15 days in Mexico with the family

If you too are planning to explore this part of Mexico with your family then this article is for you.

Before leaving, I enjoyed reading many articles on this area of ​​South America, very popular with tourists but still authentic and safe when you have young children.

We left for a little over 15 days for a family road trip in Yucantan. Can't wait to discover this part of Mexico all together.

For the plane tickets, we booked with American Airlines and everything went super well. We had a stopover in Dallas and even if you are just passing through, remember to do the ESTA, it will be required. And a 2 hour stopover in the United States with their large airports, know that it is super just with two children. We waited 45 minutes to go through customs and 20 minutes for security, then we had to change terminals by taking the air train from the airport, in short we got it but we still don't know how.

Once we arrived in Cancun, we picked up the car and bought a Mexican sim card to have access to the gps and the local network. You will find a sim card super easily in small local shops like OXXO, seven eleven and co, they open late and explain how to activate the sim. We paid 15€ and had the package for 16 days.

First night in Puerto Morelos, 20 minutes from the airport it was perfect for this first night as we arrived around 10pm.

Day 1: Holbox

Let's go to this island that everyone is talking about; Holbox. From Puerto Morelos, we had a 2-hour drive. No difficulty in reaching the port of Chiquila where the boats leave for the island. When you arrive, Mexicans accost you with flags to get you into their parking lot. We continued on the road and took the parking lot closest to the pier. 150pesos/7.5€ for 2 days.

To cross, you have ferries and also fishermen who offer to take you. Both are almost the same price. 450 pesos for a crossing for 4 or €22.50 for a 30-minute crossing.

When you arrive on the island, the roads are sandy and you walk barefoot. You instantly feel the hippie spirit of the island. Holbox is quite small, there is the city center and a part on the left of the island after the airport which is developing hotel level.

The main activity on the island is the beach. The place is ideal for the little ones, they have feet far away and the water is good.

At this time of year there are often storms and heavy rains so the streets are often quickly flooded and the water does not drain away. Don't worry on the island there are buggy taxis that go everywhere.

What to do in Holbox:

Holbox has this special charm that makes you want to simply get lost in its narrow streets made of sand. Enjoy the beach of course! Walk on the long strip of sand in the middle of the ocean and if you are lucky walk to the pink flamingos. Take a boat trip and explore the seabed. Observe the bioluminescence at nightfall, a magical spectacle.

Our two favorite places for lunch: Taco Queto (inexpensive and very good) and La jarochita in the same spirit.

Day 3 Valladolid

We fell in love with this authentic city. Valladolid is the second largest city in Yucatan after Merida and it is the first city founded in the colonial era. Arriving very close to the central square we had the feeling of being in Pékin Express! Here the alleys are colorful, the city is on a human scale, we park the car and walk around on foot.

We went to the cenote in the city center but it has been closed for 3 years. This city is built around the main park Francisco Canton Rosado, I advise you to take a hotel here around to make the most of the city. We loved the small colorful and quiet street calzada de los frailes, to do!

It is on the main square you will find white S-shaped seats, these are "confidential" seats for lovers' discussions. We tasted our first marquesitas in Valladolid. These are the crepes that Mexicans love! A crepe in a waffle version that is eaten rolled, with Nutella, caramel, condensed milk, etc. but especially grated cheese. A culinary experience not to be missed, you will find them throughout the Yucatan. Around €3 per crepe.

Day 4 Chichen Itza

To visit Chichen Itza, you have to go to the site directly. If you arrive by car you will pay for parking (80pesos/4€) and entry to the site 1280pesos/64€ children under 3 years old do not pay.

This incredibly well-preserved site makes it one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. Its state of preservation is the main reason for this nomination. And indeed when you are at the foot of the first pyramid you are under its spell.

When you clap your hands at the foot of the pyramid, the sound is distorted into a sound similar to the cry of the quetzal, a sacred bird for the Mayans. A fun experience to have with children to get them interested in this big pile of stone.

We spent 2 hours there and we didn't see the time go by.

Day 5 Merida:

Merida is the capital of Yucatan, it is a very safe and human-sized city where it is pleasant to simply walk around. As in Valladolid, there is a large central square where Mexicans like to gather. Around this square a church but also the government palace which is free to enter. It also offers a very nice view of the square from the 2nd floor, day and night when everything is lit up.

In Merida, you feel safe and take the time to walk through the colorful streets. The markets are great places for lunch, for example.

Note that on Mondays around 9pm, it is the "Noche de Vaquería" with regional dances. I was there by chance, and I really loved seeing the show.

Day 6 Cenotes Nah Yah:

Breakfast in Mérida, then we take the road towards Bacalar. A little after Mérida is the cenote Nah Yah, it is hot and we have not yet done a cenote let's stop. Nah Yah is a nice refreshing cenote, at the end of a dirt road, in the middle of farmland, we follow the signs it's simple. Semi buried, a beautiful depth and translucent water, few people we loved it.

Entrance 50 pesos / 2.50€ per adult.

A little further the cenote Su-Hem, here too it's 50 peos the entrance. On arrival a very beautiful cenote! The water is not as clear as in Nah yah but the place is splendid. The stairs are super steep and there is a rope that allows you to play Tarzan it's quite fun.

After having feasted our eyes and having refreshed ourselves, we had lunch in a nearby restaurant then hit the road for a 3.5 hour journey.

Day 7 Bacalar:

restaurant: La playita / la pina / Mr taco / Maracuya