Inspiring Trip

Riviera Maya, the best Caribbean destination for families

The plural landscape and the profusion of activities, on land and at sea, make the region of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and surroundings a vacation paradise with the right to adventures, diving, culture and entertainment for all family

By Nathalia Hein

There are so many holiday references embedded in the collective imagination when talking about Riviera Maya, that it’s almost impossible not to project yourself there. Just close your eyes to visualize the turquoise blue sea delicately lapping the white sand under the sun, the parks, the leafy nature, the colorful drinks, the hotel structure, the neons of Cancun, the archaeological treasures, among many other attractions, to nail : this region of the Caribbean, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is synonymous with family vacations for many reasons, but mainly because it allows you to immerse yourself (literally) in many aspects of Mexican history, life and culture.

Truth be told: it is unlikely that another Caribbean region offers so many options and such a complete structure for traveling with children. But you need to know that this is a destination with many nuances, so you need to keep in mind which type of itinerary is most appropriate for your family. The best option is to divide the trip into two parts, half in Cancun and the other half in Playa del Carmen, which will give you two completely different views of the region.

Remember to avoid the months of July to November, when there is a possibility of hurricanes. Prefer the period between December and April, when the weather is firm and the temperature perfect for days at the beach.

Cancun: fun and excitement

Cancun will feature on any itinerary, even if the resort is not your final destination, as the city’s international airport (with direct flights from Brazil or connections via Miami or Panama, for example) is the gateway to the Riviera Maya.

It is worth knowing that Cancun serves as a base to visit several of the surrounding attractions, but that the experience will certainly be more hectic and less genuine. That’s because Cancun, whose fame as a summer resort dates back to the early 1970s, is vertical, cosmopolitan and made up of superlatives, starting with the sumptuous resorts that crowd the edge of the “Zona Hotelera”.

They are, in fact, an attraction in their own right, as many of the resorts are a destination in themselves, such is the amount of entertainment they offer their guests. At the northern tip of “7” – as the topography of the narrow and long peninsula of the place is known, separated from the mainland by a brackish lagoon – are the most pleasant hotels to enjoy the beach, a region where the sea is calmer. In addition, it is a good location for those who want to get to know the center, where the bars, nightclubs and various restaurants are located, many of them with funny mariachis who, with their typical clothes and big hats, perform during dinner and offer typical music. the tables.

In the heart of the “Zona Hotelera”, the Kempinski Hotel Cancun (formerly the Ritz-Carlton) is among the most luxurious accommodation options and will provide an exclusive experience in one of the most beautiful spots in the resort. Unlike most resorts in the area, it does not have an all-inclusive system, but it has several attractions, including two swimming pools, six restaurants, a kids club with sustainability programs for the little ones and a beach club. A frequent choice among families, the Paradisus by Meliá Cancun is a pyramid-shaped “giant” with a veritable universe within its structure. There are ten restaurants, including typical Mexican cuisine and an oriental one, a kids club and a wet area with pools and water slides. One of the city’s favorites, the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun has a contemporary style, repeating the decor of the brand’s music-themed bars-restaurants. It is a five-star all-inclusive hotel aimed at entertaining all ages. The Roxity Kids Club offers a different theme every day, taking the kids swimming, dancing, creating and diving. The Kidz Bop Experience, for children between 6 and 12 years old, invites the gang to create their own band, exploring their musical talents. Teenagers (and adults) are usually amazed by the “toys” at The Cavern Club, games room with bowling alley, electronic games, music class and lots of interactivity. Among the resort’s six restaurants, there’s even one serving Brazilian cuisine.

Once the hotel has been chosen (certainly, among so many, there is one made to measure for your family) all you have to do is enjoy the days between the crystalline sea – many hotels offer beach toys – and the urban program, which includes the charming La Isla, shopping outdoors on the edge of the Nichupté lagoon, where there are everything from designer stores to tents selling local handicrafts, as well as attractions such as the Interactive Aquarium or the Puerto Maya Cancun theme park, with boat trips, snorkeling and jungle excursions; one of the most popular attractions for anyone visiting Cancun. On the outskirts, it is worth embarking on a typical Mexican dinner at Señor Frog, with non-alcoholic drinks in fun glasses, or at the pleasant Crab House, on a deck over the lagoon.

