Recreational Holidays

Under Stars And The Sun In The Yucatan

The second edition, out of four total editions.

In our last commentary we talked about the coastal yucatan area south of Playa del Carmen and in the area of Tulum. In this column we can focus on Playa plus the recreational activities around this flourishing beachfront Caribbean town. What began as a quiet and small Mexican fishing community, has promptly evolved into one of the best travel destinations in the yucatan. Back in the early 90’s we visited that sleepy little village and I can say first hand it is a far cry from what it is today. Popularity brings growth and change, but if you are desiring for a wonderful get-away and tons of fun, Playa is the spot.

Playa nowadays represents a Caribbean destination that has it all. From world class shopping on the renowned 5th Avenue to a number of adventure parks, first class Playa del Carmen hotels and all-inclusive resorts to night clubs and dining options to fulfil even the most critical palettes. Whether by daylight or nighttime, you should notice no lack of stuff to do in this beautiful city!

Playa is a lot more than just kilometers away from the small Tulum hotels and eco-chic cabana resorts you will discover further down the seashore, although it still continues to be a charming, dynamic and culturally rich place to visit. By day, Playa del Carmen gives you some of the greatest people observation to be found in Mexico, regardless of whether on the broad yucatan beaches or on the 5th Avenue walking mall you should see a extensive range of visitors from all over the world. There is a lot to do and experience in this centrally situated little city, being a quick ferryboat ride to Cozumel for a terrific day trip for snorkeling or scuba or going up the coastline 30 minutes to the city of cancun for even more options.

Playa del Carmen during the day means beach runs, snorkel and SCUBA tours, day trip jungle safaris, adventure theme parks, golf and great shopping. The night time brings out the untamed side in nearly all who start out out beneath the light of the moon. In addition to the world class dining options there are at a minimum a dozen dance-clubs that cater to the late night dancing and adventurous crowds. Commonly accepted as a fun family vacation choice, it is rapidly establishing itself as a competitor for Cancun with the dance party entertainment options. A handfull of places you may get the urge to visit for the nightlife include; CoCo Bongo for entertaining stage shows with gifted music cover bands, The Blue Parrot for the fire shows on Friday and Saturday nights, OM Playa for a drink in comfort and La Santanera for a hip dance club.

Whether by daylight or nightlife, with family, a duo or single traveler, Playa del Carmen truly offers something for everyone who is looking for a little or a lot of the caribbean in their vacation. In our next report we will go inland and observe the majesty of the mexican world and culture of Merida and the encompassing areas. There is zero shortage of fun and positive energy when it comes to expeditions on the Yucatan!

Ron Williams has been a long time excursion author staying full time within Tulum, Mexico specializing in vacation info about holbox island hotels and staying in the Yucatan Peninsula for many years. Feel free to get in touch with Ron directly if you want regional recommendations or information for experiencing a tremendous journey within Yucatan.