Day Tripping in the Yucatan Peninsula
Top 5 Things to do

Does all the unpacking and packing that comes with hotel hopping sound a bit daunting when you have kids in tow, but you still want to incorporate a sense of adventure in to your family holiday? In the Yucatan, you can stay in one lovely resort but take exciting day trips from your luxurious base camp; and if you need a day to just lounge by the tropical hotel pool, you can do that too! Here we outline some ideas for fun experiences easily done in a day without having to swap sundowner spots…

For the water-lovers…

Swim in the many underground rivers and cenotes that can be found inland or snorkel over The Mesoamerican – or Great Mayan – Barrier Reef, the most extensive system in the Western Hemisphere that stretches 700 miles south from the Yucatan. If you prefer to keep your hair dry, you can even even traverse the sea bed in a Sea Trek helmet (ages 8+). You won’t be disappointed by the variety of wildlife on offer either – come face to face with over 500 species of fish, four types of sea turtles, and one of the largest populations of manatees in the world!

For the thrill-seekers…

Less than an hour from Cancun is Xplore Adventure Park, where you can fly through the rainforest on the highest ziplines in the Riviera Maya and drive an amphibious vehicle through the jungle riverbeds and off-road trails. End your drive in an underground cave where you can paddle on a raft, swerving between stalagmites and maybe even taking a dip! There are facilities to freshen up and hammocks to rest in before you dive into an all-you-can-eat buffet of food inspired by local customs and ingredients.

For the culture-vultures…

Pyramids aren’t just for Egypt! Take a trip to Coba and you can climb the tallest one on the Yucatán Peninsula, Nohoch Muul. Before that, though, you’ll visit the infamous Tulum ruins to learn about Mayan culture and admire the archaeology of the temples and pyramids there.

For the lovers of pink!

Also perfect for the avid instagrammer, an excursion to Las Coloradas & Ria Lagartos involves sailing through wild mangroves, spotting crocodiles, flamingos, pelicans and eagles in their natural habitat and marvelling at the natural pink lakes there. If you’re curious about the rumoured anti-ageing and detoxifying properties of a Mayan bath, visit the mud mounds and find out for yourself! Lunch is then prepared for you by the villagers.

For the VIPs…

How many of you can say you have swum with the largest fish in the world? Well, here’s your chance! We can arrange the unique opportunity for a private snorkelling trip with the gentle giants of the ocean, the whale shark. Don’t worry, they only eat plankton!

If you’re more comfortable on feet than in flippers, then explore Chichen Itza at your own pace with a private tour! You can be one of the first to arrive, avoid the crowds and midday sun, and take the best pictures. If you do get too hot, why not cool off in one of the open sky cenotes in the ground? The trip also includes a visit to the colonial town of Valladolid, so you can meet the locals and get the authentic Mexican experience.

For a bit of everything…

Try a 3-in-1 Discovery Combo tour. This way you can pack snorkelling, archaeology and hiking into one day as you explore coral reefs of the Caribbean sea, visit the Tulum ruins and trek through the jungle to reach limestone caves where you can have a quick dip in a cenote!

Xcaret Park has more than 50 natural and cultural attractions for all ages, including the Butterfly Garden, the Equestrian Show and pre-Hispanic dances in the Mayan Village. In different areas of the park, you can spot jaguars, manatees. tapirs, spider monkeys and saraguato (also known as the Yucatan Black Howler).

About the author

Olivia Miller-Davis - Guest Blogger