Last week we spent a week in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with our two kids (ages 8 and 12) and our dog Penny. This was our second time traveling internationally as a family, so we’re no expert globetrotters, but like our previous family trip to Costa Rica, we wanted to share what we learned for anyone thinking about traveling to Mexico with kids (and a pet). Below are answers to the most common questions we received, plus details on where we stayed, what we ate, and how we managed the logistics of bringing a dog along.

No part of this trip was sponsored. We covered flights, lodging, food, and activities ourselves, using credit card points for much of the travel—our preferred way to book big trips.

Why Mexico?

We loved our Costa Rica trip in early 2020 and had hoped to travel more internationally with the kids, but the pandemic paused those plans. By summer 2022 we felt ready to go abroad again, and Mexico felt like a close, accessible option for our first major trip in over two years. Friends who had recently visited spoke highly of it, and the Yucatán offered many of the things we enjoy: striking nature, wildlife, vibrant art, and fantastic food. The seafood and ceviche in particular were standout highlights for our family.

Overall, Mexico felt welcoming to tourists, with many lodging and activity options and very friendly people—from hosts to guides. We found it easy to navigate even as a family traveling with a dog.

Where did you go in Mexico?

We spent six nights and, like our Costa Rica trip, split our stay between two Airbnbs in different towns. Our initial target was Tulum for its relaxed, nature-oriented vibe. While searching we found a dog-friendly, affordable Airbnb in Akumal, roughly halfway between the airport and Tulum. That turned out to be a great decision—Akumal quickly became our favorite spot.

Did you rent a car? What was driving like?

We rented a car, which gave our family freedom and flexibility. Our hosts recommended it and they were right. We picked up a rental at Cancun Airport and purchased local insurance since U.S. auto policies typically don’t cover Mexico. Driving felt similar to the U.S.; local drivers were often courteous. Watch for speed bumps called “topes”—they can appear suddenly, even on busy roads. Aside from that, we had no issues and appreciated being able to explore at our own pace.

Was there a language barrier?

We’re basic Spanish speakers and managed fine with smiles, gestures, and a few phrases. Many people we met—Airbnb hosts, our snorkel guide, and restaurant staff—spoke good English. We used a translation app occasionally for menus and signs and to help with conversations. The locals were warm and often delighted to speak with our children in Spanish, which made for some memorable interactions.

What about currency?

Mexico uses the peso. We arrived with some pesos for small purchases, which was helpful for tips, snacks, and gifts. We used credit cards for larger expenses like the rental car and restaurants. Currency conversion is straightforward—approximately 1 USD to 20 MXN at the time—so a simple mental trick (drop a zero then halve the result) helped the kids estimate prices quickly.

Did you feel safe?

Yes. Locals were friendly and we never felt unsafe. We used the same common-sense precautions we would anywhere—locking the car and keeping valuables out of sight. In Tulum, sidewalks aren’t always present, so we were careful walking near traffic. Many properties have gated perimeters, but we still felt comfortable exploring during daylight hours and returned to our lodging by early evening to avoid driving unfamiliar roads at night.

Any tummy issues while you were there?

No. We had no stomach issues. Both Airbnbs had filtered water dispensers and many restaurants served bottled or filtered water. We ate from markets, trucks, and restaurants without issue and enjoyed everything we tried—seafood, tacos, ceviche, smoothies, and desserts all tasted fantastic.

Let’s hear about those Airbnbs!

Our first stay was ARKAH in Akumal, a small complex of four duplexes around a central pool. It was affordable, dog-friendly, and surprisingly peaceful. The unit was simply furnished and the kitchen was basic, but it was comfortable and relaxing. Akumal charmed us so much that we wished we’d spent more time there.

Our second stay, Villa Lu’um in Tulum’s La Veleta neighborhood, was the nicest Airbnb we’ve rented. It was a private, beautifully decorated townhouse with a retractable glass wall opening to the pool area—perfect for cooling off after exploring. La Veleta is still developing, with bumpy roads, but the location made it easy to walk to shops and restaurants in Tulum Town.

