"Empty Bucket at Punta Del Este" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: longhorndave (David) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
Location, Location, Location
Playa del Carmen is a beachfront town located in the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun and across the way from Cozumel.
Cancun Alternative
Vacationers looking for relaxation and/or good, clean family fun---as opposed to nonstop partying---will find that Playa del Carmen is a good (and often cheap) alternative to Cancun.
Things to Do
Besides catching a tan by the ocean, visitors can scuba dive, sail, snorkel, windsurf, shop, sightsee and eat Mexican food. Must-sees include the city's main street, Fifth Avenue and any strip of beach.
When to Go
The most popular months for visiting Playa del Carmen are December, January, February, March, April and August. If you don't mind rain, come during June or July for off-season deals.
Where to Stay
Playa del Carmen is friendly to tourists, so you'll have no trouble finding lodging. Top-rated hotels include La Tortuga Hotel and the Royal Playa del Carmen Resort.
Considerations
Playa del Carmen is 80 degrees most of the time. In winter, the temperature is about 65 degrees.
