Playa del Carmen is the perfect home base for exploring Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. So, I’ve rounded up the best Playa del Carmen day trips. This list includes popular and off-the-beaten-path Mayan ruins, beaches, and cenotes.

The Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Playa del Carmen

Pro Tip: Arrive at these places as early as possible to beat some of the crowds and heat.

If you rent a car to explore on your own, keep in mind that driving in Mexico can be tricky for first-timers. Have car insurance, a GPS, and drive extra-conservatively. I recommend hiring local guides or drivers who know the area and can navigate the roads between towns.

Here are the best Playa del Carmen day trips!

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the most famous and iconic Mayan site on the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s home to the Pyramid of Kukulcan, arguably the most famous pyramid in Mexico.

But Chichen Itza is a sprawling complex, so you also want to see the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote, El Castillo, and El Caracol.

Pro tip for visiting Chichen Itza: It opens at 8:00 am every day, and arriving early to enter Chichen Itza when it opens is the best way to avoid some of the crowds and beat the heat.

CHICHEN ITZA TRAVEL GUIDE

If you want to spend the night at Chichen Itza to explore more of the area, here are the closest hotels to the ruins.

Tulum

Tulum is split into two areas – the trendy, high-end Tulum Beach and the laid-back bohemian Tulum Town (also called Tulum Pueblo).

Tulum Town is a more authentic local experience with traditional food stalls, more affordable hotels, murals, and easy access to nightlife.

Tulum Beach is a more traditional tourist area with multiple hotel zones offering direct access to some of the best beaches in the country.

Be sure to visit the beautiful Tulum Ruins, where you’ll see ancient structures and sculptures dating back thousands of years.

If you want more time in Tulum, I recommend spending a couple of nights here. Tulum has incredible accommodations for every budget and preference, so I’ve rounded up the best options for you!

Top Vacation Homes in Tulum

Adults-Only Resorts in Tulum

Tulum Eco-Hotels

Tulum’s Most Romantic Hotels

Best Glamping in Tulum

My Stay at Hotel Bardo Tulum

Akumal Beach

Akumal Beach is famous for its crystal-clear water and sea turtles. So snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, this beach is for you!

The beach is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life. If you’re not a diver or snorkeler, you can do a guided tour to swim with sea turtles.

Akumal Beach maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, with many hotels and restaurants implementing eco-friendly practices to preserve the local environment. This includes ethical encounters with sea turtles, so always follow your guide’s instructions and remember you’re a visitor in the sea turtles’ home.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique opportunity to explore a pristine ecosystem. Take a guided boat tour through the reserve, gliding along the crystal-clear waters of lagoons and mangrove channels, looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful bird species.

IK KIL CENOTE

Located just outside of the city of Valladolid, Ik Kil Cenote is a popular destination for visitors looking to take a dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery. This cenote is located within a natural cave and goes to a depth of over 130 feet, making it a prime spot for divers.

The setting of Ik Kil Cenote is truly breathtaking, with vines cascading down from the top of the cave and providing a serene backdrop for swimming and relaxation. Ik Kil Cenote is near Chichen Itza, so you can combine these two sites into one day trip.

Coba

The Coba Ruins aren’t far from Tulum, yet they’ve stayed remarkably off-the-beaten-tourist path. I recommend renting a bicycle to explore these sprawling ruins deep in the jungle.

The main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, is the tallest in the region, and you can climb to the top of it for stunning views of the surrounding jungle.

PLAYACAR AND XPU-HA BEACHS

These beaches are the best alternatives to the crowded Playa del Carmen Beach. Both are known for their pristine beauty, calm waters, and relatively few crowds. Bring your beach gear and snorkel, and pack a lunch to spend a full day here enjoying the sun, sand, and water.

CENOTE CHUKUM

Cenote Chukum’s rich blue waters are unlike any other cenote in the area, and they’re a stunning backdrop for photos and a refreshing dip.

What sets Cenote Chukum apart is its underwater cave system. You can explore the caves with the help of a guide, swimming through crystal-clear waters and marveling at the natural formations that have developed over time. It’s an exhilarating and awe-inspiring experience that will be a highlight of your trip.

Unlike some of the more crowded cenotes in the area, Cenote Chukum has remained blissfully off-the-beaten-tourist-path, giving you a quieter, more secluded, and intimate atmosphere.

This cenote is near Chichen Itza, so you can easily combine these two destinations into one day trip.

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What would you add to this list of the best Playa del Carmen day trips? Share with us in the comments!

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