1 Week in Mexico - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Mexico's Riviera Maya for Families

With Playa del Carmen as a base, this Yucatán Peninsula-focused trip is perfect for families who want to spend time between the beach and Mexico's fascinating nature. Children of all ages will love searching for spider monkeys, floating through Río Secreto, and learning about local communities in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Welcome to Mexico! Your Yucatán Peninsula trip begins with a short transfer to Playa del Carmen, your family-friendly base for the next six nights. Enjoy a relaxing evening settling in, as the following day you'll embark on a full-day adventure exploring Cobá's 137-foot (47 m) Nohoch Mul Pyramid, a traditional meal at Nuevo Durango, and a canoe ride in Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh searching for spider monkeys. Then, spend day three as you and your family please, visiting the Nativa Natural Park, soaking up the sun at Playa Xpu-Ha, or snorkeling at Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.

Next, it's time to join a caving adventure in Río Secreto, one of the largest underground river systems in the world, before heading to the beachfront town of Tulum. Wander the ruins and spend time relaxing at the nearby Playa Ruinas ("Ruins Beach") until night begins to set in. On your last full day, transfer to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve for a boat tour through an ancient canal, a visit to Capelchen Lagoon to watch playful manatees—sure to delight the whole gang—and finish your tour at Playa Boca Paila. Wake up early and enjoy a morning at the beach until it's time to catch your flight home from Cancún International Airport. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Mexico for Families: Crafts & Cooking in Oaxaca

Crafted for foodie families who love learning the traditions and techniques behind authentic local cuisine, this weeklong Mexico trip showcases the best of Oaxaca. Between visiting local markets and attending workshops led by local families, you'll have time to stretch your legs climbing Mont Albán and explore Oaxaca's family-friendly highlights.

After arriving at Oaxaca Airport, your family will get their first taste of Mexico's fascinating culture with a visit to a traditional Oaxacan restaurant. Then the following morning, you'll join a guide for a three-hour walk through the city, taking in Mercado de la Merced, Jalatlaco, and Plaza de la Constitución, with plenty of stops to sample empanadas, tacos, and spiced hot chocolate. The afternoon is yours to wander Benito Juarez Market before Day 3 of your trip takes you out of the city to Monte Albán. Roaming this Mesoamerican city, you and the gang will then continue to San Antonio, Jalietza, and Tilcajete to learn about local handicrafts.

The second half of your family adventure takes you deep into local culture with a visit to the community of Tlapazola. Attend a Barro Rojo pottery workshop and learn the steps of wool rug weaving at Teotitlán del Valley before it's time for the parents to indulge in a tasting tour at a local palenque. Over the following two days, you'll learn the art of ancient grain at San Pablo de Etla, try wood carving, and get your hands dirty learning how to make tortillas from scratch. Full of fantastic food and family memories, it's then time to head to Oaxaca Airport to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Family Trip to Mexico's Riviera Maya

On this weeklong luxury adventure, spend your mornings and evenings relaxing with your loved ones at your luxury villa in Puerto Aventuras and your days exploring the highlights of the Riviera Maya. Each day promises new family-friendly adventures, from swimming with whale sharks and floating along the Río Secreto to touring the ancient pyramid of Chichén Itzá.

Your family's Mexican adventure starts with a transfer to Puerto Aventuras on the Riviera Maya, known for its white-sandy beaches and beautiful waters. Spend your first evening settling into your spacious family-friendly villa and relaxing by the pool, as the next day, you'll head out for a guided tour of the UNESCO listed Chichén Itzá and the Maya community of Yalcobá. Day 3 brings you on a full-day adventure into Sian Ka'an, searching for dolphins and monkeys and snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef before an afternoon at a nearby beach.

Next, enjoy the incredible opportunity to spend a day swimming with whale sharks, or relaxing on the boat's deck, keeping an eye out for turtles and dolphins before visiting Río Secreto. Known as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, children and adults alike will love floating down the underground river admiring the unique cave formations. Then, spend your last full day in Mexico as your family pleases, visiting the ruins at Tulum, shopping for souvenirs along Fifth Avenue, or relaxing at your luxury villa, until catching your flight home out of Cancún the following morning. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Oaxaca for Families: Markets, Pyramids, Beaches & Turtles

Spend your time between the historic city of Oaxaca and the stunning coastlines surrounding Santa María Huatulco on this adventure-filled family itinerary in Mexico. Perfect for families who want a mixture of culture, adventure, and relaxation, you'll attend a rural cooking class, climb the temples of Monte Albán and seek out hidden waterfalls in Sierra Madre del Sur.

Begin your Mexican family adventure in Oaxaca, known for its intriguing history and colorful streets. After checking into your hotel for the first three nights, the afternoon is yours to discover the unique plants at Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca and dine at an authentic restaurant. Rested, you'll meet a local guide the following morning for a food tour at El Pochote market, then visit the Mesoamerican city of Monte Albán. On your last day in Oaxaca, the kids will love getting their hands dirty learning how to make empanadas and sopa de guías (pumpkin soup) at a cooking workshop put on by an Indigenous community.

Wake up early the next morning for a six-hour transfer to Huatulco, and spend the afternoon snorkeling, diving, or horseback riding through Huatulco National Park before settling into your accommodation in Santa María Huatulco. Spend the following morning at the bays of Agustin or Cacluta until it's time to help release turtle hatchlings at Escobilla Beach. Your last full day is one the entire family will remember, with an expedition into the jungles of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Discover hidden waterfalls, then head back to your accommodation to pack your bags for your flight out of Oaxaca airport the next day. Learn more

More Great 1-Week Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other one-week Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.