The Yucatan Peninsula is among the most magical locations on the planet, in my view. There’s a magnificence and an vitality that may’t be discovered wherever else, and Playa del Carmen is true within the coronary heart of it. Town itself is unimaginable, however there are day journeys from Playa del Carmen that may utterly blow your thoughts.

I spent almost 5 months in PDC and was fortunate sufficient to discover some unbelievable day journeys round Playa del Carmen. From island hopping and swimming in pure springs to climbing historical ruins and studying concerning the native tradition, there’s no excuse for a uninteresting second.

Best Day Trips From Playa del Carmen

Among the best issues about Playa del Carmen is its completely central location. Inside a brief drive or bus journey, you’ll find your self in a model new, unimaginable location and be again earlier than meal time. These are one of the best day journeys from Playa del Carmen that must be in your itinerary.

1. Cozumel

From the mainland in Playa del Carmen, if you happen to look out east into the ocean, you’ll see the island of Cozumel. You possibly can hop on a ferry from the primary pier and spend the day on this stunning island.

Cozumel is thought for its snorkeling and scuba diving, in addition to being a preferred cruise ship vacation spot. You possibly can spend the day procuring, eating, and swimming within the Caribbean Sea, all only a quick journey from Playa del Carmen.

There are additionally loads of seashore golf equipment if you wish to lease a lounge chair for the day and snorkel within the reefs. Cozumel was one among my favourite locations to “change up the surroundings” for the day with out breaking the financial institution.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 45-minute ferry journey. 20 miles/30kms.
Location: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: The one possibility is to take a ferry. It runs typically, and the Ultramar Ferry is usually the most well-liked possibility. Tickets can vary from $6 (a method) to $20, relying on the category.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Cozumel: Starfish, Stingrays, and Turtle Bay Snorkeling Tour
Should-Do Actions: Stroll alongside the promenade and buy groceries. Take a taxi to a seashore membership. Hire ATVs. Take a glass-bottom boat tour. Snorkel, swim, and scuba!
The place to Eat: Loopy King Burrito on Cozumel is my favourite restaurant on the island. You actually can’t miss it. Each merchandise is to die for.

2. Coba

When most individuals consider ruins and pyramids within the space, they normally consider Tulum (extra on this beneath) or Chichen Itza, nonetheless, you’re doing your self a serious disservice if you happen to don’t go to the ruins of Coba.

Experiencing the ruins and pyramid of Coba is among the most original day journeys from Playa del Carmen. You’ll have to take an organized tour or bus from Playa del Carmen to the ruins, and when you’re there, I extremely suggest renting a motorcycle so you’ll be able to cruise across the paths that take you from one historic Mayan website to a different.

When you’re feeling up for it, you’ll be able to climb the steep ascent to the highest of the Coba pyramid. It’s a dramatic incline, however when you attain the highest, you’ll be excessive above the jungle cover and have probably the most unimaginable view.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: About an hour and a half drive from Playa del Carmen. 69 miles/111 km.
Location: 77793 Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: You’ve gotten a couple of choices to get to Coba. You possibly can lease personal transportation, or you’ll be able to take a bus or a shuttle. It might vary from $9 to $30 USD.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Coba Day Journey from Riviera Maya
Should-Do Actions: Trip bikes by the ruins. Climb to the highest of the Coba pyramid. Take an archaeological tour.
The place to Eat: El Cocodrilo is the place to eat after a day on the ruins. The meals is top-notch, and the terrace is the right place to unwind.

3. Cenote Kantun Chi

The Yucatan Peninsula is thought for a lot of issues, and one among them is its attractive cenotes. Cenotes are basically sunken underground freshwater springs that maintain crystal clear waters. The Mayans used them for water sources in addition to for non secular functions.

Probably the most well-known and delightful cenotes of all is Cenote Kantun Chi, and visiting is by far one of the crucial distinctive day journeys from Playa del Carmen. Actually, there’s not only one cenote right here however 5 of them!

Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or simply taking within the surroundings at this gorgeous pure marvel. You possibly can even stroll the paths or go spelunking if you happen to’re feeling adventurous. You received’t discover another place on the planet prefer it.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 30 minutes. 16 miles/25 km.
Location: FPRX+F5 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: You possibly can lease a automotive, take a taxi, or organize a shuttle.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Kantun Chi Cenotes, Snorkel & Jungle Mountaineering
Should-Do Actions: Swim, snorkel, take a cave tour, hike within the jungle.

4. Valladolid

One among my favourite day journeys from Playa del Carmen was going to the attractive, historic metropolis of Valladolid. Situated inland on the peninsula, this gorgeous city is filled with character, appeal, tradition, and many enjoyable issues to do.

Valladolid is a conventional Mexican metropolis, the place you’ll be able to actually get a glimpse at native life. It’s much less touristy than Playa del Carmen, however far more “genuine.” There are retailers, stunning cathedrals, historic structure, and even cenotes and ruins simply exterior the town.

You possibly can simply spend the whole day simply wandering the streets on foot or by bike. It’s the best spot for historical past buffs and foodies – the Mayan delicacies is phenomenal.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: Roughly two hours. 88 miles/141 km.
Location: Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Getting There: You possibly can lease a automotive, organize for personal transport, or take a public bus.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Day Tour
Should-Do Actions: Stroll, stroll, stroll! Go to museums, discover the structure, and swim in a cenote.
The place to Eat: Eat at El Atrio del Mayab Restaurant and thank me later. They’ve a number of the most mouthwatering, genuine Mayan delicacies within the area. And the surroundings is completely attractive.

5. Tulum

Tulum is a type of locations that simply doesn’t appear actual. The laid-back bohemian city is dwelling to attractive white sand seashores, ruins that perch alongside the cliffside overlooking the ocean, and many enjoyable boutiques and eating places.

There are three fundamental areas of Tulum. The “central” space of Tulum is situated somewhat inland and is the place a lot of the locals dwell. There are many retailers and eating places to discover right here. Then, you will have the “vacationer strip” by the seashore, the place you’ll discover boutique lodges, smoothie retailers, and boutiques. Lastly, there are the ruins.

Since Tulum is simply an hour south of Playa del Carmen, it’s an incredible place to spend the day once you need extra of a laid-back vibe. Remember that it could get fairly busy throughout peak seasons and is usually a bit pricier than Playa del Carmen.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: One hour. 40 miles/64 km.
Location: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: Attending to Tulum is simple from Playa del Carmen. Hire a non-public automotive, take a taxi, take the bus, or organize a tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Tulum Archaeological Strolling Tour
Should-Do Actions: Sunbathe on the seashore, swim, snorkel, buy groceries, and discover the ruins.
The place to Eat: Each time I’m in Tulum, I’ve to cease at Aca Tacos de Canasta. Their tacos are a number of the finest I’ve ever had – and I’ve had loads of road tacos.

6. Xcaret

For an expertise that you simply actually can not get wherever else, it’s a must to spend the day at XcaretXcaret. This iconic park is an ecological protect, amusement park, and water park multi functional.

The Caribbean Sea is included into the park, so you’ll be able to swim, snorkel, cliff dive, and discover to your coronary heart’s content material. In addition they have zip traces, dwell leisure, and the choice to swim with dolphins and manta rays.

What’s cool about Xcaret is that you would be able to buy all-inclusive tickets. That means, you will have entry to the park and limitless meals and drinks for the whole day.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 20 minutes. 6 miles/9.7 km
Location: Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Getting There: Xcaret is conveniently situated south of Playa del Carmen, and you may get there by taxi, bus, or organized tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Xcaret Park Full-Day Admission with Lunch and Night time Present
Should-Do Actions: Swim with the dolphins, snorkel, cliff dive, and watch a dwell efficiency.
The place to Eat: There are a couple of eating choices in Xcaret; nonetheless, my favourite is the El Manglar Restaurant proper on the seashore. Take pleasure in contemporary ceviche and different contemporary seafood with a unbelievable view.

