Tulum & Coba Ruins Day Trip with Cenote Swim & Playa del Carmen

Summary

Ancient pyramids, jungle cenotes and lively streets in one day

You’ll wander ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba with a local guide who brings history alive in both English and Spanish. Savor Yucatecan dishes at a buffet lunch before plunging into cool cenote waters surrounded by jungle. End your day exploring Playa del Carmen’s vibrant 5th Avenue—each moment feels like its own little adventure.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the bus because I couldn’t find my sunglasses — classic me. The driver just grinned and waved me on anyway (I think he’s seen worse). We set off from Playa del Carmen while the sun was still gentle, windows fogged from the air conditioning. Our guide, Ana, started chatting about Mayan history before we’d even reached Tulum. She pointed out weird little birds along the road — motmots? — their tails flicking like pendulums. I didn’t expect to care about birds but here we are.

Tulum itself was quieter than I thought it’d be. There was this salty breeze coming off the sea that made my shirt stick to my back, but it felt right somehow. Ana told us stories about the old port city and showed us faded murals inside the Temple of Frescos — she said they’re some of the oldest in Mexico. My Spanish is shaky but she switched between English and Spanish so everyone kept up. After her tour, we wandered on our own for a bit; I sat on a rock and tried to imagine what it sounded like here centuries ago, before all these cameras clicking.

Lunch was a buffet somewhere between Tulum and Coba — honestly, I lost track of where exactly because I got distracted by these little tortillas with cochinita pibil (Ana laughed when I tried to pronounce it). Everything tasted earthy and bright at once. At Coba, we walked shaded paths under trees that smelled green and wet after last night’s rain. The Nohoch Mul pyramid looked almost too steep to be real; I stood at the bottom staring up while a kid zipped past me like it was nothing. Didn’t climb it myself (knees said no), but just being there felt big.

The cenote stop surprised me most — Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot is hidden under thick jungle cover, water glassy and cold enough to make you gasp. There was this echo when someone jumped in; laughter bounced off the stone walls and for a second everything felt suspended. By late afternoon we were back in Playa del Carmen, wandering 5th Avenue with its mix of music, perfumes from open shops, people selling bracelets or just sitting watching life go by. It’s funny how you can feel ancient stones under your feet one minute and then end up sipping something sweet on a busy street an hour later. Still thinking about that swim though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen

• Hotel pick-up in luxury bus
• Guided tour of Tulum ruins
• Free time to explore Tulum
• Guided tour of Coba ruins
• Free time to explore Coba
• Buffet lunch with regional dishes
• Swim at Cenote Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot
• Visit Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Tulum & Coba day trip?

Yes, shared transportation pickup from your hotel is included in the tour price.

Are entry fees to Tulum and Coba covered?

Yes, admission fees and taxes for both archaeological sites are included.

Do you get time to swim in the cenote during this tour?

Yes, there’s a dedicated stop at Cenote Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot for swimming.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch featuring typical Yucatecan dishes is included.

How long do you spend at Playa del Carmen?

You’ll have free time to stroll along 5th Avenue after visiting the cenote.

Are guides certified or knowledgeable about Mayan culture?

The tour includes certified guides specialized in archaeology who share insights throughout the trip.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in strollers or prams.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by air-conditioned bus, entry fees and taxes for both Tulum and Coba ruins, guided tours with an expert archaeologist guide switching between English and Spanish as needed, free time for photos or exploring on your own at each site, a buffet lunch with regional specialties (cochinita pibil was my favorite), swimming at Cenote Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot surrounded by jungle sounds, plus time to wander Playa del Carmen’s lively 5th Avenue before heading back.