About 68 miles south of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen is fast gaining a reputation as the hot spot on the Caribbean coast. For years, this scenic ex-fishing village had been suprisingly ingnored by travel agents and developers, however in the 1990's more and more resorts started popping up, a sign that Playa Del Carmen started getting the recognition it deserves. However, with each hotel/housing development the town loses some of its quaintness and character. The are still 5 - 10 years left before Playa Del Carmen, grows anywhere near the size of a Cancun, Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta, so if you prefer the sleepy resort locales, there's still time to experience this in PDC. One thing that will never be developed on are the many ruins and historical areas in and around the town, such as Xamanha, Tulum and Chicen Itza.

Mercado de Artesanias Xaman Ha: Shopping mall were shops and boutiques sell silver, dresses, blankets, hats, serapes, jewelry and t-shirts.

Blue Parrot Bar: Set outdoors on the beach, this ship-shaped watering hole has swings for seats and crazy character for patrons amid cool island music.

Chichen Itza: Located west of PDC, these most significant ruins in the Yucatan are a magnificent metropolis of pyramids and temples and was the principal ceremonial center on the Peninsula. This 7-square-mile site was inhabited for about 800 years, beginning around 432 AD during the Mayan Classic Period.

Xamanha: Several groups of late post-classic Mayan buildings that formed the northern boundary of the settlement at Xcaret during the period 1200 - 1500 AD. Then, as now, the village was the departure point for boats headed to Cozumel.

Tulum: Located south of PDC, this fable fortress by the sea consists of silvery temples and columns situated between the ocean sand and the edge of the jungle, giving it an epic feel.

Find cheap flights to Playa Del Carmen, including hotels, car rentals, resorts and all-inclusive vacation packages. Remember to set your arrival/departure dates for Monday through Thursday, if possible, to access even cheaper deals.