8 Days • 7 Nights
Mexico Family Adventure: Pyramids, Cenotes & Caribbean
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Climbing around the towering pyramids of Teotihuacan is a thrilling highlight for all ages. Just outside Mexico City rise the awe-inspiring pyramids of Teotihuacan, the ancient City of the Gods, and exploring them is a thrill for children and parents alike. You walk the grand Avenue of the Dead, flanked by temples, and stand before the mighty Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, imagining the vast city that once thrived here, with your guide bringing the gods, warriors and daily life of the ancient Mexicans vividly and playfully to life. The scale and adventure are thrilling.
- The giant Olmec heads and Aztec Sun Stone of the Museum of Anthropology fascinate all ages. The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the world's greatest, and a treasure hunt for children, full of astonishing objects that bring ancient Mexico to life. Guided at a fun, family pace, you marvel at the colossal Olmec stone heads, the great Aztec Sun Stone, the treasures of the Maya and the feathered serpents of Teotihuacan, with stories of gods, kings and legends that captivate young imaginations. The wonders and stories are captivating. Marvelling at the giant Olmec heads.
- Swimming in magical jungle cenotes is a wonderful, refreshing highlight for the whole family. The Yucatan's cenotes, natural limestone sinkholes filled with astonishingly clear, cool water, are pure magic for families. You swim together in beautiful cenotes, from open pools ringed by jungle to caverns hung with roots and light where fish glide through crystal water, wonderfully refreshing in the heat and endlessly fun, with the thrill of jumping, swimming and snorkelling in these enchanted natural pools. The beauty and fun are magical. Swimming together in the clear, cool, turquoise waters of the Yucatan's magical jungle cenotes.
- Snorkelling with turtles and tropical fish on the Caribbean reef is a magical highlight for children. The warm, clear Caribbean and the world's second-largest reef are a wonderland for young snorkellers. In the calm, shallow bay of Akumal, whose name means place of the turtles, the whole family can snorkel among gentle green sea turtles grazing on the sea grass, and above the coral reef alive with dazzlingly colourful tropical fish and rays, a safe, gentle and utterly magical wildlife encounter. The gentle wildlife and warm water are magical. Snorkelling with gentle sea turtles and colourful tropical fish in the calm.
- The white beaches, eco-parks and Tulum ruins of the Riviera Maya are pure family fun. The Riviera Maya is a paradise for families, with powder-white beaches and warm, shallow turquoise sea perfect for children, plus fun-filled eco-parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha with underground rivers, wildlife and snorkelling. You relax on beautiful beaches, splash in the sea and pool, and visit the dramatic cliff-top Maya ruins of Tulum, where children can explore the temples above the sea and swim from the beach below. The fun and beauty are wonderful. Relaxing on the white beaches.
- Above all, this journey brings history, nature and adventure to life for the whole family in beautiful Mexico. Mexico is a wonderful family destination, and this journey is designed to delight all ages. Over eight days you climb around the pyramids of Teotihuacan, marvel at giant Olmec heads, drift along the canals of Xochimilco, explore Chichen Itza, swim in magical cenotes, snorkel with turtles, and relax on the beaches and eco-parks of the Riviera Maya, guided at a friendly, family pace. The combination of pyramids, cenotes, gentle wildlife, beaches and fun makes Mexico wonderful for families.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your family adventure through Mexico begins as your flight arrives at Mexico City International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your family-friendly hotel in the heart of the vibrant capital. Mexico is one of the most fun and fascinating countries for families, and its warmth and colour are felt at once. The city sits at high altitude, so take it easy today, settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps with a gentle first stroll and an early dinner. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces the whole family to the fun flavours of Mexican food, from tacos to fresh fruit and chocolate, and to the exciting journey ahead of pyramids, cenotes, turtles and beaches. As you settle in, the energy and warmth of Mexico work their magic on young and old. Rest well, ready for the pyramids of Teotihuacan tomorrow.
Today the whole family explores the towering pyramids of Teotihuacan and the colourful canals of Xochimilco. In the morning you journey to Teotihuacan, the ancient City of the Gods, walking the grand Avenue of the Dead and standing before the mighty Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, with your guide bringing the ancient city to life with stories of gods and warriors. In the afternoon you drift along the flower-decked canals of Xochimilco aboard a colourful trajinera boat, with music, food and laughter, a joyful and lively experience that children love. The pyramids and boats are thrilling. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, savour a fun family dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to the Caribbean coast and the Maya world of the Yucatan.
