Mexico - Playa Del Carmen recommendations

[Vas Deferens]

Yo...anyone been to Playa Del Carmen? I'm leaving this Friday and need some recommendations? So far I have the following:
 
 Xcaret www.xcaret.com
 Mayan Ruins (Tulum, Chichen Itza)
 Cozumel
 
 Thanks  
 
 PS: I'm staying here:
 http://www.mayanpalace.com/riviera/  

[nkotb]

That's where I went for my honeymoon!  It was possibly the greatest trip of my life.  Here are a few things we did:
 
 1) You absolutely have to check out Chichenitza, which is one of the largest Mayan sites in the world.  Climbing the El Castillo was the coolest thing I've done in my life.  We rented a car and drove out, so we could explore outside of a group, and it was a pretty easy drive: maybe 2.5 hours from our hotel.  Of course, we decided to take the non-toll road back, which took us through the jungle.  It took about 4.5 hours, because you'd pass 45 minutes of jungle going 65 and then hit a small town where stray dogs, road speed bumps and foot traffic slowed you to about 15.  Still, a great experience.
 
 2) We also did a combo tour of Xel-Ha and Tulum.  Tulum was amazing...it looks like something out of a movie.  Ruins overlook the bluest, prettiest water I've ever seen.  Plus, you can walk down and swim in the sea if it's too hot.  Xel-Ha was ok; it's like a combo theme park and nature conservatory.  The best part is the free snorkling.  There are tons of amazing fish in this huge open pond in the middle of the park.  
 
 Of course, other than that, we just laid on the beach.  If anyone else is going, I would highly recommend staying at Ceiba Del Mar.  It's honestly the most beautiful resort I've ever seen.  Ever room is ocean front, it's small and remote, and the staff is amazingly willing to help you out.  It was so great we're planning a return trip ASAP.
 
 Joe, if you want, I'd be happy to send you some pics of the three places I mentioned above so you get an idea of how amazing it all really was.
 
 

Originally posted by Joe Marshmallow III:
  Yo...anyone been to Playa Del Carmen? I'm leaving this Friday and need some recommendations? So far I have the following:
 
 Xcaret www.xcaret.com
 Mayan Ruins (Tulum, Chichen Itza)
 Cozumel
 
 Thanks    
 
 PS: I'm staying here:
  http://www.mayanpalace.com/riviera/      

[ggw]

Playa del Carmen must be the trendy new Mexican hotspot.  I'm going down there for a conference later this year.  Staying at the Fairmont.

[nkotb]

My wife just told me that Ceiba del Mar is in Puerto Morales.  My bad.  Still, it's not too far, so most of my recommendations still apply...
 
 

Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
  Playa del Carmen must be the trendy new Mexican hotspot.  I'm going down there for a conference later this year.  Staying at the Fairmont.

[Vas Deferens]

ok nkotb, please let me see the pics...on here  

[nkotb]

Of course, the pics would be edited...I don't think me in a bathing suit would convince anyone to go anywhere....
 
 

Originally posted by Joe Marshmallow III:
  ok nkotb, please let me see the pics...on here    

[Vas Deferens]

check your PM for my email     [/b][/quote][/b][/quote]

[vansmack]

Don't drink the water.  That is my only recommendation.

[nkotb]

Yes, I'll second that.  Most of the resorts are safe, but even then, we were pretty apprehensive about it.  Bottled water is the way to go...and be careful of fruit too.  Oh, and mixed drinks.  Basically, if it's not opened in front of you, beware.
 
 

Originally posted by vansmack:
  Don't drink the water.  That is my only recommendation.

[Vas Deferens]

I don't wanna get sick but it's a good excuse for not working the next week  

[lbcardoni]

We were looking into going there next month but opted for Puerto Vallarta instead..

[lagas]

Isla Mujeres it's pretty nice, but nothing compared to Tulum, which is paradise on earth...

[Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer]

Why you guys want to go to Mexico? Just save yourself the money, and go for a stroll down Columbia Road.

[SPARX]

Definitely hit Chichen Itza if you can. Being a history buff, I enjoyed it immensely. I took a bus tour, included lunch,drinks, a swim in a beautiful natural underground pool and a fantastic, informative Mayan tour guide. The poverty between the resorts and the ruins is a sad sad thing though.

[godsshoeshine]

Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
  Why you guys want to go to Mexico? Just save yourself the money, and go for a stroll down Columbia Road.

more people speak english in these mexiplaces than columbia rd