The Yucatan Peninsula is likely one of the most magical locations on the planet, in my view. There’s a magnificence and an vitality that may’t be discovered anyplace else, and Playa del Carmen is correct within the coronary heart of it. Town itself is unbelievable, however there are day journeys from Playa del Carmen that may utterly blow your thoughts.
I spent practically 5 months in PDC and was fortunate sufficient to discover some incredible day journeys round Playa del Carmen. From island hopping and swimming in pure springs to climbing historic ruins and studying in regards to the native tradition, there’s no excuse for a uninteresting second.
Finest Day Journeys From Playa del Carmen
Among the best issues about Playa del Carmen is its completely central location. Inside a brief drive or bus trip, you’ll find your self in a model new, unbelievable location and be again earlier than meal time. These are the very best day journeys from Playa del Carmen that should be in your itinerary.
1. Cozumel
From the mainland in Playa del Carmen, in case you look out east into the ocean, you’ll see the island of Cozumel. You may 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 well-liked cruise ship vacation spot. You may spend the day purchasing, 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 lease a lounge chair for the day and snorkel within the reefs. Cozumel was considered one of 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 trip. 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 preferred choice. Tickets can vary from $6 (a method) to $20, relying on the category.
Finest 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. Lease 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 under) or Chichen Itza, nevertheless, you’re doing your self a significant disservice in case you don’t go to the ruins of Coba.
Experiencing the ruins and pyramid of Coba is likely one of the most original day journeys from Playa del Carmen. You’ll must 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 website to a different.
In case 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 unbelievable 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 have got a couple of choices to get to Coba. You may lease personal transportation, or you possibly can take a bus or a shuttle. It may vary from $9 to $30 USD.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Coba Day Journey from Riviera Maya
Should-Do Actions: Journey 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 thought for a lot of issues, and considered one of 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 spiritual functions.
One of the vital well-known and exquisite cenotes of all is Cenote Kantun Chi, and visiting is by far some of the distinctive day journeys from Playa del Carmen. In actual fact, 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 may even stroll the paths or go spelunking in case you’re feeling adventurous. You received’t discover every 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 may lease a automotive, take a taxi, or organize a shuttle.
Finest 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 in every of my favourite day journeys from Playa del Carmen was going to the attractive, historic metropolis of Valladolid. Positioned inland on the peninsula, this gorgeous city is filled with character, appeal, tradition, and many 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 retailers, stunning cathedrals, historic structure, and even cenotes and ruins simply outdoors the town.
You may 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 may lease a automotive, organize for personal transport, or take a public bus.
Finest 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 few of the most mouthwatering, genuine Mayan delicacies within the area. And the atmosphere is completely attractive.
5. Tulum
Tulum is a kind of locations that simply doesn’t appear actual. The laid-back bohemian city is house to attractive white sand seashores, ruins that perch alongside the cliffside overlooking the ocean, and many enjoyable boutiques and eating places.
There are three principal areas of Tulum. The “central” space of Tulum is positioned a little bit inland and is the place many of the locals stay. 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 inns, 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 whenever you need extra of a laid-back vibe. Remember that it could actually get fairly busy throughout peak seasons and generally is 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. Lease a personal automotive, take a taxi, take the bus, or organize a tour.
Finest 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 few of the finest I’ve ever had – and I’ve had a variety of avenue tacos.
6. Xcaret
For an expertise that you simply really 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 function.
The Caribbean Sea is included into the park, so you possibly can swim, snorkel, cliff dive, and discover to your coronary heart’s content material. In addition they have zip strains, stay leisure, and the choice to swim with dolphins and manta rays.
What’s cool about Xcaret is you can buy all-inclusive tickets. That method, 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 positioned south of Playa del Carmen, and you may get there by taxi, bus, or organized tour.
Finest 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 couple of eating choices in Xcaret; nevertheless, my favourite is the El Manglar Restaurant proper on the seashore. Get pleasure from recent ceviche and different recent seafood with a incredible 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 primary draw to this seashore is the ocean turtles.
Referred to as “the place of the turtle,” it’s a well-known breeding floor for regal sea turtles, and in case you hand around in Akumal lengthy sufficient, you’re just about assured to see one.
You may swim, snorkel, and discover by yourself. Nevertheless, in case you 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.
Finest 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 get pleasure from lunch or dinner at La Buena Vida. They’ve glorious fish tacos, and the outside atmosphere is attractive.
8. Swim with Whale Sharks
Playa del Carmen is likely one of the few locations on the planet the place you possibly can stand up shut and private with whale sharks. These huge creatures and mild 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 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 usually runs from the center of Could by the center of September. You may even catch a glimpse of their new infants in spring!
Distance from Playa del Carmen: Tour corporations differ in distance round city
Location: Numerous areas
Getting There: Tour excursions will often depart from marked piers in Playa del Carmen. You may stroll, taxi, or bike.
Finest 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 you can stroll out into what appears like endlessly, a lot of wildlife, and really, very chill vibes. In actual fact, they don’t even permit automobiles on the island – solely golf carts.
It’s positively a full day’s price of touring, however in my view, it’s so price 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. Preserve 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 must 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.