Today the family flies to the beautiful Caribbean coast of the Yucatan. After a relaxed morning, perhaps a quick visit to the giant Olmec heads and Aztec Sun Stone of the Museum of Anthropology, you transfer to the airport and fly to Cancun, where you are met and transferred to your family-friendly beach hotel on the Riviera Maya. You settle in and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the powder-white beach and swimming in the warm, shallow turquoise sea, a paradise for children. The flight and beach are exciting. As the day ends, the family unwinds on the beautiful coast. This evening, savour a relaxed beachside dinner as the children splash and play. Rest well on the beautiful Riviera Maya, ready for the wonder of Chichen Itza and magical cenotes tomorrow.
Today the family explores the wonder of Chichen Itza and swims in a magical cenote. You visit Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous Maya city, standing before the mighty stepped pyramid of El Castillo and exploring the great ball court, temples and sacred cenote, with your guide sharing the fascinating and playful stories of the ancient Maya, their games, gods and astronomy. Nearby, the whole family swims in a beautiful jungle cenote, its clear turquoise water pooling in a cavern hung with roots and light, wonderfully refreshing and fun. The wonder and refreshment are magical. As the day ends, you return to your beach hotel. This evening, savour a relaxed family dinner. Rest well on the beautiful coast, ready to snorkel with turtles tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys a magical day of gentle Caribbean wildlife. You visit the calm, shallow bay of Akumal, whose name means place of the turtles, and the whole family snorkels together among gentle green sea turtles grazing peacefully on the sea grass, and above the coral reef just offshore, alive with colourful tropical fish and rays, a safe, gentle and utterly magical wildlife encounter for children and parents alike. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on the beach and swimming. The gentle wildlife and warm water are magical. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, savour a relaxed beachside dinner as the children recount the turtles they saw. Rest well on the beautiful coast, ready for more beach fun and Tulum tomorrow.
Today the family explores the cliff-top ruins of Tulum and enjoys the beach. In the morning you visit the Maya ruins of Tulum, spectacularly perched on a cliff directly above the turquoise Caribbean, where children can explore the temples above the sea and spot iguanas basking on the stones, and you can swim from the idyllic beach below the ruins. The rest of the day is free for beach and pool fun, or an optional visit to a fun eco-park such as Xel-Ha or Xcaret, with underground rivers, snorkelling and wildlife. The ruins and beach fun are wonderful. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, savour a relaxed family dinner by the sea. Rest well on the beautiful coast, ready for a final beach day tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys a flexible final day on the beautiful Riviera Maya. You might simply relax on the powder-white beach and swim in the warm, shallow turquoise sea, build sandcastles and splash in the pool, or take an optional adventure, another eco-park, a snorkel trip to the reef, a swim in a new cenote, or a boat to the island of Cozumel. This flexible day is yours to savour the beach and reflect on the wonderful adventure the family has shared across Mexico. The beach and fun are idyllic. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a final family dinner by the Caribbean, sharing favourite memories of pyramids, cenotes and turtles. Rest well on the beautiful coast, ready for your departure tomorrow, full of happy memories.
