Puerto Morelos to Tulum and Coba: Private day trip

Tulum was founded around the 13th century by the Mayans as a fortified port, and was one of the last cities the empire built before its collapse. Tulum itself managed to survive about 70 years into the Spanish occupation, eventually being abandoned after being ravaged by Old World diseases. Today, a laid back beach town lies just inland, while the sea-front is lined with idyllic beach bungalows. With powdery white sands and cobalt blue waters, the beaches here are some of the best in Mexico and don’t (yet) see the crowds that flood Cancun. And there’s nowhere else in the world that you can go from exploring a Mayan ruin to swimming with turtles in a matter of minutes. Once you’re done with your fun in the sun, you can unwind at one of the many bars and restaurants, sipping a fruity cocktail, and gorging yourself on some of the tastiest, fresh-focused food Mexico has to offer.

Founded around the 1st century BC, the Mayan city of Coba was a regional powerhouse thanks to its agricultural holdings. At its peak around 900 AD, the 80 km² settlement was home to an estimated 50,000 inhabitants. While its importance dwindled following a power struggle with Chichén Itzá, Coba remained in use up until the arrival of the Spanish. Today, the excavated parts of the site have revealed the largest network of roads in the Mayan world. These ancient highways connected Coba with other Mayan cities, and all emanate from the central pyramid. The Ixmoja pyramid, located in the Nohuch Mul temple group, is the tallest in the Northern Yucatan at 42 meters (138 feet) high, and offers amazing views of the entire archaeological site for those who brave its steep set of 120 steps.