After four years of calling Playa del Carmen home, I have met two people that were actually raised in this magical city. There is a common thread woven within the storyline of most residents here. Often what began as a one week holiday turned into twelve years, or what was to be a one year cultural experience in Playa became a full decade’s worth of existence in tropical bliss.
Blooming into a metropolitan city from what was once a sequestered, fishing village thirty some years ago, Playa del Carmen developed from of a diverse collection of sun-seekers in search of a simplistic way of life by the sea. Located on the Yucatán Peninsula in the entrancing Mexican Caribbean, Playa del Carmen is a cultural, gastronomic and nature-enthusiasts’ hub. European and North American expats have converged with citizens from all regions of Mexico to form a dynamic, multi-cultural community within a paradisiacal setting.
With new developments and attractions sprouting up along the alabaster shores each year, the Mayan Riviera offers a limitless variety of family friendly, adventure-themed activities as well as hundreds of virtually untouched natural wonders to explore. May we present Part 1 of our #top10 list of things to do in and around Playa del Carmen!
1) Stand Up Paddle Boarding Yoga In Tulum
SUP Tulum is the Mayan Riviera’s first and only Boga Yoga floating studio. The class takes place on the stunning, turquoise waters of lagoons and cenotes near Tulum, which is only a 45 minute drive south of Playa del Carmen. The company offers a 3 hour class for groups of 3 or more which include transportation to and from the Tulum meeting point, a cold pressed juice, a raw vegan energy ball, a paddle board, instruction class, a Boga Yoga floating yoga class and a photo session. SUP Tulum also hosts Boga Yoga retreats at various times throughout the year. For more information, please visit http://www.supyogatulum.com
2) Golfing
The endless summer climate in the Riviera Maya presents over three hundred glorious sun-filled days, perfect for those who enjoy polishing their skills on the links. There are dozens of scenic, championship quality courses in and around Playa del Carmen which offer all-inclusive options and special summer pricing. To view a list of impeccable courses in the area or to book a tee time, please go to http://www.playgolf.mx.
3) Eco-Adventure Parks
There are four adventure parks near Playa del Carmen in which families, honeymooners, or thrill-seekers alike can partake in a memorable day amidst the surreal beauty of this fascinating region.
Xcaret is mystical park featuring shows and events depicting the culture and traditions of the Mayan people. Swim through caves, learn about local flora and fauna and witness an elaborate spectacle in which the performers sing and dance their way through various aspects of Mexico’s colorful history.
Xel-há is a natural wonder where visitors have the opportunity to commune with nature during an unforgettable day of snorkeling, zip biking, cliff jumping, and floating down a lazy river on rafts.
Xplor is an adventure-themed park consisting of six lengthy zip lines which stretch over the jungle’s canopy. This exhilarating journey includes riding an amphibious vehicle through the remarkable underground caves, swimming in seemingly glowing aqua waters and beneath waterfalls, floating along the subterranean river and exploring the impressive stalactites.
Go Native’s Park is a protected natural reserve with jungle paths which lead to stunning cave formations, crystal clear cenotes and the property of one of the area’s original settling families.
4) Cenotes
The Yucatán Peninsula is made up a shelf of porous limestone. Thousands of years ago, the underground river system which runs beneath the surface of the region, caused the limestone to collapse in some places resulting in hundreds of fresh water sink holes throughout the area.
Each cenote is unique in size and formation. Some are open, while others are hidden gems within caves which display impressive stalactites. The blue-green waters are crystal clear and are appealing for both swimmers and divers.
There are several a short driving distance from Playa del Carmen with very reasonable entrance fees varying from $40 to $80 Mxn pesos per person. Cenotes are an excellent way to spend a memorable day in the Mayan Riviera.
5) Diving, Fishing and Sailing
Just off the pristine shores in the Mexican-Caribbean is the awe-inspiring Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. In the early 1960s, Jacques Cousteau and his team declared Cozumel one of the best diving sites in the world due to the superb visibility and healthy variety of marine life.
There is an abundant selection of dive centers in Playa del Carmen including http://www.abyssdivecenter.com and http://www.mexicobluedream.com. For additional options for an extraordinary day of fishing or sailing on the open sea, visit http://fatcatsail.com or http://rivieramayafishing.com.
Stay tuned for next week’s post where we continue on with our top 10 list for fun, adventure and culture in Playa del Carmen!
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