Part 2 in a series of 4 articles.
In our last commentary we talked about the coastal yucatan area south of Playa del Carmen and in the area of Tulum. In this column we can focus on Playa plus the recreational activities around this flourishing beachfront Caribbean town. What started as a silent and small Mexican fishing community, has promptly evolved into one of the best travel destinations in the yucatan. Back in the early 90′s we visited that sleepy small village and I can say first hand it is a far weep from what it is today. Popularity brings growth and change, but if you are desiring for a wonderful get-away and tons of fun, Playa is the spot.
Playa today represents a Caribbean destination that has it all. From world class shopping on the famed 5th Avenue to various adventure parks, first class Playa del Carmen hotels and all-out resorts to night clubs and restaurant options to satiate even the most critical palettes. Whether by day or nighttime, you should find no lack of things to do in this incredible city!
Playa is a lot more than just kilometers away from the modest Tulum hotels and eco-chic cabana resorts you will find further down the coast, but it still remains a gorgeous, active and culturally rich location to visit. By daytime, the area gives you some of the best people viewing that exists in Mexico, whether or not on the broad caribbean beaches or on the 5th Avenue walking mall you can see a extensive range of company from all over the world. There is so much to do and see in this conveniently placed modest city, being a quick boat ride to Cozumel for a terrific day trip for snorkeling or scuba or heading up the coastline 30 minutes to the city of cancun for even more options.
Playa del Carmen during the day means beach runs, snorkel and SCUBA tours, day trip jungle safaris, adventure theme parks, golf and fantastic shopping. The night time brings out the untamed side in nearly all who start out out beneath the light of the moon. In addition to the world class dining options there are at a minimum a dozen dance-clubs that cater to the late night dancing and adventurous crowds. Commonly accepted as a fun family vacation choice, it is rapidly establishing itself as a competitor for Cancun with the dance party entertainment options. A handfull of places you may get the urge to visit for the nightlife include; CoCo Bongo for entertaining stage shows with gifted music cover bands, The Blue Parrot for the fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights, OM Playa for a drink in comfort and La Santanera for a hip dance club.
Whether by daylight or nightlife, with family, a duo or single traveler, Playa del Carmen really offers something for everybody that is looking for a small or a lot of the caribbean in their vacation. In our next article we will go inland and learn the wonders of the mexican world and culture of Merida and the adjacent areas. There is zero shortage of fun and positive energy when it comes to vacations on the Yucatan!
Ron Williams has been a freelance adventure critic staying year round within Tulum, Mexico specializing in vacation info about playa del carmen hotels mexico plus life in the Yucatan Peninsula. Feel free to drop a line to Ron directly if you would like local recommendations as well as information for experiencing a tremendous journey inside Yucatan.