7. Akumal Seashore

A simple and enjoyable day journey from Playa del Carmen is heading south to Akumal Seashore (Playa Akumal). The seashore itself is idyllic. It has clear, heat waters that keep shallow for fairly a while. Nonetheless, the primary draw to this seashore is the ocean turtles.

Generally known as “the place of the turtle,” it’s a well-known breeding floor for regal sea turtles, and if you happen to hand around in Akumal lengthy sufficient, you’re just about assured to see one.

You possibly can swim, snorkel, and discover by yourself. Nonetheless, if you happen to go for a booked tour, your information will take you to sanctioned-off areas that aren’t accessible to the general public.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 40 minutes. 24 miles/39 km
Location: Carretera Tulum, Yodzonot, 77776 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Getting There: Simply get to Akumal Seashore by rental automotive, taxi, public bus, or an organized tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Akumal Bay Cenotes and Snorkeling with Turtles
Should-Do Actions: Sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and see sea turtles.
The place to Eat: Make it some extent to take pleasure in lunch or dinner at La Buena Vida. They’ve wonderful fish tacos, and the outside surroundings is attractive.

8. Swim with Whale Sharks

Playa del Carmen is among the few locations on the earth the place you’ll be able to rise up shut and private with whale sharks. These large creatures and delicate giants swim up and down the shoreline, offering vacationers with the chance to swim alongside them.

The identify sounds scary, however don’t fear, they really don’t have tooth and solely eat plankton. From a number of tour websites all through the town, you’ll get on a ship, snorkel up, and take a swim subsequent to a 30-foot sea creature.

Whale shark season typically runs from the center of Could by the center of September. You possibly can even catch a glimpse of their new infants in spring!

Distance from Playa del Carmen: Tour firms differ in distance round city
Location: Numerous areas
Getting There: Tour excursions will normally go away from marked piers in Playa del Carmen. You possibly can stroll, taxi, or bike.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Whale Shark Tour
Should-Do Actions: Swim and snorkel with majestic whale sharks
The place to Eat: Lunch and/or snacks are normally supplied with a scheduled tour.

9. Isla Holbox

I’ve by no means been to a spot fairly like Isla Holbox. The largely untouched island has pristine shallow seashores with heat water that you would be able to stroll out into what looks like endlessly, a number of wildlife, and really, very chill vibes. Actually, they don’t even permit automobiles on the island – solely golf carts.

It’s undoubtedly a full day’s value of touring, however in my view, it’s so value it. As soon as you’re taking the ferry or a non-public constitution boat to the island, you’ll be able to spend the day wandering on foot or renting a golf cart to get round.

On the island, there are cute boutiques, beachside eating places and bars, and miles and miles of sandy seashores. Preserve a watch out for horseshoe crabs and flamingos – they’re well-known and cherished residents of Isla Holbox.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 3.5 hours. 76 miles/122 km
Location: Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: You’ll have to drive or take a bus to the city of Chiquila. From there, you’ll be able to catch a ferry or rent a non-public boat to take you to the island.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Holbox Island Tour
Should-Do Actions: It’s all about rest on Isla Holbox. Sunbathe, swim, stroll, and store.
The place to Eat: Take pleasure in lunch on the seashore at Restaurante La Playa De Ñaña. Savor Caribbean flavors at this waterfront, open-air seashore restaurant.

10. Chichen Itza

Probably the most well-known Mayan ruins in all of Mexico is the Chichen Itza ruins. This large UNESCO Heritage Web site sprawls throughout a large Four sq. miles, is nearly 2,000 years outdated, and is probably the most continuously visited archeological website on the earth.

Probably the most well-known buildings right here is the enduring El Castillo; it’s probably the most photographed construction on the location and was as soon as the town’s fundamental temple. The Nice Ball Court docket is one other fashionable spot the place Mayans as soon as performed a sport referred to as Pitz.

