Playa Del Carmen - a True Gem in the Riviera Maya

Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north)check it out, it is worth looking into and it is an incredible
Playa del Carmen is part of the Mayan World. Locatedproject to support.
on the crystal blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean,There is also Xel-Ha and Xcaret, ecotourism theme
Playa del Carmen is just 40 miles (60 kms.) south ofparks both of which are located between Playa del
Cancun. Playa, as it is known as to locals, is theCarmen, and Tulum. They offer both fun in the sun,
perfect spot from which to explore the fascinatingand wildlife conservation which in turn is a great
sites of The Mayan Riviera. Playa del Carmen iscombination. Crococun is a Park and Regional Zoo
known for its miles of white sandy beaches,located north of Playa del Carmen. Originally designed
phosphorescent Caribbean waters, and its laid backto farm crocodiles to create a sustainable resource it
attitude. Playa del Carmen is a place for those inis now a conservationist park. The kids are sure to
search of a unique visit, vibrant people, amazing Mayanlove it with its crazy monkeys, beautiful parrots, rare
culture, and an overall travel experience that you willMayan dogs, local deer, and of course tons of
never forget. So come and enjoy everything Playa delcrocodiles! Another must see while in the area is Aktun
Carmen and The Riviera Maya has to offer; you willChen where you will have a chance to learn about
not be disappointed The once quiet seaside village oflocal flora and fauna, and our famous cenote system,
Playa del Carmen has doubled in population over thewith a specialized guide.
past few years, mainly due to foreigners such asThere are countless attractions both large and small
Europeans, South Americans, Americans andthrough out the area that will appeal to all levels of
Canadians who have discovered this little slice oftravelers and visitors. Long before Playa del Carmen
paradise. Playa del Carmen is a place to enjoybecame a hotspot vacation destination the area was
amazing beaches, and the famous cenotes by dayknown around the world to dive aficionados as a truly
and trendy eateries, bars, and restaurants by night. Thetop notch location for under water exploration. They
eclectic mix of backpackers, archeological experts,discovered years ago that under the watchful eyes of
dive junkies, and young hipsters makes Playa delthe ancient Maya in the warm Caribbean waters off
Carmen an incredibly unique and interesting place.the Yucatan Peninsula exists a truly amazing
Due to its location, Playa del Carmen, is a veritable hubunderwater world: where divers can explore the reefs
to outer lying ruins, dive spots, and the concept of "Laof the Riviera Maya swimming with turtles and schools
Ruta Maya". You will not find La Ruta Maya on yourof Tarpon. They drift along the coral covered walls of
travel map or even in your travel guide because it isfamous Cozumel Island named by Jacques Cousteau
not a set route but a concept. Originally the Ruta Mayaas one of the best dive spots in the world. And they
was to be a new idea in traveling: a specific mappeddiscover the incredible serenity of daylight cavern
out area connecting major Mayan archaeological sitesdiving in the famous Mexican Cenotes - the worlds
and nature preserves throughout southern Mexico andlargest fresh water system formed over tens of
some Central American countries. In reality La Rutathousands of years ago. So if you are certified dive
Maya has become to include the Mexican states of"junkie" or if you want to join the onslaught of
Chiapas, Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo, all ofunderwater explorers we suggest you contact some
Belize and Guatemala and parts of Honduras. Nowof the best divers in the area. If diving isn't your thing,
travelers who are hoping to experience these amazingand you would prefer to float on top of the water
parts of Mexico and Central America flock to Playalooking down, there are countless snorkel spots that
del Carmen as their window into the Mayan World.are truly exceptional.
Because of where Playa is located there are busAkumal is a great snorkel spot with the amazing Yal
routes through out Mexico and Central America thatKul Lagoon , and Half Moon Bay , both of which have
originate in the area. So, many people come to thehad countless sea turtle sightings. Yal Kul Lagoon is a
area and use Playa del Carmen as their "home base"mixed water lagoon, with sweet water from the
while they travel onto Palenque, Belize, Guatemala,underground river system, and an inlet from the
Honduras, or some other far reaching destination.Caribbean allowing the sea water to mix with the
The amazing archeological sites sprinkled through outsweet water. This creates a kind of shimmery oil
the region such as Tulum, Coba, Ek Balam, andeffect that is rare to see, and in turn creates an
Chichen Nitza are major attractions to people comingeclectic variety of underwater creatures, and coral to
to visit the area. Bringing archeologist's, graduatecheck out. Half Moon Bay is located off of La Buena
students, and self proclaimed archeological buffs fromVida, a perfect place to grab a bite, enjoy a happy
all over the world. Visiting one, or several, of the ruinhour libation, or lounge on the beach as you
sites is a MUST DO when visiting the area. The areaintermittently snorkel the reef in search of the famous
is so rich in history and culture it would be a realAkumal turtles. In addition to these two amazing
shame to miss out on learning a bit about where yousnorkel locations any dive shop, hotel, or tour company
are. In addition to amazing archeological sites, there areoffers snorkeling excursions to more remote areas.
multiple natural wonders scattered through out theOne worth checking out is the Ocean Adventure Tour
Riviera Maya. For example the Sian Kaan Biosphere, which offers high speed F1 ocean transport, cenote
Reserve near Tulum. Sian Kaan is an ecotourism andexploration, snorkeling, local fare, and cocktails. It is a
educational center, and it serves as a model forgreat way to enjoy an afternoon enabling you to
sustainable development in sensitive tropicalexperience a multitude of activities in a cool laid back
ecosystems. They offer tours and accommodationsway.
which in turn fund their research. So if you want to