The Complete Guide for Your Next Family Vacation in Mexico
Mexico is undoubtedly one of the most tourist destinations for families, mainly among the American and Canadian audiences looking for the perfect trip to the Caribbean. The combination of endless attractions and activities, many destinations not far away from each other, and hotels for the whole family certainly make Mexico an ideal destination for families looking to go on a vacation full of experiences together. However, a trip with the entire family can become a messy experience full of inconveniences, especially if it’s a family with relatively small children. Plan a family trip to Mexico right if you want to go on a family trip. That’s why we’re here! Here’s the complete guide for a family trip to Mexico.
Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the most central station in the Caribbean region of Mexico. Most of the tours and attractions depart from Playa del Carmen. Whether it’s day trips, going out for a fun day at one of the parks in Mexico, visiting cenotes, and more. All of these can be reached from Playa del Carmen. Most attraction companies also include round-trip transportation from the hotel, so you don’t have to worry about traveling to the site.
How to get to Playa del Carmen:
Playa del Carmen can be reached by any means of transport, whether by taxi, bus, or rental car.
• From Playa del Carmen – Cancun: one-hour drive
• From Playa del Carmen – Tulum: one hour drive
• From Playa del Carmen – Cozumel: 40 minutes by ferry
• From Playa del Carmen – Chiquila: 2.5 hours drive
• From Playa del Carmen – Bacalar Lagoon: 4 hours drive
• From Playa del Carmen – Chichen Itza: 2.5 hours drive
Attractions for Families in Playa del Carmen:
• Xcaret Park
• Xplor Park
• Xel-ha Park
• Playa del Carmen ATV tour
• Cenote tour – Casa Tortuga
• Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Tulum
• Swim with Dolphins – Cozumel, Maroma, Puerto Aventuras, Xelha Park
Click on the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Playa del Carmen.
Accommodation for Families in Playa del Carmen:
In Playa del Carmen, you can find everything from boutique hotels for families to luxury all-inclusive resorts on the sea. Our recommendation for families is to always stay near Fifth Avenue. This is the most accessible avenue in the city and where all the restaurants, bars, and shops are. Regarding budget, Playa del Carmen is considered a relatively convenient destination compared to the other main destinations in the region.
Recommended Hotels for Families in Playa del Carmen:
• Grand Hyatt
• Paradisus Playa Del Carmen
• Xcaret
• Hard Rock Rivera Maya
• The Fives Residences & Beach
• The Fives Downtown
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Playa del Carmen
Cozumel
The island of Cozumel is a destination characterized by many marine attractions for families, such as swimming with dolphins, diving, snorkeling, traveling to a secluded island (Isla Pasion), jet skis, flyboarding and a boat tour to the famous “El Cielo.” Many families rent a jeep and travel around the island. It is important to note after 7 pm, the locals close their businesses, and most tourists leave the island. And there aren’t too many places to go other than staying in the hotel.
How to get to Cozumel:
The only way to get to Cozumel Island is via the Playa del Carmen ferry (40 minutes). You can find the hours of the ferry on the Facebook pages of the two ferry companies:
Attractions for Families in Cozumel:
• Punta Sur Park Cozumel
• Swimming with Dolphins in Cozumel
• Flyboard Cozumel
• Passion Island Cozumel
• Jeeps and snorkeling in Cozumel
• El Cielo Cozumel
• Jet Skis in Cozumel
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Cozumel
Accommodation in Cozumel:
To enjoy Cozumel, sleeping in high-rated hotels with a beach and easy access to the best places for diving and snorkeling, and other attractions is recommended. However, it should be noted that most of the best hotels in Cozumel are not located in the downtown area.
Recommended Hotels for Families in Cozumel:
• Presidente InterContinental
• The Westin
• B Uniq
• Secrets Aura
• Cozumel Palace
• Fiesta Americana
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Cozumel.
Tulum
Tulum is considered one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. However, as a destination characterized by lively nightlife, beach parties, and beach clubs, Tulum mainly attracts the young crowd who come to party and party non-stop. When it comes to families, Tulum can be a slightly less attractive destination than the other main destinations. Also, regarding budget, Tulum is considered a relatively expensive destination, especially if you want to stay in the hotel strip area on the beach. Some families prefer to visit Tulum on a day trip from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. You can rent a car and travel independently or through one of the attraction companies that take trips to several attractions in Tulum.
