Cozumel: Day Trips

Chichén Itzá A visit to this ancient Mayan city and its massive stepped pyramid – one of the new seven wonders of the world – is only feasible as a day trip from Cozumel if you sign up for a chartered plane tour. On the mainland, 45 minutes by plane; 011-52-984-873-0804; www.aerosaab.com
family | smart splurge | history

Cobá A longer drive than Tulum, but worth the trip to see one of the towering pyramids the ancient Maya were known for. At the site, you can rent bikes to ride through the dense jungle and spot wildlife. On the mainland; 38 miles south of Playa del Carmen, then 27 miles northwest (inland);
family | wildlife | history

Hidden Worlds The Yucatan peninsula is studded with freshwater sinkholes called cenotes. Snorkeling in them is otherworldly, as you’re suspended in perfectly clear water above elaborate stalagmites. Hidden Worlds park contains some of the most dramatic of these watery caverns. On the mainland; 30 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Carretera Playa del Carmen–Tulum; 011-52-984-877-8535; www.hiddenworlds.com
family | outdoors | great value

Playa del Carmen Hip Playa caters to more of a European crowd than American-friendly Cozumel – wander down La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), to explore the open-air lounges and cool boutiques. But don’t forget: the last ferry to Cozumel leaves at 11pm. Mexico Waterjets, 30-minute ferry ride west; 011-52-987-879-3112; www.mexicowaterjets.com
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Tulum Ruins The Yucatan’s most picturesque ancient Mayan complex is perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea. After exploring the ruins, cool off on the wide beach to the south, one of the most beautiful on the coast. On the mainland; 37 miles south of Playa del Carmen
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Xcaret This sprawling eco-park is the Yucatan peninsula in miniature, with a fish-filled bay, an aquarium, caverns to snorkel through, a butterfly forest, and even some small, barely restored Maya ruins. It’s a major tourist destination, but it’s still, surprisingly, somewhat wild-feeling. On the mainland; 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen, Carretera Playa del Carmen–Tulum; 011-52-984-803-1298; www.xcaret.com
beach | family | theme park