Day Trips and Excursions from Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is the perfect base for travelers on a mission to explore the Yucatan peninsula — and you’ll be able to visit all the jewels that this part of the Mexican jungle offers.

The town is located nearby a number of cenotes, ancient ruins, and pristine beaches — meaning that day trips and tours from Playa del Carmen remain an ever-popular option for visitors.

And if you want to exchange the rustic for the riveting, the resort city of Cancun, and its nightlife, is just a short drive away — allowing you to enjoy the party scene when it fits you.

Cenotes

The idyllic picture of azure cenotes in lush jungles is one that has become synonymous with the Yucatán peninsula. These awe-inspiring pools are created when limestone falls away, exposing the water table to the outside world — meaning that conditions need to be just right for them to occur.

Luckily, that’s precisely the case for the area outside of Playa del Carmen where several of the world’s most famous cenotes can be found — like the Hubiku Cenote, the Ik-Kil Cenote and the Dos Ojos Cenote.

Tulum

Tulum is an archeological site on the eastern shore of the Yucatán peninsula and a main destination for several day trips from Playa del Carmen. The site provides invaluable insight into the lives of the ancient Maya, with Tulum once functioning as a major port for the empire.

On a day trip from Tulum, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, losing themselves in one of the best-preserved Mayan cities in all of Mexico.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is arguably the most famous of the ancient Mayan cities, and it's been dominating the Yucatán jungle since the sixth century. The city’s influence has been immeasurable throughout Central America, and it’s widely believed that a description of Chichen Itza led to the hunt for El Dorado.

A day trip to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen will allow you to explore the wonders of this legendary site for yourself — while you learn how these ancient streets influenced Mexican life for centuries to come.

Coba

The ancient Mesoamerican city of Coba might not be as well known as the likes of Chichen Itza or Tulum — but that does not take away from the splendor and sense of scale that you’ll experience while exploring these ancient streets.

Located in the middle of the jungle — wedged between two lagoons — day trips to Coba from Playa del Carmen are an ideal getaway destination precisely because of its relative obscurity. The highlight of a visit to Coba is the sight of Ixmoja, a 42-meter-tall pyramid that towers above the jungle canopy.

Valladolid

In the middle of the Yucatán jungle, you’ll find a small city that might make you believe that you’re in the middle of Spain. Valladolid was established by the conquistadors as a regional capital, from which they ruled the peninsula for centuries — bringing a bit of Spain to the jungles of the Yucatán.

Today, this city still draws thousands of travelers that come to enjoy its unique vibrancy and delicious local specialties — as well as beautiful architecture and folk art.

Isla Mujeres

Located just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres offers a unique Caribbean island experience for a fraction of the usual price — especially if you visit the island on a day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Set sail on an excursion to Isla Mujeres to discover its snowy white beaches, crystal clear waters and heartwarming hospitality — making it perfect as a quick escape from the busy mainland, or as a holiday destination in its own right.

Ek Balam

Day trips to Ek Balam from Playa del Carmen offer a chance to explore the ancient ruins and unravel the intriguing story of a powerful kingdom that succumbed to a mysterious invading force.

The city is home to some of the most imposing defensive walls in the Mayan world, but all this changed in the 11th century — as the remnants of a hastily constructed wall in the inner courtyard will attest to.

Rio Secreto

Taking a Rio Secreto day trip from Playa del Carmen might seem challenging, given the high expectations that accompany a name like Rio Secreto. Yet, this destination exceeds those expectations, making it one of the most unforgettable experiences.

Follow the current of a hidden underwater river, as you travel from one breathtaking cavern to the other. And the best part of all is that these tours are conducted in an environmentally friendly manner — preserving this geological treasure for generations to come.

Contoy Island

Day trips to Contoy Island from Playa del Carmen or Cancun are perfect choices as the island is conveniently located just north of Isla Mujeres. This small island is a national park and home to some of the best eco-tourism that you’ll encounter in the Mexican Caribbean.

However, the number of visitors to Contoy Island is controlled, to help mitigate the impact of tourism — so consider booking in advance if you want to visit this island paradise.

Sian Ka'an

Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve and slice of paradise outside of Tulum, with the area home to rainforests, mangrove jungles and coral reefs. As such, a day trip to Sian Ka'an is a wonderful idea for nature enthusiasts and explorers.

Tours to this haven are conducted in an environmentally conscious manner, allowing visitors to explore the Yucatán jungle like it’s meant to be experienced — with minimal human impact. The reserve is home to jaguars, cayman, dolphins and manatees, making it a splendid day tour from Playa del Carmen — provided that you book in advance.

Xavage

If you’re looking for an unadulterated day of fun in the Cancun sun, you should consider a day trip to Xavage — the Yucatán’s most exhilarating water and adventure park.

Xavage provides the perfect antidote for travelers tired of strolling through the desolate streets of ancient Mayan cities — with a host of activities on offer, from zip lining and buggy racing to water slides and faux white river rafting.

Xoximilco

Another exhilarating destination for a day trip from Playa del Carmen is the floating fiesta that’s known as Xoximilco. This fantastical theme park celebrates the traditions and customs of Mexico in a manner that’s good, clean fun for the entire family.

Excursions to Xoximilco also offer a microcosm of Mexican culinary tradition, treating visitors to a visual, as well as gastronomical feast.