Calling all MEXICO lovers - need advice

[Showe]

DH and I would love to go to Mexico. Our kids have two full weeks off for Christmas break. We have gotten some great advice on places to stay from fellow DISsers already but I am curious as to what everyone's take is on different places for FAMILIES. We are DS-11 and DD-8 with DH and me. Someone today told me that Cancun is just too much night life and wouldn't suggest it for families...unless you were going to pretty much stay aruond your resort. I am not opposed to that but we are talking two full weeks here.

anyway, I am interested in knowing what others with kids have done or where they have stayed while in Mexico. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[budbeerlady]

I would suggest Acapulco instead of cancun. They have the cliff divers which are amazing. It is an older city, less partying. Still has a Hard rock cafe and other fun joints to visit. WE spent two nights in Taxco. It was amazing to visit the church there that is older than you can imagine (1751) There is a best western there that is very economical. It is a fun town to wander around, shop for silver and have some good food. Go see a bull fight. It is amazing.

But if you are going to cancun, take the ferry across to Isla Meujeries (spelling) it is really interesting, not large, we stayed on the hotel there for 4 days. You can take a trip to Chichen Itza. That is interesting to see but be prepared to be pushed for purchases. Go snorkeling, there are lots of great places to go. Go Parasailing, much more economical there.

For two weeks I would recommend finding a good tour agency and do the whole country. For a week and then end in Acapulco. Start in Mexico city, see the pyramids, ave of the dead, the presidental palace (Diego Rivera paintings) with the zocolo. See the cathedral (I am not catholice but it is something to see, especailly how it is sinking.) The city is huge but I always felt very safe and I love to visit it. Have dinner (or dessert) at the house of tiles. WE stayed twice at Majestic Hotel in Mexico City. It is right on the zocolo. Go to Chapultepec park, walk up to the castle. The National Anthropology Museum was cool. (Never went to the zoo here) Go to a market and shop. I love traveling to mexico and cannot wait for Dd to be old enough. (I hope to help chaparone her school trips, that is how I got to go the last two times with my old high school.)

 

[Papa Deuce]

40 miles SOUTH of Cancuun. Riviera Maya area.

We stayed at a WONDERFUL all inclusive place called Bahia Principe. Family resort, BEAUTIFUL hotel! Lost of activities for kids. Free shuttle to Playa Del Carmen. Very close to Tuluum ruins ( STUNNING VIEWS ).

http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/bahia_principe_tulum.html?name=Gran Bahia Principe

Also, I always say, a MUST SEE: www.xcaret.com

Think Disney with an ecological theme. Best single day of any vacation I ever took.

 

[crazee4mickey]

Another vote for Riviera Maya--we were there in January--we stayed in Playacar which is right beside(walking distance) to Playa del Carmen. Gorgeous area, we plan on taking our kids there next time!
Here are a couple of links:
http://www.travelyucatan.com/
http://www.rivieramaya.com/

 

[MoniqueU]

Another Vote for RIveira Maya. We stayed there but at an adults only all inclusive, Royal Hideaway. We loved it.
I would suggest any of the Iberostar resorts. But I would book NOW because Christmas is going to book up fast.

 

[PixieDust32]

Puerto Escondido Oaxaca is way much better, I like La riviera Maya, but Oaxaca es my favorite, Puerto Vallarta. Mexico city is to dangerous.

 

[PixieDust32]

http://www.tomzap.com/escondio.html