Complete Guide to the Riviera Maya

Photo Taken by Flodigrip

When you arrive in Playa del Carmen and see the multi-hued turquoise waters of the Caribbean rolling onto the white sand beaches, you may say to yourself, “Why would I ever leave the beach?” It is true the beaches in Playa del Carmen are some of the most beautiful in the country and for that matter, the entire Caribbean.

However, there is so much more to see and do that you need to get away from the sun and sand for at least a few activities.

Diving

Playa Del Carmen offers incredible choices to the dive enthusiast. Most dive shops offer dives for newcomers to advanced. One of the best spots is just offshore near the beautiful island of Cozumel.

There are a number of reefs and wreck dives available in the area and prices for most dive shops start at around US$50.00 and include equipment rental unless otherwise noted.

Dive schools are also plentiful so even someone without any experience can be certified and diving all in the same week of vacation.

La Quinta Avenida

Photo Taken by Flodigrip

Playa Del Carmen’s La Quinta Avenida is a pedestrian paradise for both locals and visitors. The avenue runs parallel to the beach and is lined on both sides with hotels, restaurants, bars and condos.

It is the city’s most lively nightlife destination as people can be seen walking peacefully until after midnight. There are a number of excellent restaurants that offer everything from sushi to steak to please any palate.

The bars are full of life and music can be heard in each one as you stroll by their doorways.

Xcaret

Any trip to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is not complete without a visit to Mexico’s version of Disneyland, Xcaret. This eco-park is located a few miles from Playa del Carmen and is enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.

There is an aviary, a turtle sanctuary, dolphin aquarium and a beautiful beach great for swimming, snorkeling or diving.

The park has a current pool that takes you along at a snail’s pace to enjoy all the beautiful things both above and below the water’s surface. The price is not cheap so be ready to pay upwards of US$100 for an all-inclusive ticket.

The price may seem steep to some, but it is worth every penny.

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