Attractions in Playa del Carmen, Mexico: What to do and where to go

Coba

This ancient archeological site was constructed between two lakes, spanning more than 80 kilometers square of buildings, remains and history. The main pyramid is the tallest in the whole Peninsula, 42 meters high (130 feet tall) overlooking the lush rainforest.

Xel-Ha

Xel-ha, literally meaning 'where the water is born', is considered the largest natural aquarium in the world. Constructed along a huge inlet, it's a spectacular setting for hundreds of different species of tropical fish, birds and wildlife. Famous also for the beautiful Mayan ruins, many cenotes and caves, Xel-Ha is truly an amazing experience. Open daily from 8.30 to 17.00, restaurants, showers and lockers are also available.

Cenotes (Freshwater Sinkholes)

Cenotes (Mayan for 'underground well') are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Playa del Carmen area. There are literally hundreds located all over the Yucatan Peninsula. A Cenote is basically an underground freshwater river formed over millions of years. Such expanses of crystal clear freshwater are ideal for swimming and scuba-diving, imagine diving amongst stalactites and stalagmites millions of years old! Some examples are: Dos Ojos, Ponderosa, Taj Majal, Gran Cenote as well as many others through out the area.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

Heading south, travelers arrive at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as "the place where the sky begins". It is an area of 530,000 hectares comprising of rain forest, lakes, swamps, coastal ponds, bays and reefs; all of which are home to the natural habitat of thousands of animal species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and an astonishing 345 species of birds. About 1,000 inhabitants in the reserve still make there livelihood from fishing. All day treks, which include a three hour boat-trip are available.

Scuba Diving

Playa del Carmen's underwater world still holds the magic of being a young scuba diving destination in an almost virgin environment. The continuous presence of sea water streams, due to the tunnel-like effect between Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel, coupled with the large reef, make for clear visibility and an unparalleled dive experience, highly appraised by scuba divers because of the comfort and safety as well as the enormous sea-bed there to be explored. The spectacular growth of the Scuba-Diving facilities has caused for example, the opening of a Hyperbaric Medical Assistance Center in the city.