Playa del Carmen is the largest town on the coast. It offers a wide rangeof hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife options. It is next to Playacar whichis an upscale development with many all-inclusive hotels, condos, and an 18-hole golf course.
Whether 
you stay in Playa del Carmen or Playacar, you will find a wide range of activitiesavailable such as dive trips, snorkel expeditions, deep sea fishing, tours to the ruins, skydiving and much more. The ferries to the island of Cozumel leave from Playa del Carmen making aday trip to the island a popular option.
Playa del Carmen is considered the epi-center of the RivieraMaya with its services, commercial areas, housing and entertainment. The population of over 90,000 habitants is still growing, with an annual growth rate of 26%, making itthe highest in the nation.
This rapid growth is spurring high demands for housingand is driving prices higher and higher. Most new condominium developments are being sold out evenbefore construction is completed. Those getting in early with pre-constructionprices are reaping the rewards with high increases in appreciation before their condos areeven finished.
Because of Playa del Carmen's rustic charm and Europeanflair, it attracts international homebuyers. The stricter density requirements helps assurethat Playa will retain it's rustic charm. No high rises here.
Playa del Carmen offers excellent opportunities for realestate investment and second homes.
Geography
The terrain is flat, covered by low tropical jungle, andits coasts alongside the Caribbean provide many kilometersof powdery white sand beaches, inlets, bays, and mangroveswamps. Due to the limestone soil in this entire zone,there are no important rivers with the exception of theHondo, a navigable river on the border with Guatemala.The most important lagoons are Coba, North of Tulum, Bacalarto the Northeast of Chetumal, the State's capital, andChichancanab, between Santa Rosa and Polyuc. Sweetwater"cenotes" are abundant in the region, givingrise to the ancient population centers of the Maya culture.
Economy
The main economic activity is the exploitation of the jungle, rich in tropical woods from which mahogany, cedarand chicozapote - the chicle tree - are obtained. Alsoimportant is fishing for lobster, huachinango (red snapper)and pargo, among other species. To a lesser extent, agriculture- fundamentally maize - and cattle raising contributeto the local economy. In recent years, tourism has becomeincreasingly important to Quintana Roo's finances.
Climate
The average annual temperature ranges from 77°F (25C)to 86°F (30C).Cenote water temperature for snorkelingor diving is around 76°F (24°C) year-round. Offshorewater temperatures range from 78°F (26°C) in Januaryto 84°F (29°C) in August. May through Novemberis the rainy season. For trips into the jungle, you shouldwear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes or zapatillasand use insect repellent for mosquitoes. The temperaturedrops at night and a light sweater or bush jacket is suggested.Take a look at the current Playa del Carmen weather fromThe Weather Channel's web site.
Money
Our official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXP), althoughthe U.S. dollar is accepted almost everywhere. Exchangerate is approximately 11 pesos to 1 USD, depending onthe fluctuations of the foreign exchange rate. Creditcards are widely accepted except in smaller establishments,so it is best to travel with travelers' checks and some cash.
Transportation
The main point of arrival is Cancun International Airport,a two-hour flight from Mexico City. From here, the RivieraMaya can by covered via the coastal highway which linksthe city of Cancun with Tulum and continues Southwest,and another which links the cities of Tulum and Cob'a.Available transportation from the airport includes buses,rental cars or taxis which depart from the terminal. Playadel Carmen has a small airport with planes which makeshort hops to the more distant places. Ferries also departfrom Playa del Carmen and Calica, linking the continentwith the islands. There are also local bus lines whichservice different locations along the highway.
Communications/Telephones
The area code for Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya is 984.All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers beginwith 8. If a number is written (984) 873-1234, when inRiviera Maya you must dial 873-1234. International codewhile calling from the US dial 011 + 52 . While callinghome from Mexico dial 001 before the area code and USphone number.
Internet Access
There are plenty internet café’s in town,In Playa del Carmen you can mainly find them along 5th.And 10th. Avenue. All the large hotels offer internetservice, different rates apply.
Newspapers
Most hotel gift shops and newsstands carry English-language magazines, and Mexican newspapers in English.
