Last Updated
This summer has seen the popularity of major tourist areas in the Mexican Caribbean rise exponentially, becoming a number one destination for Americans this year.
One such area that has continued to see droves of national and foreign visitors on its doorstep is Playa Del Carmen, known for the many glorious beach locations it has on offer.
María de Lourdes Várguez Ocampo, head of the Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, highlighted just how busy the beaches have been this summer, with an estimated 200,000 people each week looking to soak up the sun and swim in the captivating turquoise waters of Playa Del Carmen.
Tourism really has become the Mexican Caribbean’s most prized asset, with record-breaking numbers of visitors this summer, and has bounced back in the post-pandemic era, proving that it is here to stay.
While all of the tourist hotspots have lots to offer, the one thing that most people come to Playa Del Carmen for is the award-winning beaches.
Three beaches that seem to be trending among travelers this summer are Playa Fundadores, Punta Esmeralda, and Playa Pelícanos, which are seeing anywhere between 5000 to 6000 visitors during the week, and up to 12,000 visitors on the weekend.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
This feat goes to show just how hard Ocampo and her team are working to preserve the natural beauty of the popular areas while still catering to every visitor searching for paradise from these beaches.
Though Playa del Carmen has 22 beaches open to the public, with another 4 to be opened in the coming months as authorities look to increase its tourist offerings, the three mentioned above seem to be keeping their titles as most popular.
Playa Fundadores is the primary beach in Playa Del Carmen, sitting in front of Parque Fundadores, drawing tourists from around the world looking for a taste of traditional street food, to catch a glimpse of the famous sculpture that fills the skyline of every photo taken in the area, and the gateway ferry out to the island of Cozumel.
Playa Fundadores was also the first beach to feature handicapped/disabled access in the area, making it more accessible to all kinds of tourists.
The location is also a popular place for parades and festivals to pass through, as well as Maya street artists who are dressed in traditional costumes performing for the masses.
Rest assured, you will not be left without plenty of things to see and do, as well as a perfect place to put your towel down and catch some rays.
Next on the list is Punta Esmeralda, a uniquely beautiful beach located away from the busy downtown area of Playa Del Carmen, popular amongst locals and tourists alike, and was recently just named one of the best in all of Mexico.
Perfect for swimming in the calm and shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, the beach offers sugary white sands perfect for sun worshippers looking to feel the heat.
The area also has a swimmable freshwater lagoon and a popular turquoise-blue cenote called Cenote Punta Esmeralda.
Cenotes are natural bodies of water that have been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Mayan times, and are now a popular tourist draw for visitors looking for an alternative to the beach locations.
Cenote Punta Esmeralda was just recently reopened by authorities after being temporarily closed to allow the area to regenerate from the busyness of tourists, further highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting the area, keen to maintain its status as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Mexico.
Finally, Playa Pelícanos was highlighted as a beach to look out for by the Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, stating, “Playa Pelícanos, which is the newest and most inclusive, I invite you to go, we have many visitors because the width of the beach is wonderful and has first-class facilities”.
It seems that as tourism grows to new levels every year in the Mexican Caribbean, the local governments are truly committed to protecting the natural landscapes and breathtaking scenery, as well as making sure that every kind of traveler is able to access them and witness their beauty.
Playa Del Carmen continues to be a number one hotspot for tourists this year, with beach popularity soaring in these trending areas and is guaranteed to be a highlight of your next trip!
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.