22 most popular day trips from Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Are you looking for fantastic day trips from Playa del Carmen, Mexico? Look no further! This charming town in the Riviera Maya offers plenty to explore in its surrounding area—whether it’s Mayan ruins, gorgeous cenotes, vibrant cities, or quaint islands.

We’ve spent six months traveling around the Yucatán Peninsula, exploring everything near and far from Playa del Carmen. I’ve compiled a list of must-visits as well as hidden gems for you!

In this blog post, you’ll find the most popular day trips from Playa del Carmen, complete with photos, descriptions, and exact locations on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy your time to the fullest! Happy exploring!

Read more » PDC bucket list: 20 things to do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

1. Island of the swallows—Cozumel

The tropical Caribbean island of Cozumel is Mexico’s third-largest island and is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, lush palm trees, wild nature, delicious food, and Mayan ruins hidden deep in the jungle.

Located just a 45-minute ferry ride away, Cozumel is the easiest destination for day trips from Playa del Carmen! Just walk to the ferry terminal in the center of Playa del Carmen, hop on the ferry, and go!

We spent an entire week exploring Cozumel and its most famous attractions. Some of the best things to do in Cozumel include snorkeling at the Great Mayan Reef, visiting the San Gervasio archaeological site, and spotting crocodiles in Punta Sur Eco Park.

We also spent plenty of time in the capital, San Miguel de Cozumel, where we enjoyed churros and marquesitas in Benito Juarez Park, admired the iconic Cozumel Clock Tower, and watched the sunset from the promenade.

Outside the city, a must-do thing to do is to rent a car (or scooter) and drive around the island while stopping by the wild East Coast and at Punta Sur Eco Park. We also did a tour in the Mayan chocolate factory and stopped by a couple of beaches.

If you have time for a fun weekend trip from Playa del Carmen, I highly recommend going to Cozumel. But also a single day will be full of fun if you visit the Mayan ruins, go snorkeling, eat tacos, and watch the sunset from the promenade.

Location: Cozumel

2. Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone

The Yucatan Peninsula is the land of ancient and modern Maya civilization, and you can’t leave this part of Mexico without paying a visit to some of those ancient Mayan archaeological sites. There are many, but the most famous of them all is Chichen Itzá.

A day trip to Chichen Itza must be on your Playa del Carmen travel itinerary!

Chichen Itzá is one of the most visited places in Mexico. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted among the New 7 Wonders of the World. Historically it was one of the largest Mayan cities dating back to 600 AD.

The most famous structure is the great El Castillo pyramid (the castle) which is also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The pyramid with the temple on top of it is 30 meters high and was built sometime between the 8th and 12th centuries.

Visiting the Chichen Itza is one of the bucket list things to do in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. It gets crowded so come here first thing in the morning, if you can! It will be much nicer to explore the archaeological zone without the massive midday crowds.

Location: Chichén Itzá

3. The tropical jewel of Riviera Maya—Tulum

Tulum is a standout destination in Mexico’s Riviera Maya and one of the best destinations for day trips from Playa del Carmen. The town attracts visitors with its white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and iconic ancient Mayan ruins perched on a seaside cliff.

Some of the top things to do in Tulum include exploring the Tulum archaeological zone, visiting the iconic Ven a la Luz sculpture park, enjoying the tropical beaches, trying street food at Parque Dos Aguas, and admiring street art.

During our travels around the Yucatán Peninsula, we actually spent an entire month in Tulum. Along with Cancún and Playa del Carmen, Tulum is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, where many travelers choose to base themselves.

There are some things about Tulum that you simply won’t find anywhere else around the Yucatan Peninsula!

Tulum is divided into two parts – the downtown area inland and the Tulum Hotel Zone by the sea. Although we stayed in the downtown area (cheaper and more restaurants), we did multiple trips to the hotel zone to check out the creative hotel entrances. Pretty impressive!

Tulum offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and bohemian charm. Walking through the Tulum Hotel Zone feels like visiting an open-air art exhibition, and I truly enjoyed our time there. However, I do hope they restore some of those beautiful yet run-down entrances!

