The Yucatan is a Memorable Vacation Destination

Playa del Carmen Ranks Tops for Activities and Beaches

Dec 8, 2008 R.L. Coffield

Playa del Carmen, just south of Cancun on the Yucatan Penninsula of Mexico, offers endless amenities, sight seeing opportunities and pristine beaches.

Just a short distance south of the internationally popular vacation destination of Cancun, Mexico, is the smaller, friendlier Playa del Carmen. Despite having lost its "small" fishing village charm, this vacation destination is, nonetheless, still tops with many European and American travelers.

Accommodations in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen boasts plenty of beautiful, exquisite resorts and plush hotels, in addition to numerous small downtown pension-type hotels tucked between restaurants and shopping booths. While most tourists make reservations for their accommodations well in advance, for those who like to “wing it,” there are suitable rooms here, ranging from $75 to $125 a night.

Activities in Playa del Carmen

There are far more activities available in Playa del Carmen than most vacationers have time for. Indeed, so attractive are the beaches, that some rarely stray from that area. Many travel magazines consider the beaches in this area to be among the world’s most beautiful.

Besides beach bathing, the area offers a number of tours that are unforgettable. Most popular, of course, is the trip to Chichen Itza, the famous Mayan ruins, a journey of several hours into the neighboring state of Yucatan. While one is able to drive there, taking a tour bus should be considered, for several reasons.

• First, the buses include English speaking guides who are very educated in the history of the Mayans and will be able to point out numerous architectural marvels
• Second, the tour will include lunch and most likely a stop at a Cenote, an underground river/pool.
• Third, the tour buses are very modern and comfortable (with air conditioning and restrooms) thus leaving the sometimes harrowing driving to bus drivers who know the roads and the customs

This, and many other excellent tours, can be arranged for at local hotels and resorts. Booking the tour online is also possible, but be aware that often travel times are much longer when booked online as the tour is not a “private” tour, but is considered a “group” tour. The bus may stop at numerous hotels picking up other guests.

Water Activities in Playa del Carmen

This entire area, called the Mexican Riviera, is rich with aquatic parks, lagoons and underground rivers. From all day excursions to Xel-Ha, Xcaret, and Rio Secreto, to ferry trips to Cozumel and Isla las Mujeres, there are endless opportunities for diversion and fun.

Xel-Ha, considered a “Natural Wonder of Mexico” is an all-inclusive tour that will entertain everyone in the family. Predominantly a large water park, Xel-Ha offers snorkeling in a tropical lagoon populated with colorful, exotic fish, float trips down a river, bicycling, cave exploration and numerous other adventures. In addition, one can arrange a swim with dolphins, “snuba diving,” and a walk on the floor of the sea!

Xcaret, another astounding park, said to be the most visited park in Mexico, is often referred to as an “Eco Park," and is another all day outing available. Besides numerous aquatic activities, the park also has exhibitions, performances, flora and fauna, and cultural information and displays. Many people return for a second day because this attraction is so large and entertaining. Like Xel-Ha, one may go to this site independently or take a tour bus, which will include entry fees, meals and entertainment.

A Family Destination

Playa del Carmen still remains a wonderful family destination, largely because so many of the activities are suitable for school-aged children. Exciting water sports, fascinating archeological excursions and excellent service at all establishments make this destination well worth the money and travel effort.

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Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza

Playa del Carmen Beaches are Beautiful

Resorts are Sumptuous and Lavish