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Some kids love Mayan ruins; others don’t. But one that most frequently scores a hit is Uxmal. Not only does it have lots of steps and temples for running around, but its clefts and stones are home to huge numbers of iguanas, which sit stock still until surprised, then dart off with sudden alacrity. Some are giants as big as crocodiles, but they’re all harmless no matter how scary they may look.

The Spanish capital of eastern Yucatán, founded in 1545, has at its heart one of the most charming of the region’s colonial plazas – wonderful for people-watching – overlooked by the tall white cathedral. Valladolid is celebrated for embroidery, and the square is a good place to buy the white, flower-patterned huípil dresses and tablecloths. Around the town there are many more fine old Spanish churches and houses, and just four blocks from the plaza you can look down into the dramatic pit of Cenote Zací, once Valladolid’s water source.

Valladolid combines distinguished colonial architecture with the easygoing atmosphere of a Yucatán market town. Whitewashed arcades and 17th-century houses surround the main plaza, and among the town’s many churches is a fine Franciscan monastery (seeManí Monastery). Right in the middle of the town is a huge cenote, which once provided all Valladolid’s water, and nearby at Dzitnup are some of the Yucatán’s most spectacular cenotes for swimming.

The largest of the Riviera’s eco-parks, just south of Playa del Carmen, provides a wonderful introduction to the tropical environment of the Yucatán and a full day’s worth of things to do – from snorkeling and swimming with dolphins to eye-popping animal and butterfly collections (see Playa del Carmen: Xcaret).

Xcaret Mayan Village

The first and most famous of the eco-parks provides lots for kids to enjoy, in an easy, family-centered environment. The snorkeling river and dolphin pool are the biggest hits, but children are also fascinated by the zoo, butterfly garden, and forest paths (see Playa del Carmen: Xcaret).

The Riviera’s original eco-park provides a spectacular introduction to the richness and variety of a tropical environment, all in one space (see Playa del Carmen: Xcaret).

Puma, Xcaret eco-park

This snorkel park is another of the Riviera’s big family attractions. Few kids are not enchanted by swimming and snorkeling in the coral lagoon, and exploring its lush forest setting.

Xel-Ha

One of the most luxuriant coral inlets on the coast has been made a “snorkel park” that’s one of the Riviera’s most popular attractions – experienced divers may find it tame, but it’s great for easy snorkeling, especially for families. Around it there’s a forest park and a beach. Just outside the park and across the Highway are the Mayan ruins of Xel-Ha (see Xel-Ha Ruins).