Mexico trip | Family trip Yucatán Peninsula

Playa del Carmen, like the whole of the Riviera Maya, is a little slice of paradise on earth with white sandy beaches, an azure blue sea and swaying palm trees. The great thing about Playa del Carmen is that it has a cosy, lively town centre full of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are plenty of water sports on offer, making it a favourite holiday destination for divers, amongst others.
If you fancy getting out and about during your stay along the coast, the possibilities are virtually endless. There’s plenty to do in the area for young and old alike. Among other things, you can swim with dolphins or whale sharks (in the right season). There are a few parks, such as Xplor, Xel-Ha and Xcaret, which are great fun for families and where you can enjoy various activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, abseiling or ziplining. You can also go horse-riding or go on 4x4 excursions in the region. Furthermore, Playa del Carmen boasts a number of large, well-known clubs such as Coco Bongo and Señor Frog.
All these elements make Playa del Carmen a popular beach destination or the perfect way to round off a special tour of Mexico.

Located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's most popular holiday resorts. This 130-kilometre stretch of beautiful coast extends from the resort of Cancun in the north to the Mayan ruins of Tulum in the south. The area is known for its long white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The region also features world-class all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels. Besides seeking tranquillity, it is also possible to explore the jungle and local fishing villages. Those looking more for action can visit Playa del Carmen, a lively tourist town with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Popular activities in the area include snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, ziplining, horse riding and swimming in cenotes.

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Quintana Roo is a vibrant state on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, known for its striking landscapes and rich history. The region is famous for its pristine beaches with turquoise waters and white sand, alongside dense jungles that house ancient Mayan ruins such as Tulum and Cobá, where visitors can discover the remains of a mighty civilisation. Quintana Roo is also home to the second largest coral reef in the world, making it a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The bustling city of Cancun offers a lively urban contrast, with its resorts, entertainment venues and shopping, while Riviera Maya, stretching along the coast, combines luxury with nature through ecoparks and cenotes - natural sinkholes perfect for swimming. Whether exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve or immersing yourself in the cultural festivals of Playa de Carmen, Quintana Roo is a dynamic destination that combines natural beauty with a deep cultural heritage.

The Yucatán peninsula is a multifaceted gem in terms of dazzling travel destinations. Tucked away in the south-east corner of Mexico, it encompasses three Mexican states - Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Campeche - as well as parts of Belize and Guatemala. Entering this historic canvas, you encounter the eerie echoes of a rich Mayan heritage, seen in the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum. Along the Caribbean coast, translucent waters beckon with opportunities for snorkelling, diving and sun-drenched relaxation. Cenotes, enchanting natural sinkholes formed by collapsed cave systems, dot the landscape and invite refreshing swimming and cave exploration. Quintana Roo is in the spotlight as a tourist hotspot, home to Cancún, Tulum and Playa de Carmen, where pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife converge. In Mérida, the charming capital of the state of Yucatán, colonial architecture and bustling markets offer immersive cultural experiences.

The Maya site Chichen Itzá is best known for the large Maya pyramid at the centre of the complex. This pyramid is often considered one of the new wonders of the world and an absolute must-see for any visitor to the Yucatan Peninsula. We recommend arriving at the Mayan complex early to get ahead of the crowds and heat. It is possible to visit the complex on your own. If you prefer a guided tour, you can hire a guide after paying your entrance ticket. These are certified guides.

Mérida, also known as the ‘White City’ due to its whitewashed buildings, exudes a very relaxed atmosphere, and the wide avenues lined with colonial buildings have retained their authentic character well. Like most Spanish colonial cities, Mérida is built in a grid pattern around the central square. In the evenings and on Sundays, dance and music performances can be enjoyed outdoors in front of the town hall, the ‘Palacio Municipal’. The central square gradually fills up, and the locals not only showcase the best of local dance and music but also let you feel it.
To the north of the famous Calle 60, the ‘Paseo Montejo’ stretches for several kilometres. This avenue is also known as the ‘Champs-Élysées’ of Mérida and is lined with stylish mansions, most of which were built by Italian architects. At the end of this street stands the ‘Altar a la Patria’ (Altar to the Fatherland), a 20th-century monument designed by a Colombian architect. The monument features historical animals and figures alongside an eternal flame, symbolising Mexico’s independence.
Mérida, amongst other things, is known for its hammocks, which are available here in all colours and sizes. In Yucatán, Mexicans still use hammocks every day for sleeping. They are traditionally made from woven henequen, a plant that grows throughout Yucatán. Hats and bags are also made from this material. If you’re curious about how henequen is processed into rope and eventually turned into a hammock, then Hacienda Peón de Sotuta is well worth a visit.

For years, Campeche, a former Maya fishing village, was a favourite target for pirates due to its convenient location. As a result, the city was looted and destroyed several times. As a result, in the late 17th century the city was filled with defences like no other in Mexico. The thick ramparts, forts and bastions have stood the test of time well and today are recognised as important cultural heritage. Together with the baroque downtown full of lively colonial houses, they form the city's main attraction today.

A stay in Xpujil/Chicaná is particularly suitable because of the Mayan archaeological sites scattered throughout the surrounding area. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Xpujil ruin site which was built in the Rio Bec style and dates as far back as 400 BC. This small complex is a stone's throw from the Becán ruins and the ruins of Chicaná. From Chicaná, you can also decide to visit the jungle-hidden ruins of Calakmul.

You will head to coastal Tulum, where you can find the only, well-preserved Mayan city right by the sea. The complex is built on top of a cliff which offers spectacular views. In and around the small village of Tulum are a number of accommodations, many of which focus on ecotourism. In the main street you can find different types of restaurants where you can eat, among other things, lots of fresh fish in the form of 'ceviches'. This is raw fish in lemon juice which in Mexico often consists of seafood. As a seaside resort, however, Tulum is nowhere near as developed as Playa del Carmen or Cancun and still has an intimate character. In any case, the beaches are beautiful and are also known as the most beautiful of the Riviera Maya. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports enthusiasts as Mexico is great for snorkelling, diving, sailing and kayaking. Kite surfers can indulge at the Papaya Playa Project.