¡Yucatán, All Aboard!
Family vacation at the Tulum ruins, on the beautiful turquoise Caribbean Sea.
A Family Adventure From Playa to the Pyramids
Ten days. Three cities. One unforgettable family getaway. What started as a short vacation to Cancun years ago quickly sparked a love affair with the Yucatán Peninsula. This time, our family of five was ready for more. More sunshine, more cultural gems, and more shared memories across Playa del Carmen, Holbox Island, and Mérida. Here's how it all went down—from beach strolls to ancient ruins, island magic to mind-bending theme parks.
Part 1: Playa del Carmen – Sand Between Our Toes and Street Food in Hand
Day 1 – Arrival + Unwind
We landed at Cancun International Airport and breezed through customs thanks to their automated passport scan system (a win when traveling with little ones!). From there, we drove down to Playa del Carmen, settling into a condo just a short walk from the beach and buzzing Calle 7. Surrounded by colorful shops, restaurants, and a nearby grocery store, we stocked up on breakfast staples and snacks for the kids. After a quick stroll through the town, we turned in early to recharge after the 4+ hour flight.
Day 2 – Sun, Sea & Street Eats
Our 6-year-old was up with the sun and ready for action. We kicked off the day at the beach, letting the Caribbean waves wake us up. After rinsing off the salt and sand, we wandered Calle 7 again, grabbed some lunch, and did a little shopping. The afternoon humidity hit hard, so we took a siesta before venturing back out in the evening for brick oven pizza and a frozen treat from Zo’zen Yogurt—a hit with the kids and adults alike!
Day 3 – Tulum Ruins + Ocean Dip
With a rental car in tow, we headed south to Tulum. The ancient ruins perched above turquoise waves are always a breathtaking sight. Since the tide was high, we couldn’t access the beach from the site—but we didn’t let that stop us. We booked a boat ride and took the teens out for a swim, spotting stingrays, fish, and even sea turtles. Back on shore, we reunited with my husband and son at a local beach club for lunch before returning to Playa.
Holbox Island – Bioluminescence & Beach Bliss
Day 4 – Island Vibes + Puppy Play
We hit the road again and ferried over to the laid-back island of Holbox. The fun began right at the dock, where UTVs (the island’s go-to ride) scooped us up for the ride to our beachfront hotel. With our toes in the sand and snacks from the nearest beach club, we spent the day swimming and lounging under the sun. Our friends even brought their dog, staying at a pet-friendly hotel just steps away.
That night, the town came alive with food vendors, music, and the glow of island charm. The highlight? A barefoot walk along the shore as the kids ran through bioluminescent waters, lighting up the night with every splash. Pure magic.
Dream it in Holbox Island
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Dream it in Holbox Island 〰️
Mérida – Stormy Skies, Colonial Charm
Day 5 – Hidden Oasis
After a scenic (and slightly stormy) road trip, we arrived in Mérida, nestled on the west side of the Yucatán. The city greeted us with colonial elegance and French-inspired architecture. Our Airbnb was a dream—high ceilings, a charming kitchen, and a private pool that became our sanctuary after a humid day.
Day 6 – City + Culture
We explored both the historic and modern sides of the city, including a carriage ride down Paseo de Montejo, visits to a natural history museum, and even an old mansion housing the oldest elevator in the Americas! The kids were captivated.
Day 7 – Ruins + Reunion
On this day, we set out to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a must for any first-time visit to the region. After soaking in the grandeur of the ruins, we made our way back to Playa del Carmen and reunited with our friends.
Bonus Days: Theme Parks & Thrills
Day 8 – Xcaret: Nature Meets Spectacle
We spent the entire day at Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park with over 50 attractions. From swimming in underground rivers and cenotes, to savoring authentic Mexican cuisine and watching their unforgettable nighttime show—this park has something for everyone. If you only visit one park, this is it.
Day 9 – Xenses: Mind Games & Mini Adventures
For something quirky and fun, we hit up Xenses, a half-day park full of optical illusions and playful experiences. It was our youngest’s favorite stop! Think children’s museum meets imagination playground. Afterward, the kids stayed in while the adults enjoyed a rare night out—dinner, laughter, and planning our next trip!
Final Thoughts
Ten days, three cities, and more memories than we can count. What made this trip so special wasn’t just the destinations—it was the joy of experiencing them as a family. Whether you're traveling with littles, teens, or a mix of both, the Yucatán has something magical for everyone.
🌞 Have you been to the Yucatán? What were your favorite stops? Drop them in the comments—we're already planning round three!
Horse drawn carriage ride in magical Merida.
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