How to get to Tulum:
Tulum can be reached by any means of transportation, whether by taxi, bus, or rental car.
• From Tulum – Playa del Carmen: one hour drive
• From Tulum – Cancun: two hours drive
• From Tulum – Chiquila: two and a half hours drive
• From Tulum – Bacalar Lagoon: 3 hours drive
Transportation in Tulum:
Unlike Playa del Carmen, where everything is relatively close, Tulum has a large distance between the city center and the beach. If you want to travel in the city, you must travel from place to place. Taxis in Tulum are not a cheap business at all! We recommend renting a car from Cancun or Playa del Carmen and traveling by car throughout your stay in Tulum.
Attractions for Families in Tulum:
• Day tour to Sian Ka’an
• Historical tour in Tulum
• Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal
• Xpu-Ha beach
• Chichen Itza
• Horse riding in the jungles
• Cenote tour – Casa Tortuga
• ATV in the jungle
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Tulum
Accommodation for Families in Tulum:
As we mentioned, Tulum is a destination more geared toward the adult crowd. Therefore, most of the considered hotels in Tulum are adults-only hotels. You won’t find many family hotels in the coastal area.
Recommended Hotels for Families in Tulum:
• La Zebra a Colibri Hotel
• Maya Tulum by G Hotel
• Aloft Tulum
• Ana Y Jose
• Alaya Tulum
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Tulum
Bacalar
Suppose you are looking for a destination where you can disconnect from all the hustle and bustle and go for a more intimate family experience. In that case, Bacalar is an excellent option. Bacalar has the famous Bacalar Lagoon, combining seven shades of blue and turquoise. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places you will see. Aside from the lagoon, you won’t find too much to do. You can go on a boat tour in the lagoon. You can go on a day trip from Playa del Carmen and return in the evening.
How to get to Bacalar Lagoon:
You can reach Bacalar by any means of transport. Whether by taxi, bus, or rental car, remember that Bacalar is the most distant destination among all the recommended destinations in the Caribbean. Especially for families, this is an important detail you must consider.
• From Playa del Carmen – Bacalar: 4 hours
• From Tulum – Bacalar: 3 hours
Accommodation for Families in Bacalar:
In Bacalar, you can find a lot of hotels and hostels. The most important thing is to find a place with a private beach on the lagoon. Please note that the hotels in Bacalar are not considered the highest-level hotels available. Therefore, if you arrive with a specific budget for the entire vacation, this is a destination where spending too much on accommodation is not recommended.
Attractions for Families in Bacalar:
• Boat tour in Bacalar Lagoon
• Tour of Los Rapidos in Bacalar
• Sunrise Paddleboard in Bacalar
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Bacalar
Recommended Hotels for Families in Bacalar:
• Mia Bacalar
• Akalki
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Bacalar
Holbox
Holbox Island is a small island located at the northernmost point of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island is in a relatively isolated spot, and that is what makes it so unique. Because it is a fairly remote destination, Holbox Island inspires an atmosphere of detachment and freedom from all the hustle and bustle. The island comprises several paths of sand (no roads) and a fantastic stretch of beach and crystal-green water that combines restaurants and hotels. You can enjoy the attractions in the area, such as horse riding, fishing, diving with whale sharks between May and September, and the glowing bioluminescence tour. Among many, it is considered a “must” destination. You can go there on a day trip from Playa del Carmen or Cancun and return in the evening.
How to get to Holbox:
To get to Holbox, you must first go to a small town called Chiquila. The only way to get to Holbox is via a ferry from Chiquila (30 minutes). The ferry times can be found here: Holbox ENO
Chiquila can be reached from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cancun by bus (of the ADO company), taxi, or Colectivo.
