A trip to the ruins at Coba can be a little less manageable with small children -- it is more than an hour's drive west. The excursion gives a sense of what life is like away from the water: there are long stretches of undeveloped land and houses with roofs of leaves and straw. Once you arrive at Coba, just around the corner from a Club Med, guides can drive you by pedicab to see Templo de las Iglesias, the largest pyramid in the area. For a more familiar experience, Xcaret is a vast water park, aquarium, private beach and place to swim with dolphins, all rolled into one.
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve -- protected wilderness that encompasses Maya ruins and wildlife such as sea turtles and a wide variety of tropical birds -- can best be seen on a guided boat tour. Another interesting day trip is exploring for cenotes. Ask the hotel for recommendations and directions.
How to get there:
There are a number of airlines connecting from the US to Cancun International Airport (www.cancun-airport.com). Buses (US$6), rental cars and taxis are available at the airport.
Where to stay:
Bahia Principe Tulum (www.bahia-principe.com), is one of the vast, all-inclusive resorts along the Maya Riviera, from US$200 a night to US$105, low season.
Dreams Tulum, formerly Sunscape Tulum, is a slightly more luxurious version of the Bahia Principe (www.dreamsresort.com) from $242 to US$161 in low season.
Zamas Hotel (www.zamas.com) has bungalows for US$90 in high season.
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