Things to do in Playa del Carmen

About Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a coastal city on Mexico's Caribbean shoreline, defined by its dense concentration of eco-archaeological parks like Xcaret Park and Xplor Park. Originally a small fishing village, it serves as the primary transit point for ferries to Cozumel and remains a hub for exploration of the Riviera Maya. Visitors can descend into the crystalline chambers of Río Secreto or relax at the exclusive Playacar Beach. The region blends modern tourist infrastructure with proximity to protected natural reserves and cultural venues such as The great Tlachco.

Good to know

1. 1

   Playa del Carmen was historically known as Xaman-Ha and served as a significant departure point for Mayans making pilgrimages to the island of Cozumel.

2. 2

   The city has experienced one of the fastest population growth rates in Mexico over the last three decades due to its transition from a coconut plantation town to a tourism epicenter.

3. 3

   The city's famous Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) pedestrian thoroughfare stretches over 5 kilometers, making it one of the longest exclusively walking streets in the country.

4. 4

   Local building codes restrict the height of most structures to preserve the skyline and prevent the casting of shadows onto the public beach areas.

5. 5

   The area sits atop a complex subterranean river system, which frequently dictates the architectural and structural planning of the city and nearby parks.