Playa Del Carmen is a city along the coast of the charming Caribbean Sea. It is also the Solidaridad Municipality's county seat. In 2005 alone, its population has reached 100, 383, making it Quintana Roo's 3rd largest city. This is following Chetumal and Cancun.

Playa Del Carmen was initially a small fishing town, starting their tourism industry with only ferry services to Cozumel, a small island adjacent to the Cozumel Channel and a world renowned scuba diving destination.

It has greatly improved through the years, and Playa del Carmen is today regarded as the Riviera Maya's central location, acting as the stop over port of many cruise ships. Xcaret, a Mexican-themed "eco-archaeological" Park is one of its most loved tourist destinations.

A short travel guide to Playa Del Carmen will make your stay here more worthwhile.

You should never miss seeing the Xcaret Show. This is one of the most loved attractions in Playa del Carmen. It depicts the history of the Mayans. You will also find here a ball court game where in players merely use their hips in order to hit the ball. They also have fire hockey. It may be quite a lengthy show but you will enjoy watching almost a hundred people dancing along with live music.

Tipping in Playa Del Carmen is customary. Since most hotels and resorts here are all-inclusive, make sure you have loose change or $1 bills to give as tip, especially to waiters and maids. Even if this is included in their package, to get better services, consider this something you can do so as not to spoil you vacation. However, don't overspend on tips. About $30 up to $40 worth of $1 bills are enough for a week stay here.

History says that Playa del Carmen was formerly a "sleepy" fishing village. At current, it is a fast growing tourist destination. It is calmer and smaller as compared to Cancun. If you prefer a smaller area and more privacy, Tulum is the best destination for you. It is just off south.

While in Playa del Carmen, you can tour the entire Yucatan Peninsula. You can also ride a ferry and reach beautiful Cozumel. Activities you can do include snorkeling and diving.

In Tulum, you will witness fascinating ruins that overlook the vast sea. You can also check out the Mayan ruins. They also have a lot of Cenotes or underwater wells. It is best to go with tour organizers to avoid missing the most important and popular attractions. The theme parks you may visit are Xel-Ha and Xcaret.

One activity you can do in Playa del Carmen, especially if you are already bored, is to play in the sand. The locals love to make sculptures out of sand. There are even competitions for the best sand sculptures. Maybe it is time to unleash your creativity and join the contest.

As for money concerns, in the Yucatan Peninsula, US dollars are widely accepted. However, it is better to use the peso, their local currency. It is also a better option to go to Scotia Bank located along the corner of Juarez and 5th Avenue if you need to withdraw from an ATM machine. Aside from this, if you are using a credit card, make sure the currency is specified and you check on this before signing your credit card slip.

Always book your tours in advance. Aside from not worrying about availabilities, you will also be able to determine the weather conditions. This way, you will know if the date you booked is hurricane region in Playa del Carmen. This is usually on the latter part of July to the 1st few weeks of August.

Playa Del Carmen really has a lot to offer its visitors. During the summer season, it gets crowded here and the hotels and resorts become all booked up. So that you won't miss out on the best lodging accommodations, make sure you plan ahead and make the necessary reservations in advance.

Playa del Carmen is one of the vacation havens in the Caribbean Sea. It is the city within a coastline so those who love the sun and sand would surely get property here. Playa del Carmen is the third largest city of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Per 2005 census, there is more than a hundred thousand people living there.

What You See

Playa Del Carmen was originally a fishing village but has now developed into a tourist spot because of its white sand beaches, authentic climate, and remarkable underwater life. For this reason, vacationers come to this northern Caribbean city to scuba dive, cenote diving, and simply stroll around and enjoy the scenic views.

If not near the beaches, there is an option to just hang around at the parks. In the morning, vacationers can enjoy the Mexican cuisine offered by the most popular restaurants. At nighttime, pubs and bars fill the streets with fun and excitement.

Most buildings in Playa del Carmen are low rise with only 4 stories as the highest. Most of the buildings are made of 3 stories only.

As a city, vacationers can surely find Playa del Carmen rentals where they can stay. This city is well known as a scuba diving destination, just like its counterpart location in Cozumel. Real estate is rising because tourists are considering to invest in the place, not only for purposes of staying during vacation time but also because they can earn from the rentals.

Buying Condo Hotels for Rentals

Most real estates in Playa Del Carmen for vacationers are condo hotels. They are located in beachfronts, near theme parks, golf courses, and resorts. These are equipped with facilities, amenities, and services that include pools, spas, restaurants, free transportation.

Vacationers can live there at times when they visit Playa Del Carmen. At times when they are not in the city, they can offer it for rent under the Condo Hotel Management Program. From here, owners will get a percentage of the revenue from the condo hotels and rentals. Vacationers will not worry about maintenance because it is the program who will handle it as well as collection of the rental. It would be like a passive income for the owner of the condo hotel as the rental committee is the one who manages. Nevertheless, the owner can monitor their rentals because most of the program is available online.

