PLAYA DEL CARMEN VACATION RENTALS, QUINTANA ROO

Apart from the beaches, the major attractions of Playa del Carmen are its Mayan ruins and archaeological sites that attract the tourists to this destination. Book a Playa del Carmen condominium or a Playa del Carmen vacation rental and take advantage of the various jungle tours to view the various sites and attractions of the town and the surrounding region.

• Teotihuacan Archaeological Park
• Templo Mayor Archaeological Park
• El Tajin Archaeological Park

The waters of Playa del Carmen promise a variety of fantastic diving experiences for all levels of divers. Snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, boating, fishing are some of the water sports you can look forward when staying at one of the Playa del Carmen condos or Playa del Carmen vacation rentals. The Yucatan Peninsula is the cradle of the ancient Mayan Civilization and when you have had enough of the waters, explore the Mayan ruins and excavations.

• Reef Diving in Playa del Carmen
• Distinctive Caribbean Diving
• Cenote Diving in Playa del Carmen
• Fishing
• Skydiving in Playa del Carmen
• Motorcycle Jungle Tours
• Day Trips to Cozumel
• Beaches

Though a small place, Playa del Carmen features one world-class golf course located within the town and another in its close vicinity thereby ensuring golfers staying at a Playa del Carmen condo or a Playa del Carmen vacation rental have plenty of shots to play.

• Playa car Golf Club
• The Moon Palace Golf Club

Playa del Carmen has developed it own homegrown fairs and festivals events and integrated them with the Mayan culture. A vacation at a Playa del Carmen condo or a Playa del Carmen vacation rental is the perfect excuse to enjoy the myriad fairs and festivals that provide the true feel of the city pulse when the locals step forward to greet the guests with fun and blast, which include antique fairs and holiday galas. Since Playa del Carmen is a small place, the locals also participate in the events and festivals at some bigger places in Yucatan peninsula. These fairs include the Bird Festival around November where the bird enthusiasts can watch a variety of birds and also participate in workshops, conferences and exhibitions. Then there is the Yucatan Fair where the stockbreeders participate. Besides the live stock traders there are several other events including horse races, theme parks, children’s shows, cock fights and the traditional palenque festival.

• Ferragosto Festival
• Kite Surf Championship and Wind Festival
• Latin Jazz Festival
• Reggae Festival

The popular dining site in Playa del Carmen is the 5th Avenue or the Quinta Avenida as the locals call it, a downtown pedestrian walkway, which abounds with innumerable dining options ranging from taco stands to ultramodern fine dining restaurants. Step out of your Playa del Carmen condominium or Playa del Carmen villa to enjoy a variety of authentic Mayan cuisine or the continental cuisine including the Mexican, American, Italian, French, Argentinean and Thai delicacies. In fact you do not need to walk more than 50 yards at any point to get something to eat or drink. Check out the Byblos, a French bakery and restaurant that features a delicious selection of French pastries and breads. It is a treat to eat the duck, risotto, endive salad, Escargot, Lobster Fricassee, Steak Tartare, Shrimp in vanilla sauce followed by an unbelievable chocolate desert and a variety of wines in an air conditioned comfort. It is reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Playa del Carmen. If you like to eat in the fabulous Caribbean atmosphere, go to Da Gabi Ristorante, which features homemade fettuccini, fresh seafood and salads, and grilled vegetables. Tango Taco is an Argentinean restaurant featuring great grilled meat and some nice but unusually typical Argentinean sauces at reasonable prices. You can sample salads, cheese empanadas, ham, grilled meats like Arrechera, Milanesas- breaded meats, Cazuelitas de queso al carbon, Fajitas, crepes, tacos of various meats, fries, baked potatoes and beans.

Next to its fabulous beaches, Playa del Carmen is best known for its nightlife. There are several bars, discos and clubs on the beaches and also down town that offer fun and entertainment through the lively music to suit every mood. There are quiet small bars, loud and rowdy places, beach sidebars, and sports bars such as Cabalova with TVs, pool tables and other games, which remain open till 4 AM. Another great feature is that these fun places are just walking distance away from each other and you do not have to hire taxis. The Blue Parrot and Captain Tutix are two popular clubs. Jazz lovers can visit Apasionado. If you like fun and noise, visit the ultramodern and hip alfresco bar, Bodeguita del Medio that features a dance floor where incredible salsa dancers practice their stuff. Visit Om for hookah water pipes, flowing linens, oriental rugs and a European crowd.

Fifth Avenue or Quinta Avenida is the epicenter of shopping in Playa del Carmen and as a guest of a Playa del Carmen condo or Playa del Carmen vacation rental you are sure to return home with your hands laden with gifts. The area is always bursting at its seams with shoppers jostling with each other at the various shops, stores and booths selling a huge variety of wares including jewelry, souvenirs, arts and crafts, fashion and knickknacks. You can get gorgeous and colorful Mexican handicrafts at great galleries and shops displaying artwork by artists from San Cristóbal or Oaxaca and also from other regions. The items have a fusion of influences from many different cultures across the globe particularly from Brazil, Africa and Asia. They have been blended with ancient Maya designs to create truly unique products You can go for furniture, paper maché, woodwork, woven cloths and silver jewelry, footwear, clothing and much more. The quality of these wares is very good and the prices are reasonable.

Though it is fun to visit as many shops as possible; however if you do not want to tire yourself wandering about the whole of the 5th Avenue, just visit Paseo del Carmen, the new shopping mall which features stores, boutiques filled with all types of Mexican souvenirs. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, some sunscreen and also hat to protect yourself from the sun.

The weather in Playa del Carmen and in fact in the whole of Mayan Riviera remains warm all the year the round thereby making it perfect for enjoying a vacation at one of the Playa del Carmen condo or Playa del Carmen vacation rental anytime of the year. The average temperature is 80°F (27°C) and there is no humidity. Still the best time to visit is November through February since the sun shines most days during this period. The busiest season is from mid December to April when the prices reach their peaks. This period attracts tourists not only because there is severe cold in North America and Europe, but also because it does not rain and the heat is not so muggy. The dry season ends in May and the rains start in June. Tropical storms are rare here, but since they are the fact of life. Hurricanes pass away slowly enough for the people to face any danger and then there is also a 3-day warning system and the guests can be kept safe and happy during the inclement weather. There is not much to worry about vacationing during this season as the prices are the cheapest and you can get the best deals and the best weather. High travel season is August and December to Easter.

Playa del Carmen is a beach city located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. It is just 68 kilometers to the south of Cancun. To reach Playa by air, you have first to fly to the Cancun airport. From here you can fly to Playa/s airstrip that handles small charter aircrafts and private air taxis. You may contact AeroCaribe, a local aircraft operator located near the airstrip.

The best option, however, is to take a bus or a local van from the downtown Cancun station that can bring you and your luggage quite comfortably to Playa in about one and a half hour. These vans also called "Collectivos" are white and can carry ten passengers and are quite convenient and easily available near the bus stations. If you are in the hotel area in Cancun, there are many taxis available that can bring you here at negotiable fares.  If you wish to drive to Playa by your own car from Cancun, it is best to take Highway 307.