Playa Del Carmen is a costal city located on the shores of the Caribbean in the Northeast park of Quintana Roo in Mexico. It is the third largest city in Quintana Roo after Cancun and Chetumal and is part of the municipality of Solidaridad. Glendale, Colorado in the USA is a sister city of Playa del Carmen. By the 2005 Census, the city had a population of over 100,000 - a number that is growing year after year. The city is named after its Patron Saint; Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Locals also refer to the city simply as 'Playa'.

Like most Caribbean cities, Playa del Carmen capitalizes on resort tourism. It is home to several world renowned resorts. It and the island of Cozumel are world famous scuba diving destinations. The city was initially a fishing village, but it was soon recognized for its potential as a resort town. Today, it is a popular stop for cruise ships docking at the Calica quarry docks. An eco-archeological park with a Mexican theme known as the 'Xcaret' is a popular tourist destination in the city. It is located just south of the city main. The city's government advocates the preservation of the city's fishing village aesthetic.