Mexico: Our Family’s Adventure, Paws and All

Last week, our family embarked on a memorable vacation to the captivating Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Accompanied by our two children, aged 8 and 12, and our beloved dog, Penny, this marked our second international family adventure. While we wouldn’t call ourselves seasoned global travelers or aspiring travel bloggers, we felt compelled to share our experiences and insights. Much like our previous trip abroad, our aim is to provide valuable information for anyone considering a similar journey, particularly those planning their first visit to Mexico. This comprehensive guide will address the most frequently asked questions, detail our itinerary, highlight our culinary discoveries, and offer practical advice on navigating the logistics of traveling with a pet.

Sherry With Penny Dog In Front Of Colorful Mexican Storefront

It’s important to note that every aspect of this trip was self-funded. We personally covered all expenses related to flights, accommodations, dining, and activities. We were fortunate enough to leverage a significant amount of saved credit card points, which remains our preferred method for booking major vacations.

Boy And Dog At Boho Chic Mexican Airbnb Pool

Why Choose Mexico for a Family Vacation?

Our family trip to Costa Rica in January 2020 was intended to be the first of many regular international excursions with our children. We thoroughly enjoyed stepping outside our comfort zones, immersing ourselves in new cultures, creating unique family memories, and marveling at breathtaking landscapes. However, the global pandemic soon altered our travel plans.

By the summer of 2022, we felt ready to embark on another international adventure. Mexico emerged as an ideal destination – it was fun, relatively easy to reach, and geographically close, making it perfect for our first major trip in over two years. Having not boarded a plane since February 2020 when we purchased our home, we were eager to explore. Adding to Mexico’s appeal, two sets of our friends had recently visited the country (albeit without their children) and raved about their experiences, solidifying Mexico as a top contender for our family getaway.

Arkah Airbnb Rental In Akumal Mexico

Beyond its convenience, Mexico offers an abundance of attractions that deeply resonate with our family. Its incredible natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant artistic heritage are truly captivating. And, perhaps a bit “basic” but undeniably true, the country boasts some of the world’s best tacos. In fact, the food scene in Mexico is outstanding across the board; every single meal we enjoyed was a delight. While the allure of swimming with sea turtles is undeniable, do not overlook the exquisite ceviche and other local delicacies that await.

Tacos At Turtle Bay Cafe In Akumal Mexico

Our overall impression of Mexico was that it is an exceptionally tourism-friendly country. We encountered a vast array of lodging options, exciting activities, and universally kind, welcoming people – from our Airbnb hosts to our snorkeling instructor. The warmth and hospitality of the Mexican people significantly enhanced our family’s vacation experience.

Colorful Buildings In Akumal Mexico

Exploring the Yucatán: Our Chosen Destinations

Our six-night Mexico family vacation was strategically divided between two distinct Airbnbs in different towns, a successful approach we first employed in Costa Rica. This allowed us to experience diverse facets of the Yucatán Peninsula, enriching our understanding of the region’s unique charm.

Map Of Mexico With Tulum Akumal Cancun Labeled

Initially, our primary target was Tulum, a vibrant city situated approximately 90 minutes south of the Cancun airport, where we flew in. Tulum appealed to us as a more relaxed and nature-oriented alternative to popular nightlife hubs like Cancun or Playa Del Carmen, an impression reinforced by our neighbors’ recent glowing reviews. After securing an Airbnb in Tulum, we serendipitously discovered another dog-friendly option in Akumal, located about 30 minutes north of Tulum, positioned conveniently between our Tulum accommodation and the airport. This turned out to be an incredibly fortunate find, as Akumal unexpectedly captured our hearts even more than Tulum. We’ll delve deeper into each location shortly.

Renting a Car in Mexico: Our Driving Experience

Despite some initial apprehension, renting a car proved to be one of the best decisions of our trip, and we are immensely grateful that we did. We briefly considered relying solely on taxis and shuttles, but both of our Airbnb hosts strongly advised having our own vehicle, and their recommendation was absolutely spot-on.

