Playa del Carmen traces its roots to back to the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. Aptly named “Xaman-Ha” – which translates to “waters of the north” – it was considered an important stop along the Mayan pilgrimage to Cozumel.
Then, what is Playa del Carmen known for?
Playa del Carmen is mostly known for its beaches, parties and giant resorts. But there's the whole other side of the city. It's a great hub for independent travelers with many things to do in and around. As I've lived in Playa del Carmen for almost 2 years, I got to know the city and surrounding areas quite well.
Additionally, what's Playa del Carmen like? Playa del Carmen has the best of both worlds modern yet quaint. The beaches are nice, there's lots of great restaurants, shopping, and bars. Playa del Carmen is also central for all tours like snorkeling, cenotes, ruins,and more.
Likewise, is Riviera Maya the same as Playa del Carmen?
Riviera Maya is an area just south of Cancun to just past Tulum, Playa del Carmen is a town close to the center of both I mentioned.
What country is Playa del Carmen in?
Mexico
Related Question Answers
Is it safe to swim in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen, the north beach in Tulum, and Akumal all have lifeguards for the beaches but they are limited. Swim close to shore and it you are not a big swimmer, wear a life vest. Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day!Which is better Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
Cancun and Playa del Carmen offer very different vibes, Cancun's Hotel Zone has a more modern city feel, while Playa del Carmen, although it has grown immensely, feels more like a town.Is Tulum better than Playa del Carmen?
Tulum is more the destination of choice for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path, back-to-nature adventure where everything is much more rustic, small-scale, and low-key than in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is the better choice for those looking for a little more action and modern accommodation than in Tulum.Can you use US dollars in Playa del Carmen?
The currency used in Playa del Carmen is the Mexican Peso, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and main tourist attractions. Buy pesos from your local bank before you come. Most banks offer a much better exchange rate than your hotel or the exchange houses along 5th Avenue.What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen?
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May, when there are fewer people along the shore. Day temperatures hover between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the climate is generally dry and slightly warm.How much spending money do I need for Playa del Carmen?
You should plan to spend around M$708 ($33) per day on your vacation in Playa del Carmen, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, M$249 ($12) on meals for one day and M$91 ($4.27) on local transportation.Is Playa del Carmen a party town?
Many people see Playa del Carmen as a lazy beach destination, or as a party town hidden in the shadow of Cancun, but it´s so much more. The exquisite mix of races and cultures in this small town have given way to an exciting and wonderful array of activities, restaurants, tour opportunities and arts.How much does a beer cost in Playa del Carmen?
An "average price" would be 40 pesos IMHO. I have seen beer as low as 25 pesos and as high as 80 pesos.Is it better to stay in Cancun or Riviera Maya?
Cancun can be hectic, more people, more traffic, & more of a "city" feel. But at the same time, it has all the conveniences of a city, such as, restaurants, bars, & shopping. I also think the beaches in Cancun are better b/c of the waves, but that's just my opinion. The Riviera Maya is more laid back.How much is a taxi from Riviera Maya to Playa del Carmen?
Playa Del Carmen taxis will drive you out to hotels along the Riviera Maya but it is not cheap. The price can range from about 120-700 pesos for a one way.What airport do I use for Playa del Carmen?
Cancun International AirportAre the beaches better in Cancun or Riviera Maya?
The water in Cancun is prettier than anywhere else on the Riviera Maya, except for Tulum. For a beach with a small child, I'd choose the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral beach, which has the beautiful turquoise water Cancun is known for as well as a calmer beach than some of the other Cancun resorts.Can I travel to Mexico right now?
Technically, the border between Mexico and the United States is closed except for essential travel. Keep in mind, however, that the US State Department has assigned Mexico a Level 3 Travel Advisory. Because coronavirus cases in Mexico remain high, this recommends that Americans reconsider travel.Why is it called the Riviera?
