CANCUN PLAYA DEL CARMEN INFORMATION
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CANCUN PLAYA DEL CARMEN INFORMATION FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
cancun Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmencancun Playa del Carmen, also known
as the Mayan Riviera, is a tourism district following the coastal
Highway 307 which parallels the Caribbean coastline of the Mexican state
of Quintana Roo, located on the eastern portion of the Yucatán
Peninsula. This district historically started at the city of Playa del
Carmen and ended at the village of Tulum, although the towns of Puerto
Morelos situated to the north and between Playa del Carmen and Cancun as
well as the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto situated 40 kilometres (25
mi) to the south of Tulum are both currently being promoted as part of
the cancun Playa del Carmen tourist corridor.
The cancun Playa del Carmen was originally called the Cancun - Tulum corridor, but
in 1999 it was renamed as the cancun Playa del Carmen with the aid of Lic. Miguel
Ramón Martín Azueta who at the time was the mayor of the municipality of
Solidaridad. The municipality of Solidaridad includes the whole of the
official cancun Playa del Carmen from Playa del Carmen in the north and south to
Tulum and extending to some 40 km inland with the border with the state
of Yucatan.
The cancun Playa del Carmen is famous for its large scale all-inclusive resorts and
a historical tourism base of smaller boutique hotels as well as the many
fine-dining restaurants available along the highway 307 and on or near
the beaches. Luxury travel entities have been instrumental in increasing
luxury villa rentals and yacht charters in the area however these only
represent a small fraction of the total tourism accommodation available.
Government development plans include establishing a number of medium
sized cities of ~200 000 inhabitants within the cancun Playa del Carmen with
initial planning spanning 20 years. Target areas for urbanization
include the towns and villages of: Puerto Morelos (technically outside
the cancun Playa del Carmen), Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Chemuyil, and Tulum.
A major attraction throughout the cancun Playa del Carmen are coastal and reef
aquatic activities dependent on the coastal water and the Mesoamerican
Barrier Reef System (also known as the Belize Barrier Reef) which begins
near Cancun and continues along the whole length of the cancun Playa del Carmen
continuing southward to Guatemala. This barrier reef system is the
second longest in the world.
Activities at the most visited locations include Jet Skiing, snorkeling,
scuba diving, swimming in cenotes, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining,
horse riding, nude sailing, and guided jungle tours. Archeology is also
a big tourist draw in the area, including the popular archeological
sites operated by the Instituto Nacional de Archeological such as Tulum
on the coast, and Chichen Itza and Coba located some distance inland.
The self-named ecoparks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha also include some smaller
archeological ruins as part of their attractions, but these natural
water theme parks operated by private business consortia attract much
larger crowds due to the diversity and range of activities provided,
such as swimming with captive dolphins.
Contents
1 Climate
2 Geography
3 Transportation
4 References
5 External links
Climate
The mean annual temperature is 24–25 °C (75–77 °F). The climate is
dominated by a rainy season from May through November, and within the
dry season there is a period dominated by northerly winds, called El
Norte, which usually occurs in the months of January and February. The
maximum mean annual precipitation throughout the Yucatan Peninsula
occurs along the coast of the cancun Playa del Carmen with 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) of
rainfall with a general decline to the NW with only 400 millimetres (1.3
ft) per year or less on the opposite side of the Peninsula. While the
Caribbean coast of the Yucatan experiences a large number of tropical
storms and hurricanes, the storm tracks and therefore landfalls of these
are divergent to both the north (Cancun) and the south (south of Tulum
and down to Belize) striking generally outside the cancun Playa del Carmen.
Groundwater and therefore cenote water temperatures are 25 °C (77 °F)
year round. Coastal waters range from 26 °C (79 °F) in January to 29 °C
(84 °F) in August.
Geography
The cancun Playa del Carmen is completely within the state of Quintana Roo on the
Yucatan Peninsula of Playa del Carmen. The terrain is flat and covered by low
tropical jungle. The geology is high purity carbonates down to a depth
of 0.5 - 1.5 km below the surface. Mean annual rainfall is 1.5 m per
year and the efficient infiltration results in the complete absence of
any surface rivers. As is common in karst, underground river network
have formed by dissolution, and these have been explored and mapped by
cave diving through sinkhole collapses locally called cenotes. The whole
of the Yucatan Peninsula is underlain by a density stratified coastal
aquifer system with a lens shaped fresh water body floating on top of
intruding saline water. The formation of caves (speleogenesis) within
this coastal carbonate aquifer is principally associated with carbonate
dissolution at the fresh-saline water contact within the aquifer. By
2008, the Quintana Roo Speleological Society (QRSS) reported more than
700 kilometres (430 mi) of flooded cave passages within the limits of
the cancun Playa del Carmen including the two longest underwater cave systems in
the world of Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha. These groundwater resources,
accessed via the thousands of cenotes throughout the landscape, once
supported the Maya civilizations and today remain the only natural
sources of potable water in the area.
The Caribbean coastline is a series of crescent shaped white sand
beaches interrupted every 1 – 10 km by rocky headlands and inlets,
called caletas, through which groundwater discharges into the coastal
water. Large sections of the extensive mangrove swamps that lie behind
the beaches and headlands are included in the areas scheduled for
tourism development.
Transportation
Most tourists to the cancun Playa del Carmen arrive through Cancún International
Airport, approximately 50 km (31 mi) north of Playa del Carmen.
A new international airport is to be built in the near future directly
serving the cancun Playa del Carmen region. There is debate as to which airport
group should be the owner of this tourist destination hot spot, as it is
very close to Cancun and some feel that Aeropuertos del Sureste ASUR
(the current operators of the Cancun airport) should not be granted the
concession of this airport as it would not be good for competition.[1]
The Secretary for Communications and Transport (SCT) said that on
November 9, 2009 the plans would be announced.
References
^ Interjet Against Concession Of Airport To ASUR in Spanish
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: cancun Playa del Carmen
themexicanrivieramaya.com Map of the cancun Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan
Peninsula.
[hide]v • d • e
State of Quintana Roo
Chetumal (capital)
Municipalities (Seats)
and Places of Interest Municipalities (Seats)
Cozumel (San Miguel de Cozumel) · Felipe Carrillo Puerto (Felipe
Carrillo Puerto) · Isla Mujeres (Isla Mujeres) · Othón P. Blanco
(Chetumal) · Benito Juárez (Cancún) · José María Morelos (José María
Morelos) · Lázaro Cárdenas (Kantunilkín) · Solidaridad (Playa del
Carmen) · Tulum (Tulum)
Places of Interest
Akumal · Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park · Bacalar · Banco Chinchorro
· Chacchoben · Coba · Isla Contoy · Isla Holbox · Kohunlich · Mahahual ·
Muyil · Puerto Morelos · Punta Allen · Punta Sur · cancun Playa del Carmen · San
Gervasio · Sian Ka'an · Tulum · Xcalak · Xcaret · Xelha · Yo'okop
Categories: Tourism in Playa del Carmen | Geography of Playa del CarmenViewsArticle
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Home | Playa Del Carmen | Tulum | Hotels | Condos | Tours | Activities |
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HOTELS
Hotels Playa del Carmen Hotels Tulum
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WEDDINGS
Weddings cancun Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen Tulum
Playa del Carmen weddings, especially Playa del Carmen weddings, are so much more
than just a ceremony on the beach.
As you begin to plan your wedding Playa Del Carmen should be one of your
considerations as a location
for both your ceremony and reception.
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CONDOS
Vacation Rental Playa del Carmen
Budget condos Luxury condos Downtown Condos
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ACTIVITIES
Catamaran Tour Xel Ha Xcaret Discovery Jungle Park
ATV Tours Deep Sea Fishing trip Jungle Crossing Coba - Mayan Encounter
Dolphin Swim Scuba Diving
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TRANSPORTATION
Private airport transfer cancun Playa del Carmen
Shared Vans
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TOURS
MAYAN ENCOUNTER JUNGLE CROSSING RIO SECRETO
RIO LAGARTOS + EK BALAM RUINS MAYA ZIP LINE
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Vacation & Travel Guide to Playa del Carmen,
Tulum and the cancun Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen.
This website can act as your travel agent and tour guide. We can help
you plan a wonderful vacation to the Caribbean coast, The cancun Playa del Carmen,
Playa del Carmen.
We live, work and play in beautiful Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen (The heart
of the Mayan Riviera) and can share with you our first hand knowledge
and opinions of some of its hidden treasures.
You can make hotel reservations and book tours directly on the site. We
have carefully selected accommodations: hotels, condos, cabanas, as well
as, highly recommended scuba diving centers, eco tours, fishing and
other activities, restaurants, transportation and some general tips and
advice.
The areas we cover are throughout the cancun Playa del Carmen Corridor which
includes the coastline starting south of Cancun and ending in Tulum
(Tulum is famous for their Mayan ruins and their romantic secluded
beachfront cabanas).
In between this approximately 90 minute drive stretch of crystal blue
water coast, you will find Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen (where we
live and love it!), Puerto Aventuras and Akumal.
As we find special places and things during our own adventures, we add
our favorites to the site. We are happy to give you all the information
we can along with our personal opinions about anything we have
experienced here.
Upcoming Local Events
Highly recommended activities you can book:
Golf Clubs in cancun Playa del Carmen : all the best golf clubs in cancun Playa del Carmen.
The Camaleon Mayakoba, Golf club Hilton Cancun, Moon Palace, Iberostar
Playa Paraiso, and more.
Eco Tours: We have found the best eco tours guides in the area. They
offer unique and exclusive adventures. Explore the natural paradise of
the Yucatan Peninsula with safety in mind and loads of fun. People have
raved about these! Really different and educational. One of the tours,
Mayan Encounter has won awards.
Eco Parks: Xel Ha and Xcaret
Fishing Trips: Playa Del Carmen was once a sleepy fisherman's village,
the sleepy part is gone but the fishing is still here! We have found a
local fisherman who enjoys taking anyone out for serious fishing. Book
your trip you wont regret it!
Catamaran Tours: A beautiful 41 ft. custom built catamaran with friendly
and professional crew (owner operated so their is personal touch) will
take you on a beautiful trip making a stop in a secluded snorkel cove
overlooked by small Mayan temple. A really relaxing day trip.
ATV Jungle Tours: Take a trip through the wild Mayan jungle. Swim and
snorkel in a clear freshwater cenote pool. Ride well maintained
automatic ATVs through tropical jungle.
Scuba Diving: Recreational Diving, Technical Diving and Certification
courses
Weather you are an experienced diver or someone who wants to learn, we
have a dive center that can cater to your specific needs. The Dive Shop
is a PADI Dive center, SSI diving center and a DAN Business member with
a professional staff and fun atmosphere. They also have snorkeling tours
available in the ocean and cenotes. You will not be disappointed! If you
are a diver or you want to go snorkel you must see the cenotes / caverns
unique to this region - spectacular !
For the most comprehensive diving web site in the cancun Playa del Carmen go to
Diving Playa Del Carmen www.divingplayadelcarmen.com
Scuba Diving, Cenote / Cavern / Cave Diving, Cozumel Diving,
Snorkeling, PADI Courses
Learn Spanish in Paradise: Solexico Language and Cultural Centers
provide students with the best opportunity to learn Spanish in a short
period of time while being immersed in the Mexican culture. They also
have some great Spanish lessons and scuba diving packages for students.
Skydiving in Playa Del Carmen: Has been enjoying human flight for more
than 20 years. During that time, advances in equipment and training have
made it safer and easier for more people to enjoy the world's most
exciting sport.
Transportation to and from Cancun Airport, Rental Car Information,
General transportation information. We have the best Private Van Prices.
(as of Dec 1, 2004)
What to do when it's rainy...also when it's Sunny!
WHAT TO VISIT DURING YOUR STAY IN cancun Playa del Carmen
Tulum Ruins
Boca Paila / Punta Allen
Coba Ruins
Chichen Itza
Check our new pages
Girlfriend Getaway Playa del Carmen
What to do in Playa del Carmen when its rainy
Cool stuff in Playa del Carmen
MAPS cancun Playa del Carmen
Maps on this page you will find a few maps of Playa del Carmen and the
cancun Playa del Carmen.
You can print them and use them while in playa.
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GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY
Girls is time to have fun with your best friends! Take a look at our
list of Relax and Fun things to do and also think about to spend a week
at the BIKINI BOOT CAMP
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MAYAN RIVIERA - cancun Playa del Carmen TRAVEL INFO
Mayan Riviera - Stretching from Punta Brava just south of Cancun
International Airport to Punta Allen just south of Tulum, exists one of
the most fascinating destination spots in the world. Tropical beaches,
ancient ruins, abundant marine and wildlife abound. The Great Mayan Reef
is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Mexicans refer to the Riviera as "cancun Playa del Carmen" while foreigners call it
the "Mayan Riviera" or "Maya Riviera". It is used all three ways in this
web site.
We do not know if there exists an exact spot where the Mayan Riviera -
cancun Playa del Carmen starts but the general concensus is that once you get onto
highway 307 along the coast in Quintana Roo you are pretty well in the
Mayan Riviera. This highway runs from Cancun all the way down to Belize.
The Mayan Riviera ends after Tulum, where the Costa Maya begins.
As you drive along highway 307 you are usually around a kilometer away
from the beach. The land is flat and the scenery will appear similar to
that of any flat-forested region of Canada or Europe. The highway itself
is brand-new having just been widened in recent years and is in
impeccable shape.
Along the Mayan Riviera, on the highway there is the occasional Mexican
craft market, small industrial center, and lots of resort entrances. On
the shoreline there are numerous privately owned rental cabanas, fishing
and diving operations and beaches.
The most popular travel destination in the Mayan Riviera is Playa del
Carmen which is where you get the ferry to go to Cozumel. After Playa
del Carmen the next town of any great size is Tulum.
Mayan Riviera Travel
Behind The Scenes At A 5 Star Resort
Join TravelYucatan.com as we take you behind closed doors at the Grand
Palladium Resort and Spa.
Taking Gifts And Tipping
The ins and outs of tipping on vacation in Playa del Carmen.
What's New? - The Hotel Butler
Every guest should have one!
MAYAN RIVIERA HOTELS
For current Mayan Riviera hotel and resort information including rates,
availability and secure on-line reservations please see: Mayan Riviera
Hotels
Cancun Airport to Mayan Riviera HotelsTransfer Information
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ATTRACTION AND TOUR LIST
with on-line reservations
Golf, Mayan ruin sites, fishing, snorkeling, ecotourism and soft
adventure tours desinged for you to experience Playa del Carmen's natural and
cultural wonders.
Our tours are perfect for singles, seniors, and children.
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DESTINATIONS IN THE MAYAN RIVIERA
The cancun Playa del Carmen - Mayan Riviera
is the area in red on the left map.
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PUERTO MORELOS
Puerto Morelos was a small fishing village that has grown to become a
quaint tourist destination, close to Cancun. There are nice beaches
here, Internet, restaurants and all the amenities you would expect.
For more info see: Puerto Morelos Travel Info
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PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Depending on how fast you drive, "Playa" as the locals call it is about
an hour's drive from the airport. The highway is brand new and road
conditions are excellent. If you have rented a car there are overhead
traffic signs in Spanish and English to guide you.
Playa is the regional capital. It is a bustling beach town filled with
excitement and unique experiences. A walk down 5th Avenue, the local
strip, and you can pet wild lions, play with a boa constrictor, sit on a
curb and watch a Maruichi band perform for one of the local restaurant
cafes. You can enter one of the many beautiful restaurants for a healthy
delicious sampling of Mexican or international cuisine.
There are numerous jewelry stores and arts and crafts stores where many
great deals can be had if you know how to bargain. The cruise ships dock
here on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the town fills up with new faces for
a day.
The beaches at Playa are excellent and perfect for children. There is
not that much coral so the snorkeling is not good here. However you can
catch the ferry to Cozumel where the snorkeling and diving is world
famous. Lifeguards are on duty on the main Playa beach. If you wish to
snorkel there are some coral reefs just north of Ave. Contituyentes.
TIP!: If you really need to visit more shops a trip to Cozumel is
recommended. However you may find prices slightly higher on the island.
People on cruise ships may purchase items duty free and avoid paying
taxes on items such as silver.
For more info see: Playa del Carmen Travel Info
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PLAYACAR
South of Playa del Carmen just a short walk is Playacar, an upscale
development garnishing many five star all-inclusive resorts, a world
class golf course, shopping mall and International restaurants. The
beaches are beautiful and totally suited for children. There is also an
extensive variety of condominiums and villas to rent.
The Playacar golf course was carved out of the jungle and is a treat to
simply walk around let alone play. It is a commanding course that will
challenge even the most aggressive player. Green fees range from $65 to
$110 and golf carts are available.
Something not to be missed is the Xaman-Ha aviary. A colorful array of
tropical birds including macaws, toucans, flamingos and parrots can be
found here in their natural habitat. The botanical garden covers almost
4 acres and also contains cenotes. Cavernas Sache, a beautiful cavern
filled with stalagmites and stalactites is also located in Xaman-Ha.
For more info see: Playacar Travel Info
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PAAMUL
Paamul has a deep bay that rests on the shoreline making it quite a
choice spot. The reef is right out front and excellent for snorkeling.
There are dive and fishing boats here as well. Backpackers, Mexicans and
general bohemians use this destination and many clean affordable cabanas
and private homes can be found here. There are also restaurants and of
course amazing beaches. This is a great place to meet people!
For more info see: Paamul Travel Info
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PUERTO AVENTURAS
Puerto Adventuras is an exclusive resort community boasting the only
full-service marina between Cancun and Belize. It is a gated community,
access off of highway 307. Fully modern luxury facilities abound here as
well as quaint bed and breakfasts. You also find private homes, villas,
condos and apartments for rent or sale.
Cozy restaurants and interesting shops line the marina's edge.
Sailboats, fishing charters and yachts anchor in its deep blue water.
Cigar stores offering Cuban brands and experienced personnel to assist
you sit amongst the many unique shops. There are also many beautiful
restaurants for a delicious samplings of Mexican or international
cuisine.
There are all the beach activities one would expect like windsurfing,
snorkeling and ski-jets. You can also visit the Cedam Museum, which
houses various artifacts from sunken ships along the reefs. There is
also tennis and a 9-hole golf course with no reservations needed. Green
fees start at $44 and special memberships are available.
For more info see: Puerto Adventuras Travel Info
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XPU-HA
Enter off highway 307 onto a dirt road. There is a sign that says
Xpu-Ha. This is a rustic beach community for adventurous travelers. The
beach is excellent; there is a cenote on the north side and restaurants
on the main beach. Cabanas are available for $10-$25 per night. This is
a great place for backpackers.
For more info see: Xpu-Ha Travel Info
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KANTENAH
Playa Kantenal [Kantenah] is next to the El Dorodo Resort, which has an
excellent natural beach for snorkeling. You may be hardpressed to find a
nice sandy beach to swim into however the snorkeling is fantastic along
here. There are Cabanas for rent by the night and a restaurant. The
Palladium is located along Kantenah and has nice beaches.
For more info see: Kantenah Travel Info
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AKUMAL
Akumal is in the heart of the cancun Playa del Carmen. Because of its location and
beautiful beaches it is a perfect place to either stay local or use to
launch numerous adventures. You are close to many things. There are a
number of large resorts and lots of rentals, condos, villas and
apartments. There are many small convenience stores and many local shops
and restaurants. Many of the beaches are natural beaches however many
have white sand areas for children and swimmers.
This is a great place for snorkelers especially if you want to see sea
turtles.
Activities in the area include diving, snorkeling, game fishing and the
Akumal Ecological Center.
For more info see: Akumal Travel Info
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CHEMUYIL
Chemuyil is a small Maya village off the beaten path. The beach and the
bay are private property and closed to the public. You can however
travel down a windy road to Xunaan-Ha where a sacred cenote may be
found. You will want to swim in it, as it is breathtakingly beautiful.
It costs $3 for adults and $1.50 for kids.
After your swim you can wander around town. The Maya are friendly people
but keep in mind that many old Maya may show indifference towards you.
It is not advisable to take photographs here.
For more info see: Chemuyil Travel Info
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XCACEL
Xcacel has one of the nicest beaches on the Riviera. It is also the
place many sea turtles lay their eggs. It is not recommended to go
there.
For more info see: Xcacel Travel Info
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TULUM
There is Tulum Ruins and there is the town Tulum. The town Tulum is
around 5 kilometers south of the Tulum Ruins.
The town is small but has many restaurants, bars and hotels. There are
some nice hotels in the area and many miles of white sandy beaches.
There are of course villas, cabana, apartments and houses to rent by the
day or week. Much of the stuff you will find in the shops in Playa can
be found here but not in quite as abundance. Also the beach resorts are
secluded and not as busy as Playa del Carmen.
There is a gas station here and numerous dive shops and fishing
charters. Tulum town is also close to the ruin sites of Coba, Muyil and
Tulum.
For more info see: Tulum Travel Info
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cancun Playa del Carmen HIGHLIGHTS
Beautiful lagoons and bays full of colorful fish & sea turtles
Fascinating Mayan ruins at Tulum, Coba and Xel-Ha
Second-largest barrier coral reef in the world
Miles of white sand beaches
Unique "eco-archeological" theme parks, Xcaret & Xel-Ha
Lots of Cenotes [natural pools of clear water- amazing to swim in]
Aktun Ha [giant caves on road to Coba]
Playa del Carmen [the fastest growing city in Latin America]
Cozumel Island [diving and snorkeling]
Magnificent resorts and hotels
Unbelieveable shopping
Fabulous food
Mayan Ruin Sites
Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Information
Ecology & EcoTours
Children
Shopping Tips
Nightlife - Romance
Deepsea Fishing
Golf Courses
MAYAN RIVIERA
Overview
Weather
Beaches
Weddings
Golf
FAQ
Ruin Sites
Things To Do
Photos
Snorkeling
HOTEL INFO
Choosing a Hotel
Map of Hotels
Hotel List
Group Hotel Rates
What's All Inclusive?
Vacation Info
DESTINATIONS
Playa del Carmen
Playacar
Tulum
Akumal
Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Morelos
Kantenah
Paamul
Xpu-Ha
Chemuyil
Xcacel
OF INTEREST
Mayan Arts & Crafts
Jewelry
Centro Ecológico
Akumal Library
Montezuma Revenge
Using Walki-Talkies
TRANSPORTATION
Getting Around
Map
Cozumel Ferry
Mayan Riviera
Airport Transfers
main menu
Home
Tours & Things to Do in Cancun
Our Most Popular Tours
Chichen Itza
Xcaret
Xel Ha with Tulum Ruins Option
Private Express Tours & Activities
Xcaret with Tulum Ruins Option
Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins with Ik Kil & Ek Balam Options
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Designed by Ultranerds A
E-mail:
infocancunriviera@prodigy.net.mx
Address: Calle Nogal Mza 16 Lote 1 Local 3 Smza 43. C.P. 77506.
Cancún, Q. Roo. México.
Telephone: From USA and Canada: 011 52 (998) 848 17 80
From Playa del Carmen: 01 (998) 848 17 80
International: 52 (998) 848 17 80
Fax: (52-998) 848 14 83
General Information of cancun Playa del Carmen and FAQ's (Frequent Asked Questions)
cancun Playa del Carmen Tourist Board
The cancun Playa del Carmen is the moniker given to the beautiful coastline stretching
south of Cancun toward Belize. Tropical conditions coupled with the Rivera
Maya's geography yield some of the most abundant ecosystems on the planet.
The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a network of
underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, eco-adventure sports including
kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching
and deep sea fishing, proximity to Playa del Carmen's Mayan archeological sites, the
varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf, shopping,
gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and
budget.
Playa del Carmen
The small town of Playa del Carmen is the center of the Mayan Riviera...
once a small sleepy fishing village, it has developed into a lively and
charming town offering much to do for its guests. Come and explore!
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Cozumel
Another gem of the Caribbean, Cozumel, known for amazing scuba diving &
snorkeling. Home to many lovely resorts and a charming small town. Only 45
minutes across from Playa del Carmen by Ferry.
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Tulum
If you are looking for a truly secluded getaway, head to Tulum. Stay at a
beach cabana or a quaint small hotel... just minutes from the historic
archeological sites. In Tulum you will find secluded beaches...
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Xcalak
Ready for an adventure? For those travelers contemplating a visit to the
remote fishing village of Xcalak, we have several options. Located 4 hours
south of Cancun...
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Akumal, Playa del Carmen
Akumal is for people who want to get away from the busy tourist resorts of
Cancun and Cozumel and for those who want to see more of the real Mexican
lifestyle of the Mayan Riviera.
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Swim With Dolphins
Our Swim with Dolphins program offers you the opportunity to swim and play
with a beautiful Bottlenose Dolphin. During the Dolphin Swim, you will be
able to experience the magic of swimming with dolphins...
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We are a complete source of travel information and a great option to make
reservations when you are planning your next vacation in Cancun, Playa del
Carmen and the cancun Playa del Carmen in Playa del Carmen: Hotel reservations, hotel reviews,
tickets for parks and attractions such as Xcaret or Xel-Ha, book your tours
to Chichen Itza, Swim with dolphins among many other tours and activities.
Rent a car or book your transportation to your hotel from Cancun Playa del Carmen
Airport.
cancun Playa del Carmen History
Would you ever forget a stunning shoreline
where the untamed jungle meets the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea? Well that's
exactly what happened to cancun Playa del Carmen during colonial times.
Originally the cancun Playa del Carmen region was an
important trade and religious hub for the ancient Mayas between 1000-1550
AD. You can still see the remnants of this prosperous era at the ruins of
Tulum and the towns of Playa del Carmen, Xcaret, and Xel-Ha.
This prosperity waned after many wars and
invasions before the Spaniards' arrival. After their arrival, the colonial
government didn't see any economic need to develop the area. Lucky for us,
the inadequate roads discouraged development of the area.
cancun Playa del Carmen slowly developed into a vacation
destination with the popularity of Cozumel. Initially, people only came here
to catch the ferry to the beautiful island, but they were quick to discover
the natural beauty of the gateway to Cozumel.
Today, this splendid coastline of the far
eastern Yucatan peninsula is a living museum to Playa del Carmen's cultural and
natural heritage. Hundreds of kilometers of sugary shoreline boarder the
quaint villages and vibrant reefs that make the cancun Playa del Carmen region a laid-back
vacation destination. Divers are drawn to The Great Maya Reef which is the
world's second largest reef system. Would-be spelunkers discover its
underground river system complete with caves and cenotes. Nature lovers
venture to the Biosphere Reserve. While the Indian Jones in us all explores
the hundreds of magnificent archaeological sites of the Mayas.
Just venture 68 kilometers south of Cancun and explore the unique character and quiet beauty spanning from Punta
Brava to Punta Allen
The cancun Playa del Carmen is one of the most fascinating destination spots in the
world. Tropical beaches, ancient ruins, abundant marine and wildlife abound.
The Great Mayan Reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.
The cancun Playa del Carmen offers an unrivaled combination of high quality
accommodations, relaxing beaches, and a wide diversity of shopping, dining,
and nightlife. There are also a number of opportunities for travelers to
learn about ancient cultures and visit timeless architectural ruins.
Playa Del Carmen, or "Playa" as the locals call it is about an hour's drive
from the airport. Playa is the regional capital. It is a bustling beach town
filled with excitement and unique experiences. You can enter one of the many
beautiful restaurants for a healthy delicious sampling of Mexican or
international cuisine. There are numerous jewelry stores and arts and crafts
stores.
The beaches at Playa are excellent and perfect for children. You can catch
the ferry to Cozumel where the snorkeling and diving is world famous. If you
wish to snorkel there are some coral reefs just north of Contituyentes
avenue.
Something not to be missed is the Xaman-Ha aviary. A colorful array of
tropical birds including macaws, toucans, flamingos and parrots can be found
here in their natural habitat. The botanical garden covers almost 4 acres
and also contains cenotes. Cavernas Sache, a beautiful cavern filled with
stalagmites and stalactites is also located in Xaman-Ha.
Puerto Adventuras is an exclusive resort community boasting the only full-service
marina between Cancun and Belize. Cozy restaurants and interesting shops
line the marina's edge. Sailboats, fishing charters and yachts anchor in its
deep blue water. There are also many beautiful restaurants for a delicious
Mexican or international cuisine. There are all the beach activities one
would expect like windsurfing, snorkeling and ski-jets. You can also visit
the Cedam Museum, which houses various artifacts from sunken ships along the
reefs.
Akumal has beautiful beaches and is a perfect place to either stay local or
use to launch numerous adventures. Many of the beaches are natural beaches
however many have white sand areas for children and swimmers. This is a
great place for snorkelers especially if you want to see sea turtles.
Activities in the area include diving, snorkeling, game fishing and the
Akumal Ecological Center.
There are two important places with the same name, the Mayan ruins and the
town of Tulum. The town is small but has many restaurants, bars and hotels.
There are some nice hotels in the area and many miles of white sandy beaches.
Also the beach resorts are secluded and not as busy as Playa del Carmen.
Tulum town is also close to the ruin sites of Coba and Muyil.
There is a small market and many little shops located downtown Playa del
Carmen where you can purchase Mexican garments, authentic silver or any
other crafts. There are also many shops and markets located downtown Cancun.
Main malls and shopping centers are Plaza Caracol, Plaza Kukulkan, and Plaza
Flamingo. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes
There are discos located at some of the hotels on the Mayan Coast and in
Playa del Carmen. There are many restaurants and bars located downtown
Cancun that can be reached by taxi or bus from the Mayan Sun Coast. Some
famous places to visit downtown Cancun include: All Star Café, Coco Bongo,
Christine, Dady'o, Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood.
A cancun Playa del Carmen vacation would be your unique experience!
cancun Playa del Carmen—where is it?
The cancun Playa del Carmen, also known as the Mayan Riviera is a 130 kilometer long
stretch of Caribbean coastline that runs between the resort city of Cancun
to the north, down to the Mayan ruins of Tulum at its southern end. The
cancun Playa del Carmen is in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen's most eastern state on
Playa del Carmen's most eastern body of land—the Yucatan Peninsula. The cancun Playa del Carmen
is part of the Mexican Caribbean which describes the entire Caribbean coast
of Playa del Carmen from Cancun down to Quintana Roo's capital city of Chetumal, and
the southern border with Belize, Central America. The island of Cozumel,
Playa del Carmen's largest island, is also part of the Mayan Riviera.
Getting around
Carretera (highway) 307 traverses the length of the cancun Playa del Carmen with roads
shooting off at right angles to various beach side resorts, vacation
communities, undeveloped beaches and lagoons. A few roads penetrate the
jungle heading west to Mayan ruins, cenote freshwater pools and the state of
Yucatan where Spanish Colonial towns wait to be discovered by the more
adventurous traveler seeking the deeper culture of Playa del Carmen and the Maya.
Yucatan state comprizes the western part of the Yucatan Peninsula and in
many ways is a world apart from the cancun Playa del Carmen. The cancun Playa del Carmen~Mayan
Riviera, together with the entire Yucatan Peninsula, are world class
tropical destinations providing history, adventure and tropical luxury. And
yet globaly, the Yucatan beyond Cancun, remains virtually unknown.
cancun Playa del Carmen, Playa del Carmen Hotels
Dive into a dazzling array of Cancun hotel deals on everything from all-inclusive
resorts to adults-only getaways. Those glistening white sands of the Yucatan
are lined with cheap Cancun hotels with sensational swimming pools to tempt
you into this tropical playground of south-of-the-border delights.
Mayan Riviera and Yucatan destinations/resort towns—Mexican Caribbean
Akumal: town center, Yal-ku lagoon, Half Moon Bay, Jade Bay, South Akumal
and Aventuras Akumal: Akumal is known as The Place of Turtles, but could
just as easily be called The Place of Magic because of its ability to make
all your worries and stress disappear. "Las Bahías de Akumal" or "The Akumal
Bays" are a series of six bays starting at Yal-Ku Lagoon to the north and
ending at Aventuras Akumal to the south.
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Cozumel Island: SCUBA diving and snorkeling on world class coral reefs,
deserted beaches, marine parks, nature reserves; plus, shopping, restaurants
and night life, tropical Isla Cozumel has it all.
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Isla Holbox: Shake off society's restraints and set your sail for the Gulf
of Playa del Carmen, if you dare. Travel light because Isla Holbox is a little tricky
to get to. Isla Holbox harkens back to the old days of sandy streets, cool
accommodations (a few with AC) and warm people. It's not for everybody and
that's just fine. But for the adventurous, this could be paradise found.
Don't miss the seasonal trips to see the whales sharks!
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Mahahual: No, Mahahual is not in the cancun Playa del Carmen. It is the Costa Maya's
newest tourist town on the Mexican Caribbean. Mahahual is at a fledgling
stage of development but growing rapidly as more interest is focused on
nearby natural assets. The center of town is actually quite small but
beaches stretch north to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and south to the
coastal town of Xcalak, last stop before Belize, C.A.
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Playa del Carmen & Playacar: Playa del Carmen is one of the fasrmaya1 growing,
most fun towns in the Caribbean. An international mix of fun loving
travelers come here to party, enjoy the beach and just generally immerse
themselves in the tropical splendor. To the south of Playa and right next
door is Playacar, with beach houses, all-inclusive resorts, golf, Xaman-Ha
Aviary & Plaza Playacar.
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cancun Playa del Carmen: cancun Playa del Carmen is a gated luxury marina community
offering condominiums, hotels and luxury Caribbean front villas to
vacationers. It has a wonderful beach and a wide selection of restaurants,
gift shops, several dive centers, fishing boats, a couple sailboat tours and
day adventure land tour operators.
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Puerto Morelos: This little fishing town is convenient to the Cancun airport
and is changing to accommodate vacationers more every day. Enjoy a town that
still remembers the old days of the Mexican Caribbean. Great restaurants and
some interesting shopping too.
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Soliman Bay & Tankah Bay: People like Soliman Bay & Tankah because they're a
step back in time, away from mainstream tourism and back to the roots of the
tropical experience. Soliman Bay is a place to kick back and chill-out,
purge all your stress and absorb the cool blue Caribbean seascape.
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Southern Quintana Roo: Laguna Bacalar, a turquoise ribbon winding through
the jungle, is a gateway to some of the Yucatan's most fantastic
archaeological sites.
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Tulum: There's more to Tulum than just the famous ruins! Tourists from
around the globe are discovering Tulum for its sand swept beaches &
turquoise sea. This is coconut heaven!
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Xcalak: Just north of Belize on the Caribbean, Xcalak Playa del Carmen is serene and
natural, and has great coral reefs, snorkeling, diving, bone fishing and sea
kayaking.
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