Tulum is also known for one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites – the Tulum Archaeological Zone. The Tulum ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Did you know that the name Tulum means ‘a wall’ in Mayan?

Another advantage for Tulum is cenotes – the perfect escape when the beach is covered with sargassum sea algae (something that occurs every year!)! Tulum boasts many famous cenotes just a couple of minutes’ drive from the downtown.

Despite Tulum’s popularity, there are also plenty of places to eat authentic Mexican food so don’t forget to hunt down the best tacos in Tulum along with tortas, quesabirrias, guacamole, marquesitas, and more. Every week, we discovered incredible new food spots in Tulum!

Location: Tulum

4. AZULIK – City of Arts

Located in the jungle, just over an hour’s drive from Playa del Carmen, is a contemporary museum like no other—AZULIK City of Arts. This out-of-this-world, handmade artisanal creation takes you on a journey through the most surreal spaces.

If you are into unique art and creative stuff, then this is a must-do day trip from Playa del Carmen!

When I first entered this place, my immediate thoughts were of The Lord of the Rings—it felt like stepping into an elven realm with otherworldly structures nestled among the trees. It was hard to fathom how they built it or even came up with such a vision!

The City of Arts is a massive, interconnected structure with wooden pathways that allow you to explore the upper levels before leading you down to the ground floor. The lower level connects to various rooms and spaces, each offering something unique and creative.

Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll get your shoes back and can step outside to explore everything in the surrounding area: there’s a pool, a restaurant, and several hidden nooks waiting for you to visit them.

The whole place felt like stepping onto a different world. The entrance fee is 400 pesos per person, and yes, it was absolutely worth it. You can take photos, listen to the sounds of nature, admire the art, and simply escape the world in this incredible space.

There are some things you should know if you want to take photos inside AZULIK City of Arts.

Firstly, no shoes, you can only walk around barefoot inside the building. Secondly, no outfit changes are allowed. Thirdly, you can only take photos with your phone. Extra fees apply if you want to use a professional camera. Check out all the information on SFER IK – Uh May website!

Location: AZULIK City of Arts

5. Coba Archaeological Zone

Coba Archaeological Zone near Tulum is one of the largest Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. The ancient jungle city is located just a 1h30min drive from Playa del Carmen, making it an easy day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Even better if you combine it with a visit to Azulik-City of Arts or other tourist attractions in this area!

The Coba ruins were once one of the most important ancient Mayan cities in the area. The archaeological site boasts multiple stone pyramids, temples, and other important structures. It was a pretty impressive place to explore for a very democratic entrance fee!

Entrance to the site is paid in different parts – parking and two different entrance fees, so don’t forget to bring some cash with you. All the buildings are pretty much scattered around the jungle, so it will be a longer walk (or you can rent a bike there).

One of the most impressive buildings is the temple pyramid Nohoch Mul. At 42 meters (137 feet) it is one of the highest Mayan structures in the Yucatán Peninsula. Only Calakmul in the State of Campeche is higher than this Coba pyramid.

Most of the structures in Coba date back to the 7th-10th centuries. Coba used to be a large center of the Mayan civilization, reaching 50 thousand inhabitants, but was already abandoned by the 16th century during the Spanish conquest.

A couple of years ago it was possible to climb the pyramid in Coba, but not anymore. However, it didn’t take away from the whole experience – it was fun walking the narrow paths through the jungle and finding jungle birds and Mayan ruins along the way!

Location: Coba Archaeological Zone – Parking lot

6. Cenote Suytun

If you love unique and breathtaking places, then you must include Cenote Suytun in one of your day trips from Playa del Carmen! It is one of the most famous cenotes in Mexico!

Cenotes are natural sinkholes in the ground filled with water and there are thousands of them in the Yucatan Peninsula. But Cenote Suytun is known for its unique stone pathway in the middle of the water with a hole in the ceiling right above it.

Not to mention the massive stalactite hanging from above!

