What's Surrounding Playa del Carmen?

The Mayan Riviera is an area that begins just south of Cancun airport and runs through until the entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere just south of Tulum.

The area runs parallel to the Caribbean coastline and follows the 307 highway. The area is flat and is covered in tropical jungle. The Mayan Riviera is most famous for its Mayan pyramids, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, cenote formations and its many all inclusive resorts.

Playa del Carmen is located just about in the middle of the Riviera Maya and is easily accessible from all the resorts in the area.

Playa del Carmen is the main town in the Riviera Maya and most tourists will plan time during their vacation to take a stroll down the famous 5th avenue, enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants, or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs. You can easily spend a day exploring Playa del Carmen and all it has to offer.

Beyond Playa del Carmen, each surrounding area in the Riviera Maya has its own charm. You can find marinas, giant sea turtles, deserted beaches and coral reefs.

It is fairly simple to get around the area and many excursions will allow you to take in several highlights in one day. If an organized tour is not for you, taxis are readily available and you can explore on your own.

Read on to find out more about the different areas of the Riviera Maya.

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Areas Around Playa del Carmen

Playacar

Playacar was started being developed in 1979 for both residents and tourists. It is separated into phase 1 and 2. With its proximity to Playa del Carmen, built around a golf course with one of the best beaches in the area, Playacar is a popular choice for tourists.

Walking distance to famous 5th avenue, or only a 100 peso taxi ride away, Playacar is a coveted all inclusive resort area.

The entire complex is gated, with 24 hour security present.

Playacar Golf Course - Hard Rock Golf Course

The once Playacar Golf Club is now owned by hard Rock Hotels but is open to the general public. It also has a spa offering a range of services.

The golf course, designed by Robert Von Hagge, offers an 18-hole par 3, as well as a driving range and putting green.

The hotels in Playacar are a very popular choice for their proximity to Playa del Carmen, the beautiful beaches and the quality hotels available. Click to see a list of the hotels you can choose in Playacar.

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a fisherman’s village located about half way between Cancun airport and Playa del Carmen.

The coral reef in this area is so close to shore, that you can swim to it from the beach. This makes Puerto Morelos a popular choice for snorkeling enthusiasts. You can also enjoy some fresh seafood and fish.

Fishing charters are also available in Puerto Morelos.

Riviera Cancun

Riviera Cancun is a fairly new development and home to the Crococun Zoo. Located between the Cancun Airport and Puerto Morelos, this is not officially part of the Mayan Riviera, but along the same strip. There are a few hotels in this area, including the Dreams Riviera Cancun, the adults-only Excellence Riviera Cancun and the new Royalton Riviera Cancun.

Mayakoba

The prestigious Mayakoba area is set on more than 640 hectares of mangrove, tropical jungle and bordered by the Caribbean.

This area hosts the El Camaleon Golf Course, where the yearly PGA event the OHL Classic, every November.

Hotels include the Fairmont Mayakoba, the Banyan Tree and the Rosewood Mayakoba as well as the Mayakoba Residences.

Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras is a gated community located on the 307 about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. The million dollar condominiums and homes in this area surround the marina, which not only houses dolphin facilities, but also caters to catamaran companies, deep sea fishing, and a few restaurants and bars. The marina area is charming for a walk or meal, and the beaches here are in protected coves, making the water much calmer.

There are a few all inclusive hotels in this area (including the Dreams Puerto Aventuras) in addition to the numerous condo rentals available.

Akumal

Akumal is amazing, plain and simple. The beach is long, white and not as busy as Playa del Carmen. The bay allows for shallow, calmer waters. The beach bars and restaurants along the bay are certain to please.

In Akumal Bay you will find a turtle sanctuary. The dark patches you see in the water is where the sea grass grows, and where the sea grass grows you will find the sea turtles. If you do not have your own snorkeling equipment, you can rent some on site. There are also many tours to snorkel with the sea turtles.

Tulum

Tulum is more than just the ruins it is famous for. Tulum town is a growing community that is increasing every year due to the large number of tourists that visit the area.

If you want an all inclusive resort, you do have some options in the Tulum area, but it is most popular for the beach road, a small strip leading up to the entrance of Sian Ka’an. Here you will find small hotels, a few restaurants and beach clubs, as well as the cabañas option.

If you are looking for more information on Tulum, visit our sister site www.tulum.com