Discover the 10 best day trips from Playa del Carmen, from Chichén Itzá and Tulum Ruins to Bacalar Lagoon, Cozumel and secret cenotes. Whether you’re after Mayan history, beaches or adventure, these easy Riviera day trips are unmissable.
Contents
- Why Playa del Carmen Is the Perfect Base for Exploring the Riviera Maya
- 1. Chichén Itzá – Step Back in Time at a Wonder of the World
- 2.Valladolid – A Colonial Gem Full of Colour and Culture
- 3. Maya Education Centre – Discover Living Mayan Culture
- 4. Tulum Ruins – Oceanfront History and Boho Vibes
- 5. Akumal – Swim with Sea Turtles in Crystal-Clear Water
- 6. Cenote Minotauro – An Underground Adventure
- 7. Cenote Corazón del Paraíso – The Heart-Shaped Cenote You’ll Fall in Love With
- 8. Cozumel – Island Escape & Snorkelling at Playa Palancar
- 9. Isla Mujeres – Swim with Whale Sharks & Relax in Paradise
- 10. Bacalar – The Lagoon of Seven Colours
- Bonus: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Wild Nature & Dolphins
- Coba – Climb Ancient Mayan Pyramids in the Jungle
- Planning Tips for Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
- Final Thoughts – Explore Beyond the Beaches
- Related Posts
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Why Playa del Carmen Is the Perfect Base for Exploring the Riviera Maya
If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, you’re already in one of the best spots in the Quintana Roo region for easy, adventurous day trips. Whether you want to dive into ancient Mayan history, snorkel with turtles, or cool off in secret cenotes, everything is within a couple of hours’ reach.
From here, you can jump on a ferry to tropical islands, hop in a colectivo (shared minivan) to nearby beaches, or take a road trip into the Yucatán’s lush jungle. These are my favourite day trips from Playa del Carmen – perfect if you want to mix beaches, ruins, nature and authentic Mexican towns into your stay.
1. Chichén Itzá – Step Back in Time at a Wonder of the World
No trip to the Yucatán is complete without visiting Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Playa, so leave early to beat the crowds and the heat.
Wander around the Temple of Kukulcán, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote where human sacrifice rituals once took place!
What Time of Day is Best to Visit Chichén Itzá?
There are pros and cons to both morning and afternoon visits but generally morning visits are recommended.
We were warned to get there early because it gets extremely hot in the afternoon, but we ended up having an afternoon visit. To be honest it’s hot any time of day (especially in summer).
By visiting in the afternoon we missed the crowds and there was shade from the trees – something you don’t get in the morning. If you are going to visit in the afternoon, take your time – lots of breaks and water stops. You can hire a parasol at the entrance – they’re a bit heavy to carry but worth it for the shade.
How to Get to Chichén Itzá
You can either rent a car, join a guided tour, take an early bus from Playa’s ADO terminal, or even take the Maya Train.
🌟 Tip: Combine your visit with a stop in Valladolid or a nearby cenote for a full day out.
As we decided not to rent a car for this trip, we booked a small group tour, as part of a combined trip to a cenote, Valladolid and the Mayan Education Centre. It was fantastic value for money and included the ticket price and tax.
👉 We also found lots of trips available on Get Your Guide
👉 Full Guide to the Best Way to Visit Chichén Itzá.
2.Valladolid – A Colonial Gem Full of Colour and Culture
If you love colourful streets, historic charm, and authentic Mexican food, Valladolid is a must. This pastel-hued colonial town is about halfway to Chichén Itzá and makes the perfect stop for lunch or a stroll
Don’t miss Cenote Zací right in the centre of town – you can literally swim beneath the city streets. Try a local cochinita pibil taco and browse the little artisan shops for handmade hammocks.
We had a short stop here as part of our Chichen Itza tour and watched locals dancing in the park while eating delicious churros!
3. Maya Education Centre – Discover Living Mayan Culture
For something a little different, spend a day at the Maya Education Centre (Centro Cultural y Educativo Maya), where you can learn about Mayan traditions, language, and daily life from local people who still practise them today.
