When you think “beautiful Caribbean getaway,” you’re probably normally thinking about some island out in the middle of the ocean, right? There’s nothing wrong with that: Caribbean islands are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, there’s another stunning Caribbean destination you might be interested in. Playa del Carmen, a resort city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a place you should be considering for your next vacation.
Playa del Carmen
The City
Located in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist areas. This is due in large part to its location on the gorgeous Caribbean coast, which offers stellar beachfront views and breathtaking natural sights. Another factor in the city’s popularity is its location along the Riviera Maya, a tourism route that cuts down along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
This has, in turn, led to the city’s explosive population growth. As of 2019, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico in terms of population. Cruise ships in and around the Caribbean often use Playa del Carmen as a stop, docking at the nearby Calica docks near the quarry.
Weather
One of the biggest draws to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya in general, is the weather. The region is tropical, sporting sunny and warm weather year-round. It shares this in common with nearby Cancun, another extremely popular tourist destination. In relation to the surrounding towns, Playa del Carmen tends to get hotter weather on average than the other cities in the Riviera Maya, due to its position as southernmost town on that route.
The region is somewhat insulated against hurricanes thanks to its location along the Southern region of Mexico. However, hurricanes like Wilma in 2005 have been known to hit the city and cause substantial damage. Thankfully, the region is usually at a lower risk for this kind of damage than areas like the Caribbean islands.
Attractions
As you might expect, the region’s gorgeous beaches and ample natural beauty make it a no-brainer for tourism. If you’re interested in visiting the area, there’s a lot to look forward to. The numerous five-star resort hotels are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plentiful nightlife, including clubs and bars, as well as numerous restaurants to sample the local cuisine.
There are also countless entertainment venues for everything from concerts to burlesque shows. Whatever kind of entertainment you’d like to find in a Caribbean paradise town, you’re likely to find in Playa del Carmen. The Playacar complex is home to most of the resort hotels, and also is home to the world-renowned golf course. The campus is also home to residential developments like condos and apartments for those who want to call the resort town home.
Visiting the City
If you’re interested in visiting the region, there are a few ways you can do so. The first, and most straightforward, would be to simply book a vacation package. These can usually include airfare and your hotel stay, and often include a few fun activities in and around the city, too.
Another option for those who just want to stop in briefly would be to visit the region as a stop on a Caribbean cruise. This will allow you to visit the port city for a day before striking back out to check out the other ample attractions in the region. Some cruises tour the Riviera Maya, stopping in at ports like Cancun. Others head out into the Caribbean Sea, visiting islands like Grand Turk, the Dominican and Puerto Rico. No matter which path you take, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the gorgeous region.