SURROUNDING AREAS, TOURING AND NOTABLE PLACES

 

Touring Playa del Carmen?s surrounding areas ? From the Playacar dock take the ferry that goes to Cozumel, an island located about 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen and one of the most visited beach destinations. Cozumel is a favorite spot for diving enthusiasts, as it has incredible reefs that form part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second biggest reef system in the world. During your stay on the island, we recommend that you visit the San Gervasio archaeological zone; the Parque Natural de Chankanaab (The Chankanaab Nature Park), an ideal place to go snorkeling and observe indigenous plant and animal species; the Cozumel Island Museum; the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve, where you can admire various flora and fauna, mangroves and beautiful lagoons. Later, you can return to the mainland and head out from Puerto Morelos to Cancun (68 km to the north), a spectacular beach destination often referred to as the gateway to the Mayan world. Cancun has white-sand beaches bathed by the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, modern tourist resorts and an entertaining nightlife.

 

You can take another route departing from Playa del Carmen. Begin the tour at ecological park Xcaret, located about 8 km (5 mi) south of Playa del Carmen along Highway 307. This place is a true paradise with a beach area, a network of underground rivers, an aquarium, a so-called dolphinarium, a butterfly sanctuary, an orchid greenhouse, all of which is excellent for those who like to enjoy the region?s flora and fauna. During your tour of the park, you can also visit a small archaeological zone and a simulated Mayan village. Continuing along Highway 307, 27 km (17 mi) ahead you?ll arrive at Puerto Aventuras, an ideal spot to golf by the Caribbean Sea. There you can also rent a yacht or do a fishing trip. About 2 km (1.2 mi) ahead, you can visit Akumal, a region with white-sand beach and turquoise-blue waters. This place is a favorite for scuba diving enthusiasts and those looking for a close encounter with nature. Several kilometers ahead you?ll reach Xel-Ha, one of the most visited spots in the Mayan Riviera. This destination is ideal for snorkeling in the main lagoon or in the underground rivers, which are inhabited by hundreds of colorful fish. The tour ends in Tulum, 64 km (40 mi) south of Playa del Carmen. It is one of the most beautiful archaeological zones on the Yucatan Peninsula?s east coast. Wherever you decide to go in the Mexican Caribbean you?ll be left with an everlasting impression of your trip to the Mayan Riviera.