What activities did you do?

We kept the trip relaxed—lots of walking, eating, and downtime by the pool—while fitting in a few memorable excursions. Highlights included:

Turtle Bay Snorkel Tour in Akumal

We booked an early snorkel tour with a guided roped area in Akumal Bay and saw seven giant sea turtles up close. The guide provided life jackets and snorkels; we had never snorkeled as a family before, but everyone took to it quickly. The guide also took underwater photos for us, which was a wonderful surprise and the trip’s top highlight.

Swimming in a Cenote

We visited Cenote Cristalino early in the morning and had the place largely to ourselves. Cenotes are natural limestone sinkholes with crystal-clear water, often set inside dramatic cave formations. The entrance fee included life jackets, and we rented or brought snorkel gear. The water was cool and clear, and the kids loved spotting fish.

Holistika Art Walk

Near our Tulum Airbnb, the Holistika Art Walk features colorful murals on freestanding stone walls set in a jungle-like environment. Many pieces are interactive and the setting felt peaceful and unique. Go early to avoid bugs and crowds and to fully enjoy the space.

The Mayan Ruins in Tulum

We toured the coastal Mayan ruins early in the morning to avoid the heat. Without a guided tour we had flexibility to move at our own pace, though a guide would have added more historical context. It was hot, so plan for shade breaks and keep the visit relatively short with kids.

Shopping in Akumal & Tulum Town

Strolling through outdoor shops and open-air stalls was a favorite pastime. We enjoyed colorful artisan stores, especially a chain called MexicArt that carries Mexican artwork, ornaments, and souvenirs. Akumal’s plaza store was a family favorite for its lively selection and friendly vibe.

We didn’t visit the beach during this trip. We traveled in hurricane season and seas were rough with some sargassum onshore. If your priority is calm beach time, consider traveling outside hurricane season, recognizing that peak season brings higher prices but calmer water and lower heat.

Where did you eat in Mexico?

We love Mexican food and ate a mix of market meals, restaurants, and food trucks. We usually prepared one simple meal at our Airbnb each day and enjoyed the other meals out. Favorites included La Cueva del Pescador and La Buena Vida in Akumal, Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe, TacoBish food truck in Tulum, and Aldo Gelato for dessert. We also enjoyed Tierra at Holistika for its ambiance.

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

We brought our 3-year-old chihuahua‑yorkie mix, Penny, since she travels well and is family to us. Flying into Mexico with a dog was straightforward: we obtained a health certificate from our vet within five days of departure confirming vaccines and a clean bill of health. At Cancun customs Penny had a brief visual inspection and that was it.

Mexico felt very dog-friendly. We brought Penny to outdoor restaurants, where staff often offered her water. For indoor shops or crowded markets we either carried her in or waited outside. Attractions like snorkeling, cenotes, and ruins aren’t dog-friendly, so we left her at the Airbnb during those outings where she happily relaxed on cool floors.

Was Tulum kid-friendly?

Tulum can be enjoyed by families, though it doesn’t feel particularly geared toward children and we didn’t see many other kids. Still, cenotes, snorkeling, ruins, and outdoor markets provide plenty of activities to keep children engaged. For a more relaxed, family-oriented feel, we’d recommend spending more time in Akumal next visit—there are kid-friendly attractions nearby like a monkey sanctuary and adventure parks.

That’s our summary of a family vacation in the Yucatán Peninsula—relaxed, food-filled, and full of memorable moments. Gracias por leer!

Other Family Trips We’ve Taken

If you enjoy family travel stories, we’ve also written about weekend trips and longer family adventures to destinations such as New Orleans, Charleston, Palm Springs, St. Petersburg (Florida), Costa Rica, Hawaii, and more. These posts cover kid-friendly activities, eats, and lodging ideas that may help when planning your next family getaway.

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