Top Playa del Carmen Day Trips

The Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a treasure trove of history, from the pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Maya civilization, to 16th century towns settled by the Spanish. Experience this history firsthand with a full-day tour from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. See the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza (admission not included) the pyramid of Kukulcan, and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of the Saamal, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Journey to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on this full-day tour and experience this incredible archeological site with a local guide. Arrive first thing in the morning to take amazing photos of the archeological site, walk along El Castillo and the Pyramid of Kukulcan and learn how this pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan Civilization. Take a panoramic tour through the colonial town of Valladolid, stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim and enjoy a typical buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

Visit two of the biggest draws in the Yucatan on this tour to the Tulum Archaeological Site and Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa from Cancun. Not only do you get a guided tour of the massive archaeological site—a lot to cover on your own—but you get to make the most of your time in the area by visiting the beautiful cenote. You can swim there, too, if you pay a fee upon arrival.

Explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature in the Riviera Maya on an combination tour that features some of the best of Yucatan in a single day. Snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, and swim in a cenote, then explore a limestone cave and take a jungle walk. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Combine an in-depth tour of Tulum’s archaeological ruins with a refreshing dip in a cenote, or Mayan swimming pool, during this two-for-one tour. Departing from Cancun, you’ll enjoy a guided visit to the ancient, temple-filled Mayan site, with admission tickets and priority access included, followed by a swim in the region’s lagoon-like underground networks of water.

Travel through the Mayan jungle on this action-packed all-day guided tour. Hop on your own ATV (or ride along with a driver) and head to a cenote, an underwater pool, where you can take a refreshing dip. Then fly above the treetops on a ziplining course. A local Mayan lunch is included. Only those 18 years old and above are permitted to drive their own ATV.

Take in two of the Yucatan's most important Mayan archaeological sites on this full-day tour: Coba, known for its towering pyramid, and waterfront Tulum. There's no need to worry about self-drive, as transfers are included. Along the way, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch, swim in a cenote sinkhole, and explore Playa del Carmen. Package includes entrance fees but Coba tax and any bicycle or tricycle rentals are at your expense.

Discover fabulous pink water on the Caribbean coast at the Las Coloradas lagoons, which can range from yellow and orange to fuchsia depending on the time of day, then enjoy wildlife including flamingos and crocodiles on a boat ride through the Ría Lagartos nature reserve. Round-trip transfers save you more than five hours of self-driving, while your package includes breakfast and lunch. Preservation tax is at your own expense.

Swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay without having to worry about buying your own snorkel gear by booking this private excursion led by a professional guide. You only need to bring a bathing suit and a towel, as all snorkeling equipment along with beach entry is included in the tour price.

Take a day away from the beaches and bars of Cancún and see a different side to the Riviera Maya. This guided tour takes you to see the pyramid temples and other monuments of Chichén Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid, and includes the opportunity to swim in an underground cenote.

Explore the archaeological site of Chichen Itza on this all-day guided tour from Playa del Carmen. Along the way, stop at a sacred cenote, an  underground cave, and go for a swim, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. From there, head to Chichen Itza, an important complex of Mayan ruins. On the return trip, visit the colonial city of Valladolid.

Save money and time by pre-booking a shared transfer service between the Cancun International Airport and your Playa del Carmen Hotel. You'll ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from the airport straight to your hotel, without the added expense of a private transfer or taxi. Both one-way and round-trip service is available for added convenience.

Take an off-road romp in the jungle beyond Playa del Carmen on this half-day excursion. Drive or ride in a 2-person buggy and follow a guide first into scenic parts of the Playa del Carmen not frequented by tourists, before bouncing and bumping your way into the jungle. Wash off the grime during a swim at a gorgeous underground cenote and journey to an authentic Maya village. This small-group tour is limited to 14 passengers, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention. Hotel transport is included on this family-friendly outing.

Journey deep into the Riviera Maya on this guided jungle buggy tour from Playa del Carmen. Steer a 4x4 buggy for about 18 miles and admire the lush forest scenery during this thrilling drive. Make a stop at a ranch for a refreshing swim and snorkel at a cenote. Hotel transport included.

The ancient archaeological site of Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enhance your experience of Mexico’s iconic landmark on a day trip from Tulum, which includes lunch and a cenote visit. Plunge into the refreshing waters of Cenote Saamal, capture photographs of Chichen Itza highlights including the Kukulkan Pyramid, and feast on a buffet lunch inspired by Mexican classics. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tulum are included.  

Explore the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve outside of Cancun on this full-day excursion, where you swim and wade in one of the most spectacular underground caves in Mexico. See the famous crystal caves on a tour that showcases the spectacular natural wonders of the Yucatán. Choose round-trip transportation from your Cancun hotel, or meet your guide at Rio Secreto directly. You also have the option to visit the Tulum ruins which you can add as an upgrade.

Pre-book your airport transfers from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen to save time and avoid the stress of seeking out a taxi on arrival. You can choose from one-way transfers to or from the airport, or book a round-trip service for added convenience. If you're getting picked up at the airport, your driver will monitor your flight in case of any delay.

Explore the tropical forest and Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on an adventure tour: ride an ATV through the jungle then head to Maroma Beach, where you can skim across the water in a wave runner or speed boat. This 3-hour tour includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as pickup and drop-off at hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya.

This small-group tour combines two impressive archeological sites of the Yucatán Peninsula: Coba and Tulum. Let a guide accompany you around the ruins and explain their significance. This day trip from Playa del Carmen includes hotel transport, beverages and a buffet lunch, plus a swim in Cho Ha Cenote.

Experience tablecloth dining along with the Cirque du Soleil® show 'JOYÁ' at the Vidanta Riviera Maya resort. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter seeking out the secrets of life. The show draws on the heritage and history of Mexico to weave the story, presented in an intimate dinner theatre in the jungle of the Riviera Maya.

Don’t leave your experience of Playa del Carmen’s food scene to chance; let a guide reveal some of the city's best food spots on a culinary walking tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to first-time visitors. Stray from the beaten path and discover lesser-known Mexican specialties that you may otherwise have missed.

Vist Xplor after nightfall on this 7-hour excursion from Cancun. When the sun goes down, the Yucatanean jungle comes alive with the sounds of wildlife. Swim, drive, raft and zipline your way though the park under the cover of darkness. Explore treetops, jungle paths and subterranean caves. Enjoy round-trip transportation hotels Riviera Maya, Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Discover four of the best cenotes in the Riviera Maya region by booking this small-group tour from Playa del Carmen. You will enjoy the cenotes known as Wisho, Zapotes, Cueva de las Tres Campanas and Jaguar, and have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in all of them (equipment provided).

Snorkel with Mexican whale sharks on a full-day group snorkeling tour off the Yucatan Coast from Playa del Carmen. Under the direction of an expert guide, swim with the world’s largest fish while looking out for dolphins, manta rays, and turtles. Immerse yourself in the marine magnificence of Mexico’s waters on this spectacular small-group adventure.