DK Travel : Cancún and the Yucatán

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a special atmosphere and an immense variety of attractions, including some of the world’s best beaches and diving areas. The modern, glittering resorts of the east coast’s “Mayan Riviera” lie alongside charming old Spanish Colonial towns, sleepy Mayan villages, and the awesome remains of ancient civilizations.

Pez Vela, Playa del Carmen

Ever popular bar-restaurant with a huge outside terrace that’s one of the fixtures on the Quinta Avenida promenade. The style is hippy-Caribbean, helped along by chugging reggae and rock bands.
Piedra Escondida, Tulum

Nine rooms, in two-story cabaña -style beach huts, all with good showers and entrancing views. The restaurant serves a mix of Italian and Mexican food.
Piña Colada, Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras’ favorite beach bar, with a big palapa roof. Elaborate tropical cocktails are the specialty.
Platillo de Fruta

A big plate of fresh fruit, usually including at least pineapple, watermelon, oranges, bananas, and papaya.
Playa del Carmen

The hippest and fastest-growing spot on the Mayan Riviera, with good shopping, strolling, bar-hanging, and people-watching opportunities in town, and miles of wonderful palm-lined bays stretching away to the north. To the south, the Playacar development has its own, narrower beaches (see Playacar).
Playa del Carmen

The Riviera’s most vibrant street life, by day and night, and its hippest crowds can be found in its fastest-growing resort town. Playa’s long-established cool bars and backpackers’ haunts now mix with modern hotels ranging from big resorts to cosy guest houses. As well as having wonderful beaches, it’s great for diving and snorkeling.
Playa del Carmen

Playa’s main town beach is the place to go to survey other sun worshippers, and to showcase your skills at beach volleyball and other seaside pursuits.
Playa del Carmen

Many Playa dive shops also arrange fishing trips, especially in the sailfishing season (Mar–Jun).
Playa del Carmen

The trendiest spot on the Riviera, with a more small-town scale than Cancún, superb swimming and snorkeling, and an ever-buzzing night-life.
Playa del Carmen and Chunzubul

Playa is the base for several very high-standard dive operators, who take beginners’ groups and experienced divers to the reefs nearby and elsewhere along the Riviera.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $5
- $5-$10
- $10-$20
- $20–$35
- over 35
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under US$20
- US$20-$45
- US$45-$80
- US$80-$130
- over US$130