100% customisable travel idea

A Mexican Adventure with the Family Mayan cities, cenotes and beaches in Yucatan

Mexico - Yucaten - Tulum - Valladolid - Merida

Mayan journey

From $3700 to $5400 per person for 12 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • Taking the children on a journey in the footsteps of the Maya; watching them marvel at the colours of the houses, the water and the fish
  • Beachfront rooms and colonial houses in town: staying in family-friendly accommodation
  • Snorkelling with turtles, a chocolate workshop, Merida uncovered.  All these highlights will appeal to everyone, and can be changed as much as you like!
  • Direct flights, rental car, portable Wi-Fi, on site Concierge, our personalised recommendations: the easy way to travel with kids
In Yucatan, you can dream of being a Mayan prince, a conquistador or an explorer. You can dive, swim, climb, and venture into the mangroves, the jungle, and the chapels of old churches. You come across whale sharks, sea turtles, ocellated turkeys and more. You travel from Spanish colonial towns to ancient Mayan cities, passing through charming seaside resorts along the Caribbean coast. There is something for everyone, whatever their tastes or age. With short distances, carefully planned stops, and well-chosen highlights, the suggested itinerary follows a gentle pace, ideal for travelling with the family. It opens with the Caribbean charm of Tulum, surrounded by jungle and beaches in Riviera Maya. Here you find wide stretches of fine sand, a calm, shallow turquoise sea, and activities for everyone. The coral reef is just off the coast so snorkelling is an obvious choice. Next, you head to Valladolid, a hidden gem and the beating heart of the Yucaten Peninsula. From your friendly posada, you are perfectly placed to explore this vibrant and colourful part of Mexico with its cenotes, those large pools of crystal-clear water that are one of the Yucatan’s natural highlights. Your final stop is in Merida, the state capital and gateway to the ancient Mayan cities of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, we've found you a small family-run hotel, steeped in a delightful colonial atmosphere. The family friendly nature of your accommodation, always featuring gardens, swimming pools and hammocks, is a common thread throughout the journey. By the water or in the heart of the cities, you will always have the space and privacy you need for travelling with little ones and restaurants to suit every taste. A great introduction to the vibrant flavours of Mexican food, bursting with colour like the country itself!  

Your journey

We know how important it is, when travelling with the family, not to have to worry about the travel arrangements. You want to focus on what matters most and get straight to the point. That is why we have already included some wonderful activities  in your itinerary. These include snorkelling to explore the vibrant marine life off the coast of Soliman Bay, a half-day adventure in the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, a xocoatl workshop (to learn about the Mayan chocolate drink), and a stroll through Merida with a local. These are set in stone. The rest of the time is yours to get off the beaten at the wheel of your rental car, extend your stay - perhaps on Isla Holbox - or add other activities to your itinerary. You could add in a manatee encounter, visiting the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, exploring the mangroves and lagoons by boat, or even stepping into the shoes of a Mexican luchador Finally, for any last-minute requests, our Concierge is just a phone call away to advise and assist you.

In Yucatan, the kids will love

Seeking shade under the palapas, the large parasols with roofs made of dried palm leaves; feasting on tortillas, grilled fish and chocolate sauce; diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea or the cooler cenotes; watching sea turtles; admiring the impressive gilded altarpieces in Mexican churches and more.
Vue de la pyramide d'Uxmal au coucher du soleil - Mexique © Vanille Mayé
Vue de la pyramide d'Uxmal au coucher du soleil - Mexique © Vanille Mayé
Chichen Itza - Mexique © Adriana Zehbrauskas/The New York Times/Redux-REA
Chichen Itza - Mexique © Adriana Zehbrauskas/The New York Times/Redux-REA
Valladolid - Mexique © Droits réservés
Valladolid - Mexique © Droits réservés
Valladolid - Mexique © Droits réservés
Valladolid - Mexique © Droits réservés
Mexique © Elias Manuel/Pexels
Mexique © Elias Manuel/Pexels
Valladolid - Mexique © Droits réservés
Valladolid - Mexique © Droits réservés
Yucatan - Mexique © Olivier Romano
Yucatan - Mexique © Olivier Romano
Tulum - Côte Caraïbe - Mexique © Droits réservés
Tulum - Côte Caraïbe - Mexique © Droits réservés
Yucatan - Mexique © Olivier Romano
Yucatan - Mexique © Olivier Romano
réserve de Sian Ka'an - Mexique © Olivier Romano
réserve de Sian Ka'an - Mexique © Olivier Romano
Yucatan - Mexique © Patryk Kosmider / Fotolia
Yucatan - Mexique © Patryk Kosmider / Fotolia
Tulum - Mexique © Faustine Poidevin
Tulum - Mexique © Faustine Poidevin
Baie d’Akumal - Mexique © Olivier Romano
Baie d’Akumal - Mexique © Olivier Romano
Yucatan - Mexique © Alexey Demidov/Unsplash
Yucatan - Mexique © Alexey Demidov/Unsplash
Quintana Roo - Mexique © Getty Images/iStockphoto
Quintana Roo - Mexique © Getty Images/iStockphoto

