Playa del Carmen and its surroundings has a lot more to offer than paradise beaches where you can sit back and relax with a delicious cocktail in your hands. Mexico is one of the richest countries when it comes to culture and also nature is wonderful. Even though there’s nothing wrong with chilling at the beach under a palmtree, it would be a shame to miss out on all the beautiful things this region has to offer. So here are the day trips you can’t miss out on.

5 day trips from Playa del Carmen

Chichen Itza

The archeological site of Chichen Itza was one of the largest Mayan cities and even today it’s still impressive. I advise to book a guided tour so you can hear all the stories about their religious human sacrifices, their incredible knowledge of astrology and math and their ball games. Chichen Itza is more than just the pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulkan. The area consists of three main groups of buildings: the Great North Platform, the Ossario group and the Central Group. They are all worth your time visiting.

Watch the video here!

Mayan ruins of Coba

The brave can go on a day trip to Coba. Another ancient Mayan archaeological site, where you can find the tallest pyramid on the Yucatan peninsula named Ixmoja. You can still climb the 130 steps of this 42 meter high pyramid. But be prepared; wear comfortable shoes. Also if you are afraid of heights, make sure to look behind you now and then while climbing, to make sure you’re still OK with the situation. Because it truly is a scary adventure with the slippery old steps (or what’s still left of them) and only a rope to hold on to. Besides climbing the pyramid you can also visit the ball court and other temples and houses.

Watch the video here!

Tulum

Tulum used to serve as a major port for Coba. The Mayas living here had the best view; the site is built along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. This makes it more perfect to visit, because you can combine culture by visiting the temples with relaxation by soaking up the sun at the beach. The sight of these ancient temples near the beach has something surreal.

Watch the video here!

A Jeep Safari at Sian Ka’an

I never heard of Sian Ka’an until I sat with a tour agent showing me pictures of this UNESCO World Hertitage site. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve truly deserves to be called “Gift from Heaven” (Sian Ka’an = Mayan). First you drive to Punta Allen, a small village where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. After a walk through the village you’ll take a motor boat to speed through the lagoon to spot different species of birds, star fish, Dolphins and Caguama sea turtles. It’s an amazing experience!

Watch the video here!

A speedy boat trip to Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres

After a one hour drive to Cancun you take the speed boat to Isla Contoy. On your way you’ll encounter the clearest blue water and arriving at the Island you immediately know why it’s called “bird island”. There are birds everywhere you look. The island is home to 152 different species, but I mostly saw the frigate and pelicans.
After visiting the island, the trip continues to Isla Mujeres. There you can wander through the colorful streets and buy some cute souvenirs.