Riviera, pronounced [riˈvj?ːra], is an Italian word which means "coastline", ultimately derived from Latin ripa, through Ligurian rivea. It came to be applied as a proper name to the coast of Liguria, in the form riviera ligure, then shortened to riviera.What is the main street in Playa del Carmen?
5th AvenueWhat airport do you fly into for Riviera Maya?
Cancun'sIs Playa del Carmen Safe?
This type of vacation travel is extremely safe and safer then most touristic destinations in the world. We don't discourage people from vacationing and having a good time in Playa Del Carmen, but we do make people aware of how crime has changed from previous years.Is it expensive in Playa del Carmen?
Playa Del Carmen is more expensive then most other places in Mexico because rents are high on 5th Avenue and prices have to be passed on. Many things are imported to Playa and this adds to the cost as well.Is Playa del Carmen too touristy?
Though most of the restaurants along the main strip of La Quinta were overpriced and over-touristy, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Playa del Carmen had plenty of authentic, good-value places nearby too.How much is rent in Playa del Carmen?
Some one and two bedroom apartments in neighborhoods out of the center can range from 5000-12,000 pesos a month. Rent in Playa Del Carmen is much higher then most other place in Mexico. Rent prices are still less than many places where people move from.Is Puerto Vallarta or Playa del Carmen better?
Puerto Vallarta is just more livable, feels less touristy and is overall less expensive than Playa Del Carmen. We also found it much easier to develop friendships and get involved in the community. Note: You can read about our experience in finding a temporary home in Puerto Vallarta and in Playa del Carmen here.Where should I stay in Playa del Carmen?
There are five main areas to stay in Playa del Carmen:- Centro – Downtown Playa del Carmen. Jose Ignacio Soto/Shutterstock.
- Quinta Avenida – Fifth Avenue. Maciej Czekajewski/Shutterstock.
- Calle 12 – Nightlife District. Dan/Flickr.
- Playacar. Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.
- Mayakoba. @Hotel Fairmont Mayakoba.
How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?
three daysWhat should I buy in Playa del Carmen?
Great Souvenir Ideas to Shop for in Playa Del Carmen- A bottle of Xtabentun liquor. Pronounced “esh-tah-ben-toon“, this is a Mayan liquor that taste like anise.
- Mexican blown glass.
- Mayan tapestry table runners or pillow covers.
- Mexican chocolate and coffee.
- Local art.
How do you get around Playa del Carmen?
The best way to get around Playa del Carmen is on foot, as most of the best things to do are located right off the beach. There's no bus service around town, but if necessary, you can hail a taxi to escape the main resort area. Ferries to Cozumel are also available.Is Playa del Carmen Safe for American tourists?
The Mayan Rivera is considered a safe area and Playa Del Carmen generally is considered a safe place, compared to other tourist destinations. Like in any other tourist place, there are things to watch out for. Pickpockets operate on beaches and your possessions should not be left unattended while in water.Are there sharks in Playa del Carmen?
Shark sightings are rare and shark attacks even rarer. You see much of the coral along the coast at Playa del Carmen has died off which does not attract reef fish, which the sharks feed on. Due to the lack of prey and the large number of boats that cruise the waters sharks stay away from Playa del Carmen.What are the beaches like in Playa del Carmen?
The 5 best beaches in Playa del Carmen- Parque Fundadores. It's hard to miss Parque Fundadores beach as it's the large sandy beach located behind the iconic arch.
- Calle 10 beach. Playa Del Carmen is bursting with amazing beach clubs.
- Mamitas beach. Mamitas beach is also home to Mamitas Beach Club.
- Coco reef.
- Playa Maroma.
What places to avoid in Mexico?
The 12 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico to Avoid at All Costs- Mazatlan. The State Department has warned citizens about traveling to this region.
- Reynosa. Many people travel through Reynosa, Mexico, to get to the U.S. | John Moore/ Getty Images.
- Tepic. The U.S. government doesn't want its citizens to visit Tepic.
- Ciudad Obregón.
- Chihuahua.
- Ciudad Juarez.
- Culiacán.
- Ciudad Victoria.
