Playa del Carmen: Seeking recommendations
The honey and I have been trying to plan our 2008 vacation for some time. The current plan for our week-long trip is Playa del Carmen! I've read that it's a lot less commercial than Cancun, and I've always wanted to visit the Mayan ruins, since I studied them in college as an anthropology major. Here are the things that sound really fun:
- Mayan ruins - I read that Chichen Itza is a better visit than Tulum if you only have time for 1
- cavern diving
- trip to an eco-park (Xcaret or Xel Ha?)
- swim with dolphins
- nightlife - I read about some nightclub in a cavern in Playa del Carmen, that sound cool
- and plenty of beach-lounging
Based on a Frommer's guide, we're thinking about staying at the Shangri-La Caribe. We're planning on going in November for 7-8 days.
So, neighbors, have any of you been to Playa del Carmen or Cancun? Do you have any recommendations, must-sees, "don't"s, etc.? Thanks in advance!
P.S. I am hoping my work sends me to Tokyo in July and Amsterdam in September (and the honey and I are dying to visit Tokyo and some friends in Okinawa)... more on this later!
Comments
Coba and a cavern tour (separate cavern). The overall experience was great, though I am not a fan of group tours and the folks we were with underscored all of the reasons why. Plus, the last place we went had a monkey chained by the neck. Different way of life.
Absolutely do NOT stay at Wyndham Maya. Sucked. Colossally.
Absolutely DO eat at Yachi's (I know I'm spelling it wrong - there is a z in there somewhere). Best meal we had the entire time we were there. It's Mayan cuisine and is amazing.
Have a great time!
Have fun you two!
You could stay in Playa all week w/o getting bored. There's lotsa shops and tons of places to eat. The water was the most beautiful water I've ever seen. Take the ferry to Cozumel and hang out there for a day or two and rent scooters and ride around the island. So much fun!!!
I envy you. I want to go back!
Bring sandal type shoes - Tevas (http://z.about.com/d/shoes/1/0/M/L/teva_sandals.jpg) so you can dip your feet in the water at all times! :)
I've never been to Playa de Carmen, but look at TravelAdvisor.com if you haven't already. There are reviews for most hotels and restaurants, and there are forums where you can ask questions.
Are you and Lu coming to my going away party? I'm thinking of raffling off some Marget Cho tickets and Zoo/Wild Animal Park tickets at the party.