• From Playa del Carmen – to Chiquila: 2.5 hours
• From Cancun – to Chiquila: 2.5 hours
• From Tulum – to Chiquila: 2.5 hours
Attractions for Families in Holbox:
• The glowing bioluminescence tour in Holbox
• Horse riding tour in Holbox
• Boat tour of the three islands in Holbox
• Swimming with whale sharks (May-September)
• Fishing
• Sunset Paddleboard
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Holbox
Recommended Hotels for Families in Holbox:
• Hotel Villas Flamingos
• Mystique Holbox by Royalton
• Villas HM Palapas Del Mar
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Holbox
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small and quiet island located near Cancun. The beaches in Isla Mujeres are considered among the most beautiful in Mexico (especially on the northern coast). You can also find the promenade of the island, which is in the north area, and spend part of the day or evenings there with lots of shops, stalls, restaurants, and cafes. The island offers a variety of attractions: diving, snorkeling, renting a golf cart, and driving around the island, Garrafon Natural Reef Park (zipline above the water), a sea turtle farm, and a perfect massage experience on the north beach.
How to get to Isla Mujeres:
The only way to get to Isla Mujeres is through Cancun (Puerto Cancun/Punta Sam) by ferry (30 minutes). The ferry times can be found here: Ultramar Ferry.
Attractions for Families in Isla Mujeres:
• rental golf car
• Swimming with whale sharks (May-September)
• Sea turtle farm
• Diving the underwater art museum
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Isla Mujeres
Accommodation for Families in Isla Mujeres:
The most central area of the island is the northern coastal area. Most restaurants, cafes, bars, and stalls are concentrated there. Families who want to stay close to the center should look for a place to stay in the north coast area. However, since the island is relatively small, many families prefer to stay in slightly more remote areas and get around by renting a car or a golf cart.
Recommended Hotels for Families in Isla Mujeres:
• Mia Reef
• Izla
• Belo
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Isla Mujeres
Cancun
If you dream of a destination where you can rest and relax, Cancun is perfect for you. Cancun is the most visited destination in the Caribbean region of Mexico, with the most luxurious and highest quality hotels. The all-inclusive hotels in Cancun are adapted to families who come daily and provide an unforgettable experience for children and parents. You can “forget” a little about the children’s activities because the hotel has various restaurants and many activities adapted for children and families.
How to get to Cancun:
Cancun can be reached by any means of transportation, whether by taxi, bus, or rental car. In addition, the international airport is located in Cancun.
• From Cancun – to Isla Mujeres: half an hour by ferry
• From Cancun – to Playa del Carmen: one-hour drive
• From Cancun – to Tulum: two hours drive
Attractions for Families in Cancun:
• Jet skis in Cancun
• Swimming with dolphins in Cancun
• Xavage Park
• Xoximilco Park
• Sailing to Contoy Island
• Croco Cun Zoo
• Sailing to Isla Mujeres
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Attractions in Cancun
Accommodation for Families in Cancun:
Cancun has a wide variety of hotels and resorts to choose from. A natural paradise for families! If you come to Cancun, staying in all-inclusive hotels is recommended. These offer the highest level of service and the tastiest food, and usually, these are also the hotels in front of the most beautiful beaches of Mexico.
Recommended Hotels for Families in Cancun:
• Hyatt Ziva Cancun
• Grand Fiesta Ameriana Coral
• Fiesta Americana Condesa
• Grand Palladium (Playa Mujeres)
• Majetstic (Playa Mujeres)
• Seadust
• Wyndham Altra Cancun
• Hard Rock
•Royal Uno
• Hilton Cancun
• Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun
Click to go to the complete list – Recommended Hotels in Cancun
Transportation for the family in Mexico:
Because of the short distance between the destinations, getting around in Mexico is very convenient. You can go between the cities by any means of transport. A taxi or bus can be an excellent option for you. And the safest! If you want to be independent, you can rent a car to travel between the destinations. The islands can only be reached by ferries. Consider that the vehicle must remain in the ferry complex before boarding while you are arriving.
We are here for you!
Want to consult with a representative and receive assistance in planning your trip? Please leave your contact details, and our representative will get in touch with you. During the conversation, we will be happy to answer all the questions you have to prepare a suitable itinerary for your trip. You can book hotels, shuttles, attractions, day trips, and more with us.
For more information on the various destinations, click here. You can go on day trips to Bacalar Lagoon, the Pink Lakes, and Holbox Island through us. The trip leaves once a week from Playa del Carmen.
