About Playa del Carmen (PDC) and the Riviera Maya . . .
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of Cancun which Playa del Carmen is named for. The Early Classic Period (a.d. 300-600) of the Maya Civilization and its people became the first recorded visitors to the beaches of what is now Playa del Carmen. At that time Playa del Carmen was called Xaman-Ha, or "waters of the north," and was a rest stop of various sorts of travelers making their way from the great cities of the Mayan world to the island of Cozumel, the biggest island in México.
The coast and lowlands of the peninsula were still heavily populated with the descendents of the fallen civilization when the Spaniards arrived. Tulum, less than an hour south of Playa, was the last Mayan outpost and there are plenty of small ruins to explore in Playa del Carmen. The attention of the Spanish was focused around the now great and traditional, "White" city (known for the color of clothing typically worn because of the hot climate) or area of Mérida, where living and growing conditions were better especially for growing and harvesting henequén (sisal), a fiber used to make rope. Sisal is a important fiber used throughout México for various purposes and popular for its use in making some of its most traditional clothing. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean coast was considered a savage place with not much to offer for potential settlers.
Playa was originally a small fishing town until a passenger ferry service to Cozumel, the largest island in México and world famous for its scuba diving, began to to emerge. Many visitors realized, while passing through Playa del Carmen, that it was beautiful place, with calm seas and a nice place to relax away from the crowds of Cancun but having the same quality beaches and turquoise waters. While Cozumel is famously known for its spectacular diving, Playa's cenotes make up for a different and very thrilling adventure, only to be seen in these specific areas of México.
Playa del Carmen, PDC, or just "Playa" as it is often referred to, is the heart or center of the Riviera Maya concept, México's "Gold Zone," and very precious to its economy, runs from south of Cancun to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. Calica, 5 miles south of Playa is a stop for several cruise ships which dock there to let off passengers in search of their vast adventures, whether it is strolling and shopping on the 5th Avenue or the famous "La Quinta Avenida," sunning and tanning on one of the spectacular, beautiful beaches, snorkeling or swimming in a cenote, touring an eco park, or one of the many other adventures that the area has to offer. The Xcaret Eco Park, a Mexican-themed "eco-archaeological park", is a popular tourist destination located just south of the town in Xcaret (pronounced "esh-caret"). Some say it id the "Disneyland" of Mexico. Tourist activity in Playa del Carmen centers around the famous 5th Avenue or "La Quinta Avenida" as it is often called, stretching from Calle 1 norte until Calle 40. It is a pedestrian walkway located just two blocks inland from the beach. The 5th Avenue or "La Quinta Avenida" is lined with hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants. There are many small boutique hotels, condos, and apartments on the 5th Avenue as well.
Playa del Carmen's local community and government have attempted to retain Playa del Carmen's reputation and charm as a small fishing village and artists' colony, without it becoming as large and metropolitan as Cancun. This is a difficult task, given that it has become a World-Class top destination. Playa del Carmen is currently expanding north beyond what is called the "Colosio" section, after Calle(street) 44, and on the other side of highway 307, or the "Ejido" section as it is called. Playa is currently finishing a large project which involves constructing a new section or extended highway and overpass that allows travelers to bypass the "topes" or speed bumps to get in and out of the city, making traveling north to Cancun and south to Tulum more efficient and speedier. Playa has constructed a road, calle (street) 115, on the other side of the highway in the Ejido area, which runs parallel to highway 307 or "La Carrertara Federal," which has become a blessing for many travelers, allowing them to bypass the town and go around it while traveling either north to Cancun or south to Tulum. In early January, Playa del Carmen, parts of the Riviera Maya and Cancun, retained a Belgium company to restore sand on its famous beaches that had been damaged or swept away from previous hurricanes and tropical storms. This billion-dollar project was a much needed undertaken for Playa, its visitors, residents, and businesses. The project was quite successful in restoring the vast beaches that the area is famous for and building its reputation as a top destination for world travelers. Playa del Carmen has many areas both residential and mixed with businesses. The tourist areas remain to be in the central part of the town. There are also 2 main residential, gated, and private areas called Playacar Phase 1 and Playacar Phase 2. Playacar Phase 1 is mainly a residential area with large homes, close or directly on the sea or water. It is very private and the beach is both beautiful and expansive. There is a large hotel or all-inclusive property, Playacar Palace, which sits at the entrance to Phase 1 and near the famous 5th Avenue. There are some condo developments and a condo hotel called Fisherman's. Playacar Phase 2 is also a gated and private community but much larger and more concentrated than Phase 1. The all-inclusive hotels line the beach. Large homes, condos, and apartments are scattered throughout the development. Playacar Phase 2 houses a 18-hole championship golf course, The Playacar Golf & Spa Resort, Par 75, both beautiful and challenging. Phase 2 also has an interesting aviary with an array of bird and plant species. There is a comfortable shopping area, Playacar Shopping Plaza, located also in Phase 2 of Playacar with multiple shops selling clothing, jewelry and handcrafted traditional Mexican pottery and various items. Playa del Carmen is a unique place to visit, enjoy and invest. The combination of its various visitors, from all over the globe, residents, and its indigenous people make it a very special, spiritual and peaceful setting. Playa has a significant European influence, with a number of local business proprietors drawn from the Mexican, American, European and Canadian communities. Take a look inside to find the various accommodations available for your visit, the many activities or excursions available, and other important information needed for your stay. We are here for you to answer any question and we vow to provide you with the highest attention and service possible. Viva México! Maria González Roncarati
The coast and lowlands of the peninsula were still heavily populated with the descendents of the fallen civilization when the Spaniards arrived. Tulum, less than an hour south of Playa, was the last Mayan outpost and there are plenty of small ruins to explore in Playa del Carmen. The attention of the Spanish was focused around the now great and traditional, "White" city (known for the color of clothing typically worn because of the hot climate) or area of Mérida, where living and growing conditions were better especially for growing and harvesting henequén (sisal), a fiber used to make rope. Sisal is a important fiber used throughout México for various purposes and popular for its use in making some of its most traditional clothing. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean coast was considered a savage place with not much to offer for potential settlers.
