Playa Del Carmen - Mexico

This village was virtually unknown 20 years ago. It was - and is - the departure point for ferries to Cozumel but development has turned it into a ribbon-like resort which continues to grow luxury hotels southwards, absorbing the pristine beaches along the Caribbean shore.

Playa del Carmen is less brash than Cancun and has great beaches (arguably even better ones than Cozumel), particularly south towards Akumal and Tulum.

Regular trasnport up and down the coast (the Riviera Maya) between Cancun, just 68 km (42 miles) to the north, and Boca Paila, some 92 km (57 miles) south, means that beaches, Mayan villages, natural reserves and archaeological sites are easily accessible.

Cozumel protects Playa's shores, so watersports are safe here. Swimming, body surfing, snorkelling, game fishing and diving are all popular. Then there are good restaurants (especially along the pedestrians-only Avenida Quinta) and bars, some smart shops, and many upmarket hotels in the newer Hotel Zone.

From Playa to Punta Allen there are a number o interesting places to visit and there are plenty of tours to take you there if you don't want to hire a car or catch a bus. Xcaret, Puerto Aventuras, Xel-Ha or the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve are quite easily accessible, as are the archaeological sites of Coba and Tulum.

Guided Tour Presents Playa Del Carmen
http://www.guidedtourmexico.com/delcarmen.html - describes in detail things to do in Playa Del Carmen.