We visited this cenote on March 9th and the stone platform was dry. However, the water level can be higher or completely cover the platform after rainy periods. Nevertheless, it is worth including in your travel itinerary!

Location: Cenote Suytun

7. Pink lakes of Las Coloradas

The bright pink salt lakes Las Coloradas is one of the most beautiful places in the Yucatán Peninsula! These stunning lakes offer unique photo opportunities and give you a glimpse into the region’s salt production industry.

If you have a day to spare, then I recommend a day trip from Playa del Carmen to this picture-perfect place! Although it is a decent drive (3 hours one way), I think it is definitely worth it if you time your visit right.

Before coming here, I read all the reviews on Google Maps and felt really conflicted. But we decided to go and, somehow, we arrived on the perfect day (it was February 4th) with the best weather conditions (around midday on a sunny, cloudless day).

The lakes won’t appear pink if there has been a storm or heavy rain in the previous days, or if they harvest salt (mid-July to August). But if you time your visit right, it will be a beautiful experience so it definitely has to be on your Yucatan Peninsula bucket list!

To visit the pink lakes, you have to get to Las Coloradas Parque Turistico visitor center, then choose between a 45-minute walking tour, a bike tour, or a jeep tour, pay the fee, and go. We went for a guided walking tour and paid ~350 pesos per person.

Location: Las Coloradas

8. The rainbow-colored city of Valladolid

Valladolid is a colonial town located in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. It was founded by Spanish conquistadors on the site of a former Mayan settlement and named after the city of Valladolid in Spain.

This vibrant city features well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful pastel-colored buildings. Many of its historical structures were built using stones from Mayan sites, including Chichén Itzá.

Thanks to its proximity to the famous Chichén Itzá ruins, Valladolid has evolved from a mere stopover into an established travel destination in the Yucatán Peninsula. So it also makes for a great day trip from Playa del Carmen.

You can easily combine a visit to Valladolid with a visit to such places as Cenote Suytun, Chichen Itza, or the pink lakes of Las Coloradas.

We actually spent three weeks in Valladolid exploring everything this city and its surroundings had to offer. Besides such famous landmarks as Chichen Itza or Ek Balam archaeological sites, there are many fantastic things to do in Valladolid.

A must-visit place in Valladolid is Parque Principal – we went to the main square numerous times to grab those tasty marquesitas, churros, and gelatos, and watch Mayan dancers performing while juggling dish trays on their heads!

Right next to the main square, there is one building that stands out – Templo de San Servacio or Church of San Servacio. It is a colonial church with two bell towers, founded in the 16th century along with the city, but it was later remodeled.

You will also want to walk the colorful Calzada de los Frailes street – one of the most colorful streets and iconic Instagram spots in Valladolid! The street goes from the historic center to another major landmark, the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena.

The convent is one of the oldest and most emblematic buildings in Valladolid, and is definitely worth visiting! It was built and founded in the middle of the 16th century by the Franciscan order, who arrived at Yucatan after the Spanish conquest.

But did you know there’s a cenote right in the heart of Valladolid? Yep! Cenote Zací is a stunning, large cenote located in the very center of the city—just a short walk from the main plaza. Seriously, it’s only two blocks away!

You will also want to try some tasty food. Trying the local legend – longaniza de Valladolid – is a must. But you might also try some tasty and juicy tacos. I highly recommend stopping by El Tigrillo street stall for tacos or Yakunaj Cocina Mexicana for a nicer meal.

Location: Parque Principal de Valladolid

9. Ek Balam Archaeological Zone

If you happen to be around Valladolid, there’s one more place you shouldn’t miss—the Ek Balam archaeological site! The Yucatán Peninsula is home to many Mayan ruins, but Ek Balam stands out because you can still climb its ancient pyramids.

The name Ek Balam translates to ‘black jaguar’ in the Mayan language. During the 8th and 9th centuries, it was a thriving city. Today, you can explore its hidden temples and pyramids nestled in the jungle and even climb to the top of many of its ancient structures.

