayan Riviera, the area has grown rapidly over the past few years. The development of Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue, has given tourists and residents a plethora of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shopping to enhance their Playa del Carmen experience. In addition, residential developments make the city an ideal location for those looking for a great vacation or retirement home. The expatriate community is certainly beginning to assert itself here. More and more foreigners are descending on Playa del Carmen in part because of the striking natural surroundings but also because it is a more relaxed alternative to more established tourist regions. While still not on par with the size of the tourist industry in traditional Mexican destinations like Cancun and Acapulco, Playa del Carmen offers the amenities of these famous cities with a slightly more low-key atmosphere.

Playa del Carmen Fishing

The history and culture of this fine beach destination mark it as a must see for any travel enthusiast. However, this is more than just a spot for a quick stopover. Housing projects, including the development of high end condos and vacation homes, such as Paseo del Sol and El Faro by Cantex Realty make Playa del Carmen a great place for investing in property. Living in Playa del Carmen brings year round sunny weather and average temperatures of 25°C, soft, sandy beaches along the Caribbean coast, and top tier facilities you would expect from a premier tourist destination.