Mexico

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen or just "Playa" as the locals call it. It is a nice beach town halfway between Cancun and Tulum on the coast of the Caribbean Sea.

It is prominent that Playa del Carmen is a place where an international mix of fun loving travelers are coming to party and enjoy the beaches.
There are lots of Europeans and Americans in Playa (travelers and ones who decided to settle down) so it became very westernized.
When you are in a backpacking trip and see beauty salons, gyms and cruise ships which typically stop in Playa del Carmen to allow their vacationers to do shopping and go for luxurious restaurants, it definitely loses its authenticity.
You decide for yourself if you like it or not but even tough this place is well known, it is really not a must.

Playa del Carmen itself is not so interesting and after Tulum or Isla Mujeres, you might get disappointed from its beaches. It is the same coast line and the water is still turquoise but it is just not the same.
Originally, Playa del Carmen was a gateway to the magnificent island Cozumel which is a world famous scuba diving destination. But many travelers realized that it was also a nice place to relax.

The town is small enough where you can walk just about anywhere you need to go, and that's mostly the beach and the parties because in Playa del Carmen this is what it is all about.

What to do?

• 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is the main street that runs parallel to the beach and referred to as "Playa del Carmen's pedestrian walkway". It's around 500 meters from the water. You can find everything you need along the 5th Avenue: hotels, Rentals, all kind of stores and restaurants.
• Good scuba diving opportunities and cenote (underground cave) for swimming or snorkeling.
• Go out at night: Mambo Café, Blue Parrot.

Where to stay? 

• Hostel El Palomar - Quinta Avenida (5th Av.) between Avenida Juarez & Calle 2 Norte.
  Just outside of the ADO bus terminal. Great location close to the beach. The rooms are just too big. Nice balcony on the top floor where at night people gather for going out and in the morning continental breakfast is served.

Special tips:  

•   During all day, at the beach or at the 5th Avenue, you get cards of free entrance or drinks for most of the place in town.