Church of Our Lady of Carmen.

In 1996, the population was 10,000, and in 2003 it had a population of 49,000, mainly due to the immigration of people from different parts of the republic in search of the jobs demanded by the tourist industry.^{[citation required]} According to figures from the National Institute of Migration of 20 03, at least 7 percent of the population permanently residing in the city is of foreign origin.^{[cite required]・ Until November 2004, the growth of this tourist destination was reflected in the hotel offering of 23,428 rooms in operation and an annual passenger influx estimated at just over two million people, mainly from the United States, Canada and Europe.} According to the 2010 Census, the city has 159,310 residents; this can be translated to 14,285 new residents per year, 39 new residents per day in the last 7 years. Currently, a projection was declared between 2010 and 2013, there will be a total of about 221,166 inhabitants. ​

In pre-Hispanic times, Playa del Carmen was called Xaman Há (Mayan language): Xaman Ha', ‘North Water’)^? and it was a starting point for the Mayans on their pilgrimage to the Ixchel shrine in Cozumel. The first modern settlement dates back to the early 20th century, when a community of fishermen, coconut growers and the chewing gum tree was located there.^{[required appointment]}

During the 16th century, the Spanish invaded and conquered most Mayan sites. Unlike many others, however, Playa del Carmen never became a Spanish settlement.^{[quote required]} With the arrival of the Spaniards to Mexico, it is reported that Francisco de Montejo was the one who conquered this region in 1526, founding the village of Salamanca where Xel-Ha is currently located. Also, a year later, a deputy of Montejo, Alonso Dávila, established his camp in Xaman-Ha, which he described as a fishing village. Despite these events, this area remained very little inhabited throughout the colony period.

The foundation of Playa del Carmen was due to a chiclera colonizing company on the eastern coast of Yucatán, which in 1908 obtained a concession from the government of Porfirio Díaz to explore forest resources. ​

Until the mid-1980s, Playa del Carmen was a small passing town with less than 1,500 inhabitants, although in the last two decades it has become noticeably at the pace of tourism growth.^{[required appointment]}

Hydrography

The highly permeable limestone rock that forms the soil of this region does not allow the existence of surface water streams, there are countless cenotes. Cenotes are, in most cases, widening of complex groundwater networks, which sometimes break through to the sea. In these, marine water, which is denser than freshwater, can penetrate through the bottom of the water system. Therefore, there are cenotes where from a certain depth the water passes from sweet to savory.

The depth of the aquifer is 5 to 10 m, but it is also located up to 1 m of the surface and its average thickness is 19 M. The predominant water families are sodium-chlorinated and sodium chlorinated-sulfated.

Climate

The climate of the municipality is warm subhumid with rains in the summer with higher humidity. The average annual temperature is 25.8°C, the lowest temperatures are recorded in the month of January at 13°C, and the highest temperatures are reached in the month of August at 32.9°C. The prevailing winds are those of the southeast. The annual rainfall is 1,331.2 millimeters with rainy season from June to November.

The climate is affected by cyclones or hurricanes, which increase precipitation especially in the summer. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

Average climate parameters of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo (1951-2019)
Month	Jan.	Feb.	Sea.	Apr.	May.	Jun.	July.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Annual
Temp. max. Aps. (°C)	37.5	33.0	34.0	39.0	40.0	39.0	39.0	39.5	39.0	34.0	35.0	39.0	40.0
Temp. max. mean (°C)	27.8	28.5	29.6	30.8	31.7	32.0	12.5	32.9	32.6	30.8	29.3	28.6	30.6
Temp. mean (°C)	22.8	23.4	24.3	26.1	27.3	27.9	28.0	28.0	27.9	26.3	24.4	23.4	25.8
Temp. min. mean (°C)	17.9	18.3	19.0	21.3	22.9	23.7	23.5	23.2	23.1	21.7	19.4	18.2	21.0
Temp. min. Aps. (°C)	8.0	7.0	5.0	10.0	15.0	14.0	13.0	15.0	14.0	13.5	11.0	9.0	5.0
Total precipitation (mm)	61.2	50.5	28.1	51.2	78.1	153.0	126.3	126.3	168.8	284.3	130.3	73.1	1,331.2
Days of precipitation (≥ 0.1 mm)	7.7	4.4	3.8	3.7	6.5	10.6	9.3	9.6	14.5	15.9	9.5	7.3	102.8
Source: National Meteorological Service. Updated on December 8, 2016.

