Playa del Carmen

For obvious reasons, most backpackers avoid the dollar-thirsty Cancun and instead head an hour or so south to Playa del Carmen. This was a little fishing village which in the early 80s decided to benefit from the massive exploitation that took place in nearby Cancun by offering a more indigenous experience for travellers and more quiet beaches. Today Playa del Carmen has grown into a mid-sized town with a population of 60000 boosted by restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops, but it still somehow managed to retain its original village-mentality. Playa del Carmen is like heaven on earth compared to Cancun and one could spend a good relaxing time here.

The picturesque little town of Playa del Carmen