Mexico getaways offer a great chance to combine resort amenities, beautiful beaches and seas, plus cultural interest such as Mayan history. The Mayan Riviera in particular offers this combo of all-inclusive resorts plus beach and coral reef plus Mayan ruins-- read more below about where to go. Or click on the All-INCLUSIVE RESORTS FOLDER for beach getaways in Cancun, Los Cabos, and other areas.
Cancun Vacation for Families
Holidays in Mexico offer a great chance to combine resort amenities, beautiful beaches and seas and coral reef, plus Mayan history. Many families stay at all-inclusive resorts with the convenience of all-included meals, drinks, snacks, kids programs, watersports and other activities.
Almost every all inclusive resort that welcomes families offers a kids' club, but often these are only for ages four to twelve. Read about resorts that have nurseries, baby clubs, or toddler programs.
Cancun, of course, is Mexico's tourist powerhouse, with a 25-kilometre Hotel Zone of double waterfront (ocean and lagoon). A number of all-inclusives here are popular with families. Xcaret, Tulum, and other Riviera Maya attractions can be reached as day-trips from Cancun.
The 130 km from Cancun south to Tulum offers popular resorts plus fun and fascinating activities: check out the highlights, down the coast from Puerto Morelos to Tulum.
Photos of Puerto Morelos, small town south of Cancun and north of Playa del Carmen. Great spot for snorkeling trips; all-inclusive nearby; villa rentals.
More about the Mayan Riviera: An A to Z list of popular beach resorts. Also: sign up for a free seven-day
newsletter about the Riviera Maya: tips about what to see and do, where to stay, how to get around...
Puerto Morelos remains a small pleasant town in the Riviera Maya, despite all the development along this coast; it's also an excellent center for snorkeling trips to the barrier reef.
This island -- known for underwater life-- is reached by a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya; read about kid-friendly activities on Cozumel.
Xcaret "eco-archeological" theme park -- on the Riviera Maya an hour south of Cancun-- has underground river swim; snorkeling lagoon; tube floats; dolphin experience; butterfly pavilion; Mayan village; great restaurants; and a dazzling night-time show.
For the road less traveled: "Costa Maya" refers to an area south of the Mayan Riviera, in the southernmost part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. A lengthy drive will earn you lovely uncrowded beaches, and your choice of ecotourism activities. Tourism is small-scale at present, except for a cruise port at Majahual.
This popular destination, on Mexico's west coast, has wonderful beaches, many all-inclusive resorts, an old town to explore, and a lingering famous association with with legendary lovers Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
Expect to hear more about the "Riviera Nayarit", an area north of popular tourist destination
Puerta Vallarta on Mexico's west (Pacific Ocean) coast. The Riviera Nayarit has beautiful beaches (beloved by surfers), lush tropical vegetation, canopy tours.
Whether you want to sightsee in one of Mexico's beautiful colonial cities or just head to the beach, About.com's Guide for Mexico Travel overviews top travel destinations.
About.com's Guide for on Mexico/Central America for Visitors site covers many areas of the country (which has much more than beaches!), and many aspects of planning a trip.
The Mayan Riviera, south of busy Cancun, is a top area for Mexico vacations, with coral reef, lagoons for snorkeling, Mayan ruins, and unique "eco- theme" parks.
Legions of North Americans take Mexico vacations in Quintana Roo without knowing it: this state in the Yucatan has the country's Caribbean coast, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, etc. (For all-inclusive resorts in these areas, see the folder above.)
