... Paseo del Sol condos in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Deluxe condominiums on spacious grounds ...

Area Travel Tips When Visiting Playa

If you want to spend your vacation in a party town goto Cancun, which has turned out to be a college hangout. If you would like an exclusive quieter and relaxing vacation in low impact enjoyable town come to Playa. It's not loud or crazy here, rather it's laid back, pieceful and a few steps slower paced. For Beginners, Playa del Carmen is quite a popular vacation destination due to it's location. Playa is enjoyable, safe and relaxing. Kick it up a notch and come to Playacar, the upscale suburban beach town of Playa where Paseo del Sol Condominiums are located. This is a gated community and the Mexican feds want to keep it that way. Crime rate is next none in this coastal beach town. I wouldn't be too concerned as this place is a green paradise and everyone is quite happy here. If you are concerned then I give you my blessing to use your better judgment just as you would at home and anywhere else.

The US dollar is widely accepted for use in shops and is not worth exchanging if you are only going to be in Mexico a short while. Other world currencies can be exchanged in Playa. Personally, if it's a necessity to exchange money into Pesos, then I would do it at either the local banks or on the Pedestrian boulevard of 5th Avenue. There are many Exchange booths up and down 5th avenue. Look for the best rate among the various booths. 100 pesos is a little over 10 USD. So 1000 pesos is a little over 100 USD. You get the idea

There's always talk about ATM scams. It involves criminals putting some kind of device over the regular card reader which can read your cards numbers. I usually do my money exchanges at the exchange rate booths or the bank on Juarez and 5th, and if I need to use the ATM I use theirs during the day, while the bank is open.

Whether you are an experienced certified diver or have never even dreamed of snorkeling, absolutely do not leave Cozumel without getting in the water! This is world-class diving and snorkeling that you will find in few places in the world - don't miss it! With visibility exceeding 100 feet on an average day and and extensive coral reef, checking out the underwater world in Cozumel is really a treat.

If you will be in Cozumel for a few days, also consider a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza. Tulum is a former city overlooking a stunning stretch of Caribbean Sea and is easily reached from Playa del Carmen. Ferries run regularly between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Chichen Itza is in the middle of the Yucatan peninsula and is a few hours by road from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. Flights to Chichen Itza can be arranged from Cozumel airport. Both ruins are excellent and worth a trip if you are interested in learning more about Mayan history.

Most restaurants serve purified water, but it is always best to ask if you are not sure. Ice from purified water has a hole through it. It's always a good idea to take digestive enzyme capsule such as PB8 (found at your local health food store) when traveling to an International country. I use this product all the time, even though I have a stomach make of steel.

Dollars are widely used and accepted in Cozumel and Playa and for a day visit it is probably not worth changing to pesos. If you are staying a while it might be worth exchanging dollars for pesos at a bank or "Caja de Cambio" (exchange booth) as many places do not offer a very favorable exchange.

Playa's pedestrian boulevard (5th Avenue) is lined with shops, boutiques and a wide variety of restaurants. You'll find the people and shop owners in Playa very friendly. It's currently the hottest vacation spot in Latin America. Over 400,000 vistors come here each year. And there's a good mix of ethnicity that live and visit Playa Del Carmen. Among the most popluar are Italians, Spaniards, Germans, Polish, French, Canadians, Americans among the Mexicans. In the north end of 5th avenue you'll run into the section known as Little Italy. Up and down the pedestrian boulevard is plenty of fine dining as well as the side streets shooting off of it.

5th Avenue is always the more expensive for dining, shopping boutiques, and many other novelties stores. You can bargain with some of the vendors and merchants. You may have to look on the side streets for smaller shops, but this is not always the case. So shop and bargain and see if you win. The better boutiques often have discounted prices posted on sale. The jewelry booths along 5th avenue is another story and you may find some will accept a bargaining price. The main jewelry boutiques may depending on what you buy.

avenues from 5th say 10th up to 30th avenue, which continues to intersect with the streets numbered 8th, 10th, 12th street as an example, you will find many other decent eating places, shops and bars. They're like needles in a hay stack. Meander off of 5th avenue to seek out other little enchanted spots not so trendy and you may find some of the deals sweeter. For instance, on 30th Avenue between 10th and 12th Street, you will find a few blocks away from nearby WalMart is a decent Tacorria called "El Fugon". I considered this authentic and reasonably priced. You get your money's worth. Everything is according to your taste, lifestyle and budget.

Nightlife is throughout Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Playa's 5th Avenue has several too. It's up to you how far or how close you want to travel to enjoy a good time. In one night alone, you can jump from club to club and bar and hit almost all of them and end up on the other end of 5th avenue. Playa has enough to offer in nightlife. My condo guestbook provides several pages listing restaurants and nightlife entertainment throughout Playa del Carmen.

Transportation
The best way to move around by land is renting a car. The Riviera Maya covers 100 miles, but a visit to the neighbor state of Yucatán is worthwhile. To rent a car you need to be 21 years old, hold a valid drivers license and a major credit card, (Visa, MasterCard or American Express). Preferably reserve ahead. Car rentals have insurance for purchase at the time of rental. Second and third choices are Taxi and Bus.
CANCUN (bus station)
Ave. Tulum & Ave. Uxmal, SM 23
Tel.: (998) 884-4352
PLAYA DEL CARMEN (bus station)
Ave. Benito Juárez L1.
Tel.: (984) 873-0109
PLAYA DEL CARMEN (taxi)
ask for Antonio, Taxi number 104
985-117-2813

Ferry Service is well intacted and the Ferry System will help you in planning trips to various islands and such.