As a result of its recognition, Chichen Itza will get fairly busy, regardless of the time of 12 months. I like to recommend planning to reach earlier than 10 am to beat the crowds.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 2.5 hours. 115 miles/185 km
Location: 97751 Chichén-Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico
Getting There: You possibly can select to drive a automotive, organize for personal transport, take a bus, or organize a guided tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Early Morning Chichen Itza, Sinkhole, and Colonial Gem
Should-Do Actions: Take within the historical past and be taught concerning the tradition at this superb historic website.
The place to Eat: After you’re performed getting your cultural repair, seize a chew to eat at Oxtun Restaurant.

11. Isla Mujeres

One other island tour you’ll be able to plan for the day is to take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. It’s a sleepy, laid-back island that’s fashionable on cruise ship routes.

Translated as “The Island of Girls,” Isla Mujeres is a superb spot to put on the sand, swim in turquoise waters, snorkel, and scuba diThere’sre’s even an underwater artwork museum that scuba divers can go to. It’s additionally a preferred spot for swimming with whale sharks.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 2 hours. 53 miles/85 km.
Location: Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: You’ll want to rearrange transportation both by rental automotive, personal automotive, taxi, or bus to Cancun. From there, you’ll be able to take a ferry to the island. Or, you’ll be able to organize a guided tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar and Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Calm down, sunbathe, snorkel, and scuba dive.
The place to Eat: Do your self a favor and revel in award-winning fish tacos at La Kantina Los Tacos de Humo – you received’t remorse it.

12. Puerto Morelos

Only a quick drive north of Playa del Carmen is the cute and quaint port city of Puerto Morelos. I cherished arising right here for a change of surroundings and fewer crowds.

Puerto Morelos is an genuine Mexican fishing city with only a few vacationer facilities. Nonetheless, the seashore is attractive and quiet; there are retailers, distributors, and loads of cute cafes to take a seat and watch the world go by.

Simply off the shore from Puerto Morelos is the well-known Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the place you’ll be able to snorkel or scuba dive amongst all kinds of colourful fish.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 35 minutes. 22 miles/35 km.
Location: Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: Hire a automotive for the day, take a taxi, or buy a bus ticket for the fast journey up north. You may as well organize a guided tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Puerto Morelos Snorkel Journey with Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Stroll round city, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.
The place to Eat: You received’t discover seafood any freasher than you’ll at El Merkadito. Order your self an entire fried fish with a conventional facet of rice and beans.

13. Izamal

It’s a little bit of a jaunt from Playa del Carmen, so that you’ll need to begin today journey early, however Izamal is a metropolis in contrast to another. Generally known as the Magical Yellow City, each constructing in Izamal is painted a vivid, vibrant yellow.

On the middle of the town is a grand plaza referred to as the Convento de San Antonio, the place you’ll discover a attractive nightly gentle present that illuminates the small metropolis. There’s additionally a small pyramid that you would be able to climb referred to as Piramide Kinich Kak Moo.

Along with the fantastic thing about the town, they’ve small retailers promoting native artisan items, so you’ll be able to convey dwelling an Izamal memento.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: Three hours. 148 miles/239 km.
Location: Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico
Getting There: You’ll want to rearrange for a non-public automotive, buy a bus ticket, or organize a guided tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Izamal – The Yellow Magical City Personal Tour
Should-Do Actions: Wander the magical metropolis and snap as many photographs as potential!
The place to Eat: Restaurante Kinich Izamal is by far the most well-liked restaurant in Izamal. The contemporary, handmade tortillas are one thing I nonetheless dream about.

14. Sian Ka’an Biosphere

Nature lovers will go completely gaga over the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. A lush getaway with marshes, lagoons, and Mayan-built canals, you’ll be able to kayak, boat, swim, and snorkel by this ecologically-protected protect.

Translating to “Gate of Heaven” or “A Place The place Heaven Begins,” Sian Ka’an stays true to its identify. It’s additionally been a UNESCO Heritage Web site since 1987.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 1 hour 20 minutes. 45 miles/73 km.
Location: Sian Ka’an, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: Your finest choices for transport are renting a automotive or arranging a non-public tour.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Sian Ka’an Reserve Tour
Should-Do Actions: Discover the protect by boat, snorkel, and swim.
The place to Eat: After your day in nature, fill your bellies at Ka’an Restaurant. Take pleasure in contemporary seafood in a surprising seashore setting.

