Going down the coast, just 45 minutes from busy Cancun, we find this quiet vacation paradise. Playa del Carmen is known for its fine sand beaches and calm crystal-clear waters and is today one of the most popular and visited destinations in Mexico. Due to its location, it is a perfect place to establish a base and from there discover more of the Riviera Maya in addition to enjoying the beach.
There is a lot to do in Playa del Carmen. Fifth Avenue runs through town and is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. Near its coast we find the Mesoamerican coral reef, a coral reef that stretches 100 kilometers along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. A good way to get to know the city is to participate in a free tour of Playa del Carmen that will take you to the most interesting places with the help of an expert. Although it is not a city of great monuments, you can visit the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the lighthouse, the Founders Park among others. To visit archaeological sites, you will have to travel a little, between 1 hour to 2 and a half hours either to Tulum, Cobá or of course Chichen Itzá, which you should not miss.
One of the most beautiful cenotes on the Riviera is located less than 2 hours from Playa del Carmen and deserves a visit to include in your vacation plan. Even closer you have the Cenote JardÃn Edén, also highly recommended.
Playa del Carmen's location is perfect for exploring other areas of the Riviera Maya. Akumal is only about 40 minutes away and offers you beautiful beaches and the opportunity to swim with turtles. The Cozumel excursion is one of the most successful among visitors and the 40-minute ferry ride is in itself a wonderful ride. If you like nature walks, the Sian Ka'an nature reserve is about 110 km away, which although it is not too close, can be a beautiful experience to spend a day. The Xcaret natural park is only about 20 minutes away and there you can enjoy different experiences such as swimming with dolphins, horse shows, aquariums among others.