The Best Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
One of the best things about staying in Playa del Carmen is what surrounds it. Within a one- to three-hour radius, you will find ancient Mayan cities, underground cave systems, island escapes, and ecological parks that rank among the best attractions in all of Mexico. Whether you prefer exploring independently or joining a guided tour, Playa is the perfect base camp for the Riviera Maya.
Here is our guide to the best day trips, based on years of taking visitors to each one. For each destination, we have listed the journey time, the best way to get there, approximate costs, and whether a guided tour is worth it.
Tulum Ruins
The clifftop Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean are one of Mexico’s most photographed sites. Journey time: 45 minutes by car or colectivo. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. Cost: approximately 100 pesos entrance fee. A guide is recommended to understand the history — otherwise it is just pretty walls.
Chichén Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The pyramid of Kukulcán is breathtaking in person. Journey time: approximately 2.5 hours each way. A guided tour is strongly recommended here — driving yourself means a very long day, and a good guide transforms the experience. Most tours depart early and return by late afternoon.
Cobá
A less-visited Mayan site set deep in the jungle. You can still climb the main pyramid (Nohoch Mul) for views over endless forest canopy. Journey time: about 1.5 hours. Rent a bicycle at the entrance to cover the spread-out site. Quieter and more atmospheric than Tulum or Chichén Itzá.
Cozumel
Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (45 minutes) to this island famous for world-class snorkelling and diving. The reef here is spectacular. Rent a scooter to explore the wild eastern coast, or join a snorkelling tour to the best spots. Journey time: 45 minutes by ferry from Playa’s ferry terminal.
Cenotes
The Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with thousands of cenotes — natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Swimming in a cenote is unlike anything else. Top picks near Playa: Dos Ojos (the most famous), Gran Cenote (near Tulum), and Jardín del Edén (closest to Playa). Most cenotes charge 200-350 pesos entrance. Cenote tours typically visit two or three in a half day.
Xcaret and Xel-Há
These ecological parks are large, well-run, and particularly good for families. Xcaret combines a natural park with cultural shows and underground rivers. Xel-Há is an all-inclusive snorkelling paradise. Both are pricey (tickets from $100+ USD) but include food, drinks, and activities for a full day. Book online for discounted rates.
Isla Mujeres
A small island off the coast of Cancún. Quieter and more charming than Cancún itself, with a beautiful southern beach (Playa Norte) consistently ranked among Mexico’s best. Journey time: about 1.5 hours to the Cancún ferry, then 20 minutes by boat. A longer day trip, but worth it.
For details on transport options for all of these trips, visit our Getting Here & Around guide. To browse guided tour options with booking links, see our Tours page.