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Playa del Carmen Archaeology

Our most recommended Playa del Carmen Archaeology

Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid Tour

1. Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid Tour

Discover the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá on a guided tour from Playa del Carmen. Immerse yourself in the jungle at an eco-park, with some time for swimming in a cenote and a hearty buffet lunch. Start with pickup from Playa del Carmen and first travel to the jungle eco-park. Marvel at the sacred cenote as you refresh yourself with a purifying swim in crystalline waters. Dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant at the eco-park, and be ready for a flavor sensation. Try some of the famed Mexican cuisine with regional dishes from Yucatán. After your buffet, head to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá. Take a guided tour of the ceremonial site and listen to fascinating tales of the ancient Maya civilization. Learn more with your expert guides and hear entertaining stories of life at Chichen Itzá. Discover a culture that was way ahead of its time. Then, enjoy some free time to explore by yourself and walk in the footsteps of the Mayan people. Your final stop is in the colonial center of Valladolid for a quick visit to this charming “Magic Town” of Mexico. The imposing church and architecture of the town surrounding the “zocalo'' or town square are perfect photo ops and a chance to relax and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Yucatán, before heading back to Playa del Carmen.

From Tulum: Mayan ruins & Sian Kaan Nature Reserve Tour

2. From Tulum: Mayan ruins & Sian Kaan Nature Reserve Tour

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Muyil and the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve on a half-day tour from Tulum. You will encounter a variety of birds, plants, and animals before wandering through the ruins to discover the incredible history of this ancient civilization. After being picked up from Tulum you will be transferred to the Sian Kaan Nature Reserve. Walk through this inspiring eco-preserve to the highest point in the reserve and gaze out at an unblemished jungle filled with hundreds of species of birds, plants, and animal life. Enjoy a small hike before a boat ride through the trading canals of the ancient Maya civilization and visit the Maya temple of Xlapak. You will see the detailed facades of these old ruins, located at the bottom of the river valley. Next, float and swim back down through the canals between mangroves and gently make your way back out into the crystal-clear waters around the peninsula. Onboard, enjoy an assortment of Mexican snacks and lunch as the sun sets over this beautiful landscape. Experience the very best of this region. The food, the culture, the nature, and a bit of relaxation in the water make this a perfect day trip.

Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Small Group Tour

3. Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Small Group Tour

Embark on a small group tour led by a knowledgeable guide and explore three of the Yucatan's most fascinating archaeological sites. Over the course of 12 hours, you'll discover the ancient Maya ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, immersing yourself in the region's rich history and culture. Start your day at Tulum, a stunning coastal site overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Admire the striking contrast between the ancient Maya ruins and the turquoise waters of the sea. Explore the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God, and learn about the city's role as a major port in the Maya world. Next, visit Coba, an impressive and less-visited site that boasts the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, where you will learn about the unique features of the city, such as the network of elevated stone roads called sacbeob. Finish the day at Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your guide will bring the ancient city to life as you explore the iconic pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, the Ball Court, and the Observatory. Discover the incredible engineering feats of the Maya civilization and learn about the significance of the buildings and their connection to astronomy and religion. When touring these incredible sites, take a refreshing dip in a 'cenote', a natural underground pool, and indulge in a delicious buffet lunch to refuel. Throughout the day, you'll enjoy chauffeur-style transport exclusively for your small group, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience. This small group tour offers a personalized and immersive way to discover some of the most famous landmarks in the Yucatan. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain insight into the fascinating history and culture of the region, making for a truly unforgettable adventure. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see these remarkable sites up close and in the company of like-minded travelers.

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Early Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote

4. Cancun/Riviera Maya: Early Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza on a guided tour from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Choose between a private or small-group tour and beat the crowds and the heat with early morning access. Learn about the history of Mexico with insightful commentary on one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Start your adventure with an early pick-up from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Beat the crowds and the heat as you arrive at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. Follow your guide around the once-bustling complex, learning about the rich history, religion, culture, and daily life of the Maya. Wander around the Mexican pyramids, gaze at the spectacular stone carvings, and take photos by the glorious steps of the ruins. Board an air-conditioned vehicle and leave right before the morning gets too warm and the crowds increase. Head to the charming town of Piste for a quick look around before making your way to Cenote Ik Kil. Marvel at its stunning views, take photos of the turquoise waters and lush vegetation, and maybe squeeze in a quick dip before going for lunch. After filling your belly with some local food, board the vehicle once more and make your way back to Cancun and Riviera Maya with nothing but knowledge and memories to remember your adventure by.

From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

5. From Playa del Carmen: Tulum, Coba, and Cenotes Day Trip

The first stop is Tulum, the ancient Maya city perched on a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean sea. Your expert bilingual guide will share fascinating information about the archaeological site, its importance in history, and the day-to-day life of its inhabitants at its peak. Hear all about the past cultures and the theories of their demise. Next up is a visit to Cenote Kuxtal for a swim. Cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, natural sinkholes in limestone caves that were sacred to the ancient Maya people. You will then savor an authentic regional lunch buffet to recharge for the last stop of the day. The last part of this incredible journey is a guided tour of the Coba Mayan ruins. Still mostly hidden beneath the jungle foliage, Coba is the site of the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, climb to the top for out of this world views. Hear from your guide about the discovery of this site. Admire the boundaries between nature and man-made structures and the jungle bonds with the ruins.

From Cancún: Chichén Itzá & Yaxunah Early Access Tour

6. From Cancún: Chichén Itzá & Yaxunah Early Access Tour

Visit the protected archaeological site of Chichen Itza and Yaxunah on a guided tour. Support a local Mayan community that is in charge of protecting this piece of Mexico's Mayan heritage. At the end of your tour, enjoy a typical Mexican buffet lunch. Enjoy the tranquility of your early-morning visit to Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. Learn how this large pre-Colombian city played an important role in Mayan civilization from around A.D. 600 to 1200, and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spanish. Like many of ancient Mexico’s cities, the site was abandoned, and its ruins were hidden by jungle. Learn about how archaeologists discovered and unearthed the site, gaining UNESCO protection and considered today one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After Chichen Itza, head to Yaxunah, an unexplored exclusive archeological site just for the group. Meet a local guide from the Mayan community and see the secrets of Yaxunah. Recharge your energies with a typical Mexican buffet lunch before heading to the Cenote. Enjoy the experience of swimming in a Mayan Cenote and have the opportunity to do a Tequila Tasting in this magical environment.

Playa del Carmen: Tulum Ruins, Cenote & Swim with Turtles

7. Playa del Carmen: Tulum Ruins, Cenote & Swim with Turtles

Discover a sacred cenote in the jungle and the crystal clear waters of Akumal Bay on this guided tour through Play del Carmen. Snorkel with turtles, swim in Akumal, and discover sacred ruins on this full day adventure. Visit the Tulum Mayan ruins and witness a walled city that was once a landmark for the Mayan civilisation. Learn the history and culture of this site from your expert, bilingual guide. Be enchanted by secrets and mysteries through exciting stories. Behold some of the most beautiful views in the Riviera Maya from on top of a large cliff - now one of the most popular spots for social media photos. Delve deep into the jungle and discover an oasis hidden in the lush flora. Swim in a cenote in the Riviera Maya and immerse yourself in crystal clear waters. Be wowed by the ancient formations of stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cave. Continue on your journey to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, Akumal. See sea turtles and coral reef that gives life to hundreds of multicoloured fishes. Snorkel with sea turtles in Akumal as they graze on underwater plants.

From Cancún: Cobá, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour

8. From Cancún: Cobá, Cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen Tour

Discover the Mayan Riviera first-hand on a guided day trip from Cancún, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Swim in the clear waters of a sacred cenote, marvel at the old Mayan cities of Tulum and Cobá, and visit the coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen. Begin your tour from Cancún with a visit to Tulum, an old Mayan city built on the seashore. Marvel at its incredible structures, including El Castillo, El Templo de Los Frescos, and the beautiful white sand beach. This is one of the most photographed sites in the Riviera Maya. Next, discover Cobá, a Mayan city boasting the tallest pyramid in the entire Yucatán Peninsula. Tek through the sprawling jungle surrounding you and marvel at its sounds, aromas, and natural beauty. Your guide will enlighten you with magical tales of an ancient culture as you explore. Stop for a buffet lunch and taste local delicacies. Enjoy a regional lunch buffet of Yucatán specialties. Spice up your day with a taste of the special habanero salsa if you are feeling brave. Dive into a truly magical experience with a swim in a cenote in the Riviera Maya, an otherworldly natural underground limestone sinkhole filled with crystalline water. Conclude your Riviera Maya tour with a visit to Playa del Carmen, a vibrant city in the Mexican Caribbean - a perfect spot for some shopping, people watching, and enjoying the chic 5th Avenue vibes.

Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Cenote & Lunch

9. Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, Cenote & Lunch

See some of the most important sights while visiting the Cancun area with this day trip to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. See an ancient wonder and take a refreshing swim in a cenote. Be among the first visitors to explore Ek Balam archaeological site and its Mayan ruins early in the morning. Climb the pyramids for a panoramic view of the Mayan jungle at your feet. Have some free time to explore on your own afterward. After admiring the views, head to Chichen Itza. Let your guide broaden your knowledge of archeology and Mayan culture. Imagine how the Mayans once lived in this city. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins as your guide tells you about Mayan mythology, philosophy, and cosmology. Gain a deeper understanding of the meanings behind the stone sculptures and platforms. To finish off your tour, savor a Mexican buffet lunch. Take a break in the Cenote Saamal. Get a break from the heat with a refreshing swim right next to its waterfall.

From Cozumel: Express Tour to Tulum Mayan Ruins

10. From Cozumel: Express Tour to Tulum Mayan Ruins

Start your adventure by meeting your tour guide right in front of the swallows’ statue so that you can take the ferry ride to playa del carmen and enjoy a scenic 45 minute ride in the blue waters of the Caribbean. After that, you will take an air conditioned van/bus to the walled city of Tulum, in which you’ll explore the magnificent and restored temples rising above the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is an archeological site that offers one of the most beautiful sceneries of the world. You will be guided by a local expert through the secrets, facts, myths and wonderful legends of the ancient Mayan civilization, getting the opportunity to admire the detailed carved figures and frescoes on the walls of prominent buildings such as “El Castillo” (The Castle), The Temple of the Descending God and The House of the Columns, in which you will be able to shoot amazing photos during approximately 2 hours. After this unforgettable experience, you will return to your transportation in which you will enjoy a delicious light snack while getting back to Playa del Carmen, where you will catch the ferry just in time to be back to Cozumel.

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What people are saying about Playa del Carmen

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 355 reviews

Everything went as planned. The early tour is the best thing to do, few people at Chichen Itza and plenty of room in the cenote afterwards. Top changing rooms and lockers for the backpacks as well as a top meal rounded off the stay in the cenote. Our tour guide Alejandro "Alex" went to a lot of trouble and explained everything in detail. If I had anything to complain about at a high level, I would say that Itza could use a little more time. So it fitted better in time with the cenote.

After a stroll among the mayan ruins near Tulum, we took a path in the middle and low forest. After an awesome home-cooked lunch (the best I've had during day tours in Mexico!), we took a boat and took a path among mangroves, where we could float. Very chill and interesting experience. The tour is for a small group of people (less than 12). That's why it is slightly more expensive than similar tours, which includes 50 people. So this tour it's worth the money.

This tour was spectacular, and mainly due to one thing: our tour guide, Ursula. She was warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. It felt like a good friend was sharing her world with us. We loved the whole tour: the ruins at Muyil, the walk through the jungle, the delicious lunch, the boat rides to and from, and most especially the relaxing, magical float down the canal. Ursula gave us a memory that we will long remember and cherish.

The best company for visiting Chichan Itze… briliant program all day

Arriving early at Chichen Itza had nothing but advantages.