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Welcome at the airport, rental car pick-up, then drive to Tulum. Four-night stay on the edge of the jungle, by a beach that was once a fishermen’s hideout. The charming small accommodation still overlooks the boats, but these are now used to take visitors out to sea. From the beach, you can spot the ruins of the Maya site, which are easy to reach by car or by bike. To welcome guests there are three low buildings and small bungalows with palm-thatched roofs. Guests can relax in swaying hammocks on the terraces. Inside your room, you'll find two beds, bohemian décor featuring beautiful pieces of wood, sheer curtains, and colourful hand-crafted items. On the way to the beach, you can cool off in a small pool without leaving the hotel. The restaurant serves traditional, unpretentious Mexican cuisine . And, because you are away from Tulum’s hotel zone, you enjoy a surprisingly peaceful and family-friendly environment.

Turquoise sea, fine sandy beach, mild climate: it was only natural that Tulum - 1 hour and 30 minutes south of Cancún - would emerge from obscurity. The village has become a city. But rest assured, the Mayan ruins by the water are still there, as is the resilient iguana population and everything else that shapes the identity of this little Caribbean paradise. And, off the beaten track, Tulum still hides a few unexpected treasures…
Optional - The Chemuyil cenotes by bike.

Scheduled - snorkelling in Soliman Bay. The rich underwater wildlife makes snorkelling effortless here. Green turtles come to these waters to feed and breed. This offers memorable encounters, for children and parents alike. Equipped with masks and snorkels, everyone sets out to explore the seabed and admire the coral reefs.
Optional - Meeting the manatees.

Things to see and do - Explore the ruins of the ancient Maya city; venture into the jungle and swim in the crystal-clear waters of a cenote; laze on the beach or, for the more adventurous, try kitesurfing; photograph the famous wooden sculpture “Come to the Light” by South African artist Daniel Popper; admire the artworks and murals along the Holistika Art Walk in the heart of the jungle; travel through the mangroves and lagoons of the Sian Ka'an nature reserve in search of dolphins, turtles and crocodiles…
À la carte - Visit the Tulum archaeological site.

Drive to Valladolid, a small town in the heart of the Yucatán peninsula.
Already planned along the way - Maya ceremony, spider monkeys and cenote. Deep in the jungle, on the border between the state of Quintana Roo and Yucatán, Punta Laguna Reserve is a sanctuary for spider monkeys - but don’t worry, the comparison refers only to the remarkable length of their arms and legs. The day begins with a Mayan ceremony, followed by a visit to the reserve and the lagoon for a kayak ride - or, for the more adventurous, a zipline crossing - before a final refreshing stop in a crystal-clear cenote .
You move on to Valladolid, for a three-night stay at a small posada in the historic centre: a beautiful house, a lovely tree-filled garden, and a small pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. There are 16 spacious rooms. With white walls, wooden furniture and mosaics,, it feels as though little has changed since the time of the conquistadors. Your room is perfect for a family stay and opens onto a charming terrace. Special mention goes to the attentive welcome and the restaurant, which serves delicious Mexican specialities made from local market produce. 
Optional -  The Coba archaeological site on foot and by bicycle.

Valladolid was named after its Spanish namesake, then the capital of the Kingdom of Spain. This colonial town with its colourful streets lined with small shops, antique dealers and authentic cafes, is also the perfect base for exploring ancient Mayan cities - including some of the most remarkable. Discover Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá, as well as the jungle and the cenotes dotted throughout it.
Highlight - xocoatl workshop. Here, it's impossible to ignore cocoa. The Aztecs already drank it as xocoatl,mixed with various spices and sometimes chilli. Throughout this workshop, each stop - from roasting the beans to producing the cocoa powder - is explained, right up to the eagerly awaited moment when you taste your own xocoatl  , crafted by your own hands.
Optional -  Immerse yourself in the Maya community of Yalcoba or explore the archaeological sites of Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá.

