Chichen Itzá Ruins

2.5 hour drive from Playa del Carmen, entrance fee (<$10 USD)

The most popular and best-preserved Mayan ruins in all of Mexico. The highlights are the massive Temple of Kukulkan and the observatory. It’s a full day excursion so renting a car would make the most out of your day.  You can also go by ADO bus or tour company ($50 per person), but I think renting a car is your best option so you can explore the nearby town of Vallodolid and a nearby cenote. You can consider this itinerary: Chichen Itza – Coba – Gran Cenote full day trip: 

Coba Ruins

1.5 hour drive from Playa del Carmen. 

The name of these Mayan ruins means “water stirred by wind.”  The site is located in the jungle between several lakes, and Coba pyramid is open to the public for climbing. Once on the top you will feel like you are on top of the world.

75 pesos for a chauffeur driven tricycle

$250 pesos for English speaking guide for 45 minutes

Tulum Ruins

Coba Mayan Ruins - The name of these Mayan ruins means “water stirred by wind.”  The site is located in the jungle between several lakes. he pyramid called Coba is still open to the public for climbing. It has 130 steep and high steps till the top! Once on the top you will feel like you are on top of the world. It’s a very flat landscape, so not very hard to be on top of the world around here ;)