We are travelling to the Riviera Mayan and staying at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo during the week of 12/23-12/30. We are a group of 14, with two elderly grandparents, aged 80 & 82, 4 young adults, aged 19-24, 2 kids, 8 & 11, 6 adults 40-55. I am looking for some places to go outside of the resort, without going too far, to entertain all these different age groups (i.e. something that will appeal to everyone). I know that Cancun is about an hour away and have spent much time there so I am wondering about Akumal or Tulum or other areas that might be fun and interesting. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Playa del Carmen is a good bet to have something for everyone in your group and is not far away.

There is a very long, (mostly) shady, level newly-paved street that runs down through the middle of town (closed off to vehicle traffic) that is lined by MANY wonderful shops, bars and restaurants that will have something for everyone.

The town is on a most beautiful beach with plenty of places to get food or a cool drink and chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Have a great time. You will be making lifetime memories!

Diana- Thank you for your reply but I was referring to daytime activities (must not have been clear). We are looking for sightseeing excursions that will appeal to all ages or at least to various age groups if we need to split up.

Oh, sorry. PDC is a good daytime activity as it does have something for everyone and everything is open during the day. (But if shopping is not your bag, the only other thing that is there is a gorgeous beach.)

I think another very good one would be a day trip to Cozumel. You can take the ferry over from Playa del Carmen. (The ferry ride is about 45 mon.)

There is a lot to do and see there, and it would be easy to get a van (collectivo) or two that would accommodate everyone. There is a very nice park (Chankanab) with chairs and palapas, good food and great from-shore snorkeling. There're also some sights there - a nice botanical garden and a repro of a Maya village.

Another idea is a day trip to Isla Mujeres via the ferry from Cancun. Little shops, an easy ferry ride and a gorgeous beach.

You could also visit one of the eco-parks in the area - Xel Ha, Xcaret or my favorite Tres Rios. They are not far from where you are and have a variety of activities from snorkeling to horseback riding and have plenty of shade for the older folks and swimming for the younger set.

Akumal and Tulum are both lovely, but really don't have much more to offer than a beautiful day at the beach - which for many of us is paradise, but for non-beachgoers can be torture. There are a sprinkling of shops and restaurants there, but not much to keep the younger set occupied/interested unless they love the beach and water - which most kids do.

We really loved Xel Ha, and although I doubt the elderly grandparents would snorkel, there are plenty of shady places to sit and watch. I think everyone else in your group would enjoy it. There's a great river to snorkel or tube down, and places to junp off rocks, and then a beautiful lagoon with wonderful snorkeling. There's plenty of food and shade and you can do dolphin swims for an extra charge if you like.