John Driving In Mexico With Penny The Chorkie

The freedom and flexibility of driving ourselves everywhere were invaluable, allowing us to explore at our own pace without any logistical hiccups. We pre-booked our car through Hertz and picked it up at the Cancun Airport, where we amusingly received a vehicle with a Chihuahua license plate – a delightful coincidence! A crucial tip for American travelers: you will need to purchase separate Mexican auto insurance, as your existing US policy will not provide coverage in Mexico. This is a non-negotiable requirement for safe and legal driving.

Penny The Chorkie In Front Of Chihuahua Car Rental License Plate

Overall, we found driving in Mexico to be no more challenging than driving in the United States. In some instances, Mexican drivers even appeared more courteous. We made a concerted effort to strictly adhere to speed limits, even when local vehicles zipped past us in the left lane – an occurrence that, surprisingly, was less frequent than what we often experience back home. There are a few distinctive features, such as “Topes” (speed bumps) that can emerge unexpectedly, even on highways, but these were easily navigable with a bit of awareness. Staying vigilant and respecting local driving customs ensured a smooth and stress-free experience on the roads.

Tope Speed Bump Sign In Akumal Mexico

Navigating the Language Barrier in the Yucatán Peninsula

Despite our family’s very basic understanding of Spanish – we’d categorize ourselves as absolute beginners – the language barrier posed no significant obstacles during our trip. A combination of big smiles, expressive hand gestures, and a genuine willingness to communicate proved sufficient. For instance, when a cashier inquired in Spanish about a bag for our groceries, and I didn’t immediately grasp the question, she simply held up a bag and pointed, to which I happily responded, “¡Sí! ¡Gracias!” Our experience strongly suggests that fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for enjoying a family vacation in this region. In fact, it provided a wonderful opportunity for us to learn new simple phrases and engage in some truly memorable exchanges. Locals, in particular, seemed delighted to converse with our children in Spanish, which our kids absolutely loved.

Akumal General Store With Small Taxi In Mexico

Many individuals in the tourism industry, including both our Airbnb hosts, our snorkel guide, and most restaurant staff, spoke fluent English. However, we all relished the chance to practice our beginner Spanish at local convenience stores, food trucks, and grocery stores. Having taken two years of Spanish in college two decades ago, I felt quite rusty, yet found myself using it more regularly on this trip for basic greetings, understanding directional signs, and recognizing numbers. Even the kids and Sherry picked up several new phrases, adding to the fun of our cultural immersion.

TacoBish Menu In Spanish In Tulum Mexico

For additional assistance, we downloaded the Google Translate app to our phones. This proved invaluable for refreshing my memory on phrases and for its voice-to-text translation feature, which facilitated conversations. The app also offers an incredibly useful photo translation capability, allowing you to snap a picture of a sign or menu and instantly understand its content.

Screenshot Of Google Translate Phone App With English To Mexico Translation

One of the most charming language-related anecdotes of our trip occurred with our snorkel guide. While explaining a creature living in a giant shell, he struggled to recall the English word for “snail.” Our delightful exchange unfolded as follows:

Guide: It’s a…. do you know the cartoon sea sponge?

Us: Spongebob Squarepants?

Guide: Yes! His pet?

Our daughter: Gary?

Guide: Yes!

Our daughter: Oh, he’s a snail!

Guide: Yes! It’s a snail!

Angel, our guide, was truly exceptional, making the snorkel tour an unforgettable highlight. If you find yourself in Akumal’s Turtle Bay, we wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with him. More details about his fantastic tour will be provided further down in this post.

Currency in Mexico: Pesos and Practical Tips

Mexico operates on the peso, and we were certainly glad to have a stash of Mexican pesos on hand immediately upon arrival. While our previous experience in Costa Rica revealed a surprising acceptance, and even preference, for US dollars in many places, this was decidedly not the case in Mexico. We primarily used our credit card for larger transactions such as our rental car, fuel, and most restaurant meals. However, having pesos proved invaluable for smaller purchases like gifts, ice creams, and, importantly, tipping service providers.

