Normally in my itineraries, I suggest spending a night near Chichen Itza to visit the ruins early in the morning. This is done with the intention of having fewer tourists and avoiding the intense heat.

On the way from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, there are several optional stops worth visiting. These highlighted destinations include Tulum, Coba, and Valladolid. Each one offers its own historical beauty and unique charm, providing travelers with an enriching experience before reaching the grandeur of Chichen Itza.

First on the list is Tulum, famous for its stunning Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This ancient archaeological site is known for its well-preserved architecture and panoramic views of the turquoise waters. Visitors can stroll through the ancient structures, explore the Temple of the Descending God, and enjoy the white sandy beach at its feet.

Continuing the journey, Coba offers a different experience. Here, travelers can explore an ancient Mayan city amidst the jungle. The highlight is the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest in the Yucatan Peninsula. Climbing to the top of this pyramid provides an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding jungle. Additionally, Coba offers the opportunity to bike or walk through its extensive ruins, discovering ancient temples, stelae, and ancient causeways.

Finally, on the way to Chichen Itza, you'll find Valladolid, a charming colonial city. With its well-preserved colonial architecture, the Main Square, and the Cathedral of San Gervasio, Valladolid offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Mexico. Visitors can explore its cobblestone streets, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the tranquil and charming atmosphere of this picturesque city.

These optional stops on the way from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza offer a unique opportunity to enrich the journey and delve into the region's rich history and natural beauty. Whether enjoying the breathtaking views of Tulum, exploring the ancient ruins of Coba, or immersing oneself in the colonial culture of Valladolid, each stop adds a special dimension to the adventure before reaching the iconic site of Chichen Itza.

Visit to the Tulum Ruins

The Tulum ruins are the ones that always appear in postcards showcasing the Caribbean paradise. The place is truly beautiful and has a special mysticism. The Tulum ruins are approximately 1 hour away from Playa del Carmen. I recommend leaving around 10 am in the morning or a little earlier to arrive at the ruins at 11 am.

One of the most important tips I have for you is to be careful with the parking. The first big parking lot you will see at the Tulum ruins appears to be the official parking lot, but it's not. The Tulum ruins do not have an official parking lot. It's private property, and the price is really abusive for tourists. They charge around 180 pesos for parking.

Instead of going to this parking, continue a little to the left until you find smaller parking lots that charge you 50 pesos. They are also closer to the entrance (https://goo.gl/maps/VdCQss7cgHG9Vyh49).

Entering Tulum costs approximately 80 pesos per person, and the visit lasts about 1 hour. There is a small truck that takes you from the parking lot to the ruins. I never take it and walk instead. It's really important to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. You will truly feel the power of the Caribbean sun in Tulum. It's possible to swim at a small beach located down a cliff below the ruins. Bring your swimsuit in case you want to swim.

Visit to the Tulum Beach

After visiting the ruins, you can walk along the road to the left and go directly on your own to the public beach in Tulum.

The other option is to drive back and go to the Tulum beach area where there are beach clubs. My favorite has always been Papaya Playa Project, but it gets very crowded, and sometimes it's very expensive to get in. Before, when Tulum was not so popular, it was really a paradise.

There are many options, and the truth is that they are all very similar, beach clubs with paradisiacal beaches with a bohemian/hippie atmosphere. Some are more expensive than others, and the farther you go, the cheaper the beach clubs are.

For those who book one of my itineraries with this activity, I will share my favorite restaurant in Tulum. The place is beautiful, and the food is delicious. Once, I went with an Italian from Naples, very proud of the delicious pasta from his land and his mom's garden tomatoes. Well, he decided to order a salad, but after trying my pasta, he went crazy, "This is the best pasta I've ever tasted!" and ordered a double plate... "