WHY CHOOSE Playa Del Carmen?

ABOUT Playa Del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is one of the top places to visit for a Mexico Spring Break. It is a favorite destination among college spring break vacationers because it is almost perfect in terms of scenery, price, and accommodation. Whether your feel like relaxing on the beach, partying all night with friends, or surfing, it’s all here. Playa del Carmen is also surrounded by three seas. So it seems that wherever you look, everything is scenic and sunny

HISTORY

In its earlier days, Playa del Carmen was home to Mayans. Later, it developed into a fishing area before becoming a popular tourist destination. At the height of the Maya civilization, places like Cancun and Cozumel together with Playa del Carmen were important posts for international trading. In the early 1900s, Playa del Carmen became part of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo.

It was in the 1970s that Playa del Carmen started developing into the place we’re all familiar with today. The area benefited from the growing tourism boom in Cancun and Cozumel. The latter, in particular, gained widespread popularity in the 1960s because of the filming of the Great Mayan Reef. In the 1990s, Playa del Carmen became one of the hottest tourist destinations in Mexico.

With the establishment of budget, midrange, and luxury accommodations, Playa del Carmen has managed to maintain its popularity. Together with the natural beauty of the area, tourists like the Mayans find the place irresistible.

DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

During the last decade, Spring Break Playa del Carmen has become tremendously popular among tourists. It can be a perfect place to hang out, have a vacation, or live. Since the town has grown along the beachside, you will feel close to the beach wherever you go. Quinta Avenida is the main street and it is sometimes also referred to as La Quinta. It is usually used as a point of reference. Make it a point to go to this area on your first day to get familiar with Playa del Carmen.

If there’s one place you should definitely visit, it is the Great Mayan Reef – sometimes referred to as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It is between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, expending up to the Bay Islands of Honduras. The reef also has a colorful history. In fact, it was used as a maritime getaway of the Conquistadors. Novice to professional divers will find this reef system simply amazing. The rich diversity of corals and species makes it one of the most unique places in the Western hemisphere.

THE NIGHTLIFE

If Cancun Spring Break has a wild nightlife, Playa del Carmen has an exciting but a more laid-back atmosphere. Quinta Avenida is the place to be. Different kinds of clubs and bars stay open until the wee hours of the morning. .  

There are also clubs along the beachside, playing non-stop electronic, lounge, and dance music. Enjoy the unique drinks offered by these establishments while sitting or dancing on the white sandy beaches. Bar hopping is easy for vacationers. Clubs are located within walking distance from each other. But make it a point to visit the Blue Parrot because this is one of the most famous clubs in Playa del Carmen.

DINING AND DRINKING

Your trip to Playa del Carmen for Spring Break will not be complete without trying out authentic Mexican cuisine. Try out the traditional Yucatan cuisine, Mayan pork or chicken pibil, and the poc chuc which is grilled pork with sour orange. .

Other notable local food includes the comida corrida, antojitos, cocido, relleno negro, and the chocholomo. This area also has many international restaurants to suit various tastes.

Dress Code

The most comfortable fabrics to wear in Mexico are cotton and other natural fibers. Avoid nylon and polyester during the summer because it can be especially hot. Wearing a cap or hat can help you avoid sunburn. For most of the year, t-shirts, shorts, and dresses for ladies are all that’s needed. During nighttime, you can always wear a pair of jeans and shoes.

Playa del Carmen is a very casual place. In fact, because it caters to a variety of tourists, there even a lot of women who go topless on its beaches. Basically, the areas on the northern side attract more tourists. If the beach you’re staying at have a lot of Mexicans, be respectful and wear more clothing. After all, they are still the hosts in this amazing destination.

THE WEATHER

Since this locale has a sub-tropical climate, it experiences mostly warm or hot weather. The average temperature is 20 degree Celsius. It is always warm enough to swim on the beach. Besides temperature, another consideration is the humidity. The humidity level in Playa del Carmen can reach 90 percent. Though the weather conditions are pretty predictable, there can be some exceptions. .

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. CITIZENS

Citizens of the United States are required to present a valid passport . A tourist card (provided at the airport) must also be completed, presented upon entering Mexico, retained during one's stay, and surrendered upon leaving the country.

LANGUAGE

The official language in Mexico is Spanish. But there are hundreds of Native American languages still spoken in various parts of the country. Some of the more popular dialects include the Nahualt, Mixteco, Maya, and Zapoteco.

TRANSPORTATION

The go around Mexico from Playa del Carmen, it might be best to take the bus. There are two bus terminals; one is located on Avenida 20 while the other terminal is on the corner of 5th Avenue and Avenida Juarez. Both have direct service to Tulum, Cancun, Merida, and other popular places throughout the country.  There are also Colectivos (white public vans) that go up and down the highway. They will pick up passengers anywhere beside the road; just flag them down to get a ride.

MONEY

The Mexican currency is known as the pesos. Though it used to fluctuate dramatically before, it is quite stable now. It is around 12.75 pesos to the US dollar. Since the sign of the currency is also $, it can be confusing. In general though, all establishments aside from tourists’ hotspots like hotels and dive shops use pesos.

ELECTRICITY

The electricity used in Mexico is 110volts/60 AC.

TIME ZONE

The time zone in Playa del Carmen is Greenwich time -6 which is also Central Standard Time (CST) in some parts of the US.

TIPPING

In Mexico, tipping is almost a must. Usually referred to as propina, it can also be mandatory in some restaurants. It will be included in your bill as servicio. A lot of Americans tip generously but 10 to 15 percent of the purchase is usually standard.

ABOUT THE WATER

Similar to other places in the Yucatan, it is best not to drink tap water in Playa del Carmen. Most accommodations will provide safe drinking water for guests. Keep hydrated!