Mexican Pesos Cash For Travelers

To prepare, we ordered pesos online from our bank before our departure, and they arrived safely by mail. The currency conversion itself is relatively straightforward: roughly $1 USD equates to about $20 MXN. This means a $50 USD meal would be just over $1,000 MXN. We downloaded a currency converter app, but even our children quickly mastered a simple mental trick for quick estimates: “remove a zero, then cut that number in half.” So, if an item in a gift shop was priced at $200 MXN, they’d mentally remove a zero ($20) and then halve it, understanding the item was approximately $10 USD. This easy method provided a quick gauge of costs when dining or shopping, empowering our kids to participate in budgeting decisions.

Family Safety in the Yucatán Peninsula

A common concern for many travelers, safety was something we considered for our Mexico family vacation. We can confidently say that we felt completely safe throughout our entire trip. Every individual we encountered was incredibly kind and welcoming. Naturally, we adhered to common-sense safety practices that we implement wherever we travel, such as locking our car doors and never leaving bags or other valuables unattended. These are standard precautions, whether in the US or abroad.

Kid sitting in rocking chair near road in Tulum Mexico

The only “safety concern” that required a bit more vigilance was navigating pedestrian areas in Tulum. Sidewalks were not consistently present, necessitating extra caution when walking near passing cars and scooters. However, this situation was not significantly different from some of the less-developed roads in our neighborhood back home in Florida, so our children are already well-accustomed to walking in such environments. We observed noticeable security measures throughout Tulum, particularly around newer homes and hotels, which often featured fences, gates, and sometimes even electric perimeters. Despite these visible security layers, we never felt unsafe while walking or driving anywhere we visited. We typically returned to our Airbnb by around 8 PM each evening, primarily to avoid driving on unfamiliar roads in the dark, and frankly, because our family prefers a quieter evening over the bustling nightlife.

Home In Tulum Mexico With Gate And Electric Fencing

Dining in Mexico: Dispelling Tummy Troubles

One of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Mexico pertains to food and water safety. We are happy to report that none of our family members experienced any “tummy issues” throughout our entire trip. Both of our Airbnbs were equipped with filtered water coolers, and most restaurants either provided bottled water or clearly indicated that their water and ice were filtered and safe for consumption. When it came to food, we adopted an adventurous mindset, saying “yes” to virtually everything. We indulged in delicious offerings from food trucks, fresh seafood, vibrant ceviche, and refreshing smoothies. Our willingness to try a wide variety of local cuisine was richly rewarded, as every drink, dish, and dessert we sampled was absolutely delicious. Below is a snapshot of our delightful breakfast from the Tierra restaurant in Tulum, showcasing the fresh and appealing presentation we consistently encountered.

Breakfast Eaten At Holistika Restaurant In Tulum Mexico

Our Airbnb Experiences in Akumal and Tulum

Our family vacation in Mexico featured two distinct Airbnb experiences, each offering unique charm. Our first accommodation was called ARKAH, situated in Akumal, roughly a 75-minute drive from the Cancun airport. We discovered it while extending our trip beyond the four nights initially available at our Tulum Airbnb. Its location en route to Tulum, absence of a minimum night’s stay (we stayed for two nights), and crucial dog-friendly policy made it an ideal choice. Adding to its appeal, it was incredibly affordable at just $77 per night!

John And Sherry Standing At Arkah Airbnb in Akumal Mexico

ARKAH is a charming complex comprising four duplex apartments thoughtfully arranged around a central pool and lounge area, connected by beautifully lush, tropical walkways. We initially harbored concerns about potential noise or busyness from other renters, but to our pleasant surprise, it remained remarkably quiet and serene. Aside from a few glimpses and waves exchanged with the renters in the unit above us, we barely noticed other guests. In fact, it felt like we saw more lizards than people, a testament to its peaceful ambiance.

Pool At Arkah Airbnb In Akumal Mexico

The apartment itself was simply furnished, and the kitchen, while a bit rustic (requiring matches to light the stove!), perfectly suited our needs. We enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing stay here. Unexpectedly, we grew to appreciate the town of Akumal even more than Tulum, making our discovery of ARKAH a truly happy accident!