Other Options

Of course, a condo hotel is only one of the many Playa Del Carmen rentals that one can find. Aside from the fact that vacationers can buy units and have it rented when they are not around, they also have the option to just avail of rentals offered in the city. They can simply rent from other owners of condo hotels, houses, and timeshares.

One will see many agencies and offices whose responsibility is to handle Playa Del Carmen rentals of different properties. Most of these properties for rent are located in the most suitable vacation spots like the beaches and parks. Surely, most vacationers will have wide opportunities to invest in Playa Del Carmen rentals as well as opportunities to enjoy what the place has to offer.

Arjun has written for many Internet publications and enjoys technical issues and new product releases like the Oster Beehive Blender and the new models of Oster Beehive Blender

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Transcending the tourist blitz that conquered its Mayan Riviera counterpart, Playa del Carmen is a destination where the simple pleasures take center stage and relaxation is always the order of the day. Beaches, historical attractions, and local comforts are served up in abundant quantities, and everything you need for a memorable seaside getaway is at your fingertips for a Playa del Carmen getaway to remember.

The central part of Playa del Carmen, or Playa as it is commonly called, offers a wide beach that gradually narrows as it winds it way past the various vendors, beach bars, and restaurants. While you will find a sparkling white sands and gorgeous turquoise waters that are ripe for swimming, the beach can become narrow and rocky as the winds and current change. If this happens during your sunbathing hours, it is a good idea to move north and enjoy the gorgeous fine sands of Playa Tukan. As one of the best beaches in the area, be sure to rent a canopy bed and stake out a prime sunning spot early so you can experience this beautiful stretch of sand at your own leisure.

While strolling along the sands and soaking up the tropical breeze are ideal for forgetting your worries, more active pursuits are at your disposal along the banks of this stunning paradise. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available around reefs and caverns that can be accessed far offshore, but a better option lies around the island of Cozumel. Simply hop aboard the ferry and you are on your way towards underwater adventures beyond compare. If you are looking for boat and deep-sea fishing charters, your best bet is to try the nearby community of Puerto Aventuras.

Impossible to miss since it is the starting point for essentially every Playa del Carmen excursion, Quinta Avenida (or 5th Avenue) is a 14-block extravaganza where pedestrians can stroll the cobblestone-lined streets and soak up the distinct and lively atmosphere. Buzzing with bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and vendors, you can pick up a few souvenirs, enjoy some tasty cuisine, or plan your seaworthy adventures along this bustling thoroughfare.

If you can pull yourself away from the refreshing waters, fine white sand, and excitement of Quinta Avenida, other towns along the coast offer some must-see historical attractions that are sure to leave you spellbound. The Coba and Tulum Ruins are easily within striking distance and offer stunning examples of Mayan settlements and civilization. Although the Coba Ruins have not been reconstructed or uncovered to the same degree as the Tulum Ruins, they are still worth the effort for the striking pyramid and mysterious aura. The Tulum Ruins, the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, feature a massive wall that surrounds the imposing civilization and is one of only a few in the Mayan culture.

Two other sights that certainly should not be missed are the nature parks Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Xcaret, located just south of Playa del Carmen, is a spectacular eco-park that features a gorgeous swimming beach, a butterfly pavilion, a museum with models of ancient Maya cities, and numerous other outdoor pursuits. Xel-Ha is a natural wonderland where waterways and paths wind their way through a tropical jungle and past crystal-clear lagoons and coves. When you aren't soaking in the stunning scenery, snorkeling around schools of multicolored fish and swimming with the dolphins are all popular in this area.

Playa del Carmen is a land of endless opportunities, where you can swim, play, and explore to your heart's content in a shockingly simple and diverse waterfront riviera. Always commanding attention for its stunning natural beauty and its exciting attractions, you can surround yourself with the best the Mayan Riviera has to offer in Playa del Carmen vacation rentals. Resting along the sparkling white sands and within sight of the clear Caribbean waters, the finest pleasures of a seaside vacation are just a short stroll away morning and night. Set our own agenda or follow the pace of the town, whatever you want out of your Mexico getaway, Playa del Carmen rentals are always an accommodating host.

GreatRentals.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Playa del Carmen vacation rentals for your next trip to the Mayan Riviera.

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Millions of people a year flock to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, to escape cold weather, get a reprieve from work pressures, and take time off for serious rest and relaxation. The major attractions to the area are the white sandy beaches, the amazing crystalline waters, the laid back Caribbean attitude, and the warm tropical weather.

