Mexican ceramics and glassware are certainly a local specialty. They combine the influences of pre-Hispanic, European, Arabic and Oriental cultures. The handcrafted ceramics have a unique quality that is appreciated worldwide. In Playa del Carmen, the most commonly found pottery, ceramics, and glassware are the red earthenware, Talavera, and the blown glassware. The red earthenware is relatively inexpensive, as well as the glassware, but expect to spend a bit more on a Talavera piece such as a mirror or sink. When shopping for local art, keep in mind that if you venture up the highway, there are plenty more bargains than if you stay in the tourist area in and around Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue shops.

Another specialty that you’ll find at Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue is Mexican Chocolate. It’s made from a dark, bitter chocolate that’s mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and occasionally nuts. The best chocolate is often purchased in “disks” although it’s also available in solid bars and syrups. Hot chocolate made from this delicious concoction is a local favorite and has been consumed as a beverage in Mexico for thousands of years. Mayan and traditional Mexican Chocolate can be found at most major markets and the 5th Avenue shops.

Last but not least, Tequila is certainly the one thing that makes everyone think about Mexico!  It’s used to create elaborate margaritas and also simple shots. For some people, it may remind them of things they never thought they would do in public like dancing on tables, singing with mariachis, and embracing total strangers!  You can learn the difference between añejo, reposado, white, and gold tequilas while on your trip. Make sure to also find out about that crazy worm found in mescal!  If you do indulge at any point in your vacation, make sure you have a ride back to your Playa del Carmen hotel.

If you’re not looking for local arts and crafts, chocolate or tequila, then there are plenty of other shopping options.  Trendy clothing shops, bikini shops, and high-class jewelry stores can be found throughout the shops at 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. In the past, you would have had to go all the way to Cancun to find souvenirs for your trip, but due to its growth, Playa del Carmen has established itself as one of the most interesting (and negotiable) places to shop in the world!

MAYAN RUINS OF TULUM

Only an hour from most Playa del Carmen hotels, the Mayan ruins of Tulum have one of the most breathtaking settings of any city past or present. This major Mayan ruin sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is also unique for a wall that surrounds the town on three sides. This wall averages seven meters in thickness and is three to five meters high. It also has an interior walkway, from where spears and rocks are believed to have been thrown. With the ocean on the forth side, Tulum could easily defend itself from potential enemies.

The ruins of Tulum are just north of the main town where one can find several restaurants and convenience stores for supplies.

MAYAN RUINS OF CHICHÉN ITZÁ

The Chichén Itzá ruins, arguably the most impressive Mayan site on the Yucatán peninsula, is about three hours from Playa del Carmen. Its famous pyramid offers a challenging climb and a breathtaking view of the jungle. This ruined city has several hundred buildings; some have been partially restored and others are still covered with jungle vines and bushes.

Guided excursions to Chichén Itzá can be easily reserved through Playa del Carmen hotels.  Some of these Mayan Riviera excursions also include a visit to Valladolid and the Dzitnup cenote.

MAYAN RUINS OF COBA

The grand Mayan ruins of Coba reside less than two hours from Playa del Carmen beaches, and they are unique from other big sites in the Yucatán. Four natural lakes surround it, which is a rare sight in the Yucatán. These lakes gave the city its name, which means “waters stirred by wind”. It is not as excavated nor reconstructed as Chichén Itzá or Tulum, but Coba still has a number of big structures surrounded by jungle growth, birds and monkeys.

It’s not difficult to find your way around Coba, as there are signs pointing you in the right direction. It’ll take you about 1 1/2 hours to see the groups of buildings that are open for visitors. The guides speak English, Italian, German and of course Spanish. Most of them are Mayan Indians with knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area, as well as the ruins themselves.

MAYAN RUINS OF EK BALAM

The Mayan city of Ek Balam is rarely visited but offers exotic temples and jungle. It’s a bit off the beaten path since it’s located about 20 minutes north of Valladolid. From local Playa del Carmen lodging, it’s almost a 3 hour trip, which is best handled by car, but it’s a real treat for those into Mayan art and architecture.

You will need about an hour or two to see the site at a nice slow pace. There are authorized guides available, which is a great way to gain a greater understanding of this interesting site. There are also plaques with information in English, Spanish and Mayan in front of the more important structures.

Wedding and honeymoon events can be easily arranged with the friendly hotel staff prior to your visit. Between events, you can relax in beautiful rooms or lounge on private balconies with breathtaking views. You can also take a romantic sunset cruise or stroll along a secluded beach. Try a free introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool. Go back in time and tour a nearby Mayan archaeological site. Explore ancient caves and underground rivers. Enjoy nearby Playa del Carmen shopping.  Sample fine Playa del Carmen restaurants or indulge in the exciting nightlife.  Whatever you do, Playa del Carmen has something special for everyone.

For couples that like their privacy, there are also full kitchens in the rooms, so eating in is very easy.  There are also washers and dryers in laundry rooms, so don’t worry about bringing enough clothes on your Playa del Carmen vacation. Simply wash, dry, and wear your favorite clothes while you’re here.

Peak season on the Yucatan takes place from December through April, with the Christmas and Spring Break holidays being the busiest time, but those couples that want to have fun in the sun shouldn’t care what time of year it is because the temperature in Playa del Carmen stays in the eighties all year long.  The warm waters of the Playa del Carmen beaches are open for year-round enjoyment.

Whether you decide to have a Playa del Carmen wedding or Mayan Riviera honeymoon, your expectations will surely be exceeded.