Ecosystems

In the municipality where Playa del Carmen (Solidarity) is located, the flora is composed of medium forest subperennifolia and subdeciduous folia, and low forest subperennifolia, which are particularly valuable for logging due to the presence of precious woods such as mahogany and cedar. In addition, in areas close to the flooded areas and the sea, mangrove communities have developed, although the area they occupy is relatively small. The coastal zone has patches of vegetation of dunes.Within the wide richness of species of flora detected in the area are trees of: zapote, ramon, chechen, chacah, cedar, ya'axche, kitanche, papaya, sa'kbob, mahahau, hiraea obovata, bisil, mansoa verrucifera, tatsi, habín, kaniste, guaya and palma chit, all distributed and present on the Cancun - Tulum corridor. On the coast, mangrove areas and some blindlands with species such as red and white mangroves are located. In the coastal dunes area, there is predominance of sea grapes, as well as coconut palm, among others. The flood or flood areas have tule vegetation.The animals of the region are mainly of neotropical origin, however, animals of Neartíco origin such as deer are present. The main groups represented are amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The presence of 309 species in the Cancun-Tulum corridor was detected, of which birds are the most widespread of all. The birds are represented by carrots, white egrets, hummingbirds and small mammals such as the gray fox, squirrels, mice, tlacuaches and bats; which together with the great variety of marine fauna represent an important resource of the locality,

Playa del Carmen is a town made up mainly of people from various parts of the Mexican Republic and abroad making it a cosmopolitan place.

According to the population census carried out in the municipality in 2014, in Playa del Carmen and the rest of the municipality, 60.4% of the population is non-native and 10.9% is immigrant (Censo Solidaridad 2014).

Playa del Carmen is one of the localities with the highest population growth in the country. It is the main town in the municipality of Solidaridad and it is where the vast majority of the population live. In the municipality there are only two clearly recognized localities: Playa del Carmen, the town hall and Puerto Aventuras.

According to projections by the municipal council of population (COMUPO), Playa del Carmen (and the municipality in general) reached 216,730 inhabitants according to the 2015 COESPO, and 228,186 inhabitants according to the 2016 COESPO project.

Tourism

Portal Maya, Playa del Carmen.

Paseo del Carmen, a shopping center located south of Fifth Avenue.

Playa del Carmen is one of the most visited places on the Mayan Riviera and, in general, in southeastern Mexico. Tourism is thus the most important economic activity in the locality, making the rest of the economy directly or indirectly dependent on this activity. The city is a tourist destination and also a connection to other attractions related mainly to ecotourism, adventure tourism and beaches, among which are:

• Xcaret, an eco-archeological park 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen.
• Xplor, a natural adventure park located 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen on the side of Xcaret.
• Cozumel, an island located across from Playa del Carmen, is a 45-minute ferry ride away.
• Tulum, Mayan archeological area located on the coast 64 km south of Playa del Carmen.
• Xel-Ha, ecological park.
• Sian Ka'an, Biosphere Protected by SEMARNAT and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  

Fifth Avenue

The famous Fifth Avenue is the most visited street by both domestic and foreign tourists. It is about 2.5 miles long, from 1 Street to 40 Street. It is a very safe and busy pedestrian avenue, especially in the evenings and nights. Most of the trade here is concentrated, from craft shops and souvenirs to restaurants, bars and clubs. Since the Constituents Avenue, the locals have unofficially called Fifth Avenue as New Fifth Avenue; as it is the new and bohemian part of this important tourist destination.

Fifth Avenue, Playa del Carmen.

Fifth Avenue at night.

Playa del Carmen is a very important place and visited in Mexico, either by locals or by foreigners, so it's important to be aware of taking care of our beaches, establishing rules to keep them clean and to preserve them in full. Caring for the ecosystem is not only not throwing garbage at the sea, not smoking on the beach to not soak the sand, not throwing broken glass bottles, but also taking care of the flora and fauna, because many species are endangered. We should remember that it is forbidden to drink alcohol on the public street. This is a recommendation for domestic and foreign tourists.

Playa del Carmen is synonymous with fun thanks to the many hundreds of places it offers to enjoy, within them are the legendary and historical that gave life to the paradise that is today Playa del Carmen.

Xcaret Theme Park

Playa Mamita’s was founded in 2000. It had only one modest restaurant and a smaller bar than it is today the main bar. Today, it is one of the most visited places in addition to being home to the best music festivals offering Playa del Carmen, such as the famous BPM (last held in 2017 due to a tragic outcome), Corona Sunset and the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival among others.

