Family Adventure on the Yucatan Peninsula: Mayan Pyramids & Caribbean Coast

A stone's throw from your hotel, on the beach, you can swim, paddle, or just relax. Diving and snorkelling are popular activities throughout the area due to the rich diversity of the underwater fauna. Green turtles use these areas to feed and reproduce. These are memorable encounters for both parents and children alike. And, if a geology outing is your thing, the caves of Aktunchen are just a few miles from the hotel. You could also head into the hinterland to do some cycling or horseriding - a bit of adventure to balance out all that relaxation. You can explore different cenotes - underground turquoise water holes thought to have been formed by the same meteorite that wiped out dinosaurs. Included in the itinerary - a private site tour of Tulum, a wonderful combination of architecture and nature. The ancient Zama, 'city of dawn', originally had two functions: as a port and a ceremonial centre. The remains of this fortress dominate the sea from the top of the cliff - the view is amazing. Optional - Tour of the Muyil Archaeological site and the Sian Ka 'an Reserve.

Drive to Valladolid, a small town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, with a colourful Mexican atmosphere. Two-night stay in a charming posada in the historic centre: a beautiful hotel with a pretty wooded garden and a small swimming pool to cool off. The spacious and comfortable rooms are extended by balconies with hammocks. A short tour around the city allows for the discovery of the church of San Cervacio o Gervasio, the Francisco Canton Rosado park or the Zaci cenote. Optional - Visit Chichen Itza at sunrise.

Continue westward to Tixkokob, in the Merida region, where you'll stay for four nights in a quiet, charming hacienda. Alternately you could stay on a small farm which produces Henequen (a species of agave used especially in the manufacture of rope) and also has a cattle ranch. The estate, which dates from 1891, has been completely renovated without losing anything of the charm of days gone by. It now houses guests in ten bedrooms with private terraces (complete with a hammock for a siesta), all facing the swimming pool and garden.

Your hacienda is an ideal base for exploring the area, alternating cultural discoveries with swimming in cenotes. Must-see - Merida of course, its historic centre and restaurants - the Celestun bird sanctuary - the vital Izamal, a colonial treasure - the weavers making hammocks in Tixkokob - the Mayan archaeological site of Ake and its intriguing system of roads - the road of convents (but also monasteries, academies and missions) which today constitute the great colonial and baroque wealth of Mexico: Tecoh, Chumayel, Arachide... Already in the itinerary - a busy day trip with private guide. First head for the Mayan village of Acanceh, which has both pre and post-conquistador history on display. The 18th-century church was built on the platform of the main Mayan pyramid, part of which is still intact. Not far from the village there are two temples, with frescoes which are considered to be among the most important in the area. Then visit Mayapan, the last Mayan city occupied after the decline of Chichen Itza, and therefore the last bastion of Mayan civilisation. The day ends with a dip in a cenote.