After a final morning on the beautiful Riviera Maya, perhaps a last family swim in the turquoise sea or a splash in the pool, you are transferred to Cancun International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having shared a wonderful family adventure through Mexico, climbing the pyramids of Teotihuacan, marvelling at giant Olmec heads and the Sun Stone, drifting along the canals of Xochimilco, exploring the wonder of Chichen Itza, swimming in magical cenotes, snorkelling with gentle turtles at Akumal, and relaxing on the beaches and ruins of the Riviera Maya. The images stay vivid long after you land, the Pyramid of the Sun, the colourful trajineras, El Castillo, the sunlit cenote pools, the grazing turtles, and Tulum above the sea. Mexico offers adventure, nature, culture and beach fun for families in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this wonderful and welcoming land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums and reserves as per itinerary
- private touring with friendly expert guides, a Teotihuacan pyramids excursion, a Museum of Anthropology and Xochimilco visit, an internal flight to the Yucatan, a Chichen Itza and cenote excursion, an Akumal turtle snorkel, a Tulum ruins visit, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional eco-parks, spa and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities (including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and others) do not need a visa for tourist stays in Mexico of up to 180 days, receiving an entry permit on arrival; a passport valid for the length of your stay is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN); cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in cities and resorts, but carry cash (pesos) for markets, small towns, taxis, tips and rural sites. ATMs are widely available; US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but pesos give better value
- Best time to visit: The dry season from November to April is ideal across most of Mexico, with warm, sunny days perfect for archaeological sites, colonial cities and beaches; the rainy season (roughly June to September) brings warm afternoon showers but green landscapes and fewer crowds. Day of the Dead (late October to early November) and whale season (December to April in Baja) are special highlights
- Language & etiquette: Spanish is the language, and English is widely spoken in tourism, resorts and cities; a few words of Spanish are warmly appreciated. Mexicans are famously warm, courteous and hospitable; politeness, patience and a friendly greeting go a long way, and tipping (around 10 to 15 percent) is customary in restaurants
- Getting around: Touring is by comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide or driver, with some internal flights on longer journeys (for example between Mexico City, Oaxaca, the Yucatan and Baja) to save time over long distances. Roads are generally good on the main tourist routes, and we handle all transport and logistics
- Health & safety: We use trusted local guides and carefully chosen hotels and routes, and follow official guidance; the classic tourist regions covered here are well established and welcoming. Drink bottled or purified water, use sun protection and stay hydrated in the heat, and take the usual sensible precautions with valuables in busy markets and cities
- Altitude & climate: Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Cristobal and the central highlands sit at high altitude (Mexico City is around 2,240m), so take it easy on arrival and stay hydrated; days are warm and evenings can be cool, so bring layers. The Yucatan, Riviera Maya and coasts are hot and humid year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing
- Power & connectivity: Power is 120V with US-style flat type A and B plugs, so travellers from Europe and elsewhere should bring an adapter. Mobile coverage and wifi are good in cities and resorts. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes for the sites, and modest cover for churches
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is this family journey suitable for?
This journey suits families with children of almost any age, from young ones to teenagers. The pace is relaxed and family-friendly, the cenotes, beaches and turtle snorkelling are gentle and safe, and the pyramids and ruins are exciting and easy to explore. We choose family-friendly hotels, tailor the touring to your children's ages and interests, and can add or swap activities such as eco-parks, gentler days or extra beach time. It makes a safe, active and enriching adventure for the whole family.
Can you add a fun eco-park like Xcaret or Xel-Ha?
Yes, absolutely. The Riviera Maya has wonderful eco-parks such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor, with underground rivers, snorkelling, wildlife, cultural shows and gentle adventure, which children love. We can easily add a day at one of these to the itinerary, as well as other family activities such as a cenote adventure or a boat trip to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres. Just let us know your children's ages and interests, and we will tailor the perfect family adventure.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and some special meals such as a tasting in Oaxaca or a beachside dinner). Mexican cuisine is one of the world's greatest, from the moles and tlayudas of Oaxaca and the cochinita pibil of the Yucatan to street tacos, fresh seafood, mezcal and tequila, and we usually leave meals free so you can explore, recommending the best local restaurants, markets and cantinas at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guides and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Mexico's knowledgeable guides bring the pyramids, colonial cities, markets, cuisine and rich living culture vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit to the ruins, museums, cenotes and towns along the way.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Many nationalities, including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and others, do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days, receiving an entry permit on arrival. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and advise on the best option, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for the length of your stay is required, and we send full guidance before you travel.
Is Mexico safe to visit?
The classic tourist regions covered on our journeys, Mexico City's historic centre, the Yucatan and Riviera Maya, Oaxaca, Chiapas, the colonial highlands and Baja, are well established, welcoming and visited by millions each year. We use trusted local guides, carefully chosen hotels and sensible routes, monitor conditions and follow official guidance. As anywhere, we advise the usual sensible precautions with valuables, and the warmth of the Mexican welcome is one of the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from November to April is ideal across most of Mexico, with warm, sunny days perfect for the archaeological sites, colonial cities and beaches. The rainy season (June to September) brings warm afternoon showers, lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Special seasons include Day of the Dead in late October and early November, and grey-whale watching in Baja from December to April. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Mexico City, the Yucatan and Riviera Maya, Oaxaca, Chiapas, the colonial cities and Baja, add beach time, cooking classes, a mezcal or tequila experience, cenote swims or diving, extend or shorten the pace, and tailor the comfort and focus entirely to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the beautiful and varied landscapes and cultures of Mexico.
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