The site features multiple impressive buildings and pyramids. The largest structure in Ek Balam is the Acropolis, a temple-like pyramid with a central staircase that you can climb to the top for incredible views over the jungle.

Ek Balam is located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, making it a convenient destination to visit from anywhere really. The closest town to Ek Balam is Valladolid, but it would be a 2-hour drive if you go from Playa del Carmen.

Overall, these weren’t my favorite Mayan ruins, mainly because of the inflated entrance fee, but I don’t regret visiting. It’s always fascinating to explore how the Mayan civilization lived before the Spanish conquest. Plus, it’s not as crowded as Chichen Itza.

Ek Balam is one of the last larger Mayan sites where climbing the pyramids and temples is still allowed. Another major site where you can do this is the Dzibanché archaeological zone, located south of Bacalar town.

Location: Archaeological Zone of Ek Balam

10. Cenote Ik Kil

Exploring cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula is like eating croissants in Paris! You have to include at least a couple of them on your Yucatan Peninsula bucket list. One of the most special and beautiful ones is Cenote Ik Kil.

Ik Kil from Mayan means ‘place of the winds’. This gorgeous sinkhole is located just a stone’s throw from Chichén Itzá so you can add it to your road trip itinerary whenever you travel to this area. At least, that’s what we did – we went there right after exploring Chichen Itza!

Cenote Ik Kil is located on the grounds of a hotel and restaurant, so you can not only go for a swim but also purchase a combined ticket that includes a buffet-style meal. This makes it a popular stop for tour buses, so be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds!

This cylindrical cenote is striking with its perfectly circular shape and 26-meter-high walls draped in hanging plants and tree roots. It’s incredibly picturesque! The cenote itself is 40 meters deep—perfect for swimming or jumping into the water from above!

Location: Cenote Ik-Kil

11. Mexico’s Yellow City—Izamal

There is no other place like Mexico’s Yellow City—Izamal! Visiting this Pueblo Mágico was one of my favorite memories from our trip!

Izamal is located a 2h30min drive from Playa del Carmen, but this destination can be easily combined with a trip to Chichen Itza or other nearby attractions.

This colonial town captivates visitors with its vibrant yellow color, as all the buildings in the center are painted in shades of yellow. We arrived in Izamal in the morning and spent half a day exploring everything it had to offer.

The most famous attraction in Izamal is the Convento de San Antonio, which sits atop a hill where an ancient Maya pyramid once stood, right in the heart of town. Next to it, you’ll find the second-largest atrium in the world, surrounded by a stunning yellow arcade.

Other must-do activities in Izamal include climbing the Mayan pyramids—Kinich Kak Moo and Itzamatul. If you only have time for one, I highly recommend Kinich Kak Moo, as it offers a panoramic view of the entire town from the top (yes, you can climb the pyramids!)!

Location: Convento de San Antonio in Izamal

12. Wild pink flamingos in Celestún or Río Lagartos

Seeing pink flamingos in the wild is a bucket list thing to do in the Yucatán Peninsula! The main spots to see flamingos in the Yucatán Peninsula are Rio Lagartos and Celestún.

Flamingos live in Yucatán year-round, but the largest flocks can be seen from November to February, which is during their mating season.

For us, driving to Celestún was the easiest option during our three-week stay in Mérida, but Río Lagartos is definitely closer to Playa del Carmen. Choose the option that suits you best!

Flamingoes in Celestun live deep in the Ría Celestun Biosphere Reserve, so you need a boat to get to them. For that, you have to drive to Parador Turístico Celestún boat dock where they offer boat tours to see the flamingos.

When we visited, the cost for a small boat was 3000 pesos (~180 USD) and they allowed up to 6 persons on a boat. We wanted to split the cost so we found other tourists to share a boat. You can also go on your own.

I recommend arriving sometime between 10 AM and 2 PM for the best chances to share a boat with others. We arrived at 12:15 PM and there were quite a few people already so it was easy to find a company. It was cash only!

