Date of publication 02/08/2018
Holidays in Mexico From Riviera Maya to Riviera Nayarit with the whole family
Nine big Mexican plans for the little ones
It’s a fact: the two most iconic coasts of Mexico are a paradise for families. Why? Because they offer nature, attractions, ruins, and countless activities seemingly designed to entertain everyone. Adding to these advantages are the Iberostar hotels in Mexico, top-quality resorts where children can enjoy animation programs and discover an amazing world. Meanwhile, parents have only two tasks: choose between all these plans and, every now and then, wipe away a tear of joy while watching their kids smile so much.
SNORKELING IN COZUMEL
The beaches and seabeds of Cozumel Island are the perfect setting for kids to begin exploring the underwater world and experience their first dives. Calm currents, playful fish, and stunning coral reefs turn its waters into a real-life 3D movie where children learn about marine life while understanding the importance of coexisting with animals and plants without disturbing their natural habitat.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers a 5-star All-Inclusive hotel on the island of Cozumel. The Iberostar Waves Cozumel hotel, located right on the beachfront, features 306 bungalow-style rooms in various categories, providing everything guests need to feel at home during their vacation.
CHICHÉN ITZÁ WITH A GUIDE
Exploring remains one of children’s favorite activities—so what could be better than discovering all the secrets of the great Mayan ruins with them? Among the many advantages of this complex, such as its proximity to the hotels in Riviera Maya and the wide range of services available, the highlight is that there are guided tours adapted for all types of visitors, including families, who can spend just an hour learning together about the most fascinating customs of this ancient civilization.
BY CATAMARAN TO ISLA MUJERES
Something as simple as renting bikes or hopping on a boat can make a vacation far more exciting for everyone—especially when the waters you’re sailing are the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the destination is Isla Mujeres. Located just 40 minutes from Cancún, this natural sanctuary is perfect for switching off and adding a catamaran cruise to your beach time.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers a luxurious resort in Cancún: the Iberostar Selection Cancún hotel, a 5-star All-Inclusive property in an unbeatable beachfront location.
SWIM WITH TURTLES IN AKUMAL
The first lesson that kids and adults alike will learn—almost without realizing it—is that Akumal means “place of turtles” in the Mayan language. After that, it’s time to meet them, swim alongside them, and learn how to enjoy them without disturbing them, with gentle strokes and small dives. The designated area for swimming with these friendly reptiles is clearly marked, ensuring safety for both the animals and the children in what is, without a doubt, a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
AN EVENING IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Beyond its stunning beaches, Playa del Carmen is a lively city that deserves more than just one afternoon. Its Fifth Avenue, though primarily a shopping street, is so full of energy and street entertainment that a stroll with kids turns into a fun-filled adventure. Additionally, the city offers attractions like the Mayan Museum, where little ones can continue learning about ancient traditions, and the 3D Museum of Wonders—a playful way to interact with art and explore mind-bending illusions (and yes, the word “illusion” always gets a laugh from the kids).
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts features two 5-star hotels in the Playa del Carmen area. Both the Iberostar Waves Tucán and the Iberostar Waves Quetzal hotels offer All-Inclusive accommodations.
OF CENOTES AND UNDERGROUND RIVERS
Looking for a truly fun paradise? You’ll find it in Yucatán. Here, parks like Aktun Chen or Selva Maya Eco Adventure turn trees and cenotes into exciting family attractions. Activities range from zip-line rides to expeditions through underground rivers, where boats and canoes let you sail between stalactites and explore stunning, photogenic pools.
SUP AND SURF IN RIVIERA NAYARIT
Riviera Nayarit has become the go-to destination for active families—the kind who can’t sit still in a hammock. Along this stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast, waves, pristine beaches, and lush jungles abound, all merging beautifully with the sea. In short, a true playground for everyone. Among the sports practiced here, surf and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) stand out, both offering classes and instructors for kids. It’s a unique opportunity for them to experience and better understand the surfing vibe of towns like San Blas and Sayulita.
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers a 5-star hotel in the Riviera Nayarit area. The distinctive architecture of the Iberostar Selection Playa Mita, an all-inclusive resort, makes it not only a new Iberostar destination but also a new and tempting opportunity for travelers.
FROM RANCH TO RANCH
The forests and jungles surrounding Riviera Nayarit remain almost untouched. Here, human presence is barely noticeable, and following its trails and streams connects children and adults with the most authentic side of Mexico. The most entertaining way to explore is on horseback, visiting the many ranches scattered throughout the region, all offering experienced guides and horses suited for every age. Along with the thrill of the ride, kids get a valuable, almost effortless lesson on what life was like on a true ranch south of the Rio Grande.
THE CONQUEST OF THE MARIETAS
Unlike Isla Mujeres, the excursion to this small archipelago off Punta de Mita has the added thrill of taking you to an uninhabited paradise. Well, almost—a few endemic birds and tropical fish are its only residents, making it an alluring destination for diving enthusiasts. Enjoy its pristine ecosystem, try your hand at scuba diving, or simply discover the hidden Playa Escondida—just a few of the unforgettable experiences this natural sanctuary has to offer. IR-RE-SIS-TI-BLE.