Coba - This grand
Mayan site lies less than two hours from Playa del Carmen, It is situated by four natural lakes, a rare sight in the Yucatan.
Tulum - The Mayan
ruins of Tulum, only an hour from Playa del Carmen Only large scale Mayan ruin on the coast, it's on a cliff overlooking the Sea
Muyil - Only a short drive south of Tulum, there's a nice little site with very few visitors. This site goes under two names, Muyil and Chanyaxche. It is not big, but there are a few interesting buildings and the historical significance is apparent.
Colonial town of Valladolid - The colonial town of Valladolid was founded in 1543 by Francisco de Montejo, who established Spanish rule in most of the Yucatán peninsula. The Spanish built their own churches on the site of the old pagan temples.
Coba-Pac Chen - Visit a remote Mayan village, canoeing, impressive Mayan ruins, repelling into sinkholes, and a zip line trip over the lake on a wire. We have not heard of a similar experience offered elsewhere. The lakes are believed to have given the city its name, which means Waters stirred by wind...
Sian ka'an biosphere reserve - Heading south of Playa del Carmen, travelers can get to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Natural Reserve, also known as "the place where the sky begins". It is an area of 530,000 hectare formed by rain forest, lakes, swamps, coast ponds, bays and reefs; all of which also come to be the natural habitat of thousands of animal species, such as jaguars and pumas, white-tail deer, crocodiles, howler and spider monkeys and an astonishing 345 species of birds. About 1,000 inhabitants in the reserve live off fishing. All day expeditions from Monday to Saturday are available, which include a three hour boat trip. Requires reservations in advance.
Chichen Itza - This archaeological city of the state of Yucatan was founded by the Maya-Itzas who came led by Itzamna after separating from Acalon. They arrived in the Peninsula around the year 435-455 A.D.. Chichen was occupied twice. The first occupation was from 495 to 692, and the second from 948 to 1204. The architecture of the first period is considered to be authentically Maya, and the second is considered to have Toltec influence, since it has certain elements in common with those found in Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltec-Hueytlapalanecas
Isla Cozumel Isla Mujeres Playa del Carmen
d Traditions - The Mayan world is a place full of spirits and ghosts. They believed that every creation had un unseen natural power or supernatural power. 
the Conquest - The very first Europeans came to this area in 1511 when a Spanish ship sunk off the Caribbean coast. Only 19 survivors. 
impressive Maya site on the Yucatán peninsula 3 hours from Playa del Carmen. Pyramid offers a challenging climb and a breathtaking view. 
visited and you may very well end up strolling around all by yourself among temples and jungle. 20 minutes north of Valladolid.