Things to see and do - Admire the San Bernardino de Siena Convent; stroll around the Zócalo, the social heart of the city; share stories of your day’s adventures from the quirky benches in the park; walk to the Zaci cenote in the city centre; breathe in the scents of the central market; cycle to the Suytun cenote; swim in the clear waters of the Xkeken cenote or venture on to Tsukán...br />Optional -  The Chenxunan cenote in private; birdwatching at Río Lagartos.

Drive to Mérida and check in for three nights in the historic centre, facing Santa Lucía Park, just steps from the Peón Contreras Theatre and not far from the main square. Here, you enjoy a spacious room with a colonial feel, specially designed for families. It opens onto a flower-filled garden, featuring two fountains adorned with Talavera mosaics, and a large, sparkling pool surrounded by sun loungers and shaded hammocks—a delightful spot to relax and cool off.

Scheduled - Mérida in the footsteps of a local. Alberto, your guide for the day, dedicates his life to his two passions: lucha libre and his beloved city of Mérida. During this impromptu walk, tailored to everyone’s tastes and wishes, he is happy to answer questions and talk about life in Mexico and on the Yucatán Peninsula - past, present, and future.  
Optional - Step into the shoes of a Mexicanluchador ; visit the ancient Maya city of Uxmal.

Things to see and do - The Celestún bird sanctuary; the unmissable “yellow city” of Izamal, a small colonial gem; hammock weavers in Tixkokob; the Maya archaeological site of Aké and its intriguing road system; the X’Batun cenote, open to the sky and ideal for a refreshing swim; the convent route - along with monasteries, colleges and missions - which today form the great colonial and baroque heritage of Mexico: Tecoh, Chumayel and Arachide

Drive to Cancún, return the rental car at the airport, then take your direct flight home. Night on board, arrival the next day.

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

With a few more days: Isla Holbox

Setting foot on the shores of Isla Holbox - a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, right where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea - you enter a car-free island paradise where only the gentle hum of golf carts mingles with the constant murmur of the waves. The sandy streets, brightly coloured houses and palm trees on every corner set the tone for this timeless place, quite unlike anywhere else in Mexico.

Manatee encounter

Less well-known than dolphins, these remarkable, gentle marine mammals - sirenians rather than cetaceans - are nonetheless just as impressive. Seeing them in their natural habitat, a shallow lagoon not far from Tulum, is truly extraordinary. It's an opportunity to learn more about this exclusively vegetarian animal and the efforts being made to protect it.



Chichen Itza, archaeological tour

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and home to the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid or El Castillo, one of Yucatan’s most iconic landmarks. This ancient Maya city still has many secrets left to reveal. Which makes having a guide all the more worthwhile!   Its origins and the presence of nearby cenotes, its enigmatic rise and fall: all this and more is explained over the course of a fun, fact-filled tour.

Birdwatching at Rio Lagartos

Diego and his team welcome you on board a lancha for a trip through this Biosphere Reserve bordered by deserted beaches. It’s a paradise for budding ornithologists, who have fun spotting flamingos, cormorants, pelicans, ibises, black-necked stilts, herons and egrets. Keep an eye out for crocodiles lurking in the shallow waters too.

In the shoes of a Mexican luchador

Alberto, a former professional wrestler who has competed against Mexico’s greatest gladiators, invites you into the world of lucha libre. At his home, in his den in Merida, you step into the ring - where he has trained several legends of this spectacular sport - for a lively training session.

Why visit Mexico with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Mexico

  • Globally unique concierge service
  • Wi-Fi: 1 GB/day included
  • Gourmet Voyageurs
  • Adjust your trip while travelling
  • 24-hour assistance
  • CO2 absorption

Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Based on 2 adults and 2 children
The estimated budget for this trip is $3,700 to $5,400 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $4,600 per person

Included in this suggestion

  • Direct international flights
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Car rental for ten days
  • Four nights in Tulum, in a family room, breakfast included
  • Three nights in Valladolid, in a family room, breakfast included
  • Three nights in Merida, in a family room, breakfast included
  • Snorkelling trip in Soliman Bay, with a private instructor
  • Chocolate and  xocoatl workshop, with an instructor 
  • Private tour of Merida with a local guide
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Wi-Fi access during your trip: an international mini router or eSIM allowing you to connect your various devices (phones, tablets, computers)
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
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