Playa del Carmen is a beach resort lying about 64 kilometres from Cancun. It is growing rapidly but has not lost any of its small-town feel, and it is still possible to imagine what it would have been like before the mass onslaught of tourists. Today, five-star hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, bars and shops lie alongside excavated digs, pristine jungle and a beautiful coastline.

Away from the beautiful golden sands, visitors will find a wealth of opportunities for sightseeing. Ancient cities can be found deep in the jungle while other Mayan ruins are found in areas within easy reach of the city. Other sights of interest include nature reserves, marine parks, islands and of course jungle.

For those who like to get active, a number of water sports are available including scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and sailing and there is also the chance to ride a horse, take a stroll or hike through dense forests.

The heart of Playa del Carmen is Fifth Avenue, a long pedestrian road housing restaurants, shops, bars, coffee shops, street stalls and entertainment. It is here where you will find all your souvenirs as well as designer brands, jewellery and handbags. It is a sightseeing attraction within itself although it really comes to life as night falls.

You will also find an excellent choice of hotels along Fifth Avenue ranging from mid-price to five-star. If you are on a budget however, there are many family-run guesthouses within the city offering excellent accommodation at a very reasonable price.

Most people arriving in Playa del Carmen fly into Cancun Airport where ground transfer options are plentiful and reliable. Once in the resort city, bicycles are easily rented, walking is a good option or for those who want to enjoy day trips to nearby attractions, cars are available for rent.

Playa del Carmen experiences a subtropical climate which ensures that the city is warm all year round with high humidity levels. The average annual temperature is 27°C and the weather is generally very reliable. One of the best times to visit the city is during the spring months of February to May. The city is extremely beautiful with many flowers in bloom and very little rain. The warm temperatures are not overpowering and the nights are cool enough to sleep.

The following summer months can see temperatures reach into the high 30s, which can make sightseeing and activities out of the water very uncomfortable. Short burst of rain are common as the humidity builds up although it actually cools the air for a few hours so is usually welcomed.

The autumnal months of September and October see the arrival of heavy storms and hurricanes and if you don’t mind facing the wind and rain, it is actually a good time to visit the city away from the crowds. Temperatures are still warm and there are sunny spells in between heavy rains. For even cooler temperatures, winter is a good time to visit. The rains ease and the daytimes are usually very sunny. You will however need a jumper or two for the evenings as these can be quite cold. It is a popular time of year for those in search of some winter sun, but is not as busy as the peak summer months.