Located about an hour south of world famous Cancun by an easy drive or inexpensive and comfortable bus ride is the smaller village of Playa del Carmen. You won’t find a beach full of high rise resorts here, but you will discover a wonderful seaside gem with smaller boutique lodgings to larger condominium rentals and a distinct European flavor.
And no wonder, since Playa del Carmen is popular with many European tourists and has many residents originally from there, who visited and returned to stay. There are many fine restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from, all set in a nice foot-traffic only street called Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) that parallels the beach for length of the town.
For those who want to shop, you’ll find some of the internationally known fashion stores, as well as a big selection of local shops with everything from Cuban cigars and handicrafts, to sports equipment and services for the tourist. Cafes and restaurants are plentiful. It’s all here within walking distance of your hotel.
There is plenty to do around Playa del Carmen as well. The ferry to Cozumel island is here, with scheduled trips there and back several times a day. You’ll also be close to the Eco-Parks in the area, several of Mexico’s famous archaeological sites can be reached from here, and for the more adventurous there is great SCUBA diving offshore or in one of the nearby Cenotes, the underground water filled caverns.
By Air
Playa del Carmen does not have an international airport. Flights arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN) daily. The airport is approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers) to the north. Playa del Carmen does have a small domestic airport (PCM).
From the airport, your options are to take a paid shuttle, taxi, car rental, hotel shuttle or bus to Playa.
By Land
Playa del Carmen can be reached by driving from Cancun (1 hour) on Hwy. 307, or from Chetumal (5 hours) to the south also on Hwy. 307. Buses run throughout Mexico and this is another option.
By Sea
There are two options to arrive by sea. Your own boat (you must report to the Captain of the Port) or the ferry from Cozumel.
ACCOMMODATIONS
~ Acanto Luxury Condominium Hotel
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
~ Wasabi-Loco Sport Fishing Adventures
RESTAURANTS & BARS
REAL ESTATE
BEAUTY & HEALTH
WEDDINGS