The Yucatan Peninsula is among the most magical locations on the planet, for my part. 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 implausible 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 finest 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 time for dinner. These are the perfect day journeys from Playa del Carmen that have to be in your itinerary.
1. Cozumel
From the mainland in Playa del Carmen, for those who look out east into the ocean, you’ll see the island of Cozumel. You may hop on a ferry from the principle 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 buying, 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 certainly 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 journey. 20 miles/30kms.
Location: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Getting There: The one choice is to take a ferry. It runs typically, and the Ultramar Ferry is usually the most well-liked 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. Rent ATVs. Take a glass-bottom boat tour. Snorkel, swim, and scuba!
The place to Eat: Crazy 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, nevertheless, you’re doing your self a serious disservice for those who 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 must take an organized tour or bus from Playa del Carmen to the ruins, and when you’re there, I extremely advocate renting a motorcycle so you may cruise across the paths that take you from one historic Mayan website to a different.
In case you’re feeling up for it, you may 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 essentially 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 may have a number of choices to get to Coba. You may hire personal transportation, or you may take a bus or a shuttle. It may well vary from $9 to $30 USD.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Coba Day Trip from Riviera Maya
Should-Do Actions: Journey bikes via 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 certainly one of them is its beautiful cenotes. Cenotes are primarily sunken underground freshwater springs that maintain crystal clear waters. The Mayans used them for water sources in addition to for non secular functions.
Some of the well-known and exquisite cenotes of all is Cenote Kantun Chi, and visiting is by far one of the crucial 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 may even stroll the paths or go spelunking for those who’re feeling adventurous. You gained’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 hire a automobile, take a taxi, or arrange a shuttle.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Kantun Chi Cenotes, Snorkel & Jungle Hiking
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 beautiful, historic metropolis of Valladolid. Positioned inland on the peninsula, this gorgeous city is stuffed with character, attraction, tradition, and many enjoyable issues to do.
Valladolid is a standard Mexican metropolis, the place you may 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 outdoors the town.
You may simply spend your complete 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 may rent a car, 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 totally beautiful.
5. Tulum
Tulum is a type 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 many enjoyable boutiques and eating places.
There are three important areas of Tulum. The “central” space of Tulum is positioned somewhat inland and is the place many of the locals stay. There are many outlets and eating places to discover right here. Then, you have got the “vacationer strip” by the seashore, the place you’ll discover boutique inns, smoothie outlets, and boutiques. Lastly, there are the ruins.
Since Tulum is simply an hour south of Playa del Carmen, it’s an important place to spend the day if you need extra of a laid-back vibe. Bear in mind that it may 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 simple from Playa del Carmen. Hire a personal automobile, take a taxi, take the bus, or arrange a tour.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Tulum Archaeological Walking Tour
Should-Do Actions: Sunbathe on the seashore, swim, snorkel, buy groceries, and explore 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 greatest I’ve ever had – and I’ve had lots of road tacos.
6. Xcaret
For an expertise that you simply actually can’t get wherever else, you must 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 may 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 means, you have got entry to the park and limitless meals and drinks for your complete 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 arranged tour.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Xcaret Park Full-Day Admission with Lunch and Night Show
Should-Do Actions: Swim with the dolphins, snorkel, cliff dive, and watch a live performance.
The place to Eat: There are a number of eating choices in Xcaret; nevertheless, my favourite is the El Manglar Restaurant proper on the seashore. Take pleasure in recent ceviche and different recent seafood with a implausible view.
7. Akumal Seashore
A straightforward 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.
Referred to as “the place of the turtle,” it’s a well-known breeding floor for regal sea turtles, and for those who hand around in Akumal lengthy sufficient, you’re just about assured to see one.
You may swim, snorkel, and discover by yourself. Nevertheless, for those who 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.
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 out of doors atmosphere is beautiful.
8. Swim with Whale Sharks
Playa del Carmen is among the few locations on this planet the place you may 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 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 Might via the center of September. You may even catch a glimpse of their new infants in spring!
Distance from Playa del Carmen: Tour corporations range in distance round city
Location: Varied 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 perpetually, a number of wildlife, and really, very chill vibes. In reality, they don’t even permit automobiles on the island – solely golf carts.
