Playa del Carmen Ruins in Playacar: A Step Back in Time

I like these ruins. They have an air of mystery and authenticity that is rarely found in more famous ones, as they are not as popular and are surrounded by jungle.

Let's say you're visiting Playa del Carmen and want to visit some Mayan ruins. Still, you don't have time to visit famous sites like Chichen Itza, which is a few hours away, or Tulum.

In that case, the Playacar Mayan ruins are your best option. However, getting to them isn't as easy as it seems, as the ruins are located in the exclusive private neighborhood of Playacar, which means it is private property.

You probably won't be stopped at the neighborhood entrance if you look like a tourist, as many guests from nearby all-inclusive hotels like Riu and Sandos Playacar come and go on foot or by bicycle.

How Do I Get to the Playacar Mayan Ruins?

Next to the ferry terminal that takes you to Cozumel, there is a corridor that provides access to the beach of the exclusive residential complex of Playacar. From there, you walk approximately 10 minutes to reach the ruins.

To avoid dealing with security guards, you can access the ruins via the beach. Near the old ferry station for Cozumel and Señor Frogs, there’s a path that provides free access to Playacar beach.

Once there, you can walk along the coast for about 10 minutes until you reach the ruins. Remember that the sun and heat can be intense along the way during the day, but once you reach the ruins, you'll be sheltered by a lot of shade.

The ruins are lovely, and you can appreciate the sea from their location. Still, they are not as tall or spectacular as those in Coba or Chichen Itza. However, they offer an excellent opportunity to get close to Mayan ruins without paying a cent.

Entrance is free, and phone photos are generally allowed. However, using a professional camera for a photo shoot may attract security attention, potentially leading to requests to leave or pay a fee for permission.

What Is the History of the Playacar Ruins?

While this archaeological site in Playa del Carmen may not have the magnitude of the Tulum site, it is still a place with a lot of history and a well-kept secret of the city worth visiting.

The Xaman-Há ruins in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, are a Mayan archaeological site that dates back to the Classic and Postclassic periods.

The name "Xaman-Há," which means "waters of the north," indicates a connection to nearby water sources and the coast. This site served as an important commercial and religious center for the Mayans due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea.

It’s an interesting place to visit, as it has a more authentic, less touristy feel compared to sites like Chichen Itza or the Tulum ruins.

Surrounded by vegetation in the middle of the jungle, it’s easy to get carried away and feel transported back in time.

Does Playa del Carmen Have Ruins?

Located in the heart of the tourist area, just 10 minutes from Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen, you'll find the little-known Xaman-Há ruins, the only archaeological site near the city.

The only Playa del Carmen Mayan ruins you’ll find in the area are the Xaman-Há ruins, located in the exclusive Playacar residential complex, just a short distance from Fifth Avenue.

This site has been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists for years, especially since it's easy to access without the need for transportation or long trips.

You can reach it in two ways: through the main entrance, though there's a chance security guards may deny you access, or by walking along the beach, where you can enter near the Cozumel ferry terminal.

If you're visiting Playa del Carmen and want to explore more complete archaeological ruins, book your tour to Chichen Itza or Coba with us! We offer a variety of options at great prices—check out our tours and activities page.