Once an unremarkable fishing village, today Playa del Carmen is one of the most popular Mexican resorts. Located 70 km from Cancun, Playa (as the locals call it lovingly and familiarly) surprisingly combines the cheeky atmosphere of a youth party and discreet European chic. Almost white sand of the finest grinding, characteristic of the Caribbean coast, provides a steady pilgrimage for sun worshipers throughout the year, and lovers of active and ecotourism are attracted by colorful national parks, of which there are a great many in the vicinity of Playa, and lush tropical nature.
How to get to Playa del Carmen
There are no direct regular flights from Russia to Mexico. Usually flights are operated with one change in Europe, Cuba or the USA. The situation is the same with flights from the CIS countries – you will definitely need a transfer in Europe. The best fares and reasonable connections are usually offered by Iberia, Lufthansa, Air France and KLM.
Cancun, the nearest city to Playa, can be reached by flights of Iberia airlines with transfers in Madrid, Lufthansa in Frankfurt or KLM in Amsterdam. In any case, get ready to spend at least 15 hours on the road. Check animalerts for overview of North America, covering list of all countries in the continent.
From Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen can be reached by bus departing from the second and third terminals at 10:50, 11:30, 12:30, 13:20, 14:50, 15:35, 16:20, 17:10, 18:00 and 19:00. Travel time – 65 minutes, fare – 8-11 USD. Tickets can be booked in advance in the appropriate section of the airport website.
You can also book a private transfer from Cancun Airport directly to your hotel at one of the two official travel agents. Tariffs start from 65 USD per car, which is very beneficial if you are traveling with a group.
In addition, you can arrive in Playa by ferry from another popular resort town – the island of Cozumel. The journey will take from half an hour to an hour, depending on the boat provided. Cost – 7-8 USD; up to 14 ferries run daily.
Weather in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has a stable mild climate throughout the year. The average winter temperature is +26°, in summer the thermometer stays around +35°. From May to the end of November – the rainy season (respectively, with high humidity), they are especially intense in late August, September and October.
Shopping and shops
Playa del Carmen is full of traditional Mexican souvenirs: wicker baskets and woven products, small handmade trinkets in the national Indian style, colorful hammocks and, of course, tequila. Keep in mind that most shops close in the middle of the day for a long siesta, usually from one to four in the afternoon.
Entertainment and attractions in Playa del Carmen
The main entertainment of Playa del Carmen, to which all tourists without exception are given, is thoughtfully picking their toes in the finest alabaster sand, lazily contemplating the immaculately even blue horizon line.
If the spirit of adventure drives you away from the paradise beaches of Playa, you can go on an organized trip to the lagoons and secluded bays of the coast under the canopy of tropical vegetation. The duration of the tour is about 7 hours. An evening mini-cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is suitable for fans of incendiary Caribbean rhythms. There is a bar with the indispensable tequila on board, and a folklore show and a nightly torch disco are arranged on the island.
History buffs should visit the Mayan cities of Chichen Itza and Tulum with their oldest stepped pyramids, gates and temples of a mysteriously vanished civilization.
The Shkaret National Eco-Archaeological Park offers a whole arsenal of activities: snorkeling and diving, horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, caves with butterflies and bats, traveling along an underground river and much more.
