Playtime In Playa Del Carmen

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Time works in mysterious ? and astonishingly speedy ? ways. Especially when we consider the development of certain holiday destinations and regions of the world which were unheard of until recent decades. The southern Mexican state of Yucatan is one such place. Since the ''discovery'' of Cancun in the 1970s, this area of the country ? once home to quiet fishing villages - has seen the kind of rapid development typical of rampant free market capitalism.

Cancun and nearby Playa del Carmen are two of the country''s most popular destinations with tourists, particularly Americans. The Riviera Maya, as it has been advertised, is rife with white sandy beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, perfect weather and inland, in the jungles, hidden cenotes and little lagoons worth exploring for yourself.

But Playa del Carmen, or Playa to those in the know, retains a slightly more European feel than the brash Cancun. Whilst it is still a somewhat intimidating grey tarmac jigsaw colliding with a beautiful beach, it is a great place to start an exploration of the rest of the southern coastline.

But there are some sites worth moving ...
... off the beach for ? including a selection of local restaurants. Alux is one such place ? located within a cave, where stalagmites hang off the walls and the lighting is low this is a lovely place to move from afternoon into evening.

If vegetarian and organic is more your thing, Restaurant 100% Natural, a short walk from the monstrous Wal-Mart serves great Mexican classics. It also has a supermarket across the road from its restaurant so you can pick up good quality fresh fruit and veg. If you''re feeling hungrier than that, go for the quesadillas.

Food aside, Playa del Carmen can be a great place to move on from, especially if you can rent a car. Nearby Tulum is a must-see ? a huge wide sandy beach, not yet overrun with tourists, with plenty of little pop-up bars and huts selling tortillas, cold beer and ceviche. The ferries run to Isla Cozumel ? a popular diving destination ? and for the younger party-lovers, Isla Mujeres is a great place to chill out for a few days in the hammocks. Long term travel enthusiast Bonny Kominek has been globetrotting for over 10 years. They recommend booking agents such as octopustravel.com when searching for Playa Del Carmen hotels.