Explore the Highlights of the Deluxe Day Tour from Playa del Carmen

The Deluxe Day! Tulum, Cenote Kuxtal, and Coba tour offers a full day of exploring some of the most remarkable Mayan sites and natural wonders in the Yucatan Peninsula. Priced at $92 per person, this approximately 11-hour adventure starts early with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen. The tour features visits to the Tulum Ruins, the Coba Ruins with its tallest pyramid, and the sacred Cenote Kuxtal for a refreshing swim, finishing with a stroll along Quinta Avenida, Playa del Carmen’s lively main street.

While the tour promises an immersive experience with professional guides, regional buffet lunch, and all transportation included, it’s important to be aware of some limitations, such as additional costs for admission tickets and preservation taxes. This tour is well-suited for those who want a comprehensive day of history, nature, and local culture, but it does require a reasonable level of mobility and comfort with busy group settings.

Key Points

Includes visits to Tulum and Coba ruins with guided tours, providing insights into Mayan history and architecture
Swim in Cenote Kuxtal, a natural sinkhole that offers a cool escape from the heat
Transportation from Playa del Carmen is included, with a start time of 7:00 am
Regional buffet lunch and box lunch included, with drinks served during meals and transport
Additional costs apply for admission tickets (USD 32 per person) and life vests, which are mandatory
Tour operates with a maximum of 50 travelers, balancing group size and personal attention

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Starting Early: Pickup and Group Size

The tour departs from Playa del Carmen at 7:00 am, with pickup offered from most centrally located hotels. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, ensuring some comfort and space during visits. The transport is first class, aimed at making the long day as smooth as possible. Be prepared for a busy schedule, with significant time spent traveling and exploring.

Visiting Tulum Ruins: History and Ocean Views

The first stop is the famous Tulum Archaeological Site, regarded as the most important archaeological site of the Riviera Maya. The guided tour provides an overview of the site’s history, with a focus on its role as a coastal Maya city. The ruins are perched above the sea, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters below. Visitors have about 1 hour and 30 minutes at this site, which includes some time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

It’s worth noting that admission tickets to Tulum are not included in the tour price**, and there is a preservation tax of USD 32 per person. The guide explains the significance of the structures, but visitors should be ready for some walking on uneven terrain.

Exploring Coba Ruins and the Tallest Pyramid

Next, the tour moves inland to the Coba Ruins, one of the best-preserved Mayan sites with a dense jungle setting. The highlight here is the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, which visitors are encouraged to climb for panoramic views. The guided visit lasts about 1 hour, during which the guide shares details about Coba’s historical importance and architecture.

Since admission tickets are not included for Coba either, guests should be prepared for an additional USD 32. The site’s lush surroundings make for excellent photo opportunities, especially at the pyramid’s summit, but climbing might not be suitable for everyone due to the steep steps.

Cenote Kuxtal: Nature’s Sacred Waterhole

The highlight for many is the visit to Cenote Kuxtal, a natural sinkhole layered with stalactites and clear, refreshing water. The 1-hour swim offers a chance to cool off after the morning excursions. The cenote’s natural beauty and the millions of years of geological formation make it a memorable spot.

Admission to Cenote Kuxtal is included in the tour, so swimmers just need to bring their swimwear and life vests if they prefer extra safety—these are not included but are mandatory as per tour rules.

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Stroll Along Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen

The final stop is Quinta Avenida, known for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful shops, cafes, and street performers. Visitors have about 1 hour to explore, shop for souvenirs, grab a snack, or simply soak in the lively ambiance. This stop offers a relaxed break after a busy day of sightseeing.

Practical Details: Transportation, Meals, and Additional Costs

All round transportation from Playa del Carmen is included, making logistics straightforward. The tour also provides a regional buffet lunch and a box lunch with a sandwich, fruit, and juice. During the meal, guests receive one drink, and two drinks are served during transportation, but drinks at the restaurant are not included.

It’s important to remember that admission tickets to Tulum and Coba are not included in the package and cost USD 32 per person. On top of that, life vests are mandatory for swimming in Cenote Kuxtal, but they are not included in the tour fee.

Notes on Experience and Guest Feedback

The tour is designed for those interested in visiting major Mayan sites combined with natural swimming in a cenote. The guide’s role is to offer insights and context during the visits, though some guests note that the initial pickup process can be chaotic, with some waiting in the heat. The tour’s pace can be quick, with limited free time at each stop, so visitors should be prepared for a full day of activity.

Considerations for Booking

This tour is popular, often booked 70 days in advance, reflecting its value and appeal. While it offers a rundown, guests should be aware of extra costs for admission and preservation tax. The maximum group size of 50 helps maintain a balance between social atmosphere and comfort, but some may find the schedule busy.

Final Thoughts on the Deluxe Day Tour from Playa del Carmen

The Deluxe Day! Tulum, Cenote Kuxtal, and Coba tour suits travelers eager to see key Mayan archaeological sites with an added natural experience. It offers good value for money considering transportation, guided tours, and meals included. However, the additional costs for tickets and some logistical considerations—like waiting times—should be kept in mind.

This tour works best for those who want a structured, full-day experience that covers history, nature, and local culture in a single trip. It’s ideal for visitors who don’t mind a fast-paced schedule and are comfortable with some extra expenses for entrance fees.

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Deluxe Day! Tulum, Cenote Kuxtal and Coba from Playa Del Carmen

3.0

“The beginning of the trip was chaos. We were left standing in a hot parking lot for an hour with no explanation. Everything was poorly communicated…”

— Paula L, Aug 2023