Finest 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: 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 vital well-known Mayan ruins in all of Mexico is the Chichen Itza ruins. This huge UNESCO Heritage Website sprawls throughout an enormous 4 sq. miles, is sort of 2,000 years outdated, and is probably the most regularly visited archeological website on the planet.
One of the vital well-known buildings right here is the long-lasting El Castillo; it’s probably the most photographed construction on the location and was as soon as the town’s principal temple. The Nice Ball Courtroom is one other well-liked spot the place Mayans as soon as performed a sport known as Pitz.
As a result of its recognition, Chichen Itza will get fairly busy, regardless of the time of yr. 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 may select to drive a automotive, organize for personal transport, take a bus, or organize a guided tour.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Early Morning Chichen Itza, Sinkhole, and Colonial Gem
Should-Do Actions: Take within the historical past and study in regards to the tradition at this wonderful 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 possibly can plan for the day is to take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. It’s a sleepy, laid-back island that’s well-liked on cruise ship routes.
Translated as “The Island of Ladies,” 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 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 automotive, personal automotive, taxi, or bus to Cancun. From there, you possibly can take a ferry to the island. Or, you possibly can organize a guided tour.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar and Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Loosen up, sunbathe, snorkel, and scuba dive.
The place to Eat: Do your self a favor and luxuriate in award-winning fish tacos at La Kantina Los Tacos de Humo – you received’t remorse it.
12. Puerto Morelos
Only a brief drive north of Playa del Carmen is the lovable 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. Nevertheless, the seashore is attractive and quiet; there are retailers, distributors, and loads of cute cafes to sit down 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 kinds of colourful fish.
Distance from Playa del Carmen: 35 minutes. 22 miles/35 km.
Location: Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: Lease a automotive for the day, take a taxi, or buy a bus ticket for the fast journey up north. You too can organize a guided tour.
Finest 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 a complete 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 wish to begin this present day journey early, however Izamal is a metropolis in contrast to every other. Referred to as the Magical Yellow City, each constructing in Izamal is painted a vibrant, vibrant yellow.
On the heart of the town is a grand plaza known 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 you can climb known as Piramide Kinich Kak Moo.
Along with the fantastic thing about the town, they’ve small retailers promoting native artisan items, so you possibly can deliver house 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 automotive, buy a bus ticket, or organize a guided tour.
Finest 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 doable!
The place to Eat: Restaurante Kinich Izamal is by far the preferred restaurant in Izamal. The recent, 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 finest choices for transport are renting a automotive or arranging a personal tour.
Finest 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 recent seafood in a shocking seashore setting.
15. Rio Secreto
In case you’re not claustrophobic, taking a day journey to Rio Secreto is a incredible concept in case you’re staying in Playa del Carmen. To be trustworthy, I’m a little bit petrified 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 stuffed with stalagmites and stalactites that make you are feeling such as you’re on one other planet. In contrast to 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 personal automotive is an efficient choice in case you’d prefer to buy tour tickets on-site. Nevertheless, reserving a guided tour upfront take away the stress of getting the set up issues your self.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Rio Secreto Wild Tour with Lunch
Should-Do Actions: Take a guided tour of some of the stunning pure wonders in Mexico.
The place to Eat: There aren’t any eating places on-site, nevertheless, many guided excursions embody a lunch.
Finest 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 start out. Listed here are a few of the finest day journey excursions that depart straight 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 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 stunning full-day tour to the Coba archaeological website. Discover the plush 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 Website 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 outstanding 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 out of your Playa del Carmen resort and embarking on an enchanting journey snorkeling alongside light giants, the magnificent whale sharks, whereas additionally encountering the varied 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 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 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:
The most well-liked day journey from Playa del Carmen is to Tulum or Chichen Itza.
I might advocate at the very least a couple of days in Playa del Carmen. A minimal of three or 4 to discover and expertise. Nevertheless, the longer you possibly can keep, the higher!
One of the best day journeys from Playa del Carmen with a automotive are plentiful. If in case you have your individual automotive or personal transportation, any day journeys can be found to you.
Essentially the most stunning place close to Playa del Carmen is the picturesque Tulum Ruins.
Sadly, there isn’t any prepare transportation from Playa del Carmen. Solely automobiles, shuttles, and buses.
Completely! Tulum may be very accessible and solely an hour away from Playa del Carmen.
Tulum and Cancun are the 2 of the preferred locations near Playa del Carmen.
There are dozens of journeys you possibly can take from Playa del Carmen all through the Yucatan Peninsula. Nature preserves, water parks and historic cities are all brief distances away.
You’ll wish to keep in Playa del Carmen for at the very least three or 4 days, nevertheless, in case you can keep longer, it’s best to!
Sure! You may simply do a day journey from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Hop on the Ultramar Ferry from downtown Playa del Carmen for a 45-minute ferry trip to the island.
In Conclusion
Although I spent 5 months in Playa del Carmen, I might have simply spent 5 years. Not solely is the town stunning, cultural, and vibrant, however there are such a lot of unbelievable day journeys close by.
It doesn’t matter what your pursuits or exercise degree, Playa del Carmen gives a mess of experiences that can 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.
