About Playa Del Carmen

 

As the fastest growing city in Latin America, Playa del Carmen has turned into an eclectic, cosmopolitan ever-changing tourist destination It is hard to keep up with the changes of this popular place that attracts visitors from around the world.

Playa del Carmen is cooler and more upscale than ever before. Nicer restaurants, better looking people, the works. Zoning regulations keep the hotels smaller than Cancun, so there are dozens of boutique hotels to chose from.

Playa del Carmen is the perfect home base for travel to anywhere on the coast. Ferries run from downtown a to Cozumel all day, and it is only an hour to Cancun by bus or car (buses run continually). 10 years ago the town was just a fishing village, with the ferry pier for Cozumel and a good bus station to bring people to the ferry. The bus stations are still very active - with buses running to all parts of Mexico.

 

Visitors to Playa del Carmen should check out the "New 5th". The newly brick paved continuation of the "old" 5th Avenue pedestrian thoroughfare is a lovely addition to Playa. There are many newer small and medium size hotels, restaurants and shops along the new 5th.

Quinta Avenida, the main shopping street in Playa del Carmen, is open exclusively for pedestrians. It can get crowded sometimes, like when a cruise boats stops between Playa and Cozumel and disgorges passengers for 4 hour shopping excursions. In the mornings and afternoons, there is hardly anybody on the street.

Paseo del Carmen is a modern shopping area with high end brands and franchise restaurants.