Ruins to Reefs: Our Riviera Maya Family Escape
Our trip to Riviera Maya was packed with unforgettable moments - from adrenaline-pumping excursions to peaceful tropical bliss. It was the kind of vacation that left us all saying, "We'll never forget this!"
I absolutely love staying at all inclusive resorts. Everything is so easy and stress free when the money is pre-paid. So, we stayed at the beautiful Iberostar resort - a big, tropical paradise with everything we needed right at our fingertips. Our beachfront room opened directly onto the sand, stepping off our patio and into the warm Caribbean breeze felt like a dream. From sunrise breakfasts to the friendliest customer service, the resort delivered.
The food options were endless - definitely something for every craving. And after our days of exploring, we loved unwinding with the resort’s nightly entertainment - music, dancing, and fun performances that kept the energy going.
Every day of our 9 day trip was magical. Even my teenagers were never bored! 🏆
We did a lot of sight seeing throughout the entire riveria maya area. One of our favorite experiences was Xel-Há, a natural aquatic paradise where we snorkeled in turquoise waters filled with colorful sea life, visited a natural preserve, and even swam with dolphins. We also visited the spectacular mayan ruins near by and learned about their ancient culture. these ruins are right on coast with dramatic black rock and gorgeous blue/green water set as the backdrop.
One of the coolest natural wonders we have experienced anywhere are the underwater caves call cenotes. The cenotes were another unforgettable part of our adventure - a little bit scary, a lot bit adventuresome. These beautiful freshwater sinkholes, surrounded by jungle but hidden inside caves, offered a peaceful and otherworldly escape from the heat. Whether we were swimming or rafting through the crystal-clear water, the cenotes were super cool!
✨But the ultimate highlight of the trip? Xplor. Hands down, the most exhilarating day we had on this trip. The kids even said it was better than Disneyland—and they meant it! ✨
We drove amphibious vehicles through caves and jungle trails, flew through the sky on one of the most massive zipline courses around, rafted through underground cenotes, and enjoyed one of the best lunches of our whole vacation. It was muddy, exciting, and absolutely unforgettable.
Another can't miss experience 🐠 is Chankanaab National Park, A True Gem
We saved some of the best exploration for last—an all-day jeep tour in Cozumel. We followed a guided caravan in our own 4-wheel drive jeep, circling the island and stopping at incredible spots along the way. The day began at the incredible Chankanaab National Park. The snorkeling there was like diving into a living aquarium—crystal-clear water, vibrant coral, and schools of the most beautiful fish we’ve ever seen. The whole tour was a perfect mix of excitement, scenic beauty, and cultural fun.
In between all the adventure, we found time to relax—lounging by the beach, shopping for souvenirs, and savoring every moment together. Riviera Maya has a way of blending nature, culture, fun, and luxury into one remarkable family getaway.
☀️We came home sun-kissed, full of stories, and more connected than ever. These are the kinds of memories we’ll carry with us forever.💙
~Carrie Ducharme