It’s positively a full day’s price of touring, however for my part, it’s so price it. As soon as you’re taking the ferry or a personal constitution boat to the island, you may 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. Maintain an eye fixed out for horseshoe crabs and flamingos – they’re well-known and beloved 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 may 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 relaxation 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
Some of the well-known Mayan ruins in all of Mexico is the Chichen Itza ruins. This huge UNESCO Heritage Site sprawls throughout a large 4 sq. miles, is nearly 2,000 years outdated, and is essentially the most regularly visited archeological website on this planet.
Some of the well-known buildings right here is the enduring El Castillo; it’s essentially the most photographed construction on the location and was as soon as the town’s important temple. The Nice Ball Courtroom is one other common spot the place Mayans as soon as performed a sport known as Pitz.
Resulting from its reputation, Chichen Itza will get fairly busy, irrespective 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 car, organize for personal transport, take a bus, or arrange 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 be taught in regards to the tradition at this superb historic website.
The place to Eat: After you’re accomplished getting your cultural repair, seize a chew to eat at Oxtun Restaurant.
11. Isla Mujeres
One other island tour you may plan for the day is to take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. It’s a sleepy, laid-back island that’s common 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 car, personal automobile, taxi, or bus to Cancun. From there, you may take a ferry to the island. Or, you may organize a guided tour.
Finest 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 gained’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 beloved 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 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 may 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: Rent a car for the day, take a taxi, or buy a bus ticket for the short journey up north. You too can organize a guided tour.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Puerto Morelos Snorkel Trip 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 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 middle of the town is a grand plaza known as the Convento de San Antonio, the place you’ll discover a beautiful nightly mild 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 outlets promoting native artisan items, so you may 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.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Izamal – The Yellow Magical Town Private Tour
Should-Do Actions: Wander the magical city and snap as many images as doable!
The place to Eat: Restaurante Kinich Izamal is by far the most well-liked 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 may kayak, boat, swim, and snorkel via 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 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 greatest choices for transport are renting a car or arranging a private tour.
Finest Tour from Playa del Carmen: Sian Ka’an Reserve Tour
Should-Do Actions: Explore the preserve by boat, snorkel, and swim.
The place to Eat: After your day in nature, fill your bellies at Ka’an Restaurant. Take pleasure in recent seafood in a surprising seashore setting.
15. Rio Secreto
In case you’re not claustrophobic, taking a day journey to Rio Secreto is a implausible concept for those who’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 stuffed 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 efficient choice for those who’d prefer to buy tour tickets on-site. Nevertheless, booking a guided tour in advance take away the stress of getting the manage issues your self.
Finest 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, nevertheless, many guided excursions embrace a lunch.
Finest Day Journey Excursions from Playa del Carmen
With so many locations to go to close to Playa del Carmen, it may really feel overwhelming to determine the place to begin. Listed below are a few of the greatest 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 here for extra particulars.
2. From Riviera Maya: Coba, Punta Laguna & Cenote Day Trip: 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 contains resort pick-up. Click on here for extra particulars.
3. Tulum Archeological Site Guided Walking 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 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 various marine lifetime of the world. The tour is 7 hours lengthy. Click on here for extra particulars.
5. From Riviera Maya: Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Reserve Tour: Take an exhilarating half-day journey via the guts of the traditional Mayan civilization, immersing within the breathtaking fantastic 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 here for extra particulars.
Day Journeys Round Playa del Carmen: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to essentially the most generally requested questions on the perfect day journeys from Performs del Carmen:
The most well-liked day journey from Playa del Carmen is to Tulum or Chichen Itza.
I’d advocate a minimum of a number of days in Playa del Carmen. A minimal of three or 4 to discover and expertise. Nevertheless, the longer you may keep, the higher!
The most effective day journeys from Playa del Carmen with a automobile are plentiful. When you have your own car 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 most well-liked locations near Playa del Carmen.
There are dozens of journeys you may 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 a minimum of three or 4 days, nevertheless, for those who can keep longer, you need 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 journey to the island.
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 stage, Playa del Carmen affords a mess of experiences that can be treasured in your reminiscence financial institution perpetually. Expertise all of the magic that the Yucatan has to supply with these distinctive day journeys from Playa del Carmen.
