Things to do · Day trips

Day Trips From Playa del Carmen

Three of our favorite one-day escapes from Playa — very different from each other, and all easy with your own car.

Cobá — 110 km

One of the most atmospheric ruins in the Yucatán — an ancient Mayan city surrounded by jungle. A totally different vibe from some of the more touristy archaeological sites: lots of greenery, quiet, and that real expedition feeling. You can explore the ruins on foot, by bike, or — if you're not in the mood to pedal — take a bike taxi (which is part of the fun).

What to see:

• Nohoch Mul pyramid
• The ancient sacbé roads
• Jungle trails and hidden temples

Lunch: Restaurante Xaibé — a perfect stop after the ruins. Order the cochinita pibil, guacamole, and whatever Mexican specials they have that day.

Valladolid — 160 km

One of the prettiest colonial towns in the Yucatán — pastel streets, old facades, charming plazas, and a very relaxed pace.

What to see:

• Parque Principal and the historic center
• San Gervasio Cathedral
• San Bernardino de Siena convent
• The famous Cenote Zací, right in town — yes, you can swim in a cenote in the middle of the city

You can easily combine the town and the cenote for a perfect day trip.

Lunch options: IX CAT IK Tradicional Cocina Maya, where you can watch dishes prepared by hand and learn about local culinary traditions — or El Atrio del Mayab, a beautiful garden restaurant right by the main square, perfect for a long shaded lunch.

Holbox — 125 km to Chiquilá + ferry

An island where everything feels slower. Sandy streets, golf carts instead of cars, turquoise water, and that dreamy Caribbean slow-life vibe.

Where to go:

• Punta Mosquito nature reserve
• Punta Cocos for a snack with an incredible view
• The town center with its murals
• Sunset beaches
• In summer — bioluminescence and whale sharks

Lunch/dinner: LUUMA for amazing local food in a beautiful setting (book ahead — must try the croquettes, tabla de carnes, and lamb terrine), or Las Panchas, a Holbox classic for fresh fish and seafood.

Note: Holbox requires leaving the car at Chiquilá and taking the ferry across — the drive there and back is still the easy part, and unlimited mileage means the distance doesn't cost you anything extra.

These are some of our favorite one-day escapes from Playa. Which one would you do first?

Going further afield? We have separate guides to a day in Tulum, driving to Chichén Itzá, and the lagoon at Bacalar.