The Yucatan Peninsula is among the most magical locations on the planet, for my part. There’s a magnificence and an power that may’t be discovered anyplace 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 fully 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 boring second.

Greatest Day Journeys From Playa del Carmen

Probably the greatest issues about Playa del Carmen is its completely central location. Inside a brief drive or bus journey, you could find your self in a model new, unimaginable location and be again earlier than meal time. These are the very 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 principle pier and spend the day on this stunning island.

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

There are additionally loads of seashore golf equipment if you wish to hire a lounge chair for the day and snorkel within the reefs. Cozumel was one in all 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 choice is to take a ferry. It runs usually, and the Ultramar Ferry is usually the most well-liked choice. Tickets can vary from $6 (a method) to $20, relying on the category.
Greatest 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 often 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 unusual 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 advocate renting a motorbike so you possibly can cruise across the paths that take you from one historic Mayan web site to a different.

In the event you’re feeling up for it, you possibly can 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 got a number of choices to get to Coba. You possibly can hire non-public transportation, or you possibly can take a bus or a shuttle. It will possibly vary from $9 to $30 USD.
Greatest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Coba Day Journey from Riviera Maya
Should-Do Actions: Experience 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 proper place to unwind.

3. Cenote Kantun Chi

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

One of the well-known and delightful cenotes of all is Cenote Kantun Chi, and visiting is by far one of the vital distinctive day journeys from Playa del Carmen. In reality, 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 surprise. You possibly can even stroll the paths or go spelunking if you happen to’re feeling adventurous. You gained’t discover some other place on the planet prefer it.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: half-hour. 16 miles/25 km.
Location: FPRX+F5 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: You possibly can hire a automobile, take a taxi, or organize a shuttle.
Greatest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Kantun Chi Cenotes, Snorkel & Jungle Mountain climbing
Should-Do Actions: Swim, snorkel, take a cave tour, hike within the jungle.

4. Valladolid

Considered one of my favourite day journeys from Playa del Carmen was going to the beautiful, historic metropolis of Valladolid. Situated inland on the peninsula, this gorgeous city is stuffed with character, appeal, tradition, and plenty of enjoyable issues to do.

Valladolid is a standard Mexican metropolis, the place you possibly can actually get a glimpse at native life. It’s much less touristy than Playa del Carmen, however rather more “genuine.” There are outlets, stunning cathedrals, historic structure, and even cenotes and ruins simply exterior town.

You possibly can simply spend the whole day simply wandering the streets on foot or by bike. It’s the perfect 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 hire a automobile, organize for personal transport, or take a public bus.
Greatest 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 among the most mouthwatering, genuine Mayan delicacies within the area. And the atmosphere is totally beautiful.

5. Tulum

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

There are three major areas of Tulum. The “central” space of Tulum is positioned just a little inland and is the place a lot of the locals stay. There are many outlets and eating places to discover right here. Then, you may have the “vacationer strip” by the seashore, the place you’ll discover boutique motels, smoothie outlets, and boutiques. Lastly, there are the ruins.

Since Tulum is simply an hour south of Playa del Carmen, it’s a fantastic place to spend the day while you need extra of a laid-back vibe. Bear in mind that it could actually 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 straightforward from Playa del Carmen. Hire a personal automobile, take a taxi, take the bus, or organize a tour.
Greatest 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 among the greatest I’ve ever had – and I’ve had numerous avenue tacos.

6. Xcaret

For an expertise that you just actually can’t get anyplace 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 integrated into the park, so you possibly can swim, snorkel, cliff dive, and discover to your coronary heart’s content material. Additionally they have zip strains, stay 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 approach, you may 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 positioned south of Playa del Carmen, and you may get there by taxi, bus, or organized tour.
Greatest 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 stay efficiency.
The place to Eat: There are a number of eating choices in Xcaret; nonetheless, my favourite is the El Manglar Restaurant proper on the seashore. Get pleasure from 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. Nevertheless, the principle draw to this seashore is the ocean turtles.

Often called “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. Nevertheless, 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 automobile, taxi, public bus, or an organized tour.
Greatest 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 a degree to get pleasure from lunch or dinner at La Buena Vida. They’ve glorious fish tacos, and the outside atmosphere is beautiful.

8. Swim with Whale Sharks

Playa del Carmen is among the few locations on the earth the place you possibly can stand up shut and private with whale sharks. These huge creatures and delicate giants swim up and down the shoreline, offering vacationers with the chance to swim alongside them.

The title sounds scary, however don’t fear, they really don’t have enamel and solely eat plankton. From a number of tour websites all through 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 Might by the center of September. You possibly can even catch a glimpse of their new infants in spring!

Distance from Playa del Carmen: Tour corporations differ in distance round city
Location: Varied places
Getting There: Tour excursions will often depart from marked piers in Playa del Carmen. You possibly can stroll, taxi, or bike.
Greatest 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 often 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 appears like eternally, numerous wildlife, and really, very chill vibes. In reality, they don’t even permit vehicles on the island – solely golf carts.

