Playa del Carmen vacations are perhaps most often centered on the amazing beaches, but Playa has much more to offer. This former fishing village in Mexico's Maya Riviera region first started getting attention because of its world-class beaches, but these days, the average visitor can do much more than play in the sand. For starters, there are some spectacular Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen, and it doesn't take long to get to other area destinations such as Cancun.
Playa del Carmen beach vacations can be just what the doctor ordered when the winter doldrums set in. This resort town boasts some of the best beaches in Mexico, and found near these beaches are scores of hotels and vacation rentals. The hotels include many all inclusive hotels and resorts, the Sandos Playacar being a good example. Should you prefer going the vacation rental route, villas, condos, and apartments are among the options. Regardless of where you stay in Playa, you won't be very far from the sand, and there are beaches to suit a wide range of preferences. At Mamitas Beach and a few others, you will find lively beach clubs, while strips of sand like Shangri La Beach offer a more tranquil environment.
The Playa del Carmen golf courses include some world-class stretches, and since this is a sub-tropical destination, you can tee it up year round. If you're not a golfer or you simply want to add other activities to your Playa del Carmen picture, the fishing possibilities are spectacular, and the Mayan ruins that can be found at regional destinations such as Tulum and Chichen Itza certainly merit a visit.
Adding some adventure to the picture is what many people have in mind for their Playa del Carmen vacations. At nearby nature parks such as Aktunchen and Xel Ha, you can go zip-lining among a forest canopy, take a tour of a cave, and delve into the waters of a cenote. Other ideas for the adventurous visiting include taking an ATV tour and going on a scuba diving excursion. Many Playa del Carmen vacations revolve around diving, and this has a lot to do with the fact that the second largest barrier reef in the world can be found off the Maya Riviera coast.
Couples who are looking to enjoy a romantic escape can add a sunset cruise to the picture, and families should find that there are numerous accommodations that have their needs in mind. Perhaps you're a student and are wondering about the spring break potential of Playa, or maybe you are a music enthusiast and are coming down for the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. You might be surprised at how diverse Playa del Carmen is, and since there is so much to do, enjoying more than one visit is easy to justify.
As a side note, Playa del Carmen caters just as well to discerning travelers as it does those on a budget. Cheap hotels like the LabNah can help you keep your costs down if you wish to save some money. Should you be focused on Playa del Carmen luxury vacations on the other hand, upscale retreats like the Royal Hotel have you covered. The Playa del Carmen vacation packages—ideal for any level of budget—can include things like your flight and your accommodations, and deals are often included.
Regardless of the kind of vacation you have in mind, Playa del Carmen can likely satisfy. This is a destination that caters to everyone with its mix of accommodations and activities.
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