Doing It Together
It's always best to do things in pairs or groups when on vacation. Although there are plenty of people out and about in Playa as you will find. But it's no fun doing it alone. That's what vacationing is all about. Playa is also a returning destination for many travelers because of location, decent currency exchange rates, affordable, the locals are happy and friendly, and the Sun shines 365 days a year. The ocean temperatures are ever lower then 80 degrees. A few words worth mentioning are don't walk around deserted beaches at night, don't leave valuable items unattended. Other than that, exercise general safety precautions.

Nessecities to know about or bring with you

• It's good to have travel insurance although the condo association has insurance coverage.
• When you arrive in Cancun, We recommend a private van service. However, you can catch a Shuttle Van service for $18usd per person to bring you down to Paseo del Sol. Taxi service costs around $40usd.
• Travel compact and bring summer clothing and a never needed lite jacket or sweater if you want. The condo is fully equipped including a commercial washer/dryer and iron. Hopefully you won' have to iron much vacation.
• Ask to reserve any special needed attention or items when booking your vacation.
• You can request for grocery shopping service (small fee may apply --ask). Please ask within the complex at management services for assistance on this subject area.
• Bring bug spray if your are vulnerable to bites. Especially if your touring and walking about the site-seeing area. Keep in mind Mexico is mostly jungle and mangroves and development was carved out to make for a tropical vacation environment.
• Pack all perscription drugs in the proper contain that has your name on it.
• Bring your own personal hygiene supply, although there's a shopping district that provides for all your needs.
• Do not bring any illegal street drugs into the country. Don't buy any while you're here.
• Cash, travelers checks, and major credit cards are accepted.
• Police are throughout the city on patrol and directing traffic. Obey the laws and don't get into an argument with a cop.
• If you burn easily by the sun, bring skin tanning lotion of 50+ or more. Apply hourly for long hours of sun bathing and other sun-filled activities.
• Bring a light hat to keep you head cooler during the day when out and about.
• It's always good to bring a travelers first aid kit for your family.

Need A Quick hot Meal?

• A grill and bar will be on available for poolside services.
• There are places that deliver. I will try and provide that information in our condo guidebook.
• A 7 minute walk to Plaza Playacar you will find Johnny Rockets, McDonalds, Coffee shops, Convenient shops, Cigar shops and other small boutiques.

Short Lesson About Getting Around Playa
Obviously, guest love the spoils of the upscale rental units away from the crowd and noise. But if you plan on spending some of your time in Playa del Carmen city, then from the condo it's less then a 10 minute walk to the south end of 5th avenue. This is also where the boat peer for Cozumel is located. And there are two competing boat companies that want your business. Fares are between 15 and 18 USD round trip.
The "Avenues" in Playa del Carmen city run north and south. The "Streets" run east and west. The "Streets" in Playa are called "Calle" and labeled as such on the street signs. So 5th "Avenue" and 8th "Calle" intersect or cross each other. For those who have been to NYC or Philadelphia and Chicago the streets in Playa use a similar numbering system as these popular U.S. cities. So it's not hard to get around.

Taxi Service
As always, Taxi service is always available. Just wave them down from the front curb of the condo parking lot. Always ask how much before you pay a cab driver. Taxi's are everywhere in Playa, so don't worry about waiting to long. Just wave down the taxi before the taxi waves you down for business.

From Playacar With Love>
The main street in Playacar from Paseo's front entrance facing the beach, now making a left and walking north will bring you into Playa Del Carmen city right to the beginning of 10th avenue. Slightly right is the Playacar Plaza where you can enter and meander down the Famous stone-paved Pedestrian Boulevard known as "5th Avenue ". Here begins the south most point of the city and directly takes you into where you want to start you're enchanted romantic evening. The Playacar Plaza is indicated by the McDonalds. This can be your landmark as to where you are in proximity and direction from the condo. But it's easier to remember if you're lost to walk south on 10th avenue or 5th avenue from Playa del Carmen city. Again 10th avenue south will take you directly into the gated community entrance of Playacar and into the resort area back to the Paseo del Sol. If all else fails, take a taxi. You can always ask someone, but for the most part it's pretty straight forward. You may have to use your high school spanish. After 6 PM is a good time to get out to where the crowd goes; 5th Avenue and it's cross neighboring side streets is where it's all at.

Airport and Travel Arrangments
Book your round-trip flight into Cancun accordingly. Check for cheap airline fares. Connecting flights are usually cheaper. However way you decide to get to Paseo del Sol in Playacar from the airport, just tell your driver you want to be dropped off at Paseo Del Sol in Playacar, across the street from Reef Club Beach Resort. That should get you here no problem. In addition, it's also a good idea to get a consider taking a Taxi or Bus for your return flight back to the airport 2 hours before your departure time. You will need that much time to get to where you need to go.

Send a Reservation Inquiry to reserve the condo
Please use the Reservation form on this web site to reserve your vacation dates. Use the Availability Calendar on this site to get an idea when you want to visit. Use the Contact Us link for general information, feedback and other related area questions.

Discount Coupons
You can purchase a Playa ID Card to get you discounts throughout playa on dining and boutiques. The card costs $42usd per person and will get you discounts of up to %30 percent. You need to order it online for pickup while in playa :)