Xcaret is undoubtedly the most well-known park in Mexico and worldwide also, founded in 1990, this park has been placed in the best places to visit on the Mayan Riviera, it is also considered the best ecological park in the world.

Aviario Xaman-Ha is a sanctuary of Mexican birds, more than two hectares of space host two hundred individuals of forty-five different species.

Xplor is a place full of adventures with many attractions like: Tyrolean, snorkeling, jeep, etc. It is an unforgettable experience.

Our Lady of the Carmen Parish Of the oldest places also one of the most visited, located on 5th Avenue with Ave. Juárez, on the corner of the first park created in Playa del Carmen. Dozens of weddings are held every year in this parish.

Coco Bongo Show & Disco (Playa del Carmen): The emblematic nightclub of the riviera maya, its start on playa del carmen was in 2007, and it is currently reference no 1 when we talk about nightlife in Playa del Carmen.

Graffiti in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.

The cultural diversity of Playa del Carmen can be seen on the premises of Casa de la Cultura, as well as in Parque la Ceiba, places where pictorial, scultural and artisan exhibitions are presented, workshops are held in literature, painting, music, dance, theater and many more, for the entire population. Playa del Carmen, also known as the Mayan Riviera, is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. It has beautiful beaches, such as Paa-Mul, Playa Paraiso and Playa Maroma among others, part of the tourist attraction are parks Xcaret, X-Plor and Xel-ha among others.

Papantla Flyer in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.

Festivities and events

• Carnival of Playa del Carmen

It takes place at the end of January, there are shows and parades where they recreate Maya culture.

• Festival of the Virgen del Carmen

It is celebrated in July and is one of the most important events for the municipality of Solidaridad as the patron of the people. On this date, the Carmen Fair is also held to commemorate the celebration.

• Guelaguetza'''

Playa del Carmen and Oaxaca brothered by La Guelaguetza, in April the Guelaguetza Expo is hosted at Plaza Cívica on July 28 in Playa del Carmen, where you can find crafts and products of Oaxaca, as well as enjoy music and dances typical of that region.

• Sagrada Maya Journey

It takes place in November, it is a ritual where hundreds of canoers leave Xcaret for the shrine of the goddess Ixchel, in Cozumel. They travel to hear the message of their deity, to return to Playa del Carmen to convey it to the Mayan people, who hope to know what lies ahead for them. The participants of this recreation feel the spiritual value of Mayan roots, rowing kilometers to reach their goal. Thousands of tourists witness this spectacular event every year.

• Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Years ago, Cancun dreamed of strengthening a major music festival in the low-season months, so that it would become a relevant alternative to tourist activity in those months when the inflows of holidaymakers are declining, as they are especially the season that runs from September to early December. Cancun had its jazz festival, and it was dreamed that it would establish itself as a solid festival to celebrate that musical genre in the Caribbean, and that it would be considered a promotional stronghold of Cancun and its area of influence, with a relevant capacity and spark the tourist influx. With high-quality artists from Playa del Carmen, along with state and municipal authorities, and the work of the Tourism Promotion Trust of the Mayan Riviera, plus the good participation of hoteliers and tourist servers, they managed to capitalize on the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, as one of the most relevant encounters in the world of this musical genre, the festival has grown considerably, both in technology and in logistics and quality, to the end to provide a better experience for the attendees; "this evolution represents a turning point for the jazz scene in Latin America." The ability of Quintanarroans to organize can be considered a pride, a similar path followed by other festivities in the state, such as film, and the great return of the Caribbean Culture Festival, which is also expected to consolidate over time.

Playa del Carmen has the executive power of the Municipality of Solidaridad. This government is composed of the Presidency and the Council. The position of Municipal President is granted through the popular election to govern for three years with the possibility of re-election for another three years if the subsequent contest is won. The Cabildo consists of 15 councilors and a municipal trustee who are elected by the President and who chair the various commissions designed to fulfill the various functions for which the local government is responsible.

Members of the Cabildo:

• Municipal Trade Union - Committee on Finance, Heritage and Public Account.
• First Regader
• Second Regidor
• Third Regidor
• Fourth Regidor
• Fifth Regidor
• Sixth Regidor
• Seventh Regidor
• Eighth Regidor
• 9th Regidor
• Tenth Regidor
• Tenth First Regidor
• 10Th Regidor
• Tenth Third Regidor
• Tenth Fourth Regidor
• Tenth Fifth Regidor

Among the transport systems and means available to both residents and tourists are:

Urban transport

• Crowdsourcing (trucks and combis)
• Taxi service of the municipality of Solidaridad
• Motorbike taxi service (permitted only in certain colonies)

Foreign Transport

• ADO bus service for transportation to different destinations in the state of Quintana Roo and the rest of the country.
• Crowdsourced transport through vans with routes to different places mainly to Cancun and Tulum.

Shipping

There is the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal which houses a fleet of concessionary companies' ships for the transport of passengers to Cozumel Island.

In Playa del Carmen there is a diversity of alternatives for the educational demand of upper and higher middle levels; both public and private institutions.

Middle Top

• Bachelor's College (Cobach)
• College of State Scientific and Technological Studies (CECYTE)
• National College of Technical Vocational Education (Conalep)
• Center for Technological Studies of the Sea No. 36 (CETMAR)
• Manuel Acosta Playacar College (Private)
• English School (Private)
• Yits'Atil Educational Institute (Private)
• Instituto Playa del Carmen de la Salle (private)
• Tepeyac Campus Xcaret Institute (private)
• Vittorio Monteverdi Institute (private)
• Mayaland (private)
• United Nations Baccalaureate the Papalote (Private)
• Ak Lu'um Waldorf School (non-profit association)
• National Intensive Training Center
• La Salle Playa del Carmen (private)
• Technical Secondary Tourism (Setetu)
• Weston College (Private)
• Riviera Maya Educational Consortium (CERM)
• Vittorio Monteverdi Institute (private)
• Caribbean Intercultural Educational Center (CEIC)
• Institute of Valladolid College (private)

Top Level

• University of Technology of the Mayan Riviera (UT Riviera Maya)
• University of Quintana Roo campus Riviera Maya (UQROO)
• Inter-American University for Development (UNID)
• Riviera University (UNIR)
• University of the South
• Universitario Playacar Technological
• English University Center
• Itzamná University Institute
• Felipe Villanueva Center of Higher Studies
• Benito Juárez University - Playa del Carmen Unit
• Show You Music-Danza-Theater

Residents have a good coverage of health services ranging from public hospitals and health centers to private clinics, clinics and laboratories. The following health institutions should be highlighted:

• General Hospital of Playa del Carmen.
• General Hospital of Zone No. 18 of IMSS.
• IMSS UMF No. 11 Playa del Carmen.
• Mexican Red Cross Delegación Playa del Carmen.
• Costamed Playa del Carmen (Private).
• AMERIMED Hospitals Playa del Carmen (Private).
• Playa Med Hospital Playa del Carmen Group (Private).
• Hospiten Riviera Maya (Private).

As the city has grown, the population's information needs have increased, and so the proliferation of some media outlets.

Radio

• Riviera FM - 98.1 MHz.
• FM Beach - 103.1 MHz.
• Lokura FM Playa del Carmen - 106.3 MHz FM.
• The 40 Playa del Carmen - 96.1 MHz FM.
• Playahit Radio.

TV

• Canal 10 Playa del Carmen.

Print Media

Newspapers in circulation:

• For This! Quintana Roo.
• What's new about Quintana Roo.
• Quequi.
• Quintana Roo newspaper.
• Weight.
• 24 Hours Quintana Roo.

Magazines:

• Fifth Magazine.
• In Riviera Maya.

Digital Media

• Quintana Roo's Banner.
• Fifth Force
• Playa del Carmen News

The city has the Inter Playa del Carmen football team, which has a Third Mexican Division championship and currently plays in the southern part of the Second Mexican Division.

The Mayakoba Golf Classic is a professional U.S. PGA TOUR golf tournament held at the El Camaleón Golf Club since 2007. Since 2013, it has been a full-point tournament in which the winner takes all the rights to win the PGA TOUR.

It also has a municipal baseball league, in which five teams from Playa del Carmen, two from Puerto Aventuras, one from Chemuyil and the Tulum taxi drivers as special guest. The city stands out for its participation in chess sport.

The city of Playa del Carmen has twins with the following cities around the world:

• Portal:Mexico. Content related to Mexico.
• Adventures Port
• Latin American and Caribbean Unity Summit
• Cancun
• Solidarity (Quintana Roo)
• Ekab
• Caribbean Sea
• Quintana Roo
• Xcaret
• Xel-Ha
• Sian Ka'an
• Playacar
• Riviera Maya Jazz Festival