Nestled in the middle of the Riviera Maya, about 40 minutes south of world-famous Cancun, lies Playa del Carmen. This former sleepy fishing village is now home to some 110,000 people and is supposedly the fastest growing city in Latin America.

The heart of Playa del Carmen’s tourist district is the 5th Avenue pedestrian mall. Just two blocks off this beach, this strip of stores, bars and restaurants stretches nearly 20 blocks, from Juarez to 34th Street. Many delicious eats can be found right on 5th Ave.

Playa del Carmen is also famous for it’s beautiful Caribbean beaches. Most vacation rentals will be within minutes of the beach where there are plenty of activities such as parasailing, jetskiing, swimming, sun bathing and wind surfing. Don’t forget about our famous reefs! Many beaches offer snorkeling just a few meters off shore where sea turtles, sting rays and barracudas can be seen.

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is another big attraction for vacationers and locals alike. There is something for everyone, including live music, intimate wine bars, mescal bars, and dance clubs. Playa has become a destination for international DJs who play at local nightclubs as well as beach clubs during the day.

There is a lot to do in the Mayan Riviera. Just a short drive from Playa there are Mayan ruins, Cenotes (natural freshwater swimming holes), jungle ziplines, RV tours and more. In fact, Playa is a good homebase for exploring more of the region because it is centrally located between Cancun and Tulum.

But what interestes us is the food! Because Playa del Carmen is still more of a European vacation destination, there are many restaurants that offer food with a decidedly international flavor. Of course, excellent Mexican food is usually just around any corner, there are also Japanese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Thai, American, and Argentinian restaurants, to name a few. And heck, there’s even a Burger King and a Starbucks in case you get homesick!