Top Playa del Carmen Art & Culture

The Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a treasure trove of history, from the pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Maya civilization, to 16th century towns settled by the Spanish. Experience this history firsthand with a full-day tour from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. See the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza (admission not included) the pyramid of Kukulcan, and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of the Saamal, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature in the Riviera Maya on an combination tour that features some of the best of Yucatan in a single day. Snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, and swim in a cenote, then explore a limestone cave and take a jungle walk. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Journey to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on this full-day tour and experience this incredible archeological site with a local guide. Arrive first thing in the morning to take amazing photos of the archeological site, walk along El Castillo and the Pyramid of Kukulcan and learn how this pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan Civilization. Take a panoramic tour through the colonial town of Valladolid, stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim and enjoy a typical buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

Visit two of the biggest draws in the Yucatan on this tour to the Tulum Archaeological Site and Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa from Cancun. Not only do you get a guided tour of the massive archaeological site—a lot to cover on your own—but you get to make the most of your time in the area by visiting the beautiful cenote. You can swim there, too, if you pay a fee upon arrival.

Take a day away from the beaches and bars of Cancún and see a different side to the Riviera Maya. This guided tour takes you to see the pyramid temples and other monuments of Chichén Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid, and includes the opportunity to swim in an underground cenote.

Your exclusive, direct admission ticket lets you enter the archaeological site the first ones of the day —so you can explore in cooler temperatures without the crowds. Plus, you’ll visit the untouched ruins of Yaxunah, enjoy a buffet lunch, and swim in a cenote. Enhance your experience of one of the New7Wonders of the World with this unique access tour of Chichen Itza, available only on Viator and Tripadvisor.

Experience tablecloth dining along with the Cirque du Soleil® show 'JOYÁ' at the Vidanta Riviera Maya resort. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the story of an alchemist and his granddaughter seeking out the secrets of life. The show draws on the heritage and history of Mexico to weave the story, presented in an intimate dinner theatre in the jungle of the Riviera Maya.

Combine an in-depth tour of Tulum’s archaeological ruins with a refreshing dip in a cenote, or Mayan swimming pool, during this two-for-one tour. Departing from Cancun, you’ll enjoy a guided visit to the ancient, temple-filled Mayan site, with admission tickets and priority access included, followed by a swim in the region’s lagoon-like underground networks of water.

Travel through the Mayan jungle on this action-packed all-day guided tour. Hop on your own ATV (or ride along with a driver) and head to a cenote, an underwater pool, where you can take a refreshing dip. Then fly above the treetops on a ziplining course. A local Mayan lunch is included. Only those 18 years old and above are permitted to drive their own ATV.

Explore the tropical forest and Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on an adventure tour: ride an ATV through the jungle then head to Maroma Beach, where you can skim across the water in a wave runner or speed boat. This 3-hour tour includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as pickup and drop-off at hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya.

Visit Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and the open-air Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman on your own terms, with this private guided tour. You'll head out to to Chichen Itza bright and early so that you can avoid the crowds and heat that come later in the day, continuing on to Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman for a refreshing dip. You'll finish your tour with an a la carte lunch in colonial Valladolid.

Spend a full day exploring the highlights of the Riviera Maya on a small-group tour that takes you to Coba, Cenote Choj Ha, Tulum, and Paradise Beach. Take a refreshing swim in the fresh waters of Choj Ha Cenote; learn about the history and archaeology of Tulum; and relax on the sands of Paradise Beach or splash in the Caribbean Sea near the ruins of Tulum. Your guide shares commentary about the Yucatan region with your small group, which is limited to no more than 15 participants.

Combine a visit to Tulum archaeological site with a swimming and snorkeling excursion during this three-for-one, full-day combo tour. First, tour Tulum’s famous coastal ruins, with admission tickets included. Then, get an underwater peek at coral, tropical fish, and even sea turles during a snorkeling trip to Turtle Bay, followed by a swim in a freshwater cenote. Hotel pickup and a tasty lunch buffet are included.

Pre-book your airport transfers from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen to save time and avoid the stress of seeking out a taxi on arrival. You can choose from one-way transfers to or from the airport, or book a round-trip service for added convenience. If you're getting picked up at the airport, your driver will monitor your flight in case of any delay.

Take a day trip to Tulum, a seaside oasis and ancient Mayan port city. Tour its well-preserved ruins that sit atop a towering cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Your bilingual guide shares the history of the location and its importance to Mayan culture. This quick half-day trip gets you back to Puerto Morales in time for a late lunch or afternoon tour.

Don’t leave your experience of Playa del Carmen’s food scene to chance; let a guide reveal some of the city's best food spots on a culinary walking tour that provides a comprehensive introduction to first-time visitors. Stray from the beaten path and discover lesser-known Mexican specialties that you may otherwise have missed.

Set off into the warm Caribbean Sea on this half-day catamaran sailing adventure from Playa del Carmen. Your luxurious boat cruises along the Riviera Maya coastline, stopping at the Inah Reef — one of the best locations in the region for snorkeling. Try stand-up paddleboarding while you’re out there too. After your water activities, enjoy a gourmet lunch and an open bar, as well as attentive service from your crew. Hotel transport included.

Save money and time by pre-booking a shared transfer service between the Cancun International Airport and your Playa del Carmen Hotel. You'll ride in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle from the airport straight to your hotel, without the added expense of a private transfer or taxi. Both one-way and round-trip service is available for added convenience.

Explore the structures of Muyil, a Maya archaeological site amid the mangroves of Sian Ka'an, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This excursion from Tulum takes you to the former trading post along an interpretive nature trail before a boat ride to Muyil Lagoon. Then enjoy a relaxing float down the shallow canal as you drift past unique vegetation. Learn from your guide about the ecology of the area and the Maya civilization before a picnic lunch.

Take an off-road romp in the jungle beyond Playa del Carmen on this half-day excursion. Drive or ride in a 2-person buggy and follow a guide first into scenic parts of the Playa del Carmen not frequented by tourists, before bouncing and bumping your way into the jungle. Wash off the grime during a swim at a gorgeous underground cenote and journey to an authentic Maya village. This small-group tour is limited to 14 passengers, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention. Hotel transport is included on this family-friendly outing.

Set sail along the magnificent coastline of the Riviera Maya aboard a luxury catamaran and gaze at the soft hues of sunset. Relax with a cocktail from the open bar while you're served snacks by an expert crew and captain. Hotel transport is provided from most hotels for this excursion.

Need a break from the heat or the beach? Then the place to go is the 3D Museum of Wonders in Playa del Carmen. Considered the first 3D illusion art museum in the Americas, its exhibits are unique and interactive. Open daily, the museum provides family-friendly entertainment on any day, including rainy ones. Your admission gives you access to all rooms. Feel free to bring your camera and take photos of your favorite exhibits — it’s not your everyday museum.

Combine a visit to stunning Isla Mujeres with a fun-filled cruise on the Carribean Sea during this shared full-day excursion. Your boat comes equipped with an open bar with unlimited drinks, games and contests, and a tasty buffet-style lunch. Enjoy two snorkeling stops, with masks and equipment provided—Punta Sam Reef and Playa Norte—before free time to shop, stroll along the island, or take a swim in a private beach club.

Save time when you land at Cancun Airport by pre-booking your transfers to your hotel or vacation rental in Playa del Carmen. Your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall and ready to take you straight to your final destination in a private vehicle just for you and your party. Your return trip to the airport is also included in this service.