Playa del Carmen was originally a small fishing town, and it did not take long for visitors to realize that it had some of the loveliest beaches and natural attractions in the world. Tourism started with the passenger ferry from Cancun, an island across the Cozumel Channel. Many visitors found Cozumel’s turquoise waters amazing and realized that its seclusion provided an excellent place to avoid the crowds of Cancun.  Since then, it has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Shopping can also be an adventure at Playa del Carmen. Shopping activity centers on Quinta Avenida, or Cozumel’s Fifth Avenue, which is lined with hundreds of stores, bars and restaurants. Authentic Mexican food and exotic drinks are some of this area’s highlights. There are also many small boutique hotels on Fifth Avenue as well as on the beach. Bargains can be found on almost anything when shopping in this area.

Playa del Carmen hotels are usually very close to the popular attractions, pristine beaches and secluded retreats. They also offer some of the best amenities in the world, usually providing many natural attractions themselves. Tour guides at the hotels will help you plan your excursions, arrange round-trip transportation, and ensure that you have the best experience of your life. Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Caribbean Mexico and turn their vacation into an unforgettable adventure.

Staying in Playa del Carmen suites while on vacation or business in this area is always a great idea. Not only do you have full kitchens with appliances to making eating-in easy and more affordable than dining out each day, but you also have washers and dryers in laundry rooms. Don’t worry about bringing enough clothes on your Caribbean vacation. Simply wash, dry, and wear your favorite things.

Daily room cleaning from friendly courteous employees allows you to enjoy the home like convenience in these luxurious suites while experiencing personalized maid service. Your satisfaction is important and everyone, from the manager to the groundskeeper is invested in seeing a smile on your face and a return visit in your future.

Restaurants and shopping abound in Playa del Carmen. From quiet local cafes, to elegant gourmet dining, to noisy, energetic night spots, there is definitely something for every taste and budget. Enjoy the delicious fresh fruit drinks or cocktails by sparkling, uncrowded pools conveniently scattered around everywhere. Or head right out your suite door to the pristine white beaches and gentle surf. If you’re the kind of person who loves being part of a crowd, the popular social beach clubs will have you feeling like you belong in no time at all.

Playa del Carmen suites are a perfect base for touring the interesting archeological areas in the immediate vicinity. In under an hour you can be in Cozumel, Tulum, Xcaret, Chichen Itza, or Coba. Specialty tours and deals are available everywhere, if you would prefer to be chauffeured by an experienced tour guide.

Perhaps the amazing outdoors is the big attraction for you here in Playa del Carmen. Hiking in the surrounding jungles, wandering through lush water parks, and diving around the 2nd largest barrier reef are only a few of the exciting adventures awaiting your visit. Fishing, sailing, touring caves and underground rivers are also popular activities here. Whether you are anticipating adventure, romance, or relaxation, the Playa del Carmen suites have been designed with you in mind. Come and see for yourself.

Visitors typically arrive at the Cancun Airport when traveling to their Playa del Carmen Vacations. The drive from the airport to the city is about an hour. The main tourist zone is located directly alongside the beaches. The majority of buses that bring in tourists will drop off their customers at the ferry docks, which travel to nearby Cozumel. 5th Avenue is the street that runs parallel to the beach. The street is ideal for hotels, restaurants, timeshares, and a variety of other attractions. The street is often called the city’s “Pedestrian Walkway”.

Shopping is one of the main attractions for visitors to Playa del Carmen. Numerous local shops can be found alongside 5th avenue and in front of most hotels and restaurants. Whether you are looking for clothing, souvenirs, food, snacks, or anything else, you are sure to find it quickly if you are close to the tourist zone. Dining throughout the city is offered in a variety of restaurants. Guests have the option of trying local Mayan cuisine, or trying international foods from Italy, France, South America, and other places. Authentic Mexican food may be the most popular for first time visitors to Playa del Carmen.

Most vacationers to Playa del Carmen are interested in relaxing on the beach under an umbrella. The warm ocean water is ideal for a relaxing vacation away from home. However, the more adventurous traveler is bound to find the exciting regions near Playa del Carmen. The sites attract thousands of visitors every year. The city of Playa del Carmen itself invites adventure. Many travelers spend days walking throughout the colonial region of the city and visiting historical churches, museums, and other buildings. Adventure tours throughout the Riviera Maya region are also a popular way to spend vacation time in Playa del Carmen. The rich wildlife and thick jungle regions that are found in southern Mexico offer visitors an exciting look at nature’s finest creations.

Peak season on the Yucatan takes place from December through April, with the Christmas and Spring Break holidays being the busiest time. But those who want to have fun in the sun won’t care what time of year it is, as the temperature in Playa del Carmen stays in the eighties all year long.

Golfing is another favorite in this resort town where world-class greens call out for an early morning tee time. Relax in the shade of a tropical palm tree or take stroll through the tropical forests that separate several of the major resorts from each other.

Those on holiday with the family will want to check out the inspiring and breathtaking Aquatic Expedition where visitors can snorkel in a jungle lagoon and visit not one, but two famous cenotes, (underwater sinkholes), and explore at their own pace. The Dolphin Discovery offers a dolphin swimming experience where you and your family will have the opportunity to receive all the affection of these tender and playful animals that always seem to smile and you won’t soon forget, and the Mayan Encounter offers explorers who dare the chance to climb the stairs of the tallest Mayan Pyramid in the Northern Yucatan.

After a day of exploring, golfing or exciting water sports, travelers on holiday will want to take a sunset cruise and enjoy a lobster dinner aboard a sailboat under the stars on the Nichupte lagoon. The cool tropical breezes will be a welcome and soothing change from the heat of the midday sun.

Playa del Carmen holidays are best spent with those loved ones, so if holiday plans include the entire family, or a romantic getaway just for two, there’s plenty to see and do in Playa del Carmen on holiday.