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Are you dreaming of a sunny getaway to Mexico, but the party scene and bustling hustle and bustle of Cancun don’t sound particularly inspiring?
The Mexican Caribbean is one stretched out territory consisting of lush jungles, a vast coastline and ancient ruins whose origins have been lost to time, and that can Certainly have fun without following the crowd in an already packed one Zona Hotelera.
One of the most popular alternatives to Cancun is Playa Del Carmen a beautiful seaside resort offering a more relaxing experience and reasonably priced hotels – without sacrificing luxury:
What makes Playa Del Carmen great?
The beaches
Located about an hour’s drive from the Cancun conglomeration, ‘Playa’, as it is commonly called by foreigners, is best known for its pristine stretch of coastlinesurrounded by cobalt blue water and lined with tall palm trees – the quintessential Caribbean postcard.
Some of the most iconic beaches in the entire region can be found here, from Parque Los Fundadores, with its iconic beaches Portal Mayaa bronze arch with two human figures, swirling in wind and water, reaching to touch each other, to the idyllic Playa Mamitas.
The latter is one of Playa’s widest sandy beaches, and a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, beach clubs and all other beach-related activities. It’s also a short 12 minute walk from Rockas Beach, a casual Caribbean restaurant we visited Love for the fresh tuna tartare.
Great food
In the lively city center you will find some of the most popular dining options are located throughout the Mexican Caribbean, including the steakhouse beloved by tourists Sonora Primeserving the best smash burgers, and a seafood paradise El Gobernadorfamous for its ceviche and nice cocktails.
The beaches are the big draw for tourists who come here, but food plays an equally important role, especially when you take into account the tasty tacos for under $5 and the generously filled one tortas––El Fogon can’t be beat for prices and that authentic taqueria experience.
Are Quinta Avenida is a busy, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare adjacent to the main municipal beach, flanked on both sides by souvenir shops, traditional restaurants serving Mexican food (with an American twist), and the overall atmosphere is incredibly inviting.
In short, it’s a big enough city to boast a thriving social scene and a great choice of restaurants and bars – and believe us when we say that The nightlife in the center of Playa is unparalleled––but it still is considerably smallerand therefore much less chaotic than Cancun.
The most incredible resort in Mexico
As if that wasn’t incentive enough, it also lays claim to being the best resort in all of Mexico!
La Casa de la Playa has been selected by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards the most incredible possession not just in the Mexican Caribbean, but across the country, thanks to its intimate layout, adults-only environment and prime beachfront location.
A five star, all-inclusive Xcaret list which feels so exclusive it’s like you’ve booked an entire beach to yourself, it’s protected from prying eyes by verdant jungle and equipped with 63 suites, which costs a whopping $2,184 per night to book this season.
It is the highest rated hotel in Mexico, but it’s not cheap.
Fortunately there are numerous budget-friendly places to stay in Playa that offer a phenomenal experience:
Playa has some shockingly affordable all-inclusive deals
This all-inclusive hotel is located in the heart of Playacar’s development strip, just a 10-minute drive from the center of Playa Allegro Playacar has nightly rates from a much cheaper $145 this season, per adult.
The Hilton-managed hotel is adults only Yucatan Resort Playa Del Carmen is yet another budget-friendly option for solo travelers and honeymoon couples alike, starting at just $147 in the fall, and if you’re bringing the kids, the Paradise on the Ocean Riviera is a good choice:
It is located on a swimmable stretch of beach and has 5 outdoor pools, a spa, 12 bars and no fewer than 10 restaurants. best value for money as a traveling family of 4, which will run you an acceptable $335 per night, all expenses paid.
Budget-friendly adventures!
Don’t really want to barricade yourself in a resort for the entire vacation? No problem!
There is one wide range of activities you can participate in during your stay in Playa, whether you like excitement, culture or relaxing trips on the water:
One of our favorite day trips is Xplor Park, a playground for adults nestled deep in the tropical jungle.
Glide down the highest zip lines on the Riviera Maya, paddle through underground rivers and glide into crystal clear waters cenotesand explore hidden caves with breathtaking geological formations, all from $149.99 per personincluding unlimited snacks and a lunch buffet.
For the history buffs who don’t want to get wet, this cultural excursion visiting some Mayan ruinsincluding the world-famous archaeological zone of Tulum and the abandoned city of Coba, is a great alternative and costs from $59.
If you love nature, and can’t seem to get away from that blue-green water every time you’re in Mexico, then a tour of Tulum and Akumal and swimming with turtles might be for you – we have to say the price is been cut from $91.35 to $45.67 this fall?
Visit Trendy Playa with the Mayan Train
Playa Del Carmen is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Cancun, and that’s partly due to the recent launch of the Mayan train southbounddeparting directly from Cancun International Airport.
From now on, tourists no longer have to bet their money on unreliable taxis or carriers or take a bumpy ADO bus ride to travel from the Caribbean metropolis to charming Playa: they can do so by rail in a much safer, more convenient way. manner.
Read more about the Mayan Train and how to get tickets to Playa Del Carmen here.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
