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As with many of the most popular hotspots in the region, Playa del Carmen was once a quiet fishing town with little tourist activity and was certainly not on the map for being one of the top places to visit in the world.
Now a far cry from that lonely image, Playa del Carmen is a booming center of tourism, rivaling its popular neighbors Cancun and Tulum, and is fast becoming a must-see place to visit, with boundless beaches, luxury resorts and family-friendly fun, fun, fun!
Why, we hear you ask?
Growing Connectivity
The Mexican Caribbean is no longer a place that is difficult to reach.
If you are looking for an authentic bag packer experience, where you feel like Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie ‘The Beach’, in search of paradise that is untouched by tourists with nothing but the clothes on your back, then you are about twenty years too late.
Playa del Carmen is now surrounded by three international airports: Cancun, Cozumel and the newly built Tulum, set to begin operations in less than a month!
With Cancun International being the most popular airport, seeing a whopping 500 flights a day from its terminals, Playa Del Carmen is positioned perfectly to catch the overspill of tourists looking for their next trip of a lifetime.
@freyastays Tropical | Playa Del Carmen, Mexico 🌴 #mexico #playadelcarmen #vacation #holiday #sea #palmtrees #mexican #beautiful #beach #turquoise #summer #destination #travel #travelling #sun #hot ♬ Me Gustas Tu – Sped Up Version – Manu Chao
Now with Tulum International Airport, “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” poised to be the second busiest in the region, swathes of visitors will again be spilling out in its surrounding areas, keen to explore everything the incredible Mexican Caribbean has to offer.
Major airlines from the U.S. such as American, Delta and even the low-cost airline Spirit have announced new flights to the airport, and with aviation status now firmly back to Category One level (labelled as the top safest places to travel to from the U.S government), new flight routes and airlines are being announced all the time!
This growing connectivity means only good news for the economy bringing more jobs for local people and even more things to see and do for you, the lucky traveler.
@mallerymetz The most magical park l’ve ever been too #xcaret #mexico #playadelcarmen ♬ People – Libianca
One Of The Safest Destinations In Mexico
Every so often, negative reports of Mexico from outside sources can make it seem like a destination that is not safe for tourists.
However, those of you who have already been can safely affirm that this is often an unfair picture to paint, with places like Playa del Carmen being one of the safest destinations to visit in the Mexican Caribbean, if not Mexico itself!
Under the leadership of Mayor Lil Campos Miranda, who has been congratulated for the huge amount of change already being brought about under her administration, one such area that seems to be being celebrated is her prioritization of the safety and protection of tourists and locals everywhere.
Things like increased surveillance of popular areas, increased patrols of beaches and shopping malls by both police and the National Guard, and even investment in self-refuge shelters, in case of any natural disasters and weather-related emergencies, it is clear that safety is a number one priority.
Of course, petty crimes and scams still happen in every tourist hotspot and crime rates are not completely at zero, but for the most part, the feeling of safety is certainly felt within Playa del Carmen.
The Perfect Trip For Families and Fun, Fun, Fun
The list is genuinely endless when it comes to things to do for families here, offering a far different experience from the somewhat overcrowded and busy nature of its neighbor, Cancun.
If you are looking for that more peaceful, chilled vibe for your vacation, free to do whatever you want and whenever you want it, Playa Del Carmen is going to be the place for you.
With pristine beaches around every corner, you can laze around in the picture-perfect setting all day, jumping into its crystal clear waters to cool off or take part in snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities.
Beyond the beaches, there are popular cenotes to visit (usually underground caves with sinkholes filled with crystal blue water, perfect for swimming). The most notable near Playa Del Carmen is Cenote Azul.
There is also the ever-popular Xcaret Parks, an eco-themed park where you can take a deep dive into the incredible environment that surrounds you, with activities and fun for all the family.
You are also situated near some pretty awesome archeological sites, the most popular being Chichén Itzá, considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Once you have tired yourself out, you won’t be hard-pressed to find some incredible cuisine options at your doorstep, with traditional Mexican food, as well as some more unique options on offer to you everywhere you turn!
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