Tulum Ruins, Cenote & Playa del Carmen: Day Trip from Cancun

Summary

Ancient Tulum walls, cenote swim and sunset stroll in Playa del Carmen

You’ll walk among ancient Mayan ruins by the sea at Tulum, then cool off with a swim in Cenote Mariposa’s blue waters before sharing lunch with your group. End your day wandering Playa del Carmen’s lively Quinta Avenida—soaking up music, colors and maybe a little sunburn too.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled into Tulum just as the sun was starting to get a bit sharp—our guide, Sofia, had this way of making the ruins feel less like old stones and more like a place where people actually lived. I could hear the sea crashing behind us while she pointed at faded carvings on the wall. There was this salty breeze mixing with sunscreen and wildflowers (or maybe just weeds? I never know). Someone in our group tried to climb for a better photo—Sofia laughed and waved them down. “Maya didn’t build these for Instagram,” she joked. I liked her right away.

Afterwards we all piled back into the van, kind of sticky from the heat. The drive to Cenote Mariposa wasn’t long but I nearly dozed off—then suddenly we were there, under this patchy green canopy. The water looked almost fake-blue until you dipped your toes in (shockingly cold, but so clear you could see your own feet). I floated on my back for a minute, listening to someone’s laughter echo off the rocks. Lunch was buffet-style—nothing fancy but after swimming everything tasted better. Rice, chicken with some smoky sauce, sweet fruit that dripped down my wrist.

The last stop was Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida just as things started to cool down. Street musicians everywhere—one guy playing something that sounded like an old love song. We wandered past shops selling woven bags and little clay jaguars. I tried bargaining for a bracelet but gave up halfway through; my Spanish is hopeless when I’m tired. There was this golden light slanting across the street and honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet. Even now I can almost hear that music drifting behind us as we headed back toward Cancun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Tulum, swim cenote, shop Playa del Carmen

• Visit ancient walled city of Tulum
• Swim in Cenote Mariposa
• Walk and shop on Quinta Avenida

Top questions

Is pickup included from Cancun hotels?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included from Cancun.

How long is the drive from Cancun to Tulum?

It usually takes about 2 hours each way depending on traffic.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants are welcome and can ride in a stroller or on an adult's lap.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included after swimming at Cenote Mariposa.

Do we have free time at Playa del Carmen?

Yes, you’ll have free time to shop or explore Quinta Avenida at your own pace.

Are guides knowledgeable about Mayan culture?

Yes, local guides share stories and facts about Tulum's history throughout the visit.

Is public transportation available nearby if needed?

Yes, public transport options are available near tour stops.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned pickup from Cancun, entry to Tulum Ruins with a local guide sharing stories along the way, bottled water at the archaeological site, time for swimming in Cenote Mariposa followed by a buffet lunch—and finally free time to wander Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen before heading back home.