We'll be staying in PDC for a week in June. We're looking forward to lots of down time on the beach and at the pool, but we'd also like to take a day trip to Tulum to see the ruins. Is it worth booking a tour from where we're staying(The Royal Haciendas) or should we just drive down there and either walk around by ourselves or hire a guide when we get there?

Anyone familiar with the cost of either option?

ALso, is it a full day's trip, or will it only keep us busy part of the day and we could either plan more beach time or a cenotes trip too that day?

TIA!

Drive down for sure, no guide is needed. Explore the pueblo, go to the Ruins (wear your suit and swim there,spectacular!)

Then head down the beach road and spend the day along the beautiful Tulum stretch of white sand and beautiful water .

If you go to Tulum in your own rental car make sure you turn left at the sign for the ruins and do not continue on south to the town. There is a beach at the ruins. If you want to get to the beaches on the beach road you will need to go back out to 307 and make a left to head further south. Once you get to the Coba Road make a left. (you will see the San Francisco grocery on your right and there is a light at that intersection). If you head straight east on that road for a couple of miles you will pass a fire station (bomberos) and several topes (speed bumps). When you see the little police hut on your left you can either turn left and head north on the beach road (try El Paraiso), or turn right and head south (lots of options here too). Beautiful beach clubs with chairs, food, drink. The ruins will not take you all day to see. If you drive, make sure you are comfortable with the rules of the road in MX as they are a bit different, especially how to make a left hand turn. And watch out for topes which may be marked or unmarked on 307.

I agree, no need to spend the money on a tour from your hotel. You can even take the local bus...
But do join a tour group when you get there.. I found it better than just wandering around on our own. I think the tour was maybe an hour or so.

Again, thanks so much Fodorites. You willingness to share information is terrific!

It's an easy drive. Go early, bring water (it will be hot). All the buses arrive midday and the place gets mobbed. There are also some nice places to east in Tulum, along the highway, past the ruins.