Playa del Carmen’s place on the Yucatán Peninsula is almost perfectly located to direct visitors to some of the region’s best sights — historical, ecological and more. But let’s not underestimate the city itself as a destination… and a cosmopolitan one at that, boasting hip boutiques and tempting restaurants that line its popular 5th Avenue, or “La Quinta.” When venturing outside of the city — which you should also do — you’re not far at all from imposing ancient Maya temples and welcoming cenotes, naturally occurring cave like swimming ponds that the peninsula just happens to have thousands of underground.