Exploring Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula with a Toddler
Meet Molly aka @HookedonHiatus, a seasoned traveller who has journeyed solo, as part of a couple, and now as a parent with a toddler in tow. Today shares her family’s recent adventure through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, where they discovered the perfect balance of history, culture, and family-friendly activities. From visiting ancient Maya ruins to soaking up the charm of colonial towns, their itinerary offers inspiration for families seeking authentic travel experiences.
Alongside highlights, Molly also provides practical safety tips for navigating Yucatán with a toddler — covering everything from transport choices and pacing travel days with children in mind.
Valladolid by @Hookedonhiatus
I'm an avid fan of shoulder-season travel and finding unique ways to explore new destinations, so when my husband and I decided to visit Mexico, we knew we had to plan a trip that was both authentic and manageable with a toddler in tow.
Consequently, we chose to visit Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula in late spring, which meant fewer crowds and more opportunities for genuine connections. We wanted to experience the ancient Maya ruins and immerse ourselves in the local culture, so we based ourselves in the charming city of Valladolid, which provides a great launchpad for exploring the region.
Ultimately, we wanted a trip that blended cultural exploration with some much-needed relaxation, so we planned to end our trip at a resort in Akumal.
From Cancun to Valladolid and Beyond
ITINERARY
Cancun Airport
Valladolid
Maya Ruins
Cenotes
Ek’ Balam
Akumal
Getting to Yucatan Peninsula + navigating the region
Since we flew into Cancun airpot, we knew that navigating transportation would be a key part of our journey. Instead of renting a car, we intentionally decided to rely on public transportation. We took the ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid, which was a very comfortable and efficient option. Then, for getting to the Maya ruins, we used Colectivos, which are shared vans or taxis. While this might sound daunting, it’s a wonderful way to travel because it means you get to experience travel the way many locals do. These vans are a mix of tourists and residents, and we found the drivers to be incredibly helpful and flexible.
For instance, when we were returning from Chichén Itzá, the driver was happy to drop us off right at our hotel since we passed right by it, saving us time and a taxi fare. This was a huge bonus when traveling with a tired toddler who was ready for her nap.
Likewise, when we went to Ek Balam, we shared a taxi-Colectivo with a local mother and her son. We spent the ride teaching nursery rhymes to the little boy, which was a memorable interaction. Since Ek’ Balam is less-trafficked, we did have to wait almost an hour for other passengers on the way back, and we ultimately paid for all four spots. Nevertheless, it was a small price to pay for the incredible experience.
Maya Ruins, Cenotes + Authentic Eats
Mayan Ruins by @hookedonhiatus
Our trip was filled with so many memorable moments, but the ancient ruins were definitely a highlight. While we visited the famous Chichén Itzá, we quickly realized that visiting on a Sunday is not the best idea. This is because all Maya ruins are free for Yucatan residents on Sundays, which makes them incredibly crowded. Since it was also Mother's Day, the site was absolutely packed.
Additionally, the number of vendors was overwhelming, and we found it difficult to truly immerse ourselves in the history of the place.
On the other hand, the ruins at Ek’ Balam were an absolute dream! We went early in the morning and practically had the site to ourselves. It was amazing to explore without the crowds, and we were able to fully appreciate the impressive architecture and history.
We were also thrilled that you can still climb El Castillo, the main pyramid, which was a thrilling but slightly terrifying adventure with a toddler (I took the backpack and climbed down backwards, my husband took our toddler). Furthermore, we were glad we went in the morning because the heat can be intense in the afternoon.
The vendors here were far less intrusive, which made for a much more enjoyable experience.
Ek Balem El Castillo by @hookedonhiatus
After exploring the ruins, we loved cooling off in the region's beautiful Cenotes. We visited Cenote Zaci, a natural limestone sinkhole right in the center of Valladolid. It's a cave cenote, so it provides a cool, shady escape from the sun. The entrance fee includes a life jacket, which is mandatory and a great safety feature. The entire space feels magical, with tropical vines and moss-covered walls. Just be aware that the last entrance is at 4 pm, and they are very strict about closing time and start pushing people out at 4:50 pm.
Cenote Zaci by @hookedonhiatus
We also had some of the most delicious food of our trip from a simple food cart. Early one morning on our way to Ek Balam, we stopped and tried Cochinita Pibil, a local specialty of slow-roasted pork that's cooked underground. It was so incredibly tender and flavorful. By 7 am, they had already sold out of tortillas, so we were introduced to polcanes for the first time, which were absolutely amazing. This food cart experience was a reminder that the best food is often found in the most unexpected places. It's truly a delight to be able to taste something so authentic.
Ek Balem by @hookedonhiatus
The Reality of Resort Life
We had originally planned our trip to have a relaxing end at an all-inclusive resort in Akumal. Our thinking was to balance our cultural exploration with some beach time. However, we were honestly a little disappointed. Although we had chosen the resort for its family-friendly amenities and price, we were surprised to find very few other families. The resort was sprawling with multiple pools, and we found it to be overwhelmingly large, which made it difficult to truly relax.
To be honest, we felt a stark contrast between the authentic experiences we had in Valladolid and the curated, disconnected environment of the resort. If we ever decide to stay at an all-inclusive again, we will definitely seek out a smaller, more family-focused option.
Resort Pool by @hookedonhiatus
Tips for Traveling the Yucatan with a Toddler
When you’re traveling with a little one, being flexible is key. We learned a few things along the way that might help other families planning a trip to this beautiful region.
Firstly, don't be afraid to change diapers in unconventional places. You may find yourself improvising a changing station in a restaurant's back room, on a park bench, or on a flat rock surrounded by wild iguanas… You just have to get comfortable with it!
Secondly, we intentionally chose not to rent a car, and this was an excellent decision. Rental cars have specific license plates that make them easy targets for police scams, where officers demand on-the-spot fines. We were so thankful to avoid this potential high-stress situation, and we found the public transportation to be reliable and effective.
Furthermore, we found that people were incredibly kind and welcoming to our toddler. We taught her to say "hola," and she loved saying it to everyone we met. This simple interaction brought so much joy and encouraged her to be more outgoing.
Finally, if you use a Colectivo, be aware that you won’t have the same safety features as a car at home. A child will likely have to sit on your lap, as car seats aren’t allowed. I personally felt more comfortable with this on the larger 14-passenger van than in the taxi. However, on the way back from Ek’ Balam, since we rented the whole taxi, she was able to have her own seat and wear a seatbelt, which made her feel like such a big girl.
Our trip to the Yucatan Peninsula was a fantastic experience that taught us a lot about balancing cultural immersion with family travel. We truly loved exploring the ancient ruins and connecting with locals through public transportation and shared meals. We would absolutely return to the Yucatán, but next time we would prioritize cultural experiences even more. We would also love to try riding El Tren Maya! It’s wonderful to see that the train's pricing structure is tiered to make it more affordable for locals to experience their own history.#
If you’re thinking about a trip to the Yucatan, I highly recommend stepping outside the typical tourist bubble and embracing authentic experiences. It’s an adventure your family will never forget.
