Excursions from Playa del Carmen
 

Hi folks,

I'm looking for ideas for one-day excursions from Playa del Carmen. I'll be there for 9 days so I'm looking for 3 different excursions at the most. Could I please have some suggestions? I'm interested in the Mayan ruins but I'd like to see other things too. I love nature and animals (birds in particular). Is Cozumel worth the trip if you're not into scuba-diving?

Thanks in advance!

Here are some trips that are recommended:

http://www.playa.info/tours-anna-james-general.html

http://www.alltournative.com/

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve might have the birds you enjoy and monkeys and nature...and in their natural habitat not a zoo.

You could combine with Coba since I think it's close.

Not sure about Cozumel, someone else will chime in I'm sure.

I'm going in May and this information is all from my research not actual experience, but believe me I research! LOL.

Trish

Contact Edventure Tours. Just tell them what you like and they'll put together a day or two for you and take you there.

Thanks for day trip ideas so far from Playa del Carmen. We've been regulars in Europe & U.S. Fodors forums prior to trips and now will be headed south in a family gathering next June. We will have in our family both younger and older folks (namely us) so would especially like more ideas for the latter...like Mayan ruins, bird sanctuary, hikes that you know
about. Thanks!
ozarksbill

The area surrounding Playa Del carmen has many places you can visit without the expense (and crowds) of paying for a a tour. We always direct our guests to a few special places they can reach by rental car, taxi or bus without joining a lot of other people and sticking to someone elses schedule. Our top suggestions are:

Yal-ku lagoon in Akumal. A Mexican national snorkeling park. Sheltered so it provides still water for beginners but with abundant sealife to interest the experienced snorkeler.

Hidden Worlds Park. A small, privaetely owned eco park with cenote snorkeling, jungle zip lines, and their amazing skycycle which allows you to pedal through the jungle treetops.

Coba ruins. Coba is the most recently discovered of the Mayan Cities. it still lies in the jungle and still provides views of temples and buildings in varius states of repair. And it is the only local ruins where you can still climb the great pyramid!

As far as Cozumel is concerned, it really is a place for divers and cruise ship shoping stops. The far side of the island overs some deserted beaches and small beach clubs, but the water is much to rough to go swimming. If you want an "island" experience go to Isla Mujeres for the day. Across from Cancun, Isla has good beaches and a cute little shopping, dining area with a caribbean feel.

We have some photos and trip reports on the places we listed here, plus a couple more on our personal blog : http://playazone.wordpress.com/category/activities/.

Have fun.

Tony and Cheri
Luna Blue Hotel and Garden
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Well I'm thrilled to see the reply from Luna Blue because that's where I'm staying! I'll be sure to get some advice from you guys when I get there.

Thanks to others who have posted - much appreciated.

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