Post Office
The main post office is located in Playa del Carmen onJuarez between 20th and 15th. Open Monday through Fridayfrom 8 am to 5pm and Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm.
Language
Spanish is the official language and Mayan is the locallanguage, but English, French, Italian and German arealso widely spoken.
Measurements
Speed limits are posted in kilometers. Dive operators generally use both feet/psi and meters/bars when communicating dive data
Taxes & Service Charges
A 10% value-added tax called IVA is added to all goodsand services within the State, including hotel rooms andrental cars. Be sure to ask if the tax is included inthe quoted price on the menu in restaurants.
Tips
It’s customary to leave 10 to 20% in tips, depending on service
Taxis and Distance (rates are approximate)
From Playa Del Carmen:
- To Xcaret: 7 kms / 4 miles / 7 minutes / Taxi $6 US
- To Puerto Aventuras: 19 kms / 11 miles / 18 minutes /Taxi $11 US
- To Akumal: 32 kms / 20 miles / 28 minutes / Taxi $17 US
- To Xel Há: 49 kms / 30 miles / 43 minutes / Taxi$21 US
- To Tulúm: 62 kms / 39 miles / 55 minutes / Taxi$27 US
- To Valladolid: 160 kms (Playa-Tulúm-Cobá-Chemax)/ 99 miles / 2 hr
- To Puerto Morelos: 32 kms / 20 miles / 28 minutes / Taxi$17 US
- To Cancún: 67 kms / 42 miles / 1 hour / Taxi $30- 35 US
- To Paamul: 17 kms / 10.5 miles / 15 minutes / Taxi $10US
- To Coba: Taxi $50 US
The travel times are those which it normally takes, basedon an average speed of 80 to 110 kilometers per hour,the maximum limit authorized, and on the current conditionsof the highways. If you want to convert from kilometers( kms ) to miles, multiply the kilometers by 0.6214 Ifyou want to convert from miles to kilometers, multiplythe miles by 1.6093
Where to stay?
Paraíso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso
Balinese sculptures, marble pillars, and Bulgari-stockedbathrooms makes this the most over-the-top resort on thecoast.
Doubles from $700
KM 328, Carr. Cancún-Chetumal, Bahía Petenpich800/223-6800 or 52-998/872-8300
www.paraisodelabonita.com
Maroma Resort & Spa
The launching pad for the Riviera Maya is reopening itsdoors this month after an extensive floor-to-ceiling renovation.
Doubles from $480
KM 51, Carr. Cancún-Tulum; 866/454-9351 or 52-998/872-8200
Fairmont Mayakoba
Briefly delayed due to Hurricane Wilma, the first hotelat Mayakoba is set to open this spring.
Doubles from $439
Carr. Federal Cancún, Playa del Carmen; 800/441-1414
www.fairmont.commont.com
Ikal del Mar
A sexy, eco-conscious hideaway in the jungle.
Doubles from $650
Xcalacoco; 888/230-7330 or 52-984/877-3000
wwww.ikaldelmar.com
Hotel Esencia
The owners of Ikal opened this family-oriented retreatbetween Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Doubles from $525
Km 264, Carr. Tulum-Cancún, Playa del Carmen; 800/525-4800or 52-984/840-9003
www.hotelesencia.com
Hotel Deseo
The name of this sleek Playa del Carmen party hotel meansdesire.
Doubles from $158
5 Avda. and Calle 12, Playa del Carmen; 52-984/879-3620
www.hoteldeseo.com
Hotel Básico
Sister hotel to Deseo, this equally festive property embracesa utilitarian motif with its cheeky use of rubber andlatex.
Doubles from $158
Calle 10 between Avdas. 5 and 10, Playa del Carmen; 52-984/879-4448
www.hotelbasico.com
Amansala
Popular for its Bikini Bootcamp program.
Doubles from $125
Km 7.7, Carr. Tulum–Boca Paila; 52-984/100-0717
www.amansala.com
Mezzanine
This four-room beachfront hotel has established a following,thanks to its lounge parties.
Doubles from $198
Km 1.5, Carr. Tulum–Boca Paila; 52-984/804-1452
