Last week we spent a week in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with our two kids (8 and 12) and our dog Penny. This was only our second international family trip, so we’re far from full-time travelers, but like our previous trip to Costa Rica, we wanted to share what we learned for anyone considering a similar getaway—especially if it’s your first time visiting Mexico. Below you’ll find answers to common questions, plus details on where we stayed, what we ate, and how we managed traveling with a pet.

No part of this trip was sponsored—we covered flights, lodging, food, and activities ourselves, partly using saved credit card points to book flights and accommodations.

Why Mexico?

After our family trip to Costa Rica in early 2020, we hoped international travel would become a regular part of life with kids. Then COVID interrupted those plans. This summer we finally felt ready to travel again and chose Mexico because it’s close, easy to reach, and full of the nature and wildlife we enjoy. Friends who had recently visited also recommended it. The food—a major draw for us—was exceptional. Fresh ceviche, seafood, and tacos were highlights on almost every meal.

Overall, Mexico felt very tourist-friendly, with plenty of lodging choices, activities, and warm, helpful people—from hosts to guides—who made the trip easy and enjoyable.

Where did you go in Mexico?

We spent six nights and split the trip between two Airbnbs in two nearby towns—Akumal and Tulum—so we could experience more of the region. We flew into Cancun and initially planned to stay in Tulum, but while searching we found a convenient, dog-friendly place in Akumal about 30 minutes north of Tulum. That turned out to be a happy accident because we fell in love with Akumal’s relaxed vibe.

Did you rent a car? What was driving like?

We rented a car through a major company at the Cancun airport and were very glad we did. Having our own vehicle gave us freedom and flexibility to explore, and driving felt comparable to the U.S. You must purchase local insurance because U.S. policies typically don’t cover Mexico. Watch for local quirks like abrupt speed bumps called “topes,” but otherwise roads and traffic felt manageable.

Was there a language barrier?

We know only basic Spanish, but that wasn’t a problem. Smiles, simple phrases, and gestures worked well. Many locals we interacted with—our Airbnb hosts, restaurant staff, and our snorkel guide—spoke English, and we enjoyed practicing Spanish in shops and markets. We also used a translation app occasionally for menu items and signs, which was helpful. Interacting with locals and hearing our kids try new Spanish phrases made for memorable moments.

What about currency?

Mexico uses the peso. We recommend having pesos on hand for small purchases, tips, and market shopping. We used a credit card for larger expenses like the rental car and restaurant bills, but arriving with cash was convenient. Conversion is straightforward—roughly 1 USD equals about 20 MXN—so a quick mental trick our kids used was to remove a zero from a peso price and halve the result to estimate dollars.

Did you feel safe?

Yes. We felt safe throughout our stay and found people to be polite and helpful. We followed common travel precautions—locking the car, watching belongings, and avoiding unfamiliar roads at night—and were careful walking where sidewalks were sparse. Tulum has gated properties and visible security measures in some areas, but we didn’t feel threatened at any time and typically returned to our lodging by early evening to avoid driving after dark.

Any tummy issues while you were there?

None. Both Airbnbs had filtered water and most restaurants offered bottled water. We happily ate from food trucks, seafood spots, and restaurants without any digestive problems. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to filtered or bottled water and choose reputable eateries, but in our experience the food was delicious and safe.

Airbnbs we stayed at

In Akumal we stayed at a small complex called ARKAH. It was affordable, dog-friendly, and peaceful—a welcome surprise that made Akumal feel like the highlight of our trip. The apartment was simply furnished and the shared pool and lush walkways were lovely.

In Tulum we stayed at Villa Lu’um in the La Veleta neighborhood. The townhouse felt private and was beautifully styled, with a retractable glass wall that opened onto a pool—great for relaxing after a day of exploring. La Veleta is under active development, so some streets were bumpy, but its proximity to Tulum Town made it convenient for walking to restaurants and shops.

What activities did you do?

We kept the pace relaxed—lots of eating, strolling, and pool time—while fitting in a few standout excursions.

Turtle Bay Snorkel Tour (Akumal)

Our favorite experience was a guided snorkel tour in Akumal Bay. We booked an early tour and were the only family in the group. Our guide led us through a protected area and we saw seven sea turtles up close—an unforgettable experience. The guides provided life jackets and snorkel gear, and our guide even took underwater photos we were later able to enjoy.

Swimming in a cenote

We swam at Cenote Cristalino early in the morning when it was quiet. Cenotes are natural sinkholes with clear water and often dramatic rock formations. The admission included a life jacket, and we brought our own snorkel and underwater camera. The water was cool and clear—perfect for exploring and relaxing.

Holistika Art Walk

Near our Tulum Airbnb we visited the Holistika Art Walk—an outdoor gallery of large murals set in a jungle-like environment. The art is interactive in places and the setting felt peaceful and unique. Go early to avoid bugs and crowds and to enjoy the experience more quietly.

Tulum ruins

We visited the coastal Mayan ruins early in the day. It was hot even in the morning, so plan for shade and short visits with kids. A guided tour would likely add more historical context, but we appreciated having the flexibility to explore at our own pace.

Shopping in Akumal and Tulum Town

We loved wandering outdoor shops and open-air stalls. A favorite was a colorful shop called MexicArt with pottery, dolls, and home decor. Akumal’s shopping felt more relaxed and family-friendly than the boutiques near Tulum Beach.

We didn’t make it to the beach because the Caribbean was rough during hurricane season and there was a lot of sargassum on shore. If your main goal is calm, beach-focused days, consider visiting outside hurricane season.

Where did you eat?

We mixed simple meals at our Airbnbs with local restaurants and food trucks. Asking hosts and locals for recommendations led to some of our best meals. Favorites included La Cueva del Pescador and La Buena Vida in Akumal, Aldo Gelato and TacoBish in Tulum, and Tierra at Holistika for a special breakfast.

How did you bring a dog? Is Mexico dog-friendly?

We brought our 3-year-old chihuahua-yorkie mix, Penny. Flying with a dog requires a health form from your vet dated within a few days of travel confirming vaccinations and health. At Cancun customs a quick visual inspection confirmed she was healthy. Mexico felt very dog-friendly—outdoor restaurants welcomed her, and many shops were accommodating if we carried her inside or waited outside when needed. For activities that don’t allow pets (snorkel tours, cenotes, and ruins) we left Penny comfortably at the Airbnb for a few hours, where she happily napped on the cool floors.

Was Tulum kid-friendly?

Tulum is not overloaded with children’s attractions, but there’s plenty to keep kids engaged—cenotes, wildlife encounters, ruins, and outdoor art. We didn’t see many other children while there, but our kids had a great time. If we return, we’d likely spend more time in Akumal for its relaxed feel and family-friendly options like more cenotes and a nearby monkey sanctuary.

That’s our overview of a relaxed, family-friendly week in the Yucatán. Gracias por leer—thank you for reading!

Other family trips we’ve taken

If you’re looking for more family travel ideas, we’ve written about destinations including New Orleans, Charleston, Palm Springs, St. Petersburg (FL), South Dakota, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and more.

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