Akumal Airbnb in Mexico With Yellow Lounge Sofas

Our second Airbnb, near Tulum, was named Villa Lu’um, and it was undeniably the most luxurious Airbnb we’ve ever experienced, yet surprisingly not the most expensive at $280 per night – a rate comparable to what we once charged for one side of the Duplex. Sherry captured a quick video tour before we fully unpacked our belongings. She shared it with a friend, exclaiming, “THIS IS THE MOST REAL HOUSEWIVES HOUSE I’VE EVER STAYED IN!”

You can also view this video on YouTube for a glimpse into this stunning property.

The “Villa” was a townhouse that offered an exceptional sense of privacy, boasting exquisite decoration that perfectly mirrored the appealing photos in its listing.

Villa Luum Mexico Airbnb In Tulum With Family

The private pool was undoubtedly our favorite feature, providing endless enjoyment for the kids, even though we now have a pool at home. It was perfect for cooling off after our morning explorations. We even ordered meals to the house twice using Tomato.mx (similar to Uber Eats) specifically to dine al fresco by the poolside. A highlight of the villa’s design was the expansive glass doors that could fully retract into the wall, creating a completely open and integrated first-floor living area, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Kids Playing John Reading At Airbnb Pool In Tulum Mexico

Villa Lu’um was located in La Veleta, a neighborhood conveniently close to the central shopping and dining areas of Tulum Town, allowing us to walk to several restaurants – a convenience not available at our Akumal accommodation. La Veleta is currently undergoing extensive construction due to Tulum’s burgeoning popularity. While the construction noise was not overly disruptive, the roads were notably bumpy, reminding us of our own clay/sand street in Florida that also develops potholes after heavy rainstorms.

Unpaved Street With Gated Homes In La Veleta Tulum Mexico

Our Airbnb was about a 20-minute drive from the beach and the Hotel Zone, areas characterized by more resorts, beach clubs, and upscale shopping. We visited this area one day but found it wasn’t quite our family’s scene, so we had no regrets about not staying closer to the coast. The ability to walk to Tulum Town was a significant advantage, and we generally appreciated this location. However, it’s worth noting that we ultimately preferred the restaurants, charming walks, unique shops, and engaging activities found in Akumal even more than those in Tulum.

Top Family Activities in the Yucatán Peninsula

Our Mexico family vacation was intentionally more relaxed compared to our Costa Rica trip, focusing on ample downtime, delicious food, leisurely strolls, and more culinary adventures. Nevertheless, we did partake in several excursions that we absolutely cherished. Here are our top recommendations, starting with our ultimate favorite:

Akumal Turtle Bay Snorkel Tour

On our arrival day in Akumal, we immediately booked a snorkel tour with Akumal Ecological Guides, eager for the chance to swim alongside sea turtles. Despite living in Florida, where sea turtles are present, spotting them in the wild can be rare, making this an incredible opportunity for an up-close encounter! The tour provided all necessary equipment, including snorkels and life jackets. Even though none of us had much prior snorkeling experience, everyone quickly became comfortable with the gear and the mesmerizing underwater world.

Family Snorkeling With Sea Turtles In Akumal Bay Mexico

We opted for the first tour of the day, which meant we were the only four participants – a fantastic stroke of luck! Our phenomenal guide, Angel, led us through a roped-off section of Akumal Bay, an area exclusively accessible with a certified guide to protect the delicate ecosystem. Over approximately 45 minutes, we were absolutely thrilled to spot *seven* magnificent giant sea turtles, gracefully swimming just inches away. It was an utterly magical experience.

Close Up Of Sea Turtle Swimming In Akumal Bay Mexico

To our delightful surprise, Angel also took numerous high-quality underwater photos throughout the tour. We had brought our own underwater camera to Mexico, but left it at the Airbnb after reading on the tour website that photography was not permitted. Having Angel capture these precious moments was an unexpected bonus. We enjoyed this Akumal snorkeling tour so immensely that we seriously considered booking it again the following day! It was, without a doubt, the highlight of our entire trip (Sherry even declared it “a top-five highlight” of her entire life). If you have the opportunity, we wholeheartedly recommend this unforgettable experience!

