Family-Friendly 4-Day Road Trip in Mexico: Sun, Sea & Relaxation

Day 1: Discover Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Nader

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring delicious chilaquiles and refreshing tropical juices at Cafe Nader.
Drive to Playa Tortugas for some sun.
MXN 700, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Play at Playa Tortugas

Enjoy the soft sands and shallow waters, perfect for children to play and swim safely.
Short drive back to the resort area.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Los de Pescado

Relish fresh seafood tacos and ceviche at this local favorite, perfect for a family meal.
Walk back to the car to head towards Playa del Carmen.
MXN 800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Playa del Carmen

Enjoy a scenic drive to Playa del Carmen for some shopping and beach time.
Follow Highway 307 south straight to Playa del Carmen.
N/A, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Playa del Carmen Beach

Unwind on the beach, building sandcastles and swimming in the Caribbean Sea.
Walk to the beach area from the parking.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Cueva del Chango

Savor a delightful mix of Mexican and continental dishes in a beautiful garden setting.
Drive to the restaurant which is a short distance from the beach.
MXN 1000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll on 5th Avenue

Enjoy a leisurely walk on the vibrant 5th Avenue where street performances and shops light up the night.
Stroll from the restaurant down 5th Avenue.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Explore Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at Breakfast House

Kickstart your day with fluffy pancakes and a variety of local coffee options.
A short 5-minute drive from your accommodation.
MXN 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Xcaret Park

Spend the day at Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park that offers pools, rivers, and cultural performances suitable for all ages.
Drive to Xcaret Park, located about 15 minutes away.
MXN 3300 (family pass), 6 hours

3:30PM

Late Lunch at Restaurant de la Plaza

Enjoy a casual meal with local dishes, everyone will find something to their taste here.
Head back to Playa del Carmen from Xcaret.
MXN 900, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Local Shops

Wander through local shops and buy souvenirs while enjoying some ice cream treats.
Walk around the 5th Avenue shopping area.
Variable, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at El Fogón

Feast on authentic tacos and grilled meats in a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
Short drive or walk from your shopping area.
MXN 800, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Beach Bonfire

End your day with a cozy bonfire on the beach, perfect for roasting marshmallows and telling stories.
Find a beachfront spot to set up your bonfire.
Free (if you have your own supplies), 2 hours
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Day 3: Venture to Tulum

Tulum, Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at Manglar Pousada

Regale yourself with fresh fruit salads and smoothie bowls at this lovely spot.
Drive from Playa del Carmen towards Tulum, following Highway 307.
MXN 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tulum Ruins

Explore the ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the beach; this educational experience is suitable for kids.
Follow signs to the Tulum ruins site, parking available nearby.
MXN 80 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sale e Pepe

Delight in Italian cuisine with a Mexican twist, perfect for families hungry after exploring.
A quick drive from the ruins area.
MXN 900, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Relax at Tulum Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on Tulum's famous beach, perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
Drive to Tulum Beach and find parking along the coast.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Ice Cream at Paulina

Treat the kids to some handmade ice cream from a local shop known for its unique flavors.
A short walk or drive from the beach area.
MXN 300, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Dinner at Kitchen Table

Enjoy a family-style dinner in a trendy, open-air setting that highlights local ingredients.
Drive from the ice cream shop to the restaurant.
MXN 1200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Wildlife Spotting

Take an evening nature walk around Tulum, and you might spot wildlife like iguanas and exotic birds.
Explore the natural paths around your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Adventures in Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

7:00AM

Breakfast at Charly's Vegan Tacos

Start with a flavorful vegan breakfast platter that will fuel your day ahead.
Drive to the ferry terminal for Cozumel, about 30 minutes away.
MXN 600, 1 hour

8:30AM

Ferry to Cozumel

Board the ferry for a scenic ride to Cozumel, which takes about 30 minutes.
Follow signs to the ferry terminal.
MXN 400 (family round-trip), 1 hour including waiting time

9:30AM

Snorkeling at Paradise Beach

Dive into crystal-clear waters and discover the coral reefs while snorkeling with family-friendly gear.
Take a taxi or rent a car to get to Paradise Beach from the ferry.
MXN 1200 (gear rental for family), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Money Bar

Relish an oceanside lunch featuring fresh seafood options and kid-friendly choices.
A 5-minute walk from the beach.
MXN 900, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time and Relaxation

Continue enjoying the beach vibes, sunbathing or playing in the sand as a family.
Back at Paradise Beach.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Ferry Back to Playa del Carmen

Travel back to Playa del Carmen as the fun day comes to an end.
Return to the ferry terminal.
MXN 400 (included in round trip), 1 hour including waiting time

5:30PM

Dinner at El Fogón (Playa del Carmen)

Cap off the trip with a farewell dinner at El Fogón for more taco magic, aiming to fulfill cravings before departure.
Walk or drive to El Fogón.
MXN 800, 1.5 hours
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