Playa del Carmen
Dental Tourism; Imagine a city that’s just called ‘Beach’ (Playa). That’s what we call Playa del Carmen locally. It’s a completely laid back subtropical seaside resort with all the facilities you need, plus that palm-fronded white beach of silky sand sloping gently down to the turquoise Caribbean.
Playa has grown from its roots as a fishing village to become the heart of the Mayan Riviera. It’s midway between Cancun (and its international airport) and Tulum (with its magnificent seaside Mayan pyramid). Not many people know that Playa has its own local airport and Mayan ruins, too.
Playa’s Fifth Avenue, a short step from the beach, is a pedestrian haven lined with local bars, clubs, restaurants and shops and up-market international stores.
If it’s music you’re after, you might want to time your visit to coincide with our international Riviera Maya Jazz Festival in November, or BPM in January (it stands for ‘Bartenders, Promoters and Musicians’, but it’s gone global). Or you could just enjoy the Mexican rhythms that bounce from every bar all the year round. For film buffs, there’s the Riviera Maya Underground Film Festival in October, too.
Exploring Here
Playa is the perfect jumping off point for adventure: scuba diving on the world’s second longest coral reef off the island of Cozumel, swimming in Yucatan’s unique limestone cenotes, ecological parks full of subtropical wildlife, or golf in the neighbouring resort of Playacar.
Even Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world, is only three hours away. Or try Coba, the largely unexplored Mayan ruins just an hour from Playa, where you can still climb the ancient pyramid and gaze over the endless green of the Yucatan jungle.
For the adventurous traveller there is zip lining al Xplor Adventure Park, swimming with dolphins rivers in Xel-Há Park, swimming in underground rivers in Xcaret and snorkelling with turtles in Akumal.
Staying Here
Playa has hundreds of hotels. The choice is yours, from cosy boutique hacienda-style hotels, with the true vibe of Mexico, to the elegant all-inclusive international resorts on the beach.
For backpackers, there are plenty of relaxed Caribbean hostels dotted around central Playa. There is something for everyone, and accommodation to suit every budget.
Getting Here
Choose your own flight to the International Airport at Cancun, about an hour north of Playa on the expressway.
Many taxi drivers will offer to take you to your hotel, often at very high tourist rates. What they don’t tell you at the airport is that it’s possible to take a bus direct to the heart of Playa. The ADO bus stations in both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are located immediately to the right as you come out of the airport. You will need to persevere as they are tucked away and taxi drivers will direct you otherwise. However you can get to your destination at a fraction of the taxi fare. Keep calm and carry on!
We can arrange a private pick-up for you if you want to avoid any hassle at the airport. If you would like further details about airport pick-ups, you can contact us at your earliest convenience.