¿Puerto Escondido or Playa del Carmen?
Luxury hotels or palapas on the sand? Resorts or adventure? Fancy or chill? These are just some of the main differences that separate Playa del Carmen, in the Mexican Caribbean, from Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast. Although both are beach destinations and very touristic, their styles are very different. In this article we will provide characteristics of both places so that when planning your trip, it is easier to decide which places in Mexico to visit.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is located along the Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya, in the Yucatan Peninsula, belongs to the state of Quintana Roo. It is one of the classic tourist destinations in the North American country. Its time of popularity began well before that of Puerto Escondido as the main tourist destination in the Caribbean Sea.
Beaches with white sand, transparent and turquoise waters and the coast adorned with palm trees that decorate with their natural green. Although the beach is the main attraction of this place, there is much that can be done such as: shopping on Fifth Avenue, having a cocktail in the best bars in the area and diving in the famous island of Cozumel.
Playa del Carmen is a fairly complete destination since it allows you to rest on its paradisiacal beaches, without giving up the comfort of urban life. Being one of the oldest tourist destinations in the country, it has an infrastructure fully prepared to receive visitors from all over the world and to provide them with top quality service.
In addition, being located in the Riviera Maya, it is part of a set of accessible tourist attractions to visit and discover on your way through Playa del Carmen. Places like the route of the cenotes, the island of Cozumel, Tulum and Cancun.
More than 1,000 kilometers away, located on the opposite coast of the Mexican Caribbean, is Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca. The distance that separates both places is not only physical.
One of the most popular and fastest growing attractions in recent years. Much less known and less popular than its opposite sister, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Escondido is located along the coast that faces the Pacific Ocean and is characterized by its big waves and surf culture. During the summer months, waves at Playa de Zicatela (the largest beach in Puerto Escondido) can reach a maximum height of 15 meters. Quite a show! This is the reason why Puerto Escondido is a destination more than anything known by lovers of surfing and big waves.
However, something of the laid back and cool surfer culture gradually made tourists from all over the world who are not necessarily interested in water sports choose to spend their precious vacations in this small coastal town. Knowing the destination, the reasons for this choice can be understood.
Small fishing village, with a marked beach style, rustic and relaxed. Easily accessible and with a variety of options to stay and have fun. These are just some of the main features that make Puerto Escondido a real charm.
Although there are also luxurious hotels (mostly small boutique hotels) and high quality international restaurants, the atmosphere in the Pacific is less urban and more relaxed. Going barefoot is almost like an obligation and the little clothing is always well seen.
Don’t worry if you are not a surfer, there are not only big waves in Puerto Escondido. On beaches such as Carrizalillo, Puerto Angelito or Playa Coral, you can swim calmly without worrying about the rough waves of Zicatela.
The ideal plan in Puerto is to spend the day on the beach and then enjoy some ice-cold beer watching the sunset fall over the sea, with friends, celebrating life and the opportunity to travel.
As you can see, although both destinations are attractive tourist destinations, their styles are very different and when choosing your priorities to travel, it is good to know the main differences between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Escondido.
