Playa del Carmen

Day Trips

The ancient Mayan ruins of Muyil in the middle of the Sian Kaan Jungle Reserve look like something out of an old Indian Jones movie. Here, you will discover the incredible history of this ancient civilization, as you wander through the ruins. Muyil was one of the earliest and longest inhabited ancient Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, and artifacts have been found here dating all the way back to 350BCE! On our day together, we will walk through this inspiring eco-preserve to the highest point in the Sian Kaan reserve, where we can gaze out at unblemished jungle that is filled with hundreds of species of birds, plants and animal life. After our hike, we will enjoy a boat ride through the trading canals of the ancient Maya civilization and visit the Maya temple of Xlapak. Here, you can gaze at the detailed facades of these old ruins, located at the bottom of the river valley. They are so well preserved, you will easily be able to pick out the figures (keep an eye out for the Rain god!) After visiting this site, we will float back down through the canals between mangroves and gently carry ourselves out in the crystal-clear waters around the peninsula. On board, enjoy an assortment of Mexican snacks as the sunsets over this beautiful landscape. Together we will experience the best of this region! The food, the culture, the nature and a bit of relaxation make this an absolutely perfect day trip from your home base in Playa del Carmen.

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza with a guide on a full-day tour from Cancun and/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 from your guide of 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 taking 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.

Following pickup from your hotel in Playa del Carmen, transfer to the dune buggy facility just 10 minutes from the downtown area. Get a friendly welcome from your guide on arrival, and gear up with all the necessary equipment, including a bandana and goggles to protect you from the dust. Drive into the heart of the jungle at the wheel of one of the amazing 4WD vehicles. Feel the breeze on your face as you zip along 18 miles (29 kilometers) of pristine jungle trails in the rugged terrain of the beautiful Riviera Maya. Take a moment to admire the stunning surroundings with a stop at a traditional ranch. Then, cool down with a refreshing swim at one of the sacred sinkholes of the Maya people. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of an underground cenote and marvel at the rock formations of a buried river in the middle of the jungle.

Explore Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Experience rich cultural heritage and history, have fun snorkeling, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy a delicious lunch. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the Cancun area, passing through Playa del Carmen, and arriving at the new private marina, located at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal. Benefit from fast check-in and enjoy a continental breakfast that includes sweet bread, fruit, cereal, coffee, and juice. At 9:45 AM after breakfast and check-in, you will board the boat and head toward the Ixlache Reef. The reef is located off the coast of Contoy and right at the beginning of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world. Snorkeling gear is included and you will be accompanied by a bilingual guide. This activity will last around 45 minutes. After snorkeling, board the ship and head to Contoy Island. In the event of bad weather, you will do the snorkeling activity at the island in the safety of its shallow waters.  Disembark on Contoy Island and have the chance to sightsee with a guide and visit the museum, observatory, and the lagoon. Go to the dunes and learn about the flora and fauna species of the island. Alternatively, choose to relax on the beautiful beach or do some more snorkeling in the Caleta area. At lunchtime enjoy Pescado Tikinxic, a broiled fish with achiote and other local species as well as broiled chicken, rice, salad, accompanied with your favorite drink. Once lunch is over, have more free time on the beach. Board the boat and head to Isla Mujeres, where there will be free time to visit the fishermen’s village or do some shopping. After Isla Mujeres, head back to Cancun, arriving at the marina at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal around 6:00 PM.

Start this amazing adventure by being picked up at the meeting point of choice, and then travel to Rancho Bonanza, located at the heart of the Riviera Maya. Receive a brief safety introduction upon arrival at the ranch before the tour, and be paired with a horse for the ride. Enjoy a pleasant guided tour of the fascinating and exotic jungle landscapes of the Riviera Maya, known for the birds, insects, and variety of tropical plants. Learn about the process of making natural chewing gum, and taste the honey of the melipona bee while learning about this type of honey. Experience the refreshing waters of a cenote, a natural limestone cave filled with clear water, and take a swim after the ride.

