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Playa del Carmen (Calica)

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Overview: Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, the port of Calica in Playa del Carmen is a beautiful destination where many cruise passengers stop to enjoy this ancient stretch of coast. Boasting ancient Mayan ruins dating back to the 13th century, verdant jungle and miles of sandy white beaches, it's no surprise Calica is so popular.

Named after Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the patron saint of Cancún, Playa del Carmen offers plenty of shopping, dining and excursions to satisfy just about every traveller.

Cruise ships dock at the small port of Calica which is located about 5 miles (8km) south of Playa del Carmen, which and many passengers are ferried across from the port of Cozumel. Contact:

Riviera Maya Tourism Board
Tel: +1 877 746 6292
www.rivieramaya.com

Transport: The town is pedestrian friendly so many visitors will be able to make their way around the streets quite easily, however, taxis can be hailed and are common and inexpensive. The fare from the pier to the town is $4 and tipping is unnecessary. Collectivos (shuttle vans) can carry anywhere from eight to 12 people and are relatively cheap. These can be flagged down along the major roads. Car rental companies, such as Hertz, Budget and Thrifty can be found along 5th Avenue, just outside the dock. Attractions: Playa del Carmen boasts plenty of sandy white beaches for visitors to relax on, as well as vast and dense jungles dotted with ancient Mayan ruins, such as Tulum, the remains of a walled Mayan city over 800 years old. Travellers should visit the Xaman Ha Aviary, the Xcaret Eco Theme Park and Crococun. Restaurants:

• Ajua! Maya - offers traditional Mayan cuisine with live music
• Media Luna - trendy and romantic bistro with eclectic and colourful décor
• Don Emilione - affordable eatery serving seafood and Mexican cuisine

Best dish: Massewal (Traditional chicken broth)

Shopping: Offering a wide variety of silver jewellery, Playa del Carmen is a shopping paradise! Haggling is common in most market places. Just outside the dock is the south end of 5th Avenue, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare where many of the town's shops and restaurants are located. The dock is next to Playa del Carmen's main square, where stalls selling cold drinks and slices of fresh tropical fruit can be found, as well as an outdoor centre with shops and restaurants. Many of these are American chain stores though and tourist shops which all seem to stock the same clutter and souvenirs, such as Carlos 'n Charlie's and Senor Frog's.

Best buy: Silver jewellery

Excursions:

• Swim with dolphins
• Discovery Beach at Puerto Aventuras
• Explore ancient Mayan ruins
• Go on Jungle tours
• Bird watch at the Xaman Ha Aviary