The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from a small village of Mayan pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and long beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for both Mexicans and visitors from other parts of the world.

Playa is a fantastic place to spend your vacation, hang out, or live. The town has grown along the beach, so wherever you go, you will feel the closeness to the ocean. The main street is called Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue. It is a pedestrian walkway and a common point of reference.

The town basically has two parts. Let's start from the dock and the main square, El Zocalo. Going west from here is Avenida Juarez, where you will find the bus station, post office, police and most banks. Now head north on 5th Avenue, walking parallel to the beach. This first part of Playa is where you find most hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Life in Playa del Carmen is characterized by variety and diversity.

South of the dock is an area called Playacar. This planned development is where all the big, all-inclusive resorts are located. You'll also find the golf course, some private homes and condos, the aviary, and some interesting Mayan ruins.

There are diving facilities both inland and in the sea, the deep waters separating it from Cozumel are ideal for sport fishing, the jungle invites you to explore its lush, magical world while trips to nearby archaeological sites are extremely gratifying.

If your visit to Playa del Carmen coincides with a full moon, you could camp on the beach and enjoy one of the celebrations the inhabitants hold in its honor. Playa del Carmen provides an enormous variety of water activities, ranging from swimming on the beach, or more strenuous sports such as windsurfing, sailing or diving in the nearby reefs to going on boat trips or using other types of watercraft.

Extreme sports enthusiasts will enjoy scuba diving in the open seas in the crystal-clear waters of Playa del Carmen. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Mayan Reef, located less than 100 meters out from the beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the caves, which is a great experience.

Playa del Carmen is also an ideal spot for visiting one of the most beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the place where ferries set off to the Island of Cozumel. It is also near the natural well area of Puerto Aventuras while the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha, is just forty-five minutes away.

The evening offers a number of options such as places to dance and shake off the insomnia caused by Caribbean nights, popular fiestas on the beaches and lively bars. The two best places to dance are El Espiral and El Señor Frogs. If you'd like to have a drink and listen to good music, Captain Tutics, Safari and The Blue Parrot are all excellent choices.