Swimming in a Cenote

Cenotes (pronounced SIN-oh-tays) are natural freshwater sinkholes characteristic of the Yucatán Peninsula, akin to the limestone springs in Florida, but often featuring dramatic cave formations. There are countless cenotes scattered across the region, each with its unique allure. We chose to visit Cenote Cristalino, primarily because of its convenient proximity to our Akumal Airbnb and the fact that its parking lot was completely empty when we arrived (it had just opened for the day). This early bird strategy proved successful, as we practically had the entire cenote to ourselves for a good portion of our visit!

Family Swimming Under Cave At Cenote Cristalino in Akumal Mexico

The admission fee, which was approximately $8 USD per person, included a life jacket rental. Lockers and snorkels were also available for rent, but we opted to skip the locker since the cenote remained uncrowded enough to keep our bag nearby. We had also brought a snorkel from home that we shared, along with our underwater camera, which was fantastic for capturing the crystal-clear waters. The water temperature was cool and invigorating, offering a refreshing escape from the Yucatán heat. Its pristine clarity allowed us to easily observe the various fish species. The kids enthusiastically employed their newfound love for snorkeling, while Sherry and I simply floated, explored, and took an absurd number of photos.

Colorful Sign For Cenote Cristalino In Akumal Mexico

The Holistika Art Walk in Tulum

Conveniently located within walking distance of our Tulum Airbnb, the Holistika Art Walk is part of the Holistika resort, an eco-conscious yoga retreat that embodies the serene, wellness-focused vibe prevalent in much of Tulum. After enjoying breakfast at their restaurant, we followed a winding path that led us to the public “Art Walk.” This unique outdoor gallery showcases a captivating collection of large, vibrant murals painted on freestanding stone walls, nestled amidst the lush jungle environment.

Do What You Love Mural In Holistika Art Walk Tulum

The artwork was incredibly colorful and playful, creating a striking contrast with the peaceful natural setting – a refreshing departure from urban mural environments. Several pieces were interactive, inviting visitors to climb on them or walk through their intricate designs, making it a truly immersive experience. Our only regret was not applying bug spray beforehand! While bugs generally weren’t an issue elsewhere in Mexico (at our Airbnb, restaurants, etc.), they were noticeably more present in the dense, jungle-like atmosphere of the art walk. Nevertheless, this might have been our favorite activity in Tulum. We highly recommend going early, right after breakfast as we did, to enjoy the solitude and capture countless photos without crowds.

Boy Walking Up Steps Of Holistika Mural Art Walk

Exploring the Mayan Ruins in Tulum

Having never witnessed Mayan Ruins in person, we were determined not to miss this significant historical site, dramatically perched along the coast of Tulum. We opted for a self-guided visit rather than joining a tour group, seeking more flexibility in our exploration. Whether this was the wisest decision remains open for debate, as we know firsthand how an excellent guide can profoundly enhance an experience.

Kids Walking In Front of Castillo At Tulum Ruins Mexico

On one hand, the weather was exceptionally hot – even with an early morning start and a refreshing breeze from the ocean, we quickly became quite sweaty. Knowing we had a limited window of about an hour or two before everyone became overheated and restless, the flexibility to seek shade and depart before any mutiny arose was certainly a benefit.

Kids Walking At Tulum Ruins In Mexico

However, I strongly believe we would have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the ancient ruins if we had been part of a guided tour. The historical context and intricate details shared by a knowledgeable guide would have added immense value. Therefore, if you plan your visit on a day when the heat is less intense, we would suggest considering the guided tour option. We observed numerous tour groups during our visit, and their guides were clearly imparting a wealth of interesting information to their captivated audiences.

Shopping in Akumal & Tulum Town

Second only to the incredible snorkel tour, one of our family’s favorite activities was leisurely browsing the shops in both Akumal and Tulum Town. While we weren’t in search of anything elaborate beyond a few cherished souvenirs, everyone – including our dog, Penny – thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the diverse outdoor shops and open-air carts. We particularly enjoyed the authentic vibe of Akumal and Tulum Town for shopping, opting to skip Tulum Beach where the retail scene leaned towards high-end fashion and resorts, which isn’t ideal for kids.

