The 10 Best Archaeology Tours in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

March 28, 2022 Chanda Heide

Playa del Carmen is one of the top diving destinations in the world, thanks to vibrant sea life and dazzling underwater caverns. On dry land, Playa is a hipper and more modern version of the fishing village it once was. Spend some quality time on the golf course or wave hello to the playful spider monkeys at The Jungle Place sanctuary. Explore the ancient ruins of the Coba Mayan Village, or get in some quality people-watching as you shop and stroll along 5th Avenue.
Restaurants in Playa del Carmen

1. Tulum Ruins Private Tour with Turtle and Cenote Snorkeling

Absolute Adventure Mexico
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5.0 based on 81 reviews

Visit Tulum with a private guide at the best times to avoid the crowds! Discover the unique beauty of a cenote (choose between Jaguar, Nicte Ha or Taak bi Ha) and swim with turtles in Akumal! This private tour is the perfect combination to do the best activities of the Riviera Maya. Of course with lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Professional guide, Lunch (one meal a la carte) with water, soda, beer included, Beverages water, soda, beer included, Use of snorkel equipment including life jackets and wetsuits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Tulum truck shuttle

Reviewed By Swicktrip

I've been diving in Cozumel a dozen times but this was my 1st trip to Tulum and the Cenotes. Stumbled on ABSOLUTE ADVENTURES on Trip Advisor. It seemed a bit expensive but was so worth it! Dulce (what a doll!) and her driver met us just off the boat and gave us a day to remember, highlight of the week! Dulce was personable, articulate and knowledgeable of all aspects of Tulum ruins and Mayan history and the Cenotes and "their" amazing history. The tour also included a Mayan lunch at Dos Ojos and then Dulce joined us for a "snorkel with the turtles" at Playa Akumal before dropping us back off at the pier where we caught the ferry back to Cozumel. There was even a little shopping time and a quick Starbucks at the adjacent mall; all in all, a full and very satisfying day of New Adventures and lots of photos.

2. Discover Tulum & Coba with a delicious gourmet beachside lunch

Living Dreams Mexico
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5.0 based on 51 reviews

WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE tour operator in all the Riviera Maya ON TRIP ADVISOR check out our reviews!!!!! • Private tour. • Enjoy at your own pace. • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pick up and drop off at your hotel or rental home. • Enjoy Tulum Archaeological site with a "Living Dreams Mexico" private guide. • Climb to the top the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the northern Yucatan (not mandatory). • Journey on bicycle or bike taxi (included) • Gourmet beachside lunch in the powdery white sand beaches of Tulum. • All included (entrances, on board the transportation soft drinks, beers, water, snacks). • The most talented and passionate guides in the region. • Secluded Locations. • No gimmicks, No upsells. • Photos during your expedition are a courtesy from Living Dreams at the end of your day.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Beverages, Lunch, Snacks, Live commentary on board, All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Photography, Round-trip private transfer, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks in restaurant

Reviewed By beachnuttylaura

I was referred to Living Dreams when I was inquiring concerns regarding a different company. I am so happy I was referred to Living Dreams! We booked 2 tours with them... The Coba Jungle Tour and Cenotes, and the Underground River Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. We had Hector as our guide and enjoyed him so such we requested him as our guide for our second tour. These are private tours so you are not rushed and they go to less crowded sites which makes each experience more memorable and pleasurable! They helped us design our tours based on our likes and desires and I must say every place they suggested and took us to exceeded our expectations! This company is very professional, honest, and have a wonderful staff working for them! I recommend you book all your tours Living Dreams you will not be disappointed :-)

3. VIP Tulum Private Tour

My Quest Concierge Private Tours
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds. - Open the Fortress & avoid the midday heat. - Admire the only Mayan ruins facing the Caribbean Sea. - Jump & refresh in an open sky Cenote. - Feel the crystalline cold water of the underground rivers in your body. - Explore a cave. - Eat the best fresh ceviche in the Riviera Maya from local fishermen restaurant. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.

Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Professional and disinfected premium snorkel equipment., Open Cenote entrance fee., Cave & Underground River entrance fee., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Cold bottled water all day.

Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included - Lunch at a Local Restaurant (optional)., Not included - Tips (optional)

Reviewed By ZestyChic

Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!

4. Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote

Living Dreams Mexico
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5.0 based on 362 reviews

WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE tour operator in all the Riviera Maya ON TRIP ADVISOR check out our reviews!!!!! • Private tour • Enjoy at your own pace • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pick up and drop off at your hotel or rental home • Enjoy Chichen Itza archaeological exploration with a "Living Dreams Mexico" private guide • Sacred Cenote swim • Colonial city Valladolid • The most talented and passionate guides in the region • Secluded Locations • No gimmicks, No upsells, No Souvenir Shops • Included: entrances, archaeological federally licensed guide, parking fees, toll road (if applicable), soft drinks, beers, water, snacks • Photos taken during your expedition are a courtesy from Living Dreams • Although we do not include lunch, you can request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgeable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer. We are sure that you will be provided with the option that best suits your tastes and interests

Inclusions: Private tour with professional archaeological licensed guide, Local taxes & National Park fees, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Beverages are provided inside your vehicle, Private transportation, Round-trip transportation from all hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Snacks, Free time if desired

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (In restaurant) * Only included on board vehicle., Feel free to request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer.

Reviewed By beachnuttylaura

I was referred to Living Dreams when I was inquiring concerns regarding a different company. I am so happy I was referred to Living Dreams! We booked 2 tours with them... The Coba Jungle Tour and Cenotes, and the Underground River Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. We had Hector as our guide and enjoyed him so such we requested him as our guide for our second tour. These are private tours so you are not rushed and they go to less crowded sites which makes each experience more memorable and pleasurable! They helped us design our tours based on our likes and desires and I must say every place they suggested and took us to exceeded our expectations! This company is very professional, honest, and have a wonderful staff working for them! I recommend you book all your tours Living Dreams you will not be disappointed :-)

5. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

My Quest Concierge Private Tours
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5.0 based on 87 reviews

- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds & the midday heat. - Shortest travel time (Toll highway). - VIP Access (no lines). - Be one of the firsts to arrive & take the best pictures. - Stay as long as you like in the archaeological site with your certified guide. - Jump & refresh in an amazing open sky Cenote. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.

Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Toll highway (shortest travel time)., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Lunch buffet at Ex-Hacienda Mayaland., Open Cenote entrance fee., Visit to Valladolid Colonial Town., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Passenger insurance., Cold bottled water all day.

Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included – Drink at the Buffet. , Not included - Tips (optional)

Reviewed By ZestyChic

Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!

6. Private Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid tour

Boutique Tours Mexico
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4.9 based on 37 reviews

Come to Chichenitza and visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, a Mayan Pyramid right in the middle of this impressive archeological site in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It was recently discovered this pyramid was built above a huge Cenote (sinkhole) making the construction of this buliding a real feat. You can not miss visiting and knowing the history of this marvelousl Mayan city. Near Chichenitza, there are some wonderful refreshing Cenotes which are like an Oasis in the middle of this jungle, here you will be able to swim and snorkel and relax in the pristine waters of these natural swimming pools. Finally we are going to visit the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid where you will get to know more of the real Mexico, visiting old churches, markets, etc. This is also a great place for shopping pretty handicrafts or delicious chocolate.

Inclusions: BTM Tour Guide, All entrance fees, Lunch and Drinks

Exclusions:

Reviewed By petiteJuli3

When I reached out to our hotel concierge at El Pez, they hooked us up with Boutique Tours Mexico. Although we could have gone with another competitor with lower price, we are so happy to have done our tour with Boutique. Our tour guide Leo came to our hotel to pick us up round-trip. Leo was such an amazing tour guide. He was knowledgeable about the area, the things we were experiencing, and even a little history lesson. Not to mention Leo is personable. He was a champ when it came to me too. I can't swim in the ocean and Leo assured me that he "got me." He guided me in the water and I was able to snorkel along with him and my husband, rather than sit on a boat. When my motion sickness started getting to me, Leo was patient and made sure we were going at my pace and comfortablity. Luis, our boat captain, was amazing too. He would be navigating and be on the lookout for wild life for us. At the beginning, we didn't get to see any manatees where they usually feed, but on our way back, Luis asked if we wanted to go back just to check. Shoutout to Leo spending his bachelor day with us, the day before his wedding. To me, that's dedication and a love for his job! I mean, who wouldn't want to spend time with dolphins, sea turtles, and gem-like waters. My husband wants to go work with these two now haha. Leo and Luis were so wonderful and made Sian Kian experience even more memorable. We believe that if we had done a usual tour group setting, we wouldn't have the hands on experience we had received. We would 100% want to do future tours with Leo again when we return to Mexico in the Yucatan region. It was the best part of our trip. Congratulations to Leo and thank you Leo and Boutique Tours Mexico for a wonderful experience and memory!

