Playa del Carmen Airfares

Playa del Carmen, on the Yucatan Peninsula, has somehow managed to keep its distinct small town feel in complete contrast to Cozumel, a short ferry ride away. Playa cultivates a rather bohemian image which naturally tends to attract backpackers, artists and adventurers.

The architecture of the town is rather unique as well with a mixture of rustic, stucco and wooden structures that adds to the charm. The town has more than its share of craft shops, artists studios and shops selling New Age materials and local homemade pottery. Playa is Spanish for beach, and the main beach here can get crowded and tends to be popular with a younger crowd. Playa is also one of the few places in Mexico where topless bathing is accepted, and even legal on some beaches.

Playa del Carmen also makes a good base for excursions to some of the spectacular Mayan ruins that this part of the Yucatan Peninsula is famous for. The ruins at nearby Tulum, with their colored frescoes depicting everyday Mayan life, make an easy day trip from Playa.