When you’re planning a family vacation, it’s not uncommon to fall at the first hurdle. Choosing a destination to suit every family member is enough to trip up even the most organized of moms. Fear not, however, as there’s one country in particular that offers it all — sunshine, culture and adventure. Indeed, family holidays in Mexico have something for everyone. To help you plan your visit, here’s a brief guide to the best family vacation spots in Mexico for 2014.
The Mayan Riviera
Destinations of Choice
The Mayan Riviera is dotted with plenty of family-friendly accommodation options. If you’d prefer an all-inclusive resort, many cater specifically to families, with its kids’ clubs, babysitting services, waters sports and even wave pools. Cancun and Play del Carmen are the most popular towns among tourists, with more than their share of oceanfront hotels to choose from.
Another fantastic option is the quieter fishing village of Puerto Morelos. Only 20 minute from the Cancun Airport, it’s particularly popular with scuba divers and snorkelers. If you’re really hoping to get away from the tourist scene, keep on driving south down the Peninsula until you arrive in Xcalak. This small village is ideal for families wanting to create their own adventures on the secluded, pristine beaches of the Yucatan.
Seeing the sights
A family tour of the Mayan Riviera wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza built by the Mayan Civilization. One of the region’s most popular tourist destinations and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient dwelling is an incredible sight. If you happen to visit during the spring or autumn equinox, be sure to check out the ‘serpent of light’ crawling down the many steps of Chichen Itza’s El Castillo.
Another must-see attraction along the Mayan Riviera is the MUSA Underwater Museum in Cancun. A guided snorkeling or scuba diving tour of this unique underwater field of clay statues is a fascinating way to spend an afternoon.
The Beautiful West Coast
Destinations of choice
Over on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Acapulco is a top choice for families and is home to several resorts that are well equipped to entertain guests of all ages. Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, Acapulco was once a top destination for glamorous celebrities from Judy Garland to Elvis Presley. Whilst east coast gems Cancun and Playa del Carmen have taken over as the party capitals of Mexico, Acapulco has reinvented itself as a multifaceted adventure playground for families.
Alternatively, Ixtapa, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta are all gorgeous west coast resort towns, each with a plethora of attractions for kids and adults alike.
Getting active
If you’re up for an adventure, take the family on a zip line tour in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. There’s no better way to experience the region’s natural landscape than by flying through the trees of its tropical rainforests.
The Pacific Coast cities of Mexico are also filled with many cultural opportunities, including visiting the famous Capilla de la Paz (Chapel of Peace) in Acapulco and seeing a show at Mazatlán’s impressive Angela Peralta Theater.
So, if your family contains a mixture of adventure-seekers, culture vultures and beach bums, you can rest assured that Mexico has what it takes to please everyone.
Toni Patton
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