The boat tour lasts about 1h to 1h 30min. They take you deep into the river and stop the boat near the flamingos. We saw thousands of them! Then they take you through a narrow mangrove tunnel to a beautiful cenote where you can swim.

If you choose to visit the pink flamingos in Río Lagartos, then just drive there and the boat tour guides will be waiting for you all around the small town! No need to book in advance, same as in Celestun.

Tip! Don’t forget to bring cash! Those remote places quite often don’t have ATMs or they are empty! Something between 1500 to 2000 pesos might be enough for a guided tour.

Location: Parador Turístico Celestún – Río Lagartos tours

13. Muyil Archaeological Zone

Located just a 1h15min drive from Playa del Carmen is the wonderful Muyil Archaeological Zone, home to an ancient Mayan pyramid and ruins. While this Mayan city isn’t one of the largest, it’s certainly one of the most unique!

Firstly, this is one of the longest-inhabited ancient Mayan cities in the area, and some artifacts there date back to the 4th century BC. They lived here up to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

Secondly, the Muyil ruins stand out for their unique architecture, which features characteristics of the Petén style, typical of modern-day Guatemala. This suggests strong ties with ancient Mayan cities in the south.

If you have a rental car, this is a convenient place to visit. There is a parking lot right in front of the entrance for visitors. At the ticket office, we were offered different options, including entry to the ruins, a visit to the lagoon of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, or a boat trip.

We opted for a visit to the archaeological zone and the lagoon. There’s a wooden boardwalk that leads through the jungle to the lagoon, where you can admire the gorgeous water and a massive observation tower. The views were incredible!

Fun fact! It is believed that Muyil was part of a long trade route that connected the ancient Mayan cities in today’s Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Coba was one of Muyil’s main trading partners!

The Muyil archaeological zone features a collection of structures and temples, including a large pyramid deeper in the jungle. This pyramid is unique in appearance—you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in Yucatán. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Location: Muyil Archaeological Zone

14. Bacalar and its Lagoon of Seven Colors

One of my favorite places we visited in the Yucatan Peninsula was Bacalar town and its gorgeous Lagoon of Seven Colors. If possible, I recommend spending a weekend here and enjoying this place to the fullest! It’s a 3h30min drive from Playa del Carmen.

For starters, we woke up early to watch the sunrise over Bacalar Lagoon, which lies east of the town. We were treated to a unique, smoky sunrise from one of the public piers—Muelle 18. There are a couple of piers you can access for free in Bacalar.

Some of the must-do activities in Bacalar include a boat trip to the famous Channel of the Pirates, having lunch at a waterfront restaurant (I recommend La Playita), exploring the old fort in downtown, and floating down the stream at Los Rápidos.

Los Rapidos is a narrow channel between two lagoons which creates a slow but steady stream of gorgeous turquoise water in the channel. So you walk upstream by a wooden path, jump in and just let the current take you back to where you came from.

And then simply repeat it all again!

Bacalar is just a short ride away from three incredible Mayan sites—Chacchoben, Dzibanché, and Kohunlich archaeological zones. I loved the three massive pyramids at Chacchoben the most, but at Dzibanché, you’re allowed to climb the pyramids!

After a day full of adventures and swimming, I recommend stopping by the central square of Bacalar – Zócalo. It is often full of activities, including some dancing, singing, and lots of street food stands. Best marquesita I have ever eaten!

Location: Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar

15. Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a great day trip destination from Playa del Carmen for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Located midway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, this charming fishing village offers a much more relaxed and authentic experience.

One of the biggest reasons to go to Puerto Morelos is that there is a wonderful long white sand beach that is easily accessible from the town center. And not a single hotel is blocking the access to the tranquil tropical beaches.

Some of the must-do things to do in Puerto Morelos include visiting the iconic Leaning Lighthouse of Puerto Morelos, checking out the local food scene, enjoying the crowd-free beaches, and a snorkeling trip to the barrier reef.

By the way, Puerto Morelos is home to the National Reef Park, one of the best-preserved stretches of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef so this is one of the best places for snorkeling or diving activities in the whole Yucatan Peninsula.

