Exceptional destinations for scuba diving and snorkelling devotees. A place that bewitches with the swaying of its waves and the excellence of its upright constructions, heritage of the Mayas.

That and much more is Playa de Carmen, a town of the Mayan Riviera that changed its semblance of a peaceful town for the cosmopolitan countenance of a great tourist centre, with hotel complexes and varied commercial establishments.

A journey in search of the ocean. To rest on the white, lukewarm, fine and dearly loved sand; or to submerge in the clear and refreshing waters of the splendid beaches, bordered by extensive walls of coral reefs which appease the currents and lull the waves.

The most popular beaches in this corner of the Mayan Riviera are: Coco, excellent for swimming due to the calmness of its waters; Chunzubul, its deep beauty seduces the snorkelling lovers; El Faro, Alejari and Shangri-la, which like the previous, show a beautiful surrounding scenery.

When travellers give the ocean a break and go towards the town of Playa del Carmen, their activity is concentrated on the Fifth Avenue, a busy commercial road with an interesting variety of restaurants specialised on Mexican dishes and foreign tastes, mixed cafes, colourful craftsmanship stores, boutiques offering garments of renowned brands and scuba centres.

When staying at Playa del Carmen, do not miss the following places:

- Great Mayan Reef: Parallel to the coast of Quintana Roo and at 300 metres from the seashores, extends a long wall of coral reefs that is the second largest in the planet. It starts at Catoche Cape and continues through Belize and Guatemala.

The reefs are 100 metres away from the seashore at Playa del Carmen. They hold abundant flora and fauna and work as a barrier against the surf, softening it and forming peaceful natural pools where aquatic sports such as scuba diving and snorkelling can be learned and practiced.

- Playacar Complex: It is the most important tourist centre of the Mayan Riviera. There are elegant and exclusive hotels, spacious residential areas, commercial zones and a golf course, within its 320 hectares.

Its architectonic features are inspired on native designs, with outstanding trunk beams and palapas (sunshades made of wood and palm leafs). An eco-tourist concept seeking to preserve the forest environment of its surroundings has been imposed in all of its installations.

But the modern and comfortable tourist infrastructure is not the only attraction. There are Mayan archaeological vestiges at Playacar, along with the splendid aviary of Xaman-Ha, an important reserve in which it is possible to admire flamingos, storks, macaws and cranes, amongst other species, in their natural habitat.

The complex is located very close to the urban centre of Playa del Carmen and at 60 kilometres from Cancun.