Shopping in Akumal Mexico With Lots of Palm Trees

Our absolute favorite discovery was a shop called MexicArt, with multiple locations, which showcased an incredible array of Mexican artwork. Their selection included charming souvenir-sized dolls, intricate ornaments, colorful home decor, and much more. Photography was not permitted inside, making it impossible to convey the sheer vibrancy and liveliness of their collections. We visited three different MexicArt stores during our trip, with the one in the main plaza of Akumal being our personal favorite.

Colorful MexicArt Souvenir Shop in Akumal Mexico

You might notice that a traditional beach day is conspicuously absent from our list of activities. Surprisingly, despite Mexico boasting stunning Caribbean waters, we never actually spent time lounging on the beach. Our visit coincided with hurricane season, and as a result, the Caribbean waters were quite rough and choppy during our stay. Additionally, many beaches experienced a noticeable accumulation of sargassum – a harmless type of algae that commonly appears this time of year. Since we live only a few blocks from the beach back home, missing out on beach time wasn’t a major disappointment for our family. However, this factor is definitely worth considering if you’re planning a visit in June and prioritize extensive beach time. Avoiding hurricane season might offer calmer waters and less heat, but typically comes with peak season pricing, highlighting the balance involved in planning your ideal trip.

Tulum Mayan Ruins Beach With Sargassum Algae Build Up

Where We Dined: Culinary Adventures in Mexico

As avid enthusiasts of Mexican cuisine back home, we were incredibly excited to delve into the more authentic and diverse culinary landscape of Mexico. Our dining strategy involved a mix of highly-rated establishments and hidden gems recommended by our Airbnb hosts and other friendly locals we met along the way. Always remember to ask locals for their favorite dining spots – it often leads to the most memorable meals and wonderful conversations!

La Cuerva del Pescador Restaurant in Akumal Mexico

Typically, we prepared one simple meal at “home” each day using groceries from local markets – perhaps some eggs and toast with an abundance of fresh fruit for breakfast, or straightforward sandwiches for lunch. This allowed us to savor two delicious meals daily from local restaurants or vibrant food trucks. Here’s a curated list of our favorite culinary discoveries:

  • La Cueva del Pescador (Akumal) – Featured above, this was hands down our favorite dining experience in Akumal, offering incredible flavors and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • La Buena Vida (Akumal) – Known for its breathtaking ambiance, especially by the beach, and serving equally delicious food, making it a perfect spot for a memorable evening.
  • Turtle Bay Bakery & Cafe (Akumal) – An excellent choice for fresh seafood and delectable desserts, ideal for a casual yet satisfying meal.
  • Burrito Amor (Tulum) – Loved for its charming outdoor setting and consistently good food, providing a delightful dining experience in Tulum.
  • Aldo Gelato (Tulum) – Our absolute favorite dessert spot in Tulum! Their gelato flavors were exceptional and a perfect treat after a day of exploration (shown below).
Jungle Decor At Aldo Gelato Shop In Tulum Beach Mexico
  • Tierra at Holistika (Tulum) – Beyond the delicious food, the ambiance at Tierra was truly our favorite in Tulum, offering a serene and eco-conscious dining environment.
  • Cafe Don Tomas (Tulum) – We conveniently enjoyed their offerings via Tomato.mx delivery, perfect for a cozy meal at our Airbnb.
  • Roraima (Tulum) – Another excellent option for delivery through Tomato.mx, providing tasty meals right to our doorstep.
  • TacoBish Food Truck (Tulum) – Our ultimate favorite food experience in Tulum! The tacos were incredibly fresh and flavorful, a must-try for any visitor (shown below).
Taco Bish Food Truck Food In Tulum Mexico

Traveling to Mexico with a Dog: Our Experience with Penny

Bringing our three-year-old Chihuahua-Yorkie mix, Penny, on our Mexico family vacation was an easy decision. She’s not just a pet; she’s an integral part of our family and a remarkably good traveler, much like our previous Chihuahua, Burger. Penny has been a road trip champion since we adopted her, and we often joke that she had the absolute best time of all on this trip – so much sun, so much relaxing, and countless new scents to explore! It was also a straightforward choice because we discovered that flying from the US into Mexico with a dog is relatively uncomplicated, with no lengthy quarantine periods or complex procedures.