The town’s laid-back atmosphere (it really is a small town still untouched by the tourist crowds), combined with its local restaurants, artisan shops, and cultural attractions truly captivated me. I really liked this place.

We actually spent three whole days in Puerto Morelos. If possible, I recommend waking up early and watching the sunrise next to the iconic Leaning Lighthouse in the center of the town. Such magical memories from this trip!

Location: Puerto Morelos

16. Famous cenotes near Tulum

Tulum boasts some of the most amazing and well-known cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are into swimming, then a day trip to at least a couple of cenotes you can find near Tulum is a must.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Tulum downtown, Cenote Atik Tulum is one of my favorite cenotes in Mexico. Cenote has gorgeous turquoise water and a waterfall and features a jungle park filled with hidden sculptures, art objects, and photo spots.

Another favorite is Cenote Calavera (Skull Cenote) just a 5-minute drive from Tulum downtown. It got its fame on social media thanks to its unique looks – a big circular hole in the ground that resembles a skull and photo-perfect stairs and a swing.

Then there is Gran Cenote – one of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the most popular cenotes near Tulum located just a 10-minute drive from the center of Tulum. The most special thing there is that you can swim with turtles!

Location: Cenote Atik Tulum – Gran Cenote – Cenote Calavera

17. The Mexican Caribbean Capital—Cancun

Cancun, Mexico is one of the most popular tropical destinations in the world! And you can experience it all from turquoise water and white sand beaches to mouthwatering street food and adventurous day trips.

Cancún was developed as a special project by the Mexican government to create a world-class tourist destination where visitors could enjoy the weather, beaches, and cuisine. Since it was built for this purpose, Cancún is a modern city with plenty to see and do.

Some of my favorite things to do in Cancún include exploring its beautiful beaches—like Playa Delfines, Playa Langosta, and Playa Marlín—as well as riding the iconic Skywheel Cancún for breathtaking views from above. We went just before sunset, and it was magical!

While you’re there, be sure to explore La Isla Shopping Village! For a more authentic shopping experience, head to Mercado 28—a traditional Mexican marketplace where you can find all kinds of items, including hats, handmade pottery, souvenirs, shoes, spices, and food.

For beach lovers, a walk to the Punta Cancún Lighthouse is a must! The Caribbean breeze there is incredible. If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss the two small Mayan ruins in the city—El Meco Archaeological Zone and El Rey Archaeological Zone.

We also loved the ride up the Cancún Scenic Tower, the highest viewpoint in the city. We happened to be there at sunset—it was absolutely beautiful!

But my favorite activity? Trying Mexican street food at Parque de las Palapas! From marquesitas and tacos to tortas, elotes, and esquites, there’s so much to enjoy!

18. The Sunrise of Mexico—Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, the Island of Women, is a small island off the coast near Cancun. It is nicknamed ‘the Sunrise of Mexico’ thanks to its location as the easternmost point of the country. It is known for its white-sand beaches, including Playa Norte—the most beautiful beach in Mexico!

You can get there by ferry from Cancun – they run every 30 minutes throughout the day and the trip is only around 20 minutes long.

Isla Mujeres proudly boasts vibrant coral reefs and a unique underwater museum with sculptures, so going on a snorkeling tour in Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular things to do. But many people come to simply enjoy its laid-back atmosphere.

Besides snorkeling, other popular things to do in Isla Mujeres include spending the day at some of those gorgeous beaches (especially Playa Norte), exploring the local food scene, and going on a road trip around the tiny island.

There is a special place at the South end of Isla Mujeres called Punta Sur Sculpture Park where you can wander around ancient Mayan ruins, explore coastal cliffs, and check out sculptures including that of the Mayan Goddess Ixchel.

Location: Isla Mujeres

19. Underground cenotes & Rio Secreto Nature Reserve

As you stroll along Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen, you’ll pass numerous tour vendors, all trying to lure you into booking a fun day trip. One of the most popular offers is a trip to Rio Secreto Nature Reserve.

