- San Cristobal de las Casas

As one of Mexico’s most popular backpacker hubs, many travellers land in Cancun and immediately take the bus to Playa del Carmen for a more relaxed holiday vibe and budget-friendly stay on Caribbean beaches. With turquoise waters and a lively nightlife scene, Playa is far from boring — you might even find yourself swept up in a local drum dance.

The highlight of Playa del Carmen is strolling down La Quinta Avenida, the pedestrian street lined with cafés, bars, and artisan shops. From here you can book ferries to islands like Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, take day trips to cenotes hidden in the jungle, or explore nearby Mayan ruins such as Tulum and Coba. For a truly local and backpacker friendly experience, hop on a colectivo to explore without a tour— just make sure you’ve got coins ready for the fare.

Did you know:

Playa del Carmen was originally called Xaman-Ha by the Maya, meaning “waters of the north.” It served as a departure point for pilgrimages to Cozumel, where worshippers honored the goddess Ixchel. Today, the town’s ferry port continues this centuries-old tradition of connecting land and sea.

The “Quinta Life” Story

“Quinta Life” defines the rhythm of Playa’s famous Fifth Avenue. By day, it’s a laid-back stroll past taco stands and souvenir shops; by night, it transforms into a buzzing strip of bars, clubs, and live music. This dual identity — relaxed beach town by morning, cosmopolitan party hub by evening — is what makes Playa del Carmen a playful stop on the backpacker trail