The Yucatan Peninsula is unique for its many Mayan ruins, which are scattered all over the region. These small coastal outposts are hints of the grand scale of the prolific and ancient Maya world. Many of the most amazing sites are near Playa, including Chichén Itzá, Cobá and Tulum, where the ancient ruins look out onto the luminescent blue ocean.

As Playa del Carmen grows, doctors are moving in from Cancun to set up their practices. For grave medical situations we suggest foreigners make the trip to either Mérida or Cancún (see the relevant sections).

There are some good spanish-language schools in Playa del Carmen to help you get started with the local lingo or brush up on it if you're an old hand.

Buying a place in Playa del Carmen can afford a lifestyle which is a mixture of fraternity life and vacation time.

Located on the beautiful Caribbean coast of Mexico some 40 miles (60 kms) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the Cancun - Tulum Corridor of Quintana Roo (now called Mayan Riviera).