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If there is one thing more than anything else that tourists flock to the Mexican Caribbean for, it is for the beaches.
Places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen are the perfect getaway, especially during the winter months, as they are home to picture-perfect beaches, with sugary sands and crystal-blue waters that could honestly match any other location in the world.
The last thing that tourists want to be worrying about on vacation is if the are swimming in…well…sewage…
Alarming Incident On Playa del Carmen Beaches
It was reported a few days ago that black water was spilling into the sea in Playa del Carmen, most likely sewage from a broken pipe, causing alarm for the local community and tourist service providers.
@fabiennevilling The famous 5th Avenue of Playa del Carmen🏝️🐚 . #mexico#cancun#5thavenue#5thavenueplayadelcarmen#playadelcarmen#mexicotiktok#travel#trip#5thavenuemexico ♬ AIME MOI – Speed Up – kobzx2z
The problem was reported near the 4th and 6th streets of the city, with videos of the black water beginning to circulate on social media; something the city certainly does not want when trying to hold its current reputation as a tourist hotspot.
Tourist providers alerted the relevant authorities in the hope that there would be immediate action on the issue, but so far, there has been no response and it is continuing to flow into the sea.
When considered as a tourist hotspot in the Mexican Caribbean, businesses of that location walk a tightrope to ensure they maintain the coveted title, as it brings with it huge benefits to the local economy and in turn provides job security and financial stability for local families.
@matadornetwork Uncover the secrets of #CenoteAzul, a natural #cenote paradise nestled in #PlayadelCarmen 🇲🇽 Cenote Azul is renowned for its captivating natural beauty. The cenote features deep, crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone cliffs, creating a picturesque setting. 🎥 @Pink Plankton #visitmexico #outdoorstok ♬ original sound – Matador | Travel + Adventure
An issue like sewage flowing into the sea, which is in plain sight of tourists who pass through the area and can see the constant flow of wastewater, would be a cause for concern in our opinion.
What is even more alarming is that this is not the first time this incident has occurred.
When the Mexican Caribbean is hit with heavy rains, the problem arises, affecting 5th Avenue and the beach area of Playa del Carmen.
Carlos Segura Espadas, former secretary of Municipal Public Services, stated that the issue was common when the drainage system becomes saturated with water overflow at low points of the city.
What To Do In Playa Del Carmen Instead Of The Beach
While there are plenty of beaches in Playa del Carmen, giving you a great opportunity to avoid the issue completely, it might have made you want to skip the sun-drenched sands and clear waters for something slightly different…
The city offers a vibrant cultural experience in its downtown area, with its most famous street being la Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).
With everything from shops, bars, art galleries, popular restaurants, and some well-known nightclubs that you can dance the night away in, there is sure to be no shortage of fun.
Food-wise, you can experience everything from upscale and international cuisine to the more authentic Mexican options that are hidden away on the surrounding streets and will leave your tastebuds more than satisfied.
Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination for adventure lovers, as it is home to a number of tourist attractions that will make you forget about the beach in no time.
It has everything from adventure parks, cenote expeditions, and zipline tours through the Mayan jungle, and is even in close proximity to ancient archeological sites that date back over 1,500 years ago.
We recommend you check out the underground expeditions or hikes that lead you through caverns and rivers that are over a million years old and eventually reveal the famous cenotes that are synonymous with the region.
Believed to have been an entrance to the underworld by the ancient Mayan people, these naturally formed sinkholes are the perfect alternative for swimming at the beach and will feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You also cannot miss the archeological sites like Muyil, Coba, or Tulum, which still stand tall today and offer a glimpse into an ancient civilization that was pivotal to the history of human civilization!
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Steve Soloway
Sunday 28th of January 2024
The Ferrys between Cozumel & Playa dump feces in the Playa water.