 Mexico, sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, is a traveler’s paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposite identities: desert landscapes, ancient ruins, colonial towns, world-class resorts, deserted beaches and an endless collection of fauna and flora. The country is divided into six tourist regions, where the mix of modern and traditional, clichéd and surreal, is the key to Mexico’s charm.
Located in the heart of the Mayan Riviera in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen or Playa, as the locals call it, is a beach-side city located on the Mexican coast of the Caribbean Sea. Discovered by those seeking white beaches, gentle surf and outdoors activities, this once sleepy fishing village has retained its small-town charm. Buildings are low-rise, and the atmosphere is an authentic mix of old and new world culture. Rich in ancient Mayan culture and history, Playa del Carmen is a central exploration point for the entire coastline and offers an array of activities and excursions whilst learning the Spanish Language.
Things to do on a visit to Playa del Carmen:
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Snorkel, Scuba dive and splash
about in Cenotes, subterranean
caverns filled with fresh water pools found throughout the Yucatán
peninsula.
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Stroll along the pedestrian
walkway Quinto Avenida enjoying
the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival.
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Explore the surrounding Mayan
archaeological sites Tulum, Cobá and Chichén Itzá, among others.
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Taste and enjoy a range of
traditional Mexican antojitos at
a traditional taqueria.
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Ferry to the Island of Cozumel, recognized internationally as
one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world.
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Practice newly gained Spanish
vocabulary bargaining in the open air markets.
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Explore the biosphere Sian
Ka'an, a huge nature reserve encompassing 10% of state of Quintana Roo
founded in 1986 to protect the unique wildlife in the area.
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Daily Life in Playa del Carmen
 Enjoying the same ideal subtropical climate as Cancun but without the crowds, Playa del Carmen enjoys an average temperature of 25 Celsius and sunny days throughout most of the year. As the weather ranges from warm to hot for most of the year, and with usually very high humidity, time moves at a slower pace like many other coastal areas within the region. The sea is almost always warm enough for a swim, and it is common to break up a day’s worth of study or work with a dip or two in the ocean.
In the areas further west from the downtown avenues, one can find a quieter and more real Playa Del Carmen off the beaten path. Fantastic low-key restaurants and shops that offer clothing and goods for prices far more reasonable than those of the touristy Quinta Avenida strip. Nightlife along Quinta Avenida get into full swing around midnight, and the main street transforms from a family-friendly pedestrian way to a bustling hot spot where the growing underground music scene, featuring local artists and attracting rock, pop and folk musicians from all over the world, is put on showcase.
 History of Playa del Carmen
The post-Classical period saw the height of the Maya civilization, with Cozumel, Cancun and Playa del Carmen becoming major players in the area's trade industry. Playa del Carmen's location, lying between the two ports of Honduras and Veracruz, makes it ideal for international trading. In the early 1900's, Playa del Carmen became a territory of Mexico and, more specifically, a part of the state of Quintana Roo. The expanding resort zone is dotted here and there with remnants of ancient Mayan structures reminiscent of the great civilization which once populated the region.
Fifteen years ago Playa del Carmen was a quaint fishermen's village whose only asset was the ferry dock needed to cross to the highly popular tourist destination of Cozumel. However, it wasn't long before developers saw the potential in Playa del Carmen's white sand beaches nestled between a virgin, lush green jungle and the turquoise clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Elements within the Playa del Carmen local community and government have attempted to retain Playa del Carmen's reputation and charm as a small fishing village and artists' colony, without becoming as large or tourist-dependent as Cancún.
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5. The City
