Playa del Carmen is the perfect base for exploring Mexico’s Riviera Maya. With its central location, you can hop on a bus, join a tour, or rent a car and be surrounded by Mayan ruins, turquoise water, and jungle adventures in no time. If you’re staying in Playa and want to make the most of your trip, here are 10 amazing day trips from Playa del Carmen that should be on your itinerary.
Check out my full 1-Week Playa del Carmen Itinerary here!
1. Chichén Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is a must-do day trip. The ancient Mayan city is home to the iconic El Castillo pyramid, sacred cenotes, and incredible stone carvings that tell stories of Mayan life and rituals.
✨ Tip: Go early or join a tour that gets you there in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and midday heat. Pair it with a swim in a nearby cenote (like Cenote Ik Kil or Cenote Chichikan) for the perfect day!
2. Tulum Ruins
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins are some of the most picturesque in Mexico. This walled city was once a major Mayan port and today offers incredible views, fascinating history, and a beach right below the ruins where you can cool off. Visit on a day tour from Playa del Carmen like this one!
✨ Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at Tulum town for shopping, a cenote or a turtle tour at Akumal beach!
3. Swim in a Cenote
The Riviera Maya is famous for its cenotes – natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Each one is unique: some are open-air lagoons, while others are hidden caves lit by shafts of sunlight. A cenote swim is a refreshing, magical experience you won’t want to miss.
✨ Best Picks Near Playa: Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Tak Be Luum if you want an underground adventure.
4. Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Just 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Akumal is one of the best places in the world to swim with wild sea turtles. Grab your snorkel gear, wade into the calm bay, and you’ll likely spot turtles grazing on seagrass.
✨ Tip: Get there early before the crowds and consider hiring a local guide to support conservation efforts or join a day tour like this one.
5. Cancun
If you’re craving a mix of big-city buzz and turquoise beaches, head north to Cancún. Spend the day wandering the Hotel Zone, chilling on Playa Delfines, or shopping at Mercado 28. For a more local vibe, check out downtown Cancún’s street food and markets.
✨ Bonus Idea: From Cancún, you can also take a quick ferry to Isla Mujeres for an island escape.
6. Cozumel
Hop on the ferry from Playa del Carmen and you’ll be in Cozumel in under an hour. This island is famous for world-class scuba diving and snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Reef, swimming with dolphins, plus it has beautiful beaches, excellent foodie options and a laid-back vibe.
✨ Tip: Rent a scooter or car to circle the island and discover hidden beach bars and quiet coves.
7. Coba Ruins
If you want to feel like a true explorer, check out the Coba ruins, where you can rent a bike and ride through jungle paths connecting ancient pyramids and temples. Unlike Chichén Itzá, the ruins here are spread out, so it feels more adventurous and less crowded.
Playa del Carmen isn’t just about beaches and nightlife – it’s a gateway to some of the best experiences in the Yucatán Peninsula. Whether you’re chasing history at Chichén Itzá, swimming in magical cenotes, or spotting turtles in Akumal, these day trips will make your trip unforgettable.
So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure – there’s a whole world to explore around Playa del Carmen!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
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Jess at Sea 
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