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The capital
of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from a small village
of Mayan pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest
urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and
long beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend
of sea and jungle make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean
a magnet for both Mexicans and visitors from other parts of the
world.
In
this city, activities and imagination go hand in hand: the coast
lends itself to all kinds of water sports. There are diving facilities
both inland and in the sea, the deep waters separating it from Cozumel
are idea for sport fishing, the jungle invites you to explore its
lush, magical world while trips to nearby archaeological sites are
extremely gratifying. The evening offers a number of options such
as places to dance and shake off the insomnia caused by Caribbean
nights, popular fiestas on the beaches and lively bars.
Playa
del Carmen is also an ideal spot for visiting one of the most beautiful
parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the place where ferries set
off to the Island of Cozumel. It is also near the natural well area
of Puerto Aventuras while the largest natural aquarium in the world,
Xel-Há, is just forty-five minutes away.
The
pace of life in Playa del Carmen varies considerably. At times it
reflects the gentle waves that bathe its shores with their warm,
white sands, and at others, it mirrors the rhythm of Quinta Avenida,
with its improvised artists, and dozens of languages blended into
a single murmur. Everything about Playa is surprising. Grand hotels
and resorts rub shoulders with small, traditional hostels, while
dozens of snack-bars and cafés jockey for space with elegant,
first-class restaurants. Life in Playa del Carmen is characterized
by variety and diversity.
Until
recently, Xaman-Há, a meeting point for the Mayans to attend
their ceremonial appointment with the goddess Ixchel on the neighboring
island of Cozumel, was a small fishing village. It is now the second
most important tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean
Playa
del Carmen lies halfway between Cancún and Tulúm on
a coastal strip that combines jungle, mangrove swamps and white
sandy beaches. It is characterized by its diversity; the porous
soil of the Peninsula creates a variety of features such as natural
wells surrounded by jungle, bays where underground rivers blend
with the sea and extensive mangrove swamps.
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