Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Family Adventure on the Yucatan Peninsula Mayan Cities and Yucatan Beaches
Mexico – Yucatan Peninsula – Tulum – Valladolid – Merida
Beginning in Tulum on the Riviera Maya, spend your days on the beach, in the water and discovering nearby cenotes and coastal ruins. From here, travel inland to Valladolid, a small colonial town ideal for visiting Chichen Itza and cooling off in natural swimming holes hidden in the jungle. Your journey concludes in Merida, the cultural capital of the region, where colourful streets, lively plazas, and traditional crafts offer a glimpse into everyday life in the Yucatan. From guided experiences and long drives through the jungle to memorable stops and moments to relax, this family adventure is an easy, engaging way to explore one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions together.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine: your Mexican family adventure starts today. Head to the airport and enjoy some nibbles in the airport lounge before boarding your flight to Cancun. The journey will take about 11 hours, but don’t worry: we’ll provide tailored family fun packs to keep the little ones entertained.
On arrival in Cancun, collect your hire car and set off south towards Tulum, an easy two-hour drive along the coast. It’ll be late afternoon by the time you arrive, so check into your base for the next four nights and spend the rest of the evening settling in, relaxing and enjoying a tasty Mexican meal in the hotel restaurant.
Spend the next few days discovering Tulum at your own pace. This much-loved stretch of the Riviera Maya is known for its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters, but it still retains plenty of character, from the iguanas basking near the ruins to the quieter corners away from the centre.
Time on the water here is especially rewarding, so we’ve arranged a snorkelling trip in nearby Soliman Bay. Mask up and dive down for the chance to explore coral reefs and spot green sea turtles, an unforgettable experience for both children and adults alike.
Other days can be as active or relaxed as you like: cycling to hidden cenotes, exploring mangroves and lagoons in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, wandering jungle art trails, or simply settling into beach life. If you’re travelling with a few budding historians, Tulum’s clifftop archaeological site is an obvious highlight, easily reached by car or bicycle; if your little ones prefer a little more action and adventure, head inland to the jungle for a dip in the crystal-clear cenotes.
Today, leave the coast behind and drive one-and-a-half hours inland to Valladolid, a small colonial city in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. Before you get there, however, stop at Punta Laguna, a jungle reserve on the border between Quintana Roo and Yucatan.
This protected nature reserve is known for its population of spider monkeys, but before you let the little ones rush off to find them, you’ll be treated to a traditional Mayan ceremony for a taste of the local history and culture. You’ll also have time to explore the lagoon by kayak (or zipline for those feeling adventurous), before enjoying a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote hidden deep in the jungle.
Once the youngsters are suitably worn out, bundle them back into the car and set the sat nav for Valladolid. Once you arrive, settle in for three nights in the historic centre before enjoying a tasty Mexican meal and a good night’s sleep.
Valladolid is a lively colonial town, boasting colourful streets, local cafés, and a historic central square. If your little ones are amateur explorers, you’re in luck: it’s also set near some of the Yucatan’s most important Mayan sites, making it an ideal base for excursions to landmarks such as Chichen Itza or Ek’ Balam.
It’s no secret that children love chocolate, so we’ve arranged a hands-on cacao workshop that traces the journey from roasted beans to the traditional Aztec drink xocoatl (with plenty of tasting along the way, of course).
The rest of your time here can be shaped around your interests, whether that’s wandering the market, cycling to nearby cenotes, bird watching in the nearby Rio Lagartos Biosphere reserve or simply enjoying the slower rhythm of this inland town.
Today, bundle the children into the car and drive almost two hours west to Merida, the cultural capital of the Yucatan, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights.
To help you get your bearings, head out to discover Merida with a local guide. Explore the city at an easy pace, dipping into vibrant neighbourhoods and markets, while learning about everyday life in the region. Your guide will also be happy to answer any burning questions, whether you’re interested in Mayan history or modern Mexico.
We’ve left the rest of your time in Merida free for you to enjoy some family time, whether venturing out to nearby archaeological sites such as Uxmal, swimming in open-air cenotes, or heading further afield to colonial towns and nature reserves.
Fancy learning a little more about the local culture? Why not take the little ones for an introduction to lucha libre, the iconic Mexican wrestling style defined by colourful masks. If you’d prefer something a little more gentle, Merida also makes a great base for day trips across the wider Yucatan, from traditional weaving villages like Tixkokob to the iconic ‘yellow city’ of Izamal.
It’s time to wave goodbye to Mexico today, so after one last tasty breakfast, drive just over three hours to Cancun Airport. After you’ve dropped off your hire car and enjoyed a final drink in the lounge, board your direct overnight flight home. The journey will take around nine-and-a-half hours, and you’ll arrive back in the UK the following day, relaxed, well-travelled, and ready for the next adventure.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
WITH A FEW MORE DAYS… DISCOVER ISLA HOLBOX
If you’ve got a little more time to spare, why not spend a few days on a beautiful and secluded island? Set just off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a true island paradise: think no cars, crystal-clear waters and sprawling sandy stretches, perfect for adults and little ones alike.DISCOVER CHICHEN ITZA
Travelling with a budding historian? Head out to discover Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, set less than an hour from Valladolid. On this tour, visit the iconic Temple of Kukulkan (or El Castillo), the centrepiece of Chichen Itza, alongside an expert guide. Along the way, you’ll learn all about the history of this ancient Mayan city, which thrived between 600 and 1200.BIRD WATCHING IN RIO LAGARTOS
Located north of Valladolid, the Rio Lagartos Peninsula is home to one of Mexico’s most important bird sanctuaries. Alongside an expert guide, head out on a boat to explore the reserve’s diverse ecosystems and learn about the wildlife that lives here. Entertain the little ones with an epic game of I-Spy, keeping your eyes peeled for flamingos, pelicans and even the occasional crocodile.ALL ABOUT LUCHA LIBRE
Lucha libre is a Mexican wrestling style characterised by colourful masks and dramatic manoeuvres. On this tour, you’ll meet a former luchador, who’ll tell you all about his experiences training famous wrestlers and introduce you to the secrets of the sport. Once you’ve been given a demonstration, it’s time for the whole family to get in the ring for a fun (and child-friendly) lucha libre match.
Why visit Mexico with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Mexico
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