Penny The Chorkie Sitting In Sun Panting In Tulum Mexico

Flying with a dog is not new to us; we had previously flown with Burger numerous times, including many spring break trips to Florida and even to Alaska for our honeymoon. To bring Penny into Mexico, the primary requirement was an official health certificate from our veterinarian, issued within five days of our departure. This form confirmed her up-to-date vaccinations and verified that she showed no signs of illness or parasites. While we were initially advised that only her rabies record was needed for entry, both Mexican and American customs officials requested her full health certificate from the vet. We were extremely relieved to have obtained it before leaving!

John Sitting By Pool In Akumal With Penny The Dog

On the plane, Penny calmly rested and slept in her carrier tucked under our feet, just as Burger always did. People are often surprised, exclaiming, “You had a dog this whole time?!” when we deplane, a testament to how quiet and well-behaved she is during travel. Upon arrival at Cancun airport customs, we were directed to a special room where Penny underwent a quick visual inspection to ensure she appeared healthy. The process was super fast and efficient, adding minimal stress to our entry.

Once in Mexico, we found the country to be incredibly dog-friendly. We happily brought Penny along on nearly all our walking tours and outdoor dining excursions. We exclusively chose restaurants with outdoor seating, and Penny was consistently greeted with enthusiasm by staff, many of whom even offered her water (though we always carry our own for her). When entering open-air shops, we typically carried her. For particularly crowded, small, or enclosed stores (especially those with food, like markets), one of us would wait outside with her. We encountered zero issues with this approach. Our overwhelming impression was that Mexico is far more dog-friendly than many places in the US.

Dining Outdoors in Tulum Mexico With Dog Under Table

Naturally, some activities are not suitable for dogs. Penny could not join us for snorkeling or swimming in cenotes (though some cenotes allow dogs on the premises, just not in the water), and the Mayan ruins are also off-limits to pets. For these adventures, we comfortably left Penny at the Airbnb for a few hours, where she happily relaxed on the cool concrete floors – a spot she absolutely adored!

Penny The Chorkie Sleeping Under Couch In Tulum Mexico Airbnb

Is Tulum Kid-Friendly for Family Travel?

The question of Tulum’s kid-friendliness is a popular one online, and it was a factor we thoroughly researched before selecting it as a destination for our Mexico family vacation. While we wouldn’t describe Tulum as explicitly *un-friendly* to children – our kids certainly had a fantastic time – we did observe considerably fewer families with young children compared to other destinations. You won’t find an abundance of toy shops or candy stores geared towards kids, but these aren’t typically our priorities when planning travel. From our perspective, there remains a wealth of attractions in Tulum that can keep children entertained and engaged, including the fascinating cenotes, beautiful beaches (despite our limited beach time), and historical Mayan ruins.

Kid Running Through Shopping in Akumal Mexico

That being said, we don’t anticipate returning to Tulum in the immediate future. This isn’t due to any dissatisfaction, but rather because we feel we’ve explored many of the Tulum activities that captivated our interest. If we were to plan this trip again, we would undoubtedly allocate more time to Akumal. It offered a more laid-back ambiance and closer proximity to additional kid-centric attractions, such as a monkey sanctuary, an outdoor adventure park, and a wider selection of cenotes. We left Akumal feeling like there was still much more to discover upon a return visit. Furthermore, we enjoyed our best meals there (we still dream of La Cueva del Pescador and La Buena Vida!) and would love to experience snorkeling with the turtles once more.

Kids Swimming in Cenote In Yucatan Mexico

This concludes our comprehensive overview of our recent family vacation to the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. ¡Gracias por leer! That means ‘Thank you for reading!’… and yes, I checked my translation app before typing that final phrase!

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