Public travel plan
The Ultimate Family & Coastal Explorer Guide Across Mexico
This curated itinerary synthesizes the best of Mexico's Pacific coast, Baja Peninsula, and the Yucatan Riviera for families and coastal explorers. Traveling with multi-generational groups or kids requires a balance of s…
Source videos
Travel inspiration behind this plan
Our Favorite All Inclusive Resort in Puerto Vallarta | Pirate Ship Excursion
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Falling Down the Stairs on Our Cruise Ship | Our Typical Day in Cabo San Lucas | Day 5
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Costa Maya Port & Golf Cart Tour | Time Lapse
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Our Vacation in CABO SAN LUCAS | Travel Vlog
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HOTEL VAMAR Puerto Vallarta Review (3 Bedroom Villa) | Worth It for the Price?
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Is It REALLY Safe to Cruise to Mexico? (Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel & More)
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Our Trip to Playa Del Carmen & Chichen Itza | Part 1
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OUR DAY IN MAZATLÁN | Mazatlán Red Truck Tours
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Our Cruise Stop / Beach Day in CABO SAN LUCAS! | Day 6
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Playa Del Carmen | Day in Tulum & Monkeys | Swimming with Turtles | Part 2
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Plan notes
Useful context before you go
This curated itinerary synthesizes the best of Mexico's Pacific coast, Baja Peninsula, and the Yucatan Riviera for families and coastal explorers. Traveling with multi-generational groups or kids requires a balance of self-contained resort ease and organized, low-friction day trips. In Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, base yourself in all-inclusive suites or walkable marina villas that provide effortless beach and pool access. In the Riviera Maya and Yucatan, rent a private van service (such as with local drivers like Emiliano) to beat tour bus crowds to major archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum before midday heat. For Baja and Cabo San Lucas, take advantage of the active marina water taxi network ($5-$6 per person one-way) to hop between harbor viewpoints and family-friendly beach clubs on Medano Beach without getting locked into rigid round-trip schedules. Essential packing includes reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof dry bags for cenote and snorkeling gear, light rain ponchos for tropical afternoon showers, and cash in Mexican Pesos for harbor port fees, tips, and beachside vendors.
Resources for this plan
Shared by the source creators. These are not VibePlanit endorsements and may be affiliate links.
Book Las Caletas Tour · Alex & Erika ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
View Mexico Cruise Port Guides · Alex & Erika ↗ Creator link · may be an affiliate link
Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Days 1-3: Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit Coastal Hub
Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta serve as excellent, safe, and walkable home bases for family groups. Located just 10-20 minutes north of Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, you can settle directly into resort life without long transfers. Take full advantage of on-site all-inclusive amenities, private oceanfront beach bars, and family pirate cruises departing right out of the local marina terminals.
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Marival Distinct Luxury ResidencesMarival Distinct Luxury Residences, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Check in to this premium all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta, offering spacious two-bedroom residence suites complete with multiple bathrooms, living areas, and kid-friendly pool access.
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Marival Distinct Beach & PoolMarival Distinct Luxury Residences, Paseo de los Cocoteros, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Take a short stroll from the main residence buildings to the beachfront pool bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy casual family dining and sunset ocean views over Banderas Bay.
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Puerto Vallarta Pirate Ship ExcursionTerminal Maritima Puerto Vallarta, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Board a themed galleon ship from the Puerto Vallarta maritime terminal for an engaging pirate show, acrobatics, and a sailing voyage out to a secluded beach.
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Marina Vallarta BoardwalkMarina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Stroll around the scenic Marina Vallarta promenade in the evening to explore local shops, waterfront restaurants, and yachts docked along the boardwalk.
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Hotel Vamar Vallarta All Inclusive Marina Beach ResortHotel Vamar Vallarta, Paseo de la Marina Sur, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
A budget-friendly option for larger family groups, this resort features multi-bedroom villa layouts on the marina side with straightforward access across the street to hotel pools.
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Playa Marina VallartaPlaya Marina Vallarta, Paseo de la Marina, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Cross from the Marina villas over to the coastal side of the property for swimming and relaxing on the sand overlooking the bay.