It’s undoubtedly a full day’s value of touring, however for my part, it’s so value it. As soon as you are taking the ferry or a personal constitution boat to the island, you possibly can 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. Hold an eye fixed 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 possibly can catch a ferry or rent a personal boat to take you to the island.
Greatest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Holbox Island Tour
Should-Do Actions: It’s all about leisure on Isla Holbox. Sunbathe, swim, stroll, and store.
The place to Eat: Get pleasure from lunch on the seashore at Restaurante La Playa De Ñaña. Savor Caribbean flavors at this waterfront, open-air seashore restaurant.

10. Chichen Itza

One of the well-known Mayan ruins in all of Mexico is the Chichen Itza ruins. This huge UNESCO Heritage Website sprawls throughout a large 4 sq. miles, is sort of 2,000 years outdated, and is probably the most steadily visited archeological web site on the earth.

One of the 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 town’s major temple. The Nice Ball Court docket is one other standard spot the place Mayans as soon as performed a sport known as Pitz.

Resulting from 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 automobile, organize for personal transport, take a bus, or organize a guided tour.
Greatest 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 wonderful historic web site.
The place to Eat: After you’re achieved getting your cultural repair, seize a chew to eat at Oxtun Restaurant.

11. Isla Mujeres

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

Translated as “The Island of Girls,” Isla Mujeres is a good 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 well-liked 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 automobile, non-public automobile, taxi, or bus to Cancun. From there, you possibly can take a ferry to the island. Or, you possibly can organize a guided tour.
Greatest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar and Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Chill out, 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 gained’t remorse it.

12. Puerto Morelos

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

Puerto Morelos is an genuine Mexican fishing city with only a few vacationer facilities. Nevertheless, the seashore is beautiful and quiet; there are outlets, 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 possibly can snorkel or scuba dive amongst all types of colourful fish.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 35 minutes. 22 miles/35 km.
Location: Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: Hire a automobile for the day, take a taxi, or buy a bus ticket for the fast journey up north. It’s also possible to organize a guided tour.
Greatest 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 gained’t discover seafood any freasher than you’ll at El Merkadito. Order your self an entire fried fish with a standard 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 this present day journey early, however Izamal is a metropolis in contrast to some other. Often called the Magical Yellow City, each constructing in Izamal is painted a vivid, vibrant yellow.

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

Along with the fantastic thing about town, they’ve small outlets promoting native artisan items, so you possibly can carry dwelling an Izamal memento.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: 3 hours. 148 miles/239 km.
Location: Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico
Getting There: You’ll want to rearrange for a personal automobile, buy a bus ticket, or organize a guided tour.
Greatest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Izamal – The Yellow Magical City Non-public Tour
Should-Do Actions: Wander the magical metropolis and snap as many photographs as attainable!
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 possibly can 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 title. It’s additionally been a UNESCO Heritage Website 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 greatest choices for transport are renting a automobile or arranging a non-public tour.
Greatest 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. Get pleasure from contemporary seafood in a shocking seashore setting.

15. Rio Secreto

In the event you’re not claustrophobic, taking a day journey to Rio Secreto is a unbelievable thought if you happen to’re staying in Playa del Carmen. To be sincere, I’m just a little 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 are feeling such as you’re on one other planet. Not like different pure parks within the space, there aren’t any bells and whistles right here – simply the pure glory that’s Rio Secreto.

Distance from Playa del Carmen: quarter-hour. 5.2 miles/8.4 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 automobile is an effective choice if you happen to’d prefer to buy tour tickets on-site. Nevertheless, reserving a guided tour prematurely take away the stress of getting the arrange issues your self.
Greatest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Take a guided tour of one of the vital stunning pure wonders in Mexico.
The place to Eat: There aren’t any eating places on-site, nonetheless, many guided excursions embrace a lunch.

Greatest Day Journey Excursions from Playa del Carmen

With so many locations to go to close to Playa del Carmen, it could actually really feel overwhelming to determine the place to begin. Listed here are among the greatest day journey excursions that depart 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 plenty of different fascinating sealife. The tour is 4 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 beautiful full-day tour to the Coba archaeological web site. Discover the plush jungle both by bicycle or by foot, spot fascinating 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 contains resort pick-up. Click on right here for extra particulars.

3. Tulum Archeological Website Guided Strolling Tour: This fascinating 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 outstanding ruins. The tour is a fast 75 minutes and meets on the Andreas Lodge in Tulum. Click on right here for extra particulars.

4. From Playa del Carmen: Whale Shark Tour: Expertise the last word thrill within the Caribbean by being conveniently picked up out of your Playa del Carmen resort and embarking on an interesting journey snorkeling alongside light giants, the magnificent whale sharks, whereas additionally encountering the various marine lifetime of the realm. 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 guts 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 contains resort pick-up. Click on right here for extra particulars.

Day Journeys Round Playa del Carmen: FAQs

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

In Conclusion

Despite the fact that I spent 5 months in Playa del Carmen, I might have simply spent 5 years. Not solely is 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 provides a large number of experiences that might be treasured in your reminiscence financial institution eternally. Expertise all of the magic that the Yucatan has to supply with these distinctive day journeys from Playa del Carmen.