Rio Secreto is an underground river—a miles-long water system just a short drive from the center of Playa del Carmen. It’s the perfect adventure for anyone staying in town! You can explore it on a guided tour.

Rio Secreto (Secret River) is known for its crystal-clear, filtered water and impressive rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. This cave adventure will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to Mexico!

If you’d rather not join a guided tour but still want to experience swimming underground, I highly recommend visiting some of the nearby underground cave cenotes. My favorites were Cenote Taak Bi Ha, Dos Ojos Cenote, and Cenotes Sac Actún.

Location: Rio Secreto – Cenote Taak Bi Ha

20. Church of Uayma

If you go on a trip to Chichen Itza, Valladolid, or Cenote Ik Kil, then you might want to add this amazing church to your itinerary: Convento de Santo Domingo or Church of Uayma. It was one of my favorite hidden gems in the Yucatan Peninsula!

The beautiful church is actually a former convent built by the Franciscans in the middle of the 17th century. The Uayma Church was built by using stones from Mayan sites, including the nearby Chichén Itzá.

The captivating building stands out with its unusual decorations – the white roses and stars symbolize the veneration of the Virgin Mary, but the red color represents sacrifice and martyrdom. There is also a green color that symbolizes hope.

There isn’t much to see in Uayma town so there’s no need to plan a longer stay here – 1 to 2 hours will be plenty to take unique photos and check out the beautiful church! We arrived on Saturday at 11 AM and it was open (entrance from the side street!).

Location: Church of Uayma

21. The quintessential tropical island—Holbox

Holbox is the quintessential tropical island with turquoise water and fine white sand where you wander around barefoot and drink coconuts under palm trees! It is the place to enjoy that authentic Mexican fishing village life!

We have visited Holbox multiple times because we like it so much! To get there you need to get to the coastal village of Chiquilá and then take a ferry to the island of Holbox. There are two ferry companies departing every 30 to 60 minutes.

Although we traveled there by our rental car and left it in one of many long-term parking lots in Chiquilá while we stayed on the island, you can very easily get there by one of many minibus taxis or public buses.

Holbox is a unique island with unpaved streets, people walking around barefoot, full of golf cart taxis buzzing around, and no cars allowed for tourists. Occasional power outages are a thing here and street-wide water puddles after storms, too.

So what to do in Holbox? Explore the hustle-bustle of Holbox Central Park, and don’t forget to go there in the evening to try some Mexican street foods prepared in one of many street food stalls! Try marquesitas, tacos, quesabirrias, burgers, and corn!

Then enjoy the gorgeous Playa Holbox beach with fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters as far as the eyes can see. For beach clubs, I recommend Restaurante La Playa De Ñaña restaurant and beach club.

If you stay there the night, consider joining everyone on a sandbank morning walk to Punta Mosquito – a popular activity on the island. Everyone just wakes up early and walks along the beach as far as they want, then turns around and goes back.

Another unique experience to do in Holbox is a bioluminescence tour in the evening (when it’s dark). It was one of my highlights from Holbox! But if you happen to visit Holbox between June and September, you can join the tour to swim with the majestic whale sharks!

Also, you must try the local legend – lobster pizza, which is a famous dish on the island.

I also recommend exploring the street art in Holbox and watching the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea at Playa Punta Cocos. It was absolutely mesmerizing! Just be aware that mosquitoes can be a nuisance here, so bring repellent with you.

Location: Holbox

22. Sea turtles in Akumal

Akumal is a unique place just a 30-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. It is a small fishing village known for its tropical white-sand beaches with crystal clear water and palm trees lining the shore.

Yes, it is the perfect place to escape the buzz of the city! But that’s not it!

Akumal means the “Place of Turtles” in the Mayan language. The village boasts a small protected bay, which is home to sea turtles. You can spot them during a guided snorkeling tour in the Akumal Bay. Make sure to respect the turtles and give them plenty of space!

Location: Playa Akumal