Calle Corazon translates into Heart Street, and you might say there’s a lot of heart packed into this short block of Playa del Carmen. It is located just off 5th Avenue, the pedestrian only street, between Calle 12 and 14. See the curved street in red on the map.

Corazon is undoubtedly one of the prettiest streets in Playa del Carmen, full of green foliage, sophisticated decor and artsy shops.

At 5th Avenue & Calle Corazon, Sur is a popular Argentinian steakhouse.

I believe the name of this store is La O. They always have cute clothing that will have you looking like a hip Playa local. For ladies only.

Another cute clothing store. “Studio 9 - Art + Fashion” They’ve got stuff for the guys here.

Pachamama carries some beatiful artisan products, such as Frida Kahlo paintings, Day of the Dead skulls, ceramic crosses and handmade handbags.

Above these three stores is Jaime Fierro’s gallery where he sells his own work as well as those by local artists such as Celeste Acevedo. The paintings look wonderful from down below, but for the life of me, I can’t seem to figure out how to get up there! Someone, please do tell!

These chairs, found scattered throughout Calle Corazon, double as works of art and are available for sale.

Mmmm … gelato

A lifesize puzzle piece of a skeleton dressed in a Mayan huipil. You don’t see that every day! Unless you happen to work at the Caribbean Puzzles store where this is displayed.

Former Ritz-Carlton chef John Gray runs this gourmet restaurant, John Gray’s Place. Upscale food, upscale decor, upscale price. I’ve only had the pleasure of eating here once, but it was so good!

The entrance to Spa Itza, a very popular day spa.

The Mexican franchise, Botanicus, sells natural beauty products.

And here we are at the other end of Calle Corazon, at 14th Street. In the background is Hot Baking Company, crowded with breakfast patrons.