15. Rio Secreto

When you’re not claustrophobic, taking a day journey to Rio Secreto is a unbelievable concept if you happen to’re staying in Playa del Carmen. To be trustworthy, I’m somewhat afraid of tight areas, however I’m so glad I used to be courageous sufficient to expertise this tour.

This underground cave and river system is a magical wonderland filled with stalagmites and stalactites that make you’re feeling such as you’re on one other planet. In contrast to different pure parks within the space, there are not any bells and whistles right here – simply the pure glory that’s Rio Secreto.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 15 minutes. 5.2 miles/8.Four km.
Location: Carretera Federal Libre Chetumal – Puerto Juárez Km 283.5, Ejido Sur, 77712, 77712 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
Getting There: A non-public automotive is an effective possibility if you happen to’d prefer to buy tour tickets on-site. Nonetheless, reserving a guided tour prematurely take away the stress of getting the set up issues your self.
Best Tour from Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Take a guided tour of one of the crucial stunning pure wonders in Mexico.
The place to Eat: There aren’t any eating places on-site, nonetheless, many guided excursions embody a lunch.

Best Day Journey Excursions from Playa del Carmen

With so many locations to go to close to Playa del Carmen, it could really feel overwhelming to determine the place to begin. Listed below are a number of the finest day journey excursions that go away immediately from Playa del Carmen.

1. Cozumel: Starfish, Stingrays, and Turtle Bay Snorkeling Tour: Discover the colourful underwater world of marine life throughout this exhilarating snorkeling tour in Cozumel. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of El Cielo, El Cielito Seashore, and Cozumel Turtle Bay as you seek for stingrays, starfish, and many different fascinating sealife. The tour is Four hours and meets on the Cozumel Ferry port. Click on right here for extra particulars.

2. From Riviera Maya: Coba, Punta Laguna & Cenote Day Journey: Embark on a stunning full-day tour to the Coba archaeological website. Discover the luxurious jungle both by bicycle or by foot, spot charming spider and howler monkeys within the wild, take a refreshing dip in a crisp cenote, and savor a tasty conventional meal on the lakeside. The tour is 9 hours lengthy and consists of resort pick-up. Click on right here for extra particulars.

3. Tulum Archeological Web site Guided Strolling Tour: This charming strolling tour takes you thru the Tulum Archaeological Zone, the place you’ll uncover the wealthy historical past of the traditional Mayan metropolis, together with its temples, fortress partitions, and different exceptional ruins. The tour is a fast 75 minutes and meets on the Andreas Resort in Tulum. Click on right here for extra particulars.

4. From Playa del Carmen: Whale Shark Tour: Expertise the final word thrill within the Caribbean by being conveniently picked up from your Playa del Carmen resort and embarking on a captivating journey snorkeling alongside light giants, the magnificent whale sharks, whereas additionally encountering the varied marine lifetime of the world. The tour is 7 hours lengthy. Click on right here for extra particulars.

5. From Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour: Take an exhilarating half-day journey by the center of the traditional Mayan civilization, immersing within the breathtaking great thing about the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve. You’ll see jungle wildlife, and peacefully float within the crystal-clear turquoise waters earlier than ending your memorable journey. The tour is 6 hours lengthy and consists of resort pick-up. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Day Trips Round Playa del Carmen: FAQs

Listed below are some solutions to probably the most generally requested questions on one of the best day journeys from Performs del Carmen:

In Conclusion

Regardless that I spent 5 months in Playa del Carmen, I may have simply spent 5 years. Not solely is the town stunning, cultural, and vibrant, however there are such a lot of unimaginable day journeys close by.

It doesn’t matter what your pursuits or exercise degree, Playa del Carmen gives a large number of experiences that will likely be treasured in your reminiscence financial institution endlessly. Expertise all of the magic that the Yucatan has to supply with these distinctive day journeys from Playa del Carmen.