Reserve a day for one of the most unforgettable tours of the trip: Isla Mujeres. There are ferries and fast boats (it takes between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on the vessel) that take you to the small island, where there is only one program: explore, without haste, and enjoy a lot. The best way to do this is to rent a golf cart (some people prefer to go by bike, but with younger children it can be quite tiring) and, with a map of the island in hand, stop from beach to beach: Playa Norte, which looks like a swimming pool, it is so calm. Over there, a good option is the Sunset Grill restaurant which, as the name implies, is scenic and a great option for snacks and drinks while the kids have fun on the sand. Another very fun alternative for the little ones – but that requires more hours – is the Garrafón Natural Park, where it is possible to do activities such as ziplining, snorkeling, kayaking, diving and even swimming with dolphins (extra charge – activity that can also be done in the Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres, one of the best known centers in the world for interacting with animals.

Playa del Carmen: mexican originality

After the urban Cancún, Playa del Carmen will appear as a balm of calm: your chance to experience a more genuine Mexico. Don’t expect, of course, an untouched paradise. The region has been part of the Riviera Maya tourist circuit for some time, but, although famous, it remains less urbanized, preserving a village atmosphere, even in the construction of the modern and luxurious hotels that have been installed there, as is the case of the impressive Rosewood Mayakoba. There, everything was designed to integrate guests into the local culture, including the rich program for children, which includes handcrafted productions of objects such as pinatas and regional “jewels”, and integrated programs between parents and children, all in an absolutely elegant environment. Another option with the same standards, the Grand Velas Riviera Maia has a lot of entertainment for children and teenagers, including “Olimpíadas”, kids menu in the six restaurants and several swimming pools. Hotel Xcaret has the very interesting proposal of being “All Parks, All Fun“, an all-inclusive with everything included, even transfers and food in the various parks of the same group!

In addition to these, there is, of course, a range of hotel options of different styles and standards, but one thing is certain: exploring the center of Playa del Carmen should be part of any schedule. It is on the outskirts of Quinta Avenue, a pedestrian-only street, that all the life of the resort takes place, whose climate is much more familiar, intimate and rustic than Cancún. There are restaurants, bars, shops of all kinds and a delicious climate to enjoy the sunset with a beautiful ice cream in hand. A moment to be grateful for the opportunity to be with family in such a special place.

Set aside a day to explore Cozumel, the island that, along with Cancun, helped make the Riviera Maya famous. The reason is simple: it is the region that holds the second largest barrier reef in the world, diving, exploration and contemplation of the most valuable points of the trip. Ferries leave every hour from the port of Playa del Carmen (several kiosks sell tickets on Quinta Avenida) and the idea is to spend the day and explore the tiny island. A great option for those traveling with the family, Chankanaab Park is a complex on the beach and has shows by sea lions, dolphins, manatees, a replica of a Hispanic village and a diving structure for those who want to explore the island’s surroundings by snorkel. or proceed to snorkel (with a tank) on the reef.

One of the most beautiful spots in the region, halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is well worth the trip. It is a fishing village that seems frozen in time, a stronghold of pure charm. From there, the little boats leave that take you to the reefs to dive or float (recommended program for children who already know how to swim). Another alternative is to enjoy the day on this beach full of seagulls and nothing but the blue and the sea breeze.

Although it is home to many beautiful beaches, several of them with trendy beach clubs, Playa del Carmen is also a starting point to learn more about the region’s past and understand the traces of the cultural heritage through the remaining and very well preserved archaeological sites. The most famous of them, Chichén Itzá, is about 3 hours away and can be a challenge with children, both due to the heat and the difficulty level of the tour. This is because the complex, considered one of the wonders of the modern world and capital of the Mayan people, requires walking and climbing. The best way to see it is to embark on a guided tour that will show you, step by step, the complex architecture, including the famous El Castillo (the famous Pyramid of Kukulcán, the holiest of temples).

Another important and impressive archaeological site, Tulum is closer (about 40 km from Playa) and brings together historical discoveries and dolce far niente by the sea, that is, ideal to do with children who will have doses of culture and fun in the right measure. . To get to the Mayan city, you can take a taxi, rent a car or embark on a tour. In any case, the sensation of reaching the place makes your jaw drop, with the ruins of Tulum (which means wall) facing the turquoise sea, a vision that forms an incredible contrast. The scenery is worth a family photo and a record forever in the heart.

On the same day, it is possible to discover another genuinely Mexican natural wealth: the cenotes. The Riviera Maya region is full of these small oases, actually “holes” where the fresh water of the rivers is dammed, forming delicious and cold “underground pools or rivers” (they were considered sacred springs by the Mayans). Cenote Azul, on the way to Tulum, deserves an unforgettable dive.