Beaches, Culture and Mayan Ruins: Family Fun on the Yucatan Peninsula

The next four days are yours to fill how you like. While you can’t beat lounging on the powdery white beach overlooking the tranquil ocean, there’s lots more to explore in the surrounding area. How about taking the children on a tour of the mystical cenotes? These natural sinkholes are perfect for splashing around in and many come with rope swings. Make sure to also check out other beautiful beaches along the stunning coastline, discover Tulum’s bustling downtown along with its ruins, and taste Yucatan specialities such as cochinita or pollo pibil (slow-roasted pork or chicken). Delicious.

While staying in Akumal, we can also arrange for you to enjoy a small group tour of the breathtaking Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve and the archaeological site of Muyil. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist, you’ll be guided through the thick green forest along an observational path set above the canopy of trees. Observe the rich flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve, soaking up the abundant natural beauty of the region. Who will be the first to spot some exotic wildlife? Look out for over 300 species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles and, if you’re lucky, pumas and jaguars. Next, snake your way through the lagoons of Muyil and Chunyaxche aboard a small boat heading to the ancient Mayan city of Muyil, nestled in the jungle. After exploring this archaeological wonder, continue traversing the diverse ecosystems by boat, including wetlands and an ancient Mayan canal.

Your itinerary also includes a snorkelling trip in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Akumal which are teeming with marine from tropical fish to sea turtles and rays. You’ll be supervised by an expert instructor, who’ll take you to the best spots to admire colourful coral reefs and the abundant seabed. The children will be begging to get their snorkel and goggles back on for another trip (it’s a good thing there’s time for one).

Today, you’ll be swapping the pristine beaches of the Yucatan’s east coast for the capital city of the state, Merida. After breakfast, if you can tear the children away from the water (good luck), it’s time to hit the road for the drive across the peninsula. This journey will take around three-and-a-half hours, so get our curated Mexico playlist blaring on the car’s speakers as you travel west.

Along the way, you’ll pass very close to the famous Mayan site of Chichen Itza, which we highly recommend making a stop at. Marvel at the feat of this large pre-Columbian city, before hitting the road once again. Your final destination is a beautifully restored 18th-century hacienda surrounded by four acres of lush garden, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy exploring the resort’s amenities (which include an Olympic-sized swimming pool). Come evening, dine on traditional Mexican fare in your hotel’s restaurant, or if you’ve got more energy, make the short drive to downtown Merida for dinner.

Rise and shine, you’ve got a full day of sightseeing ahead. Located around 50 miles (just over an hour’s drive) from Merida, the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal rises out of the jungle. A fine example of the Puuc style, its architecture is some of the most impressive in the state. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll tour majestic buildings like the Devin Pyramid, Nunnery Quadrangle and Governor’s Palace.

After marvelling at the ancient ruins, head to the nearby Cocoa Museum to learn all about the Mayan history of chocolate (edible souvenirs are a necessity). Your final pitstop of the excursion? The colourful Oxkutzcab market – the perfect place to peruse the plentiful fruit and vegetables grown in the surrounding area. It’s then time to sit down and enjoy a delicious Mayan meal in a local restaurant before your transfer back to the hotel.

Back at your accommodation, leave the children to play in the pool while you indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa. This evening, we recommend venturing into Merida for dinner – a city famous for having some of the best food in the country. Sample tasty street food or consult our Dossier for the best tried-and-tested eateries in this foodie haven.

Today, you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience: learning to wrestle with a luchador. Yes, you read that right. In a private session, you’ll be shown the ropes of this iconic Mexican sport by a former professional. It’s guaranteed fun for all the family and you’ll be taught in the very same ring where great figures such as Blue Panther, Black Shadow and Fisherman were trained. Don a colourful mask and adopt a characterful wrestling persona as you take on your family members. The winning wrestler gets to choose the lunch spot.

After an exciting morning of learning about Lucha Libre and refuelling with lunch, we recommend exploring the city. Embark on a walking tour of the historic downtown area, marvel at the colourful facades of palatial mansions, visit the Great Mayan World Museum, and experience the wonderful chaos of the Lucas de Galvez market. Make sure to feast on delicious Yucatan specialities this evening, from papadzules (tortillas in a pumpkin seed sauce) and sopa de lima (lime soup) to poc chuc (grilled meat). Return to your hotel for your final sleep in this vibrant city.

It’s on to the next leg of your holiday today, so pack up the car after breakfast and hit the road. Your next destination? The beautiful Isla Holbox. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Chiquila, where you’ll catch a 30-minute ferry ride to the island. Along the way, you’ll pass by many historical sites, so keep your eyes peeled for any photo opportunities. There are plenty of small villages en route too, perfect for making a pit stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.

When you arrive to this island paradise, make your way to the hotel where you’ll be spending the next four nights (lucky you). Settle into your elegant room which overlooks the lush garden, just a stone’s throw from the serene waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Once you’ve freshened up, we recommend heading straight to the beach to lounge on the pristine sand and take a dip in the impossibly clear water. Come dusk, enjoy the sensational and meander back to your hotel to dine in its excellent restaurant. Finish the night with a tipple or two in the beach bar (once the children are in bed, of course).

And relax… for the next three days are yours to indulge in this picture-perfect island. Enjoy walks along the soft sand and admire views over the ocean from a comfy hammock. Make the most of your hotel’s amenities, too, which include a beachside wellness spa. Hire bikes from your accommodation and discover the island on two wheels, cycling past colourful street murals and soaking up the bohemian atmosphere. Holbox is a car-free island, meaning it’s about as peaceful as it gets. Get out on the water on a paddleboard for an unforgettable experience (especially at sunset). And if the little ones fancy an adventure? Your hotel can organise a treasure hunt around the grounds. Make sure to have your fill of some classic Yucatan cuisine and consult our Dossier for the best recommendations.

We’ve also arranged a day boat trip to the nearby island of Cabo Cotche, which is just 15 miles away. Spend time discovering this semi-uninhabited, lushly vegetated island, as you fish, dive, snorkel or enjoy a gentle swim in the transparent turquoise waters. Refuel with a delicious lunch served onboard. Afterwards, keep your eyes peeled for a flash of flamingo pink as you head on to the beautiful Isla Pájaros and Isla Pasión. You’ll return to the hotel in time to relax in the stunning surroundings before dinner.