7. TULUM AND COBÁ from Riviera Maya and Cancun (Private)

Karma Trails
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Riviera Maya ,with its subtropical weather and average temperature of 25ºC, is considered a wonderful Caribbean Paradise, offering pristine white sand beaches. The privileged position of this Mexican corner, the great weather conditions, cultural characteristics and entertainments, allows every year millions of tourists to combine a relaxing vacation and the opportunity to visit historical places, where Mayan civilization left evident traces and marks on the history and on the culture.

Inclusions: English/Spanish Speaking Guide, Lunch in Local Restaurant, Roundtrip Transportation, Lunch

Exclusions: Drinks During the Lunch, Supplement for Pick-up / Drop-off in Cancun Hotels

Reviewed By keriirenee

Amazing, private tour from San Cristobal to Palenque with stops at Agua Azul & Misol-ha waterfall on the way. We opted for 2 days & 1 night because of all the driving we didn't want to be rushed or spend 7+ hours in the car in one day. Our driver & guide Guillermo was incredible - definitely the highlight of the trip. He's been working as a guide locally for 20+ years and knew so much about Mayan history + all the other random questions we threw at him throughout the trip. His English was perfect. The car which the agency provided was very comfortable. The hotel we stayed at in Palenque was okay, definitely a little outdated, but it did the job (+had AC which was a must) and the grounds in which the hotel is located on are beautiful. Overall, 10/10 for the trip. Everything we saw was beautiful and would definitely recommend!

8. Full-day Adventure Tour to Coba Mayan Encounter from Cancun and Riviera Maya

Alltournative
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4.9 based on 138 reviews

Visit the impressive archaeological site of Coba and discover the amazing Nohoch Mul, the highest temple in the Yucatan Peninsula. From the top you will have stunning views of the jungle. Visit a secluded Mayan village and enjoy its well preserved natural beauties, lagoons, cenotes (sinkholes), jungle paths, and the natural reserve that protects the local flora and fauna. Rappel down thrilling cenotes and soar the canopy in breathtaking ziplines, swim in hidden caves and walk through the jungle learning about the environment. Enjoy a lush meal of typical food, soft drinks and hand-made tortillas. Photographers of the Maya communities will take great pictures of you during the activities!

Inclusions: Lunch, All activities, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Locker

Exclusions: Souvenir (available to purchase), Photos (available to purchase), Gratuities, Towels, Water, please bring your own container

Reviewed By siphoenix

We actually visited January 2020 but I have only just got round to writing a review. Our guide for the day was Joseline Martinez and she was brilliant!!! Very knowledgeable and informative. I feel like I learned a lot from our trip about Mexico and its rich history. We will be going to Mexico again some day and hope to use this company again ????????

9. TULUM & CENOTE from Riviera Maya and Cancun (Private)

Karma Trails
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4.9 based on 9 reviews

Tulum is the largest pre-Hispanic construction to remain erect. Its unique seaside location boasts one of the most beautiful views of the Mexican Caribbean, as seen from the eyes of the Mayan world. The Gran Cenote is one fo the most popular spot in the area to swim and refresh in the crystal waters fo the amazing underground river flowing under the Yucatan Peninsula.

Inclusions: Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Exclusive Guide during the entire tour, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and Drinks

Reviewed By nparmelee

Salvatore was very knowledgeable and gave us a great day! He was flexible in the order we did things, suggested Tulum first before it got too hot, then lunch, Coba and then a Cenote. For us this was perfect! We all (2 couples) felt like we learned something and got some great insights to the Mayan culture and lively conversation during the drives. Absolutely recommend this tour!

10. Rio Secreto and Tulum Tour from Riviera Maya

Río Secreto, Quintana Roo, Mexico Rio Secreto
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4.9 based on 95 reviews

Río Secreto is the new ecological inspiration of our region. It has recently been designated as one of Mexico’s most distinct and alluring nature reserves, and this unique destination is quickly becoming the pride of all Mexicans. Visitors often feel transformed by their journey deep inside Río Secreto. It’s a rare and exotic opportunity to admire the unequaled beauty of our beloved Mexico and Mother Earth

Inclusions: Regional buffet, Life jacket. Wetsuit. Lockers. Towels. Helmet with lamp., Non-alcoholic drinks, Umbrella, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Photos, Souvenirs

Reviewed By 520MaryH

This tour was so amazing! Our guide, Enrique made this experience a once in a life time adventure that won’t soon be forgotten. We walked floated and swam in a wetsuit in this underground river fed from colder ocean water which we quickly acclimated to. Sometimes with our headlamps off just to appreciate the beauty of the earth beneath the water or to enjoy the quietness of the water running through the caves! It is a must see even for those of us that have seen other caves including ice caves!!!

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