If there is a characteristic shared by the entire Riviera Maya, which manifests itself even more clearly in Playa del Carmen, it is that the diversity that can be found, in all areas, is practically infinite. Either in relation to the activities to be carried out, be it in relation to the nationalities to which both the tourists who visit it, and the inhabitants of the place belong. The objective of this article is to make a synthesis of what a newcomer to Playa del Carmen can expect.
Because it is an American city, Playa del Carmen is familiar to both Americans and anyone who has previously visited the United States. Due to the tax exemptions that Mexico maintains with respect to North American products, almost any product of the most consumed in the northern country can be found in these lands, as well as some of its most recognized chains in different areas: Walmart, Seven-Eleven, Sears, I-Store, Hyatt, etc.
An area where diversity is manifested in all its extension is in gastronomy. You can find restaurants of all kinds of meals, which point to both high segments and medium and low segments. Of course there are plenty of taqueria and food places nearby, but there is also a wide gastronomic offer of oriental food (especially Japanese food), Italian (you can find numerous trattorias), Argentina (grills and even choripan shops), Brazilian (especially Rodizio type), to name a few examples.
Nor are sophisticated places of signature cuisine and beach clubs where you can enjoy the most delicious fish and seafood watching the sunset.
There are three predominant ethnic groups in the region, and they are the following: that of the Mexicans, of course; that of the Americans, especially as tourists; and, finally, that of Argentines, both as tourists and residents. But, despite the above, Playa del Carmen is also generous with those who seek to experience contact with cultures of other types: one can cross a Pole on the beach, a Canadian in the hotel, an Englishman on Fifth Avenue and end up talking in the club with a group of Australians.
This diversity to which I mention also manifests itself in the range of possible activities to carry out in the area. The tourist (or the resident) can choose between a peaceful day on a semi-virgin beach like Xpu Ha, where he can relax and lie in the sun drinking a daisy, and then swim with sea turtles and snorkel in Akumal.
Or you can also opt for a day at pure intensity in one of the many amusement parks available, where you can find roller coasters, water slides, zip lines, underground cenotes, or jet skis, among many other things.
And finally, if all the above is not enough, the Mayan Riviera presents everywhere traces of the ancient culture that gives it its name. From the most paradigmatic archeological site in the region, Chichen Itza, to the Archaeological Zone of Tulum, you can find dozens of smaller places to explore and discover how people lived in America before the arrival of the Spaniards in the fifteenth century.
Playa del Carmen is synonymous with diversity and, therefore, suitable for all audiences. They are regularly visited by young people looking for a party and night, families looking for peace after a year of intense work and study, couples looking for romantic moments, or older people who want quality services and gastronomy. Any of those needs can be met here. Of course, if you know who to go for advice.