Some might consider this place as a tourist trap but I loved our trip here. We’d considered doing a home-stay in a Mayan community but decided we didn’t have enough time. We found this experience enriching and educational. The Mayans are such spiritual people and it was great to learn about their culture before visiting the ruins.
Located in the Yucatán countryside (around two hours from Playa del Carmen), this community-run project offers workshops in traditional crafts, cooking, and agriculture, alongside guided talks on ancient customs and sustainable living.
It’s an amazing way to support local communities while gaining a deeper understanding of Mayan heritage beyond the ruins.
🌟 Tip: Book ahead if you’d like to join a specific workshop or volunteer activity – the centre operates on a small scale and loves welcoming curious travellers.
✨ Top Tip: combine all of these plus a cenote and lunch on an organised trip. The trip we chose was Chichen Itza Classico tour. It combined Chichán Itza with Cenote Zahamal, the Mayan Education Centre and Valladolid. The tour was amazing value for money. Read more about it here → Chichén Itzá Tour Review. |
4. Tulum Ruins – Oceanfront History and Boho Vibes
Just an hour from Playa, Tulum’s cliffside ruins are some of the most photogenic in Mexico. Perched above turquoise Caribbean water, they’re a magical mix of history and beauty.
We actually stayed in Tulum but it’s not too far from Playa for a day trip (about 50 mins).
Arrive early to explore the Temple of the Wind God and take a dip at the beach below the ruins. You can combine the trip with a boat tour to see the ruins from the sea (not worth it) and snorkel with the turtles (worth it).
⚠️ Don’t be tempted to buy any drinks while you wait for your boat – it’s really expensive! Bring your own.
Afterwards, grab a smoothie in Tulum town or visit a nearby cenote before heading back.
✨ Tips for Tulum Ruin Visit
- Opening hours are 0800 – 1700 But! Last entry is at 3pm
- Entry is cash only (we found the cash machines on site didn’t work so make sure you bring cash with you).
5. Akumal – Swim with Sea Turtles in Crystal-Clear Water
If you want to see sea turtles – you must come here! A short 35-minute drive south of Playa, Akumal is famous for its calm bay where you can snorkel with wild sea turtles. You’ll need to join a licensed guide to protect the turtles, but it’s worth it – you’ll often spot several within minutes.
👉 See tour with licensed guides here
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, your snorkel gear, and water shoes. There’s a beach club if you want to stay for lunch.
6. Cenote Minotauro – An Underground Adventure
If you want a cenote with a bit more mystery, Cenote Minotauro is a gem hidden in the jungle about 20 minutes from Playa. It’s part of an underground cave system with clear blue pools and narrow passages to explore.
This beautiful cenote was suggested to us by a local, who recommended we come here instead of the usual Cenote Azul.
It’s family owned and quieter than the big-name cenotes. It feels like your own private paradise. Perfect for families or those into caves.
We arrived early and there was only one other family. After taking a refreshing dip, we were given a cave tour, which is included in the price. We discovered so much about cenotes and Mayan communities. It was incredible swimming through an underground cave seeing all the stalactites and bats.
In the afternoon, the locals arrived so it started to get busier. You’ll find plenty of hammocks and an outdoor pool and cafe. You could spend a whole day here chilling.
7. Cenote Corazón del Paraíso – The Heart-Shaped Cenote You’ll Fall in Love With
Named for its heart-shaped outline, Cenote Corazón del Paraíso is a dreamy spot for a relaxing swim or a romantic dip.
🌟 Tip: It’s only 15 minutes from Tulum, making it easy to combine with a morning at the ruins.
Another great suggestion from our favourite cafe waiter. This place was magical! The water literally sparkles and be sure to check out the underwater cave.
There’s a little platform for jumping in, clear water for snorkelling, and a it’s large so doesn’t get overcrowded.
The only thing we weren’t keen on were the overzealous fish. A bit nippy but it doesn’t hurt!
8. Cozumel – Island Escape & Snorkelling at Playa Palancar
During our visit it was seaweed season so to escape the seaweed and spend some time at a beautiful beach we headed to Playa Palancar.
