When you think ‘Cancun’, does entertainment, beaches and mega resorts come to mind? It should! Cancun’s world renowned Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) offers vacationers the time of their life. There are so many eateries that serve up fresh seafood, about every type of Mexican dish possible, and other world class cuisines that influence the love for great food. Places like La Isla Shopping Village and Las Plazas outlets gives you the opportunity to seek out that special gift or certain item that can’t be found back home.
Spending a day on the beach in Cancun can be filled with exotic beverages, food brought right to your cabana, and plenty of fun in the sun times! The beach bars and restaurants that stretch their patios against the Caribbean waters give you a chance to enjoy all the action that comes with one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations. After spending the daytime hours splashing around in the warm turquoise waters, get ready for an evening of live music, dance clubs and various restaurants that offer multiple atmospheres.
All this action can be quite exhausting and by the time you are ready to leave Cancun, a day of rest will be needed before getting back to your everyday life. But if you turn your attention about 45 minutes due south, you will find a smaller resort town that offers more of a tranquil and relaxing feel. There are several similarities between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to an overall experience.
Cancun’s Hotel Zone – Kukulcan Blvd, is lined with mega resorts, corporate signage, and the gleam and glitter of a Hollywood style vacation. Quite a few people look for this type of vacation. But if you are looking for more of a toned down experience, Mexico’s Riviera Maya can offer just that. There are plenty of adventurous things to do, but in a more relaxing setting. You can elect to be on the go 24/7, or casually work it at your own pace.
Playa del Carmen has plenty of local and nearby attractions to keep you and/or your family busy day or night. A great place to start your day is touring the pedestrian friendly and World Famous 5th Avenue – also known as Quinta Avenida. From here you can shop, eat and enjoy the performances that happen along the way. On the south end of 5th Avenue is where the ferry shuttles people to and from Isla Cozumel (Island of Swallows). This makes for a great day trip. There is also Parque Los Fundadores (Founding Fathers Park) and its “Little white chapelâ€. At certain times of the day, the park hosts a variety of shows. The Mayan dancers in full dress will display various ceremonial dances. In another part of the park is a historic group from Mexico – the Voladores, who swing upside down from a 100 foot pole in their colorful dress.
Unlike most parts of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen hosts many of its traditional acts and ceremonies right out in public and the open air. There is no need to be in a resort or a commercial type venue to see such wondrous events. Pick up a couple of freshly made tacos from one of the street vendors, grab your favorite beverage, and find a cool spot under a tree and enjoy the shows! The feel of old Mexico will swirl all around as you take everything in.
Playa has several indoor attractions that will also appeal to everyone in the family. One of them is the L’ Aquarium – an Indoor aquatic wonderland. There is no other attraction like this in the surrounding area. As you travel further north on 5th Avenue, there are a wide variety of stores that offer boutique style shopping. There is also a contemporary side of shopping as well. One of these is the Quinta Alegria Mall. It features many international stores and restaurants. All along Playa’s 5th Avenue are places to eat. It is said that there are over a 1,000 eateries in the city of Playa del Carmen. I dare you to try them all.
Let’s talk about one of Playa del Carmen’s most notable attributes and that is the beautiful beaches. The sugar fine white sand gently washes in and out with the turquoise colored Caribbean water. From Coco Beach to the north and all the way south towards Playacar’s resort community, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the fabulous views. Select an area where there is nothing to bother you, or enjoy sitting under an umbrella while being served your favorite beverage and afternoon snack. Taking a refreshing dip is just what the doctor ordered!
As we said in the beginning, Cancun and Playa del Carmen have many similarities. There are certain advantages to visiting each one of these fabulous destinations. However, there are a few favorable points to Playa del Carmen when considering between the two. We have found it’s easier to get around in Playa by either foot, bike or taxi. Most of the entertainment which includes shopping, dining and party spirits can be found close together. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Old Mexico can still be found throughout Playa del Carmen. Either way you choose, it’s all paradise under the gorgeous skies and shining sun here inIf you have any questions regarding real estate in the Riviera Maya, please let us know! We’ll be happy to help you. Remember… at Top Mexico Real Estate, we make it happen!