5×1 Tour: Tulum Coba Cenote Mayan Village and Playa del Carmen

An Honest Look at the 5×1 Tour: Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Mayan Village, and Playa del Carmen

If you’re planning a trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya and want to see a good chunk of what this vibrant region offers, the 5×1 Tour promises a full day packed with archaeological sites, natural wonders, and local culture — all for $65 per person. It’s a popular choice, often booked 19 days in advance, which suggests many travelers find good value in this package.

We’re here to give you a clear picture of what you can expect—beyond the glossy brochure promises. Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its comprehensive itinerary—covering two major Mayan ruins, a cenote swim, and a walk through a traditional village—and its affordable price point that combines multiple experiences in one day.

However, it’s worth noting that the duration can be quite long—around 8 hours—and some travelers have expressed concerns about the organization and guide language. This tour is best suited for those eager to pack in a lot of sights and don’t mind a busy schedule, especially if you’re interested in a bargain-friendly adventure. If you enjoy cultural sites, natural swimming spots, and lively shopping, this tour could be a good fit.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines archaeological sites, cenote swimming, and a lively city walk.
• Affordable value: At $65, it includes transportation, entry fees, and a buffet lunch.
• Long day, full sights: Expect 8 hours of activity, with some reviews citing a lengthy schedule.
• Guided tours: Certified guides offer historical insights, but language consistency can vary.
• Natural highlight: Cenote Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot provides a refreshing swim in stunning surroundings.
• Group size: Usually up to 45 travelers, which can influence the intimacy and flexibility of the experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Tulum Archaeological Site

Your day begins with a visit to Tulum, the iconic cliffside ruin with spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea. The included tickets and guided tour ensure you get meaningful explanations about the site’s significance. We loved the way the guide shared stories about the Mayan civilization while pointing out the most photogenic spots—ideal for selfies and memorable photos.

Expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes here, which is enough to appreciate the main structures without feeling rushed. The reviews indicate that the guides are knowledgeable, though some travelers noted that the guide spoke mostly in Spanish, which might be disappointing if you’re looking for a bilingual experience. Still, the visuals and the setting speak for themselves, offering a picture-perfect start to your day.

Lunch Break at Coba

Next, you’ll stop at the Coba Restaurant for a buffet lunch featuring regional Mexican cuisine. This is a good chance to rest your legs and enjoy some local flavors. The included meal is a highlight for many travelers, providing energy for the afternoon.

Coba Archaeological Site

After lunch, it’s time for a guided visit to Coba, one of the largest ancient Maya cities. Here, many visitors are drawn to the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which is climbable and offers a panoramic view over the jungle. Climbing this tallest pyramid in the Yucatán is often a memorable part of the trip, and you’ll have about 45 minutes to explore.

This site offers a different vibe from Tulum—more jungle, fewer crowds—but equally impressive ruins, with some reviews noting that the history here is fascinating to learn about. As one reviewer mentioned, the site allows you to see the scale of Mayan civilization during its peak.

Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida

In the late afternoon, you’ll visit Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida, the bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and bars. Here, you get about 45 minutes of free time to wander, shop, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Many travelers enjoy this break, especially those wanting to pick up souvenirs or just people-watch from a sidewalk cafe.

Some reviews mention that this stop is more about leisure than sightseeing, but it’s a good way to experience local life and the energetic vibe of this beach town.

Cenote Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot

The final highlight is a swim in Cenote Muul’Ichi Ts’ono’ot, a stunning natural cenote with clear, refreshing waters. Expect around 1 hour and 30 minutes here, which is ample time to take a dip, snap photos of the stunning cave formations, or simply relax in the cool water. Life jackets are available, making it accessible to all swimming levels.

Many travelers consider this the most refreshing part of the tour—an authentic natural wonder that offers a break from the busy archaeological sites.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers many essentials: air-conditioned transportation, admission to Tulum and Coba, cenote entry, and a buffet lunch. The guides are certified, which adds credibility and insight to the experience.

However, travelers should budget for tips and possibly souvenirs. Also, note that there’s a $30 Maya culture conservation fee for the Tulum site, payable in cash. Drinks are included during the bus ride, on the archaeological sites, and at lunch if you opt for the VIP beverage package. You might want to bring extra cash if you plan to buy souvenirs at Playa del Carmen or the village.

Transportation & Group Dynamics

Expect a comfortable air-conditioned bus, but note that some reviews mention issues like a lack of Wi-Fi or longer-than-anticipated travel times. The group size is usually up to 45 people, which can make the experience lively but less intimate than smaller tours.

Duration and Pacing

This is an all-day event—around 8 hours — so be prepared for a full schedule. Some reviews suggest it ends late at night, around midnight, especially if you include travel time back to your hotel.

Insights from Travelers’ Feedback

Many guests—like Gregory—appreciated the knowledgeable guides, though some, like Cristina, felt that the guide’s language was mostly Spanish, which limited their understanding. Meanwhile, others praised the organized transportation and well-maintained bus.

A few reviews express frustration with unexpected fees or the length of the day, but most agree that the highlights—particularly the stunning views at Tulum and Coba and the cenote swim—are memorable. One traveler enjoyed the local flavors during lunch, emphasizing how the food complements the culture.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour for?

This tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of the Riviera Maya’s highlights at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see major archaeological sites without spending a fortune or booking multiple tours. Nature lovers will enjoy the cenote swim, while shopping enthusiasts can relax on Quinta Avenida before heading back.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or small-group personalization, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re not comfortable with a long day on a bus or with guides speaking mostly in Spanish, you might want to consider other options.

This tour strikes a good balance between cost and experience, offering a solid introduction to Mayan culture, stunning scenery, and lively local life.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, making logistics one less thing to worry about.

How long will I be on the bus?
You should expect around 8 hours total, including travel time to and from your hotel, with some reviews noting the day ending late.

Are the archaeological sites included in the price?
Yes, admission to Tulum and Coba archaeological sites is included, along with the cenote fee.

What should I bring for the cenote swim?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and possibly a waterproof camera if you want to take pictures underwater. Life jackets are provided.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have some free time in Playa del Carmen to shop, and there’s also a Mayan village where you can purchase handmade crafts.

Is there a fee for the Tulum site?
Yes, there’s a $30 fee per person for the Maya culture conservation fee, payable in cash.

This tour combines the highlights of the Riviera Maya for a price that appeals to budget-conscious travelers who want a full day of cultural and natural experiences. With its mix of ruins, cenote swimming, and lively town visits, it offers a well-rounded taste of the region—perfect for first-timers or those wanting to see as much as possible in one day.