You can catch the ferry from Playa del Carmen and in 40 minutes you’ll be on Cozumel, known for some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean.
When we arrived, we took a taxi to the beach and our driver stayed the whole day so he could take us on our return journey – what a fab job!
The beach and water are stunning – the kind of gorgeous scene you’ve been dreaming about for your Mexico trip.
We had a wonderful day – delicious food and cocktails, crystal clear water and soft sand.
🌟 Tip: Book ahead or get there early for a sunbed – they were all taken when we arrived.
Alternatively, book a boat tour to nearby coral reefs. Expect rainbow fish, turtles, and maybe even rays.
Cozumel is worth exploring, you can rent a scooter to explore the island’s quiet eastern coast.
9. Isla Mujeres – Swim with Whale Sharks & Relax in Paradise
If you’re visiting between June and September, you can swim alongside gentle whale sharks near Isla Mujeres – one of the most unforgettable experiences in Mexico.
This was an experience we missed out on. My friend says it was absolutely fantastic – (next time!).
Even outside whale shark season, the island’s white-sand beaches, like Playa Norte, and laid-back vibes make it a great escape. Ferries run from Cancun, about an hour’s drive from Playa.
10. Bacalar – The Lagoon of Seven Colours
If you’ve got a full day to spare, Bacalar Lagoon is absolutely worth the 3-hour drive. Known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours, it shimmers in shades of turquoise and sapphire.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to drift over its crystal-clear shallows and visit the Canal of Pirates. It’s one of the most peaceful spots in southern Mexico. Or take an unforgettable sailing trip with Mexican lunch and tequila cocktails.
If you don’t have a hire car, it’s better to stay here because the train and bus take just over 4 hrs We stayed here for 3 nights and it was our favourite part of the trip.
👉 Learn more about Bacalar in my blog: Best Things to do in Bacalar
Bonus: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Wild Nature & Dolphins
These two places are things we wished we could have added to our itinerary but sadly didn’t have time for.
South of Tulum, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a vast protected area where dolphins, turtles, and manatees live among mangroves and lagoons. Boat tours take you through the reserve and out to the reef, offering one of the most eco-conscious ways to explore the Riviera Maya.
Coba – Climb Ancient Mayan Pyramids in the Jungle
Unlike Chichén Itzá, Coba is kind of wild. The main pyramid at Coba, towers above the jungle canopy. It’s less touristy and feels untouched, with ruins spread out along shaded jungle paths.
Rent a bike at the entrance and explore at your own pace, or book a tour. It’s about 1.5 hours from Playa and pairs well with a cenote visit nearby.
Planning Tips for Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
Getting Around
- 🚗 Car rental You can rent a car for the most flexibility – try Rental cars to find the best prices. Be aware of potholes and it is not recommended to drive at night.
- 🚐 Colectivos (shared minibuses) are great for short trips. We used the colectivo for our trips to cenotes and it was easy and cheap. 🗺️
Google maps link to main colectivo station. - 🚍 The ADO bus and 🚆 Train network (Tren Maya) are both modern and efficient – connecting the Yucatan region.
- 🚕 Taxi – we found In-Drive was the best app for organising taxis. A few times, we planned to take the ADO bus but the taxi drivers matched the price (but there were 5 of us).
Tips for Days Out:
- Start early: Most attractions are quieter in the morning and cooler.
- What to pack: Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof phone case, (waterproof) camera, water shoes, hat, and plenty of water.
- Respect nature: Always use biodegradable sunscreen and follow local rules at cenotes and turtle sites.
Final Thoughts – Explore Beyond the Beaches
Playa del Carmen is more than just a beach town – it’s your gateway to ancient ruins, natural wonders, and authentic Mexican culture. Whether you want to swim in cenotes, wander through colonial towns, or snorkel with whale sharks, every day trip brings something new.
📍 Save this list for your next Riviera Maya adventure – and don’t forget to check my 2-Week Yucatán Peninsular Itinerary (Mexico & Belize) for more ideas!
Bacalar Itinerary: Best Things to Do in The Lagoon of Seven Colours
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