5×1 Deluxe – Coba, Playa del Carmen, Tulum & Cenote From Cancun

Exploring Cancun in a Day: A Deep Dive into the 5×1 Deluxe Tour

If you’re short on time but eager to soak in some of the most iconic sights around Cancun, the 5×1 Deluxe tour might just be a good fit. It promises a full day packed with visits to Tulum and Coba archaeological sites, a splash in a cenote, a quick stroll down Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue, plus a regional buffet lunch—all for around $95 per person.

What really draws us to this experience are its convenience and variety. You get a lot packed into one day — historical ruins, a refreshing swim, and some laid-back shopping — all with transportation included. Plus, the buffet lunch saves you the hassle of finding somewhere to eat and ensures you’re fueled for the day’s adventures. But, on the flip side, the day is quite long, and the tight schedule might leave some little room for spontaneous exploration or rest.

This tour feels ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a broad cross-section of Cancun’s nearby attractions without the stress of planning each stop on your own. If you’re curious about Mayan culture and enjoy a blend of history, nature, and lively city vibes in one trip, this could be a good pick. However, if you’re after a more relaxed pace or detailed explorations, you might find it a bit rushed.

Key Points

• All-in-One Day Trip: Includes Tulum, Coba, Cenote Choo-Ha, and Playa del Carmen.
• Comfortable Transport: First-class transportation from Cancun makes travel easy and comfortable.
• Cultural & Natural Mix: Combines archaeological exploration with a cenote swim.
• Inclusive Meals: Buffet lunch and some drinks included, which adds value.
• Time Efficiency: Designed for travelers who want a comprehensive experience in a limited timeframe.
• Group Size: Max 50 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded but lively enough to meet others.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Dawn to Dusk

Starting Early and Getting to Tulum

The day kicks off at 6:00 am, which might seem early, but it’s standard for full-day tours. The transport is described as “round transportation from Cancun,” meaning they pick you up from your hotel or designated meeting point, then gather everyone into smaller vehicles before heading out. This process can take some time, but it’s good to know you won’t be left behind or waiting too long once the day starts.

Once on the road, the first major stop is Tulum, where a certified guide will take you through the ruins. Expect about 1.5 hours exploring the site, which is known for its stunning cliffside setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The guided tour will give you a solid overview of the Mayan culture, and you’ll see the iconic structures like the El Castillo temple. The experience here is quite rewarding — especially if you’re into archaeology or history — but be prepared for some walking and the midday sun.

Exploring Coba and the Tall Pyramid

After experiencing Tulum, you’ll hop over to Coba, another archaeological site with a different vibe. Here, you’ll learn about the Mayan culture in a more jungle-surrounded setting. The highlight at Coba is the Nohoch Mul pyramid, standing as the tallest in the region—an adventurous climb for those who don’t mind a bit of a workout. You’ll have about 1 hour at Coba to wander around, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

Refueling with a Regional Buffet

Before heading to the cenote, the tour includes a buffet meal featuring regional dishes, giving you a chance to taste authentic flavors that will energize you for the rest of the day. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to relax a bit and chat with your fellow travelers. The buffet lasts around 45 minutes and is described as delicious, with typical regional dishes and a drink included—a real plus for the price.

Cooling Off in Cenote Kuxtal

Next up is Cenote Kuxtal, a natural swimming hole formed by the region’s underground waters. The cenote is described as crystal-clear and refreshing, perfect for a quick dip to cool down after a day of walking and sightseeing. You’ll have about an hour here, providing enough time to relax, take photos, or just enjoy the tranquility of this natural wonder. Keep in mind, the cenote listed might change depending on logistics, but the experience should remain similar.

Finishing at Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue

The last leg of the tour brings you to Playa del Carmen, where you’ll have about an hour to walk along the famous 5th Avenue. This bustling street is lined with shops, cafes, and lively atmosphere — perfect for a quick stroll, some shopping, or just people-watching. It’s a short stop, but enough to get a taste of Playa’s vibrant vibe and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are round-trip transportation, a box lunch (sandwich, fruit, juice), guided tours of Tulum and Coba, a regional buffet, and a visit to the cenote with a drink during the meal and two drinks during transport. These inclusions make the price quite reasonable, especially considering the transportation alone often costs more when booked separately.

Not included are beverages at the restaurant (beyond the included drinks), tips, and a $32 government fee per person, which is standard for many attractions and sites in Mexico. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes since you’ll be spending a good part of the day outdoors.

The Logistics and Practicalities

The tour begins early at 6:00 am, which means you’ll get a full day but also need to be prepared for an early start. The maximum group size is about 50 travelers, striking a balance between an intimate feel and enough people to make the experience lively.

The tour provider, Promo vacations Tours, emphasizes safety and comfort, with first-class transport, but it’s wise to be prepared for a long day—comfortable shoes, sun protection, and staying hydrated are key. Also, keep track of your belongings: the tour explicitly states they aren’t responsible for personal items left behind, so a small backpack with essentials is the way to go.

Why You Might Love This Tour

This experience is perfect if you want a comprehensive snapshot of the region in one day—combining history, nature, and city life. The buffet lunch and included drinks offer good value, and the guided tours help you get more out of each site without needing to read up on every detail yourself. Plus, the cenote swim adds a refreshing break from the sightseeing.

The timing works well for travelers who don’t want to spend multiple days in the heat, and the transportation makes the logistics smooth. If you’re traveling with a group or family, the group size and structured schedule make this a manageable way to see a lot without stress.

Who Should Consider This Tour

If you’re someone who prefers a packed itinerary and wants to see the highlights without planning each detail, this tour fits perfectly. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy cultural history combined with natural beauty. Because of the early start and busy schedule, it’s best for those who are comfortable with long days of walking and outdoor activity.

However, if you’re seeking a more relaxed pace or plan to explore each site in depth, you might find this tour a little hurried. It’s also worth noting that the tour is not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, but older children who enjoy walking and swimming could certainly join.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For about $95, this tour offers a solid value for those wanting a quick yet varied look at some of Cancun’s most popular sites. It’s ideal for travelers eager to tick off key attractions like Tulum and Coba, while also enjoying a cenote swim and a taste of Playa del Carmen’s lively atmosphere. The included buffet and drinks make it feel like a hassle-free day out, especially for those who dislike planning every detail.

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind an early start and a full day of activity. It’s especially appealing if you want a balanced mix of archaeology, nature, and city life—all in one trip. If you’re after a relaxed, in-depth exploration, you might want to consider other options, but for a quick, well-organized overview, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round transportation from Cancun is included, starting early in the morning.

Does the tour include a guide?
Yes, a certified guide will accompany you at Tulum, providing insights into the archaeology and culture.

Are meals included?
Yes, a regional buffet lunch is part of the tour, along with a drink during the meal and two drinks during transportation.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimsuit, towel, extra clothes, comfortable shoes, and a small backpack for personal belongings.

How long do we stay at each site?
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at Tulum, 1 hour at Coba, 1 hour at the cenote, and around 1 hour in Playa del Carmen.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed for families, older children who enjoy walking and swimming could join comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking at archaeological sites and the cenote, so mobility considerations should be kept in mind.

What is the government fee?
There’s a $32 USD government fee per person, payable during the tour.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 50 travelers, balancing group interaction with manageable size.

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Cancun region’s highlights, packed into a single, efficient day. It’s a good choice for curious travelers eager to experience history, nature, and culture with minimal fuss—and plenty of comfort.