Coba, Tulum & Cenote Day Trip from Cancun with Playa Stop

Summary

Swim in cenotes, wander ancient ruins and feel Playa’s pulse

You’ll walk ancient Mayan cities at Tulum and Coba with a local guide who brings history to life, cool off swimming in a limestone cenote, and end your day soaking up Playa del Carmen’s lively energy—all with lunch and hotel pickup included. The mix of ruins, nature, and street life leaves you buzzing long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

We started out from Cancun just as the city was waking up—our van picked us up right on time (I was still finishing my coffee). First stop: Tulum. The sea breeze there is salty and warm, and our guide Mario had this way of telling stories that made the old stones feel less like museum pieces and more like someone’s home. I kept getting distracted by these bright iguanas sunning themselves on the walls. The Caribbean behind the ruins is almost too blue to believe—like someone turned up the color saturation by accident.

Coba came next. It’s deeper in the jungle, so it felt quieter somehow—just birds and the crunch of gravel under our shoes. We walked shaded paths to Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid around here (I didn’t even try to count all those steps). Mario pointed out some carvings I’d have missed. There was this moment where I just stood there, sweat running down my back, thinking about how many feet must’ve passed this way before me. Strange feeling—kind of humbling.

The cenote was cool in every sense—cold water after all that heat, echoey sounds bouncing off limestone walls. I’m not usually one for swimming holes but honestly? Floating there with sunlight filtering down felt pretty unreal. Lunch was buffet style; nothing fancy but after all that walking, I could’ve eaten anything. Last stop: Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue. It’s busy, people laughing everywhere, shops blasting music. I tried bargaining for a woven bag (failed spectacularly). We wandered until my feet hurt. Still think about that dip in the cenote sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore ruins, swim cenote, visit Playa

• Visit Tulum Mayan ruins
• Explore Coba Mayan ruins
• Swim in sacred cenote
• Stroll Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Cancun to Coba and Tulum?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time between sites and stops at Coba, Tulum, a cenote, and Playa del Carmen.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included as part of the experience.

Do you get to swim during the tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim in a sacred cenote with clear water during the tour.

Are guides provided at each ruin site?

Yes, guided visits are included at both Tulum and Coba archaeological sites.

Does this tour include hotel pickup from Cancun?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun are included.

What should I bring for the cenote swim?

A swimsuit, towel, comfortable shoes for walking—the basics for swimming and exploring ruins.

Is Playa del Carmen shopping part of this tour?

You’ll have free time to stroll 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen for shopping or people-watching.

How physically demanding is this tour?

You’ll need at least moderate fitness since there’s walking at both ruins and swimming involved.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cancun, guided tours through both Tulum and Coba Mayan ruins with plenty of stories along the way, entry to a crystalline cenote where you can swim or just dip your toes if you want—and a buffet lunch before heading to lively Playa del Carmen for some free time on 5th Avenue before returning home tired but happy.