Playa del Carmen Live Cam

Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. The history of Playa del Carmen dates back to the ancient Mayan civilization, with the site of the town being originally known as Xaman-Ha, meaning "waters of the north."

The Mayans considered Xaman-Ha a sacred spot, as it was believed to be the departure point for the souls of the dead to cross over to the afterlife. However, after the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the early 16th century, the town was abandoned and left to ruins.

In the 20th century, Playa del Carmen became a small fishing village, with a population of only a few hundred people. However, the town began to attract tourists in the 1970s due to its natural beauty and proximity to popular attractions such as the island of Cozumel and the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum.

Over time, Playa del Carmen grew into a thriving tourist destination, with an increase in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops. The town has since become a popular spot for travelers from around the world, known for its white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant nightlife.

In recent years, Playa del Carmen has faced some challenges with security concerns, which have impacted tourism. However, efforts have been made to improve safety, and the town remains a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation.

Top Tourist Attractions

Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination in Mexico, with plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Playa del Carmen:

• Fifth Avenue: This pedestrian street is the heart of Playa del Carmen's tourist scene, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
• Xcaret: This eco-park is a popular attraction for families, featuring a variety of activities such as swimming with dolphins, exploring Mayan ruins, and enjoying cultural shows.
• Cozumel: This island is located just off the coast of Playa del Carmen and is known for its coral reefs, beaches, and water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Tulum: This ancient Mayan city is located about an hour's drive south of Playa del Carmen and features well-preserved ruins and a beautiful beach.
• Xplor: This adventure park offers activities such as zip-lining, cave exploration, and amphibious vehicle rides.
• Cenotes: These natural sinkholes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and provide a refreshing escape from the heat, with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
• Akumal: This beach town is known for its turtle population, which visitors can swim alongside while snorkeling.
• Xel-Ha: This natural aquatic park features snorkeling, swimming, and water activities in a beautiful lagoon setting.
• Chichen Itza: This ancient Mayan city is located about 2.5 hours from Playa del Carmen and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Kukulkan Pyramid.
• Playacar: This gated community is located just south of Playa del Carmen and features luxury resorts, a golf course, and a beautiful beach.

Climate

Playa del Carmen has a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature in Playa del Carmen ranges from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F) with the highest temperatures occurring in the summer months of June to August.

The rainy season in Playa del Carmen is from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in September and October. However, even during the rainy season, most days are still sunny, with short bursts of rainfall in the afternoon or evening. The dry season in Playa del Carmen is from November to April, with little to no rainfall and plenty of sunshine.

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is during the dry season, as the weather is more predictable and there is less chance of rain. However, even during the rainy season, Playa del Carmen can still be an enjoyable destination, with warm temperatures and plenty of indoor activities to keep visitors entertained.

Geography

The town is situated about 68 km (42 miles) south of Cancun and 20 km (12 miles) west of the island of Cozumel. Playa del Carmen is part of the Riviera Maya, a stretch of coastline that runs from Puerto Morelos in the north to Tulum in the south.

The town is located on a flat terrain, with the land rising slightly as you move away from the coast. The coastline in Playa del Carmen is characterized by white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world, is located just off the coast of Playa del Carmen and is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Inland from the coast, the landscape in Playa del Carmen is dominated by dense tropical forests and mangrove swamps. There are also several natural sinkholes, known as cenotes, located throughout the area, providing unique opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters.

Overall, Playa del Carmen's geography is characterized by its stunning coastline, lush forests, and unique natural features, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Yucatán Peninsula's Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline

Our clients have found our ocean-view studios to be precious beachfront hideaways, with all the amenities needed for a comfortable vacation. They are stylishly furnished with personal details and offer a charming and relaxing atmosphere. The studios have a queen size bed and a built-in sofa, which can be converted into a day-bed for an additional guest. They are all equipped with a kitchenette with cooking appliances for preparing meals and drinks.

Our Junior Suites are spacious and artistically furnished. There is a queen size bed in the bedroom and a sofa-bed for two extra people in the living room. The comfortable living room area has a TV and a complete kitchen with a dinner table for four people. As in all our units, the Junior Suites have a large terrace with hammock and lounge chairs to enjoy the view of the magical turquoise Caribbean Sea.

We do also have options to create larger 2 bedroom Master Suites, with two baths and even larger terrace. These premium studios are located right in front of the ocean and offer a magnificent, undisturbed ocean view. They are intimate and charmingly decorated for an inviting and romantic atmosphere. As in our regular studios, they have a kitchenette for preparing your own food or drinks. And, of course, they have a large terrace perfect for enjoying the sea and the stars.

Many visitors to Playa del Carmen have over the years found our particular hotel to be a perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing beachfront vacation on the Riviera Maya. Playa del Carmen, the diamond of the Riviera Maya, is just a 40-minute drive from the Cancun airport, and Playa Palms Beach Hotel is located in the heart of the town. Our guests have one foot in the Caribbean sand and the other ready to take just a few steps to visit the broad array of shops, restaurants and bars on and around the famous 5th Avenue.

The surrounding Riviera Maya highlights include many natural attractions, water activities and archeological tours for a special vacation the whole family!