Playa was originally a small fishing town until a passenger ferry service to Cozumel, the largest island in México and world famous for its scuba diving, began to to emerge. Many visitors realized, while passing through Playa del Carmen, that it was beautiful place, with calm seas and a nice place to relax away from the crowds of Cancun but having the same quality beaches and turquoise waters. While Cozumel is famously known for its spectacular diving, Playa's cenotes make up for a different and very thrilling adventure, only to be seen in these specific areas of México.
Playa del Carmen, PDC, or just "Playa" as it is often referred to, is the heart or center of the Riviera Maya concept, México's "Gold Zone," and very precious to its economy, runs from south of Cancun to Tulum and the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. Calica, 5 miles south of Playa is a stop for several cruise ships which dock there to let off passengers in search of their vast adventures, whether it is strolling and shopping on the 5th Avenue or the famous "La Quinta Avenida," sunning and tanning on one of the spectacular, beautiful beaches, snorkeling or swimming in a cenote, touring an eco park, or one of the many other adventures that the area has to offer. The Xcaret Eco Park, a Mexican-themed "eco-archaeological park", is a popular tourist destination located just south of the town in Xcaret (pronounced "esh-caret"). Some say it id the "Disneyland" of Mexico. Tourist activity in Playa del Carmen centers around the famous 5th Avenue or "La Quinta Avenida" as it is often called, stretching from Calle 1 norte until Calle 40. It is a pedestrian walkway located just two blocks inland from the beach. The 5th Avenue or "La Quinta Avenida" is lined with hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants. There are many small boutique hotels, condos, and apartments on the 5th Avenue as well.
Playa del Carmen's local community and government have attempted to retain Playa del Carmen's reputation and charm as a small fishing village and artists' colony, without it becoming as large and metropolitan as Cancun. This is a difficult task, given that it has become a World-Class top destination. Playa del Carmen is currently expanding north beyond what is called the "Colosio" section, after Calle(street) 44, and on the other side of highway 307, or the "Ejido" section as it is called. Playa is currently finishing a large project which involves constructing a new section or extended highway and overpass that allows travelers to bypass the "topes" or speed bumps to get in and out of the city, making traveling north to Cancun and south to Tulum more efficient and speedier. Playa has constructed a road, calle (street) 115, on the other side of the highway in the Ejido area, which runs parallel to highway 307 or "La Carrertara Federal," which has become a blessing for many travelers, allowing them to bypass the town and go around it while traveling either north to Cancun or south to Tulum. In early January, Playa del Carmen, parts of the Riviera Maya and Cancun, retained a Belgium company to restore sand on its famous beaches that had been damaged or swept away from previous hurricanes and tropical storms. This billion-dollar project was a much needed undertaken for Playa, its visitors, residents, and businesses. The project was quite successful in restoring the vast beaches that the area is famous for and building its reputation as a top destination for world travelers. Playa del Carmen has many areas both residential and mixed with businesses. The tourist areas remain to be in the central part of the town. There are also 2 main residential, gated, and private areas called Playacar Phase 1 and Playacar Phase 2. Playacar Phase 1 is mainly a residential area with large homes, close or directly on the sea or water. It is very private and the beach is both beautiful and expansive. There is a large hotel or all-inclusive property, Playacar Palace, which sits at the entrance to Phase 1 and near the famous 5th Avenue. There are some condo developments and a condo hotel called Fisherman's. Playacar Phase 2 is also a gated and private community but much larger and more concentrated than Phase 1. The all-inclusive hotels line the beach. Large homes, condos, and apartments are scattered throughout the development. Playacar Phase 2 houses a 18-hole championship golf course, The Playacar Golf & Spa Resort, Par 75, both beautiful and challenging. Phase 2 also has an interesting aviary with an array of bird and plant species. There is a comfortable shopping area, Playacar Shopping Plaza, located also in Phase 2 of Playacar with multiple shops selling clothing, jewelry and handcrafted traditional Mexican pottery and various items. Playa del Carmen is a unique place to visit, enjoy and invest. The combination of its various visitors, from all over the globe, residents, and its indigenous people make it a very special, spiritual and peaceful setting. Playa has a significant European influence, with a number of local business proprietors drawn from the Mexican, American, European and Canadian communities. Take a look inside to find the various accommodations available for your visit, the many activities or excursions available, and other important information needed for your stay. We are here for you to answer any question and we vow to provide you with the highest attention and service possible. Viva México! Maria González Roncarati