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Malecón Puerto VallartaMalecón, Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Stroll along Puerto Vallarta's famous waterfront boardwalk, admiring public sculptures, local buskers, and authentic taco stands in the historic Zona Romantica.
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Days 4-7: Riviera Maya, Mayan Ruins & Yucatan Cenotes
Transition to Mexico's Caribbean coast for a mix of archaeological heritage and vibrant marine life. Base your family along the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen or Puerto Aventuras) with protected lagoons and water parks. Hire a dedicated private van to navigate early to Chichen Itza and Tulum before peak crowds arrive, followed by refreshing cenote swims with locker and changing facilities.
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Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya LagoonHard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Carretera Chetumal-Cancun Km 72, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Enjoy swimming and calm snorkeling in this sheltered man-made ocean inlet and artificial reef structure, ideal for children and beginners.
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Rockaway Bay Water ParkRockaway Bay Water Park, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Cool off at the on-site water park featuring multiple water slides and splash zones suited for younger kids and teens.
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Tulum Archaeological SiteZona Arqueologica de Tulum, Carretera Federal Chetumal-Cancun, Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Arrive early in the morning via shuttle to tour the cliffside Mayan ruins overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea with fewer crowds.
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Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued AnimalsAkumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals, Camino a Uxuxubi s/n, Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Visit this animal rescue sanctuary where families can learn about rescued primates, tropical birds, and local wildlife conservation efforts.
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Akumal BeachAkumal Beach, Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Head into Akumal's protected coastal bay equipped with life jackets and snorkels for a chance to spot wild green sea turtles feeding on the seagrass beds.
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Chichen ItzaChichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid and the Great Ball Court. Pack a light poncho in case of passing Yucatan rain showers.
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Cenote SaamalCenote Saamal, Hacienda Selva Maya, Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
After touring the pyramids, take a quiet dip in a nearby limestone sinkhole equipped with rental lockers, changing facilities, and freshwater swimming.
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Parque Principal Francisco Canton RosadoParque Principal Francisco Canton Rosado, Centro, Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Stop in Valladolid's vibrant colonial central plaza before sunset to capture photos in front of the historic Church of San Servacio and sample local marquesitas.
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Puerto Costa MayaPuerto Costa Maya, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Rent a golf cart at the port terminal to tour the seaside promenade of Mahahual, stopping by beach clubs and coastal viewpoints.
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Days 8-10: Baja Peninsula & Cabo San Lucas Coastal Adventure
Conclude your journey across the Pacific side of Baja California Sur. Drive down from La Paz or San Jose del Cabo, stopping in the artistic desert oasis of Todos Santos before arriving at the lively harbor of Cabo San Lucas. Medano Beach provides the focal point for watersports, beach dining at iconic spots like The Office, and quick water taxi shuttles out to El Arco.
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Hotel California Todos SantosHotel California, Calle Juarez, Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Stop for lunch and explore the colorful courtyard, artisan boutiques, and historic colonial streets of Todos Santos during the drive along the Pacific coast of Baja.
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Marina Cabo San LucasMarina Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
The vibrant activity center of Cabo. Water taxis depart regularly to Medano Beach ($5-$6 one-way) and El Arco. The creator recommends opting for one-way fares rather than round-trip tickets to maintain schedule flexibility.
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The Office on the BeachThe Office on the Beach, Playa El Medano, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Enjoy a beachside breakfast right on the sand with feet in the ocean breeze. Known for its lively atmosphere, colorful palapas, and fresh seafood platters.
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Playa El MédanoPlaya El Medano, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Cabo's prime swimmable beach with panoramic views of Land's End, paddle boarding rentals, and a bustling shoreline atmosphere.
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Mango Deck Restaurant Bar & Beach ClubMango Deck, Playa El Medano, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Experience the energetic vibe of this iconic open-air beach club on Medano Beach, offering beach loungers, drinks, and lively entertainment.
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Mazatlan Malecon BoardwalkMalecon de Mazatlan, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Hop aboard a classic open-air red open truck tour with Julian Acosta for a lively musical sightseeing journey along the Malecón, cliffside lookouts, and historic downtown Mazatlán.
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