David S. Demarest

Sally and I spent the last week in Playa Del Carmen, about 45 minutes south of Cancun in an area known for its expansive sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.  Specifically, we stayed at the Hotel Mimi del Mar, a comfortable and small hotel located on the beach in the center of town.

Playa del Carmen is a city that developed around the ferry dock serving the island of Cozumel.  As such, it is not an old Mexican city.  In addition to its wonderful beaches, Playa is also noteworthy for its deservedly well known “5th Avenue” – a pedestrian mall extending (I would guess) in excess of a half mile, and perhaps closer to a mile, parallel to the beach.  As expected, it is full of shops selling everything from Mexican trinkets to Cuban cigars to tour packages to the ruins at Tulum.  More noteworthy, however, are the plentiful street-side bars, cafes, and restaurants serving (generous) drinks and delicious meals.  We ate well, and we did not go lacking!

A few scenes from Playa and surrounding areas for your consideration (click on image to enlarge):

 View looking across an estuary south of Playa.

 Expansive white sand beach south of Playa enroute to Punta Allen.

  View of the Cozumel ferry from our hotel room balcony.

 Same balcony, different time of day, with the lights of Cozumel in the distance!

  Home for a week.

  Historical site of Tulum.