Stay Here, Do That • Family Guide

Family Travel Guide to Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica — Beaches, Wildlife & Afro-Caribbean Flavor

On Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca blends palm-lined beaches, howler-monkey jungle, and Afro-Caribbean culture. It’s a chill, color-splashed base for families: bike paths instead of highways, smoothie bars after beach time, wildlife sanctuaries that wow kids, and day trips to national parks minutes away.

Share this guide: Facebook X Pinterest

Quick Links (Book & Plan)

• 🇨🇷 Official Tourism: Visit Costa Rica
• 🌿 Park Info (Official): SINAC / Caribbean Area
• 🎟️ Puerto Viejo tours & activities (Viator)
• ✈️ Compare flights to Costa Rica (SJO/LIO)
• 🚗 Reserve a rental car
• 🏨 Browse Puerto Viejo stays (Booking)
• 🌍 Flexible family travel insurance
• 🗺️ Puerto Viejo map pin

Why Families Love Puerto Viejo

Think bikes with child seats rolling past breadfruit trees; tide pools where toddlers can splash; teens practicing surf pop-ups while capuchins chatter overhead. Puerto Viejo is less about big resorts and more about reef-protected coves, wildlife mornings, and slow afternoons. With most highlights spread along one palm-lined coastal road, your days are wonderfully simple: ride → swim → smoothie → nap → sunset.

The nearby protected areas are the clincher. Cahuita National Park offers flat jungle trails with sea views and probable sloth sightings, while the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge shelters coral reefs and rainforest that tumbles right to the water.

Stay Here

Pick a base near a calm beach and plan adventures outward.

• Top luxury & boutique stays in Puerto Viejo (5★ filter)
• All family-friendly hotels & cabins (Booking)

Tip: Families love being between Playa Cocles and Punta Uva for easy swimming and short rides into town.

Things to Do Around Puerto Viejo

Jaguar Rescue Center (Guided Tours)

A beloved sanctuary caring for injured wildlife — sloths, toucans, monkeys. Book a tour directly at the official site: Jaguar Rescue Center (morning tours sell out).

Cahuita National Park (Flat Family Trail)

Easy coastal hiking with monkeys, raccoons and lookouts over turquoise water. Map pin • Snorkel/park combos

Punta Uva Beach (Calm Water)

Reef-protected cove with glassy mornings — great for little swimmers. Map pin

Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

Jungle-to-sea trails and snorkeling on calm days; hire a local guide at the entrance for wildlife. Map pin

Surf Lessons at Playa Cocles

For confident swimmers/teens — certified instructors offer soft-board lessons. Find a surf school

Caribbean Chocolate

Learn bean-to-bar traditions with tastings. Family favorite: Caribeans Chocolate & Tasting Tour.

BriBri Indigenous Territory

Culture, waterfalls, cacao and medicinal-plant walks with local guides. Map pin • Book a guided visit

Bike the Coastal Road

Rent bikes with kid seats/trailers in town and roll beach-to-beach. Bike rentals map

Where to Eat (Kid-Friendly Favorites)

• Bread & Chocolate — crowd-pleasing breakfasts, brownies, smoothies.
• KOKi Beach — beachfront lounge vibe with kids’ options at sunset.
• Soda Lidia’s Place — homey Afro-Caribbean plates; try the rondon soup (mild for kids).
• De Gustibus Bakery — croissants, sandwiches, coffee for early starts.

Family Tips

• Sea conditions change — pick calm coves (Punta Uva/Playa Chiquita) on swell days.
• Mornings for wildlife & snorkeling; afternoons for naps and smoothies.
• Cash helps at small sodas/parking; ATMs are in town and Cahuita.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and watch for red flags on surf beaches.
• Driving from SJO? Aim to arrive by daylight; consider an overnight in San José after late flights.

Sample 3-Day Family Flow

1. Day 1: Bikes → Playa Cocles → chocolate tasting → sunset at KOKi Beach.
2. Day 2: Jaguar Rescue Center tour → Punta Uva swim/snorkel → ice cream in town.
3. Day 3: Cahuita National Park walk → picnic → nap → souvenir stroll.

More Guides You’ll Love

• Arenal / La Fortuna — Hot Springs & Waterfalls
• Monteverde — Cloud Forest Adventures
• Tamarindo — Surf Lessons & Sunsets
• Guanacaste — Luxury Beaches & Resorts
• Manuel Antonio — Beaches & Monkeys

Explore our growing Costa Rica collection at Stay Here, Do That.

Are you a local host or tour?

Want your stay, tour, or café considered for a future feature in our Family Guides? Email stayheredothat@gmail.com with your link and location.