The climate in the Riviera Maya is semi-tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 80° degrees Fahrenheit (26 ° Celsius), which can rise to 100° degrees Fahrenheit (37.7° Celsius) in the hot summer months. June first is official start of hurricane season and ends on November 30th. From November to April, which is considered high season here;it is hot and sunny during the day and cool and breezy at night.

• February to May February, March, April, and May are beautiful in The Rivera Maya. The Caribbean Sea is calm and clear and as summer approaches the water temperatures gradually rise. With warmer waters by May this is usually the time that the jelly fish, or "agua mala" come to our shores. So May is a perfect time of year to go cenote hunting! Nights can still be cool, but a sweater is rarely needed.
• June to August During the summer months Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya are hot, hot, hot! The humidity rises so afternoons are steamy and hot. We highly recommend you stay close to a water source. The Caribbean is so warm you can float the day away, and the cenotes stay at an even 78 degrees (25.5C) which is always refreshing. There is some rainfall in the afternoon and evenings, but it never lasts very long. The nights do not get much cooler so for a truly good night sleep air-conditioning and a good fan are highly recommended.
• September and October September and October are considered the height of the hurricane and tropical storm season. We also can get a fair amount of rain during these months, however it doesn't rain everyday. It is still hot and humid with days and evenings registering similar temperatures.
• November to January These are the coolest months in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas, which means it is warm and sunny during the day and cool and breezy in the evenings. Rain is very rare during this time of year, but evenings can bring temps in the high 60's (15.5C) so a sweater is recommended.

Warm weather wear:

Beaches and Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya

Nuddy Beach Club and Bar: Located both in Playa del Carmen and in Tulum, Nuddy beach, pronounced nudie, is the quintessential beach club with lounger beds, bathing beauties, trendy tunes, and buckets of beers. Located just south of Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen, and about a mile south of the ruins in Tulum, it is a great place to people watch and enjoy everything the Mayan Rivera has to offer.

Mamitas Beach: Located in Playa del Carmen, Mamitas Beach and Beach Club has been around for years, but after being severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma, it has received a major facelift, and it is a favorite beach spot for both locals and visitors. It has beautiful covered beach beds, beach volleyball, excellent beach access, great tunes, and a restaurant and bar on site. It is also the annual host for the fashion show produced by Fashion TV. The best way to get to Mamitas is by the access road on Avenue First South between 28th and 30th Streets.

Tukan Beach: Tukan Beach and Beach Club is located directly between Mamitas and Nuddy Beach. Recently it also had a major face lift similar to Mamitas. Actually Tukan and Mamitas kind of just meld together to create the ultimate beach experience. Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, yummy food, water sports, and premiere lounging spots, you will not be disappointed.

Coco Beach: Considered as the northern beach this is a bit of a jaunt from Playa Mamitas and Playa Tukan, Coco Beach is considered to be more laid back and less trendy then its sister beaches to the south. But keep in mind that it is getting developed and there is a beach club in the works for the upcoming season.

Xpu-ha Beach: Located just south of Puerto Aventuras you can access this amazing stretch of beach by a sign that reads "La Playa" on your left hand side. If you miss the turn you can go a bit further south and there is a very small access road just north of the Copacabana Resort. This stretch of beach is a true slice of heaven with palm trees sprinkled along the shoreline, excellent snorkeling, and various cafes and bars that you can grab a bite to eat or a cold beer. Although there are a few resorts that have access to this beach that have yet to take over completely and you can definitely while away an afternoon relaxing, and enjoying this quiet and tranquil Caribbean beach.

Tulum Beach and Playa Paraiso: Just to the south of the Tulum ruins there is an incredible stretch of beach even less populated then Xpu Ha. There are small palapa style hotelitos and cabanas along this beach that you can stay in that are relatively inexpensive. At the same time there are also trendy and chic beach resorts such as Mezzanine that will pamper you silly. Tulum is a very popular spot for kite boarding so you are likely to see the skyline peppered with colorful kites on a windy day. Overall this is one of our favorite beach spots that is in our area.

Topless beaches in Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya: Although it is actually illegal to sunbathe nude or topless on Mexico beaches, in Playa del Carmen and the Rivera Maya, it is tolerated. Due to the major European influences in the area most beaches you will see topless sun worshippers trying to get as much sun on their bare bodies. There are also clothing optional resorts and spas that cater to couples who want to vacation in the buff. Some remote area beaches you can strip down and bare it all. Keep in mind that Mexican Nationals are a conservative bunch so respect the locals, and if you are in a remote area keep a beach wrap close by. In addition women should always practice caution and safely if sunbathing nude or topless in a tucked away location or low traffic area.

Enjoy your stay in Playa del Carmen!

Steve and Sara Moen is a travel journalist and the editor of Playa Maya News located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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