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

Akumal is renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystalline lagoon which acts as the ultimate natural swimming pool. Try your hand at diving, and little ones can learn how to snorkel and explore the rich diversity of marine flora and fauna that lies beneath the waves. Green turtles are something to keep your eyes peeled for as they feed and reproduce in the area; seeing these majestic creatures is definitely something to add to the bucket list.

While in Akumal, you’ll be taken to Tulum for a private archaeological tour of its iconic ruins perched overlooking the sublime turquoise waters below. Little ones will love learning about the Mayan civilisation’s history, archaeology and architecture, as well as daily life and culture. These structures have stood for over 800 years, so even the least enthusiastic of teenagers is bound to be impressed. For even more archaeology, we can organise a tour of the Muyil Archaeological site and the Sian Ka’an Reserve.

Spend the rest of your time in Akumal exploring and taking a dip in different cenotes (rumoured to have been formed by the same meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs) or head into the hinterland for some cycling or riding – a bit of adventure to balance out the relaxation.

You’ll wave goodbye to Akumal today and drive one-hour-and-45-minutes to Valladolid, a small town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, with a colourful, bustling Mexican atmosphere. Enjoy a two-night stay in a charming posada in the historic centre, which is the ultimate starting point for your guided city tour. Venture out with your guide where they will show you the church of San Cervacio o Gervasio, the Francisco Canton Rosado Park and the Zaci cenote.

A visit to Chichen Itza at sunrise is also on the cards while you’re in Valladolid. Beat the crowds and the heat as you take in the ancient Mayan city at its most atmospheric, as the sun shrouds the ruins in a golden glow. Although the younger travellers might not thank you for the early morning, the promise of a dip in a crystal-clear cenote may win them over, as the ever-warming sun leaves you looking for somewhere to cool off.

Tixkokob is on the agenda today, nestled in the Merida region, where you'll stay for four nights in a quiet, charming hacienda or a beautifully quaint ranch. As you drive along the jungle-lined road, get the youngsters to keep their eyes peeled for Mayan ruins and local villages that you can stop off at along the way. Spend the evening lounging by the pool or heading out on foot to walk off your journey and explore the hotel’s stunning surroundings.

Tixkokob is brimming with things to do and see, and over the next few days you’ll get to make the most of being in this history-filled municipality. Mérida is a must-stop spot; with its historic centre and bustling restaurants, it is the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. We have organised an adrenaline-fuelled afternoon of wrestling watching. These events are renowned for their colourful masks and costumes, and are a great evening of entertainment for the whole family.

Nearby, you may fancy stopping by the Celestun Bird Sanctuary, golden Izamal, a workshop where local weavers make hammocks, the Mayan archaeological site of Ake, and the various monasteries that are dotted throughout the municipality.

While you’re in Tixkokob we can also arrange for you to spend a day exploring with a 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, and not far from the village there are two temples, with frescoes which are considered to be among the most important in the area.

Finally, we’ve arranged for you to take a family-oriented tour of Uxmal’s Mayan pyramids and ancient ruins. As a UNESCO-recognised site and the second-most visited archaeological site in Mexico, Uxmal is great for explorers and history lovers of all ages. End the day (when legs are inevitably weary) with yet another delightful dip in a postcard-perfect cenote to wash away the end of holiday blues.