If you found this helpful, please share this guide or drop a quick comment — it helps families find the calm, confidence-boosting info they need. 💙

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search worldwide flight deals

🚗 Reserve a rental car

🏨 Compare top resorts & boutique stays

🎟️ Book local tours on Viator

🌍 Protect your trip with SafetyWing

Some links may be affiliate links that help support Stay Here, Do That — thank you for traveling kindly.

© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Calm planning, confident trips.

#PuertoViejo#CostaRica#FamilyTravel#Cahuita#PuntaUva#Manzanillo

Stay Here, Do That • Ultimate Family Series

Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Campeche, Mexico — Colorful Cities, Jungle Ruins, Quiet Beaches & Easy Road Trips

This is your friendly, all-in-one roadmap to Campeche State — from the pastel streets of the UNESCO old town to wildlife-rich jungles and calm Gulf beaches. We’ve linked our detailed local guides for each hub (Isla Aguada, Sabancuy, Edzná, Calakmul, Xpujil, Hopelchén, Hecelchakán) so you can plan fast, book smart, and explore confidently with kids in tow.

Quick Links

• Book family-friendly tours & tickets across Campeche (Viator)
• Compare flights to Campeche & nearby airports
• Reserve a rental car so it’s ready on arrival
• Get flexible travel insurance for families
• Read our local guides:
  • Campeche City • Isla Aguada • Sabancuy • Edzná • Calakmul • Xpujil • Hopelchén • Hecelchakán.

Why Choose Campeche for a Family Trip?

Campeche is the sweet spot between “wow” and “easy.” You’ll get colorful colonial streets without the crowds, Maya ruins you can actually wander, calm Gulf beaches for shelling and hammock time, and friendly towns where kids are welcomed everywhere. Driving is straightforward, distances are manageable, and day trips connect naturally — city day, beach day, jungle day, repeat.

Tip: Build in a slow day every 2–3 days — Sabancuy or Isla Aguada are perfect for naps, sand play, and sunset strolls before your next ruins adventure.

Getting There

• Fly into: Campeche (CPE) or Mérida (MID). Compare routes and fares quickly with our flight search. If flying into Cancún (CUN), plan an overnight in Valladolid or Mérida.
• Car seats & flexibility: For families, a car is gold. Reserve in advance so your vehicle and seats are waiting at pick-up — use our rental car tool.
• Backup plan: Keep travel insurance active for trip hiccups or medical visits.

When to Go

The dry season (roughly November–April) brings blue skies, lower humidity, and dreamy sunsets on the Gulf. Summer can be lush and green with afternoon showers — great for wildlife around Calakmul and quieter city streets. Whenever you go, plan ruins in the cool morning, beach or museum time in the afternoon, and an early dinner al fresco.

Where to Stay (Airbnb first, hotels as backup)

Campeche City (Primary City Base)

Stay steps from pastel facades and the malecón for easy museum evenings. We feature family Airbnbs in our Campeche City guide. Prefer a hotel vibe? After browsing the Airbnb, you can compare central hotels.

Isla Aguada & Sabancuy (Beach Days)

Low-key beaches and gentle water for shelling, flamingo spotting, and hammock naps. See our picks in the Isla Aguada and Sabancuy guides. Need a traditional check-in? See beachfront hotels.

Xpujil/Calakmul (Jungle Adventure Base)

Base in Xpujil for early Calakmul starts and wildlife mornings. See stays in our Xpujil and Calakmul guides; or compare lodges/hotels after viewing the featured Airbnb.

Best Things to Do with Kids

Wander the UNESCO Old Town

Colorful walls, quiet plazas, pirate legends, and photo-friendly doors. Start at the Cathedral and stroll to the Malecón (Maps) for scooters and sunsets.

Edzná: Pyramids without the Crowds

Broad steps, shade trees, and iguana spotting. See our Edzná guide and consider a driver/guide via Viator.

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Howler monkeys, toucans, and towering temples deep in protected jungle. Our Calakmul guide lays out timing, snacks, and bathroom stops.

Beach Reset: Isla Aguada & Sabancuy

Quiet water for little swimmers, flamingo boat rides, and hammock naps after lunch. Explore via our Isla Aguada and Sabancuy posts.

Fortresses & Pirate Stories

Visit the city’s fort museums for breezy ramparts and cannons. Kids love the views and tales; combine with evening gelato on Calle 59.

Market Mornings

Try pan de cazón, tamales, and fresh fruit in town markets. Curious eaters? This is the place to sample safely at family pace.

Where to Eat (family-friendly picks)

• La Pigua (Maps) — seafood and kid-friendly sides.
• Marganzo (Maps) — classic Campechano dishes near the plaza.
• Calle 59 (Maps) