Playa del Carmen really surprised me. I stopped here because it is the closest town to Xcaret. My initial plan was to arrive late to Playa del Carmen, visit Xcaret the entire following day and then move on to Tulum.
But, I was faced with a hard problem. I just liked Playa del Carmen too much. So, if you want to send me on an all-expenses-paid trip to this spot in the Mexican Riviera, I will gladly accept it.
You guys know I didn’t like Cancun. Playa del Carmen is not exactly the most traditional town in Mexico. However, for some reason, we clicked.
I enjoy bustling places. After all, I am a city girl. I like to have options after a day of hard sightseeing. In Playa, there is the right amount of action from late afternoon to the wee hours.
Most of the action concentrates throughout the famous Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). This is a place of excesses and contrasts. You can find all kind of expensive stores and restaurants in this drag. On the contrary, it is possible to find well-priced massages, authentic crafts, affordable silver jewelry (one of my weaknesses), and delicious tacos.
Weirdness is also a synonym of this place. Fish pedicures are getting popular. Some guys were even flaunting a lion cub. All this time, I have been trying to discover how they got that lion.
There is an entire town behind the Quinta Avenida. You can get as superficial or deep as you want.
Here are some of my favorite things in Playa del Carmen (in photos).
The Beach
The Colorful Ferry
The Quinta Avenia (5th Avenue)
The Stores
The Mexican Accents in Every Corner
The Coconut Vendors
The Hotels
The Food
What do you like about this town? Let me know in the comments section below.
Jan Ross says
Love the beautiful resorts in that area. I stayed at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita – gorgeous!
Gina says
Was only there for a few hours earlier this week – we were staying farther north on the Riviera Maya – and loved it! Want to go back for longer. Highlight was eating at Alux, which is a restaurant in an underground cave – definitely the most unique restaurant setting I’ve ever eaten in! Love your pictures of the city – so colorful! 🙂
Ruth says
I am so jealous. I want to go back so bad. Do you know about the Alux legend? Didn’t know there was a restaurant with that name.
Michael Figueiredo says
Playa del Carmen looks and sounds gorgeous. I love that photo with the three boats!
Christy @ Technosyncratic says
Haha, I’d accept an all expenses paid trip to Playa del Carmen as well!! Where do I sign up? 😉
Ruth says
We have to find out who can pay for our trip. I’ll let you know if I find somebody. ;0)
Spencer says
Looks like a great place! I am loving that beach and the food looks awesome too.
Ruth says
You have to visit one day, it is fabulous!!