Discover the Mayan Riviera first-hand on a guided tour of the region. Swim in the clear waters of a cenote, and marvel at an old Mayan city, among other local natural and cultural wonders. Begin your tour with a visit to Tulum, an old Mayan city built on the seashore. Marvel at its vestiges, including El Castillo, El Templo de Los Frescos, and its beautiful white sand beach. Next, discover Cobá, a hidden Mayan town, now in ruins, boasting the tallest pyramid in the entire Yucatán Peninsula. Climb up to the top to admire the sprawling jungle surrounding you and marvel at its sounds. Stop for a buffet lunch along your tour and taste local delicacies. Afterwards, head to the Cenote La Gloria, an other-wordly natural underground sinkhole filled with crystalline water where you can swim. End your Mexican tour with a visit of Playa del Carmen, a vibrant city in the Caribbean - a perfect spot for some shopping.

Head into the dense jungles of the Yucatán as you begin this 12-hour program. Stop at the Hubiku cenote, a cavernous freshwater pool in a light-filled limestone cave and enjoy a swim. Dry off over a buffet lunch of typical Mayan dishes and then hop back on the bus for the last leg of the drive to Chichén Itzá. This dense and sprawling archaeological site features excavated ruins and well-preserved temples. The final stop is the quiet colonial city of Valladolid, where the pastel walls of shops and restaurants provide a colorful backdrop for photos.

Journey to the sacred archeological sites of Cobá, Valladolid, and Chichén Itzá on this action-packed trip through Yucatan and Quintana Roo peninsula. Leave bright and early from your ideal starting point in Riviera Maya, and beat the crowds to truly take in the majesty of each landmark. Head to Cobá first, whose ruins date back to 100-300 B.C. Learn about the significance of the 5 nearby lakes, and appreciate the striking architecture of the vast stone structures. Trek to the top of Nohoch Mul to be rewarded with beautiful jungle views. Venture deeper into the jungle to reach the city of Valladolid. Stroll through the colorful streets before chowing down on a Mexican buffet lunch. Relax at the mystical Cenote Saamal, the perfect place for a swim and some dazzling photos. Save the best for last by visiting Chichén Itzá, one the Seven Wonders of the World. Feel lost in time in the lovingly-kept pyramids, and discover the genius of the city’s unique structures. Take time to rest and reminisce on your drive back to home.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or apartment in Playa del Carmen or Cancún , and then journey by air-conditioned vehicle to the city of Temozón. Stop for a coffee and to taste some delicious antojitos (street food) before going to Cenote Hubiku to explore one of the sacred sinkholes of the Maya civilization. Get some free time to explore the archaeological site at your own expense. Encounter crocodiles in their natural habitat with a visit to a crocodile sanctuary, and look for flamingoes in the salt ponds of Las Coloradas. Marvel at the different shades of pink in the lagoons of Rio Lagartos during a boat ride through the mangroves. Keep a look out for different birdlife, including cormorants, ospreys, herons and pelicans. Stop for lunch of salad, soft drinks and a main course of your choice from fresh fish, chicken or a vegetarian option. Get dropped off at your hotel at the end of an incredible day in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Start the tour with pickup from the lobby of your hotel then set off on your 3-hour cenote discovery tour. Find out about how these impressive underground rivers were sacred places for the Mayan civilization and are the habitat for an array of marine and wildlife. Explore a beautiful cenote, where you can swim and snorkel. First, head over to the most beautiful cenote of the area just outside Riviera Maya. Observe eagle rays and find colorful fish amongst the world's 2nd-largest reef system. Full snorkeling gear will be provided and a professional guide will be there with you at all times to ensure you feel safe and take pictures.  Then, travel to a designated bay to admire sea turtles in their natural environment. Spend approximately 1-hour swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy this incredible opportunity to get up close to these spectacular creatures with sightings guaranteed. During the tour, enjoy a buffet snack of fruit, pastries, homemade "empanadas" (stuffed pastries), and refreshments. Finally, get dropped off back at your hotel where your memorable experience concludes.