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Holiday Fun in Playa Del Carmen

By: Neville Dura


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It is difficult to believe that just 40 years ago, the southern Mexican state of Yucatan was little more than quiet fishing villages, arid plains and inland marshland and forest. Since the ''discovery'' of Cancun in the 1970s, this area of the country has seen the kind of rapid development that evinces both the most damaging (and yet successful) aspects of free market capitalism, and typifies Mexico''s continuing battle against being sold out by its own politicians and businessmen.

Yet there has been a huge change in the region with the advent of international tourism and the American dollar. Cancun and nearby Playa del Carmen are two of the country''s most popular destinations with tourists, particularly Americans. Advertised as the Riviera Maya, this region is now bustling with visitors all year round.

But Playa del Carmen, or Playa to those in the know, retains a slightly more European feel than the brash Cancun. Whilst it is still a somewhat intimidating grey tarmac jigsaw colliding with a beautiful beach, it is a great place to start an exploration of the rest of the southern coastline.

You might be tempted to spend all your time in Playa under a palm tree, taking occasional dips in the sea. But if hunger strikes, there are some sites worth moving off the beach for ? including a selection of local restaurants. Yaxche is definitely worth a look ? a restaurant serving authentic Mayan food, with a tantalising and bizarre mix of spices and flavours.

For the healthier among us, Restaurant 100% Natural, is worth a shot. With a shop on one side of the road and restaurant on the other, it serves great Mexican classics and fresh fruit and veg for anyone with an appetite. The quesadillas are definitely worth investigating.

If you''ve had your fill of the attractions of Playa del Carmen, the seaside town can also be a great base for further travel, especially if you rent a car or hitchhike. Nearby Tulum is a must-see ? a huge wide sandy beach, not yet overrun with tourists, with plenty of little pop-up bars and huts selling tortillas, cold beer and ceviche. Of if you fancy a different kind of party vibe, take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Long term travel enthusiast Neville Dura has been globetrotting for over 10 years. They recommend booking agents such as octopustravel.com when searching for Playa Del Carmen hotels.

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