Playa del Carmen is a great place to visit with the family. There is an abundance of opportunities to take advantage of the beautiful beaches, stunning jungle terrain and also the chance to see some indigenous animals in their natural surroundings. If you need a day of rest and relaxation, there is no better place to head than the beach. There is fun for the whole family here and while the children are busy making sandcastles, you can sit back, relax and soak up the sun.

Horseback Riding
Horse-rides on the beach and through the surrounding jungle are very popular. It does not matter whether you are an expert horse rider or a novice; there are horses and trainers to suit everyone. Horse rides are very popular with children as it makes exploring really fun.

Puerto Aventuras
This beautiful marina can be found just outside the centre of Playa del Carmen. There is the chance to swim with dolphins, enjoy some fishing, sample some local sea food and have a round or two of golf. There is also a fascinating free museum displaying items which have been found in shipwrecks throughout the centuries.

Water Sports
Playa del Carmen boasts some beautiful beaches which are ideal for the whole family. Younger children can enjoy the white sandy beaches and paddle in the crystal clear water while older children can take advantage of some of the sporting opportunities on offer. The most popular water sport is without doubt scuba diving, although snorkelling is also available for those who are too young or don’t have the confidence for diving. There is also the opportunity to hire a sail boat for the whole family; enjoy some jet-skiing, parasail and charter a fishing boat.

Xaman-Ha Aviary
Playa del Carmen’s busy aviary is popular with both adults and children alike. It boasts a number of rare birds from the Yucatan Peninsula and is often people’s only chance to see toucans and pink flamingos in their natural surroundings. The main area is cageless and allows visitors to watch the birds act as they would in the wild.

Xcaret Nature Park
Xcaret is the largest nature park within easy reach of Playa del Carmen. It boasts beautiful lagoons which offer a range of water sports; horseback riding throughout the entire park; tubing down the river and nightly cultural shows. The shows include Mayan ball games, traditional songs and dances, cultural traditions and cabaret performances. While there is a small charge to enter the park, it is well worth it and there is the added bonus of being able to swim with dolphins.

Playa del Carmen is surrounded by a wealth of cultural offerings dating back to the ancient Mayan people. There are ruined cities hidden in the jungle, temples and pyramids all crying out to be explored. They will give history and culture buffs a clear insight into the ancient civilisation.

Chichen Itza
The ancient Mayan people are renowned for their advanced knowledge and astrological findings. They are also known for their sheer strength and resilience. The stone remains found at this excavated site are a testament to their culture. Visitors will find temples and tools as well as pyramids and houses. The most famous sight is the Pyramid of Kukulkán or El Castillo, where panoramic views are rewarded to those who climb the stairs.

Coba
The ancient city of Coba dates to 600 AD and is found very close to Playa del Carmen. It was once home 45,000 inhabitants but was abandoned for reasons unknown to historians. The city was once a very important trading hub and today is home to tunnels and temples as well as roads which were built by the Mayans themselves.

Ek Balam
Ek Balam is another ancient Mayan city which is ideal for a daytrip. The site is rarely visited by tourists, which allows for largely private exploration. There are temples and pyramids hidden by the overgrown jungle as well as relics and information from day to day life for the Mayans. Like many of the ancient sites, it is a fascinating glimpse at everyday life in Mayan culture.

Pink Palace
The Pink Palace is an archaeologist’s dream. It is a temple which dates back thousands of years and still has clear evidence of the stucco that the Mayans used to cover and decorate their buildings with. Some of the original paint is still visible—a sign of how advanced Mayan architects and builders were. The temple offers an insight into the ancient culture of this great race.

Tulum
Tulum is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the area and is found just outside Playa del Carmen. It boasts ancient buildings and relics and is set in front of the most beautiful backdrop. It is must-see for anyone interested in ancient Mayan culture, due to its historical significance.

Regardless of where you stay when you visit Playa del Carmen, you will not be short of food options. The city is home to a plethora of restaurants all vying for trade. Cuisine from all around the world can be found here as well as more traditional Mexican fare. You will be able to eat in a different restaurant every night of your holiday should you so desire while enjoying Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Italian, French and British cuisine.

For something a bit more authentic, a number of local restaurants can be found behind Fifth Avenue. Here you will find local eateries and food stalls which are all frequented by locals and offer a much truer taste of Mexico than those restaurants geared towards tourists. Another option for traditional Mexican food is to head to Zocalo Square and sample some of the snacks from the street vendors.

Mexicans enjoy dining out and lunch is considered the most important meal of the day. Lunches can be up to two hours long and always see a lot of food consumed. Due to the length of time over lunch, dinner is usually eaten much later at about 21:00 and is commonly a snack rather than a meal. For a taste of Mexico, try some local tacos (beef and chicken), enchiladas (meat and vegetarian), chillie con carne and caldo de pollo (a tasty chicken and vegetable soup).

Away from the sightseeing, beach and nature offerings, Playa del Carmen boasts an extensive shopping scene. You will find everything you need, ranging from souvenirs, clothing, shoes, handicrafts, household goods, handbags and designer wear. All of the major shops are close to one another and can be easily reached on foot. There is nothing you cannot buy and while everyday essentials may not be very exciting, local arts and crafts are found in abundance throughout the resort as well as beautiful hand made clothing, bags and jewellery.

The best area for shopping is Fifth Avenue. Here you will find speciality stores targeting tourists, markets selling all sorts of wonderful items, chain stores, boutiques, shopping malls and even a Cuban cigar retailer. Most souvenir shops are open seven days a week and are open until late, while high street shops are usually open six days a week until 18.00.