South of Cancun, north of Tulum in the heart of the Riviera Maya

Scary Stories about Mexico are not true in Playa

I understand the State Department's concern about the drug problems along the Mexcia/US border, but unfortunately people think it's happening in Playa, which is not true. I go for a few days a month almost every month and things in Playa are as they always are: beautiful and fun. I did not see anything scary or hear anything scary. I walk the 5th without worrying.

If you are thinking about going to Playa del Carmen, it is perfectly safe

Laura Carmine Illinois

Tags: carmen, del, drugs, playa, safety

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Permalink Reply by Melody on April 11, 2009 at 6:34pm: Perfectly safe to an extent. I love Playa, and never myself felt threatened there, however, I have always traveled with my husband. My mother and sister, who are in Playa now, are renting a penthouse on 1st Avenue. Last evening, they had their Mac laptop, brand new phone, watch, and actually even their toothpaste, stolen from their condo while at a nearby bar. I am fully aware that crime is everywhere, and though this fact will not prevent me from returning to Playa, I think it important to remember that we are as vulnerable in Playa as we are anywhere else. It is not 100% a safehaven, and as such we cannot allow ourselves to let our guards down 100%. As compared to other Mexican tourist areas, Playa is a very safe, and beautiful town, which is why I consider it among my favorites. However, as visitors we could not forget to exercise a degree of caution and always maintain an awareness of those around us. A word of caution to future visitors: lalways lock up all valuables, especially electronics, jewelry, cash and passports.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura Carmine on April 11, 2009 at 6:50pm: Melody,

Sorry to hear this and I agree, no place is perfectly safe. I've had someone steal things from me in Puerto Vallarta and once in Barcelona. Where were your mom and sister staying?

I guess I'd still like to say that the shootings that have taken place near the US border are not taking place in Playa. No one wants to be robbed, but the story was about deaths, not theft. You are completely correct in that we should always exercise caution anywhere we go.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Melody on April 11, 2009 at 7:08pm: I completely agree with the main thrust of your post. I absolutely loved walking 5th Av. and never associated physical harm with any part Playa. I, ironically enough, recommended that my mother and sister (who had never previously been out of the US) go to Playa based on how secure it feels. My mother and sister are renting a condo in what I believe to be the complex and Hacienda San Jose (unit name Casa Morris). From my understanding it's on 1st Av. near 24th. Still, I'll certainly be visiting again, and possibly bringing my toddlers along. Enjoy.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Laura Carmine on April 11, 2009 at 7:24pm: I'm so sorry this happened and I know it's upsetting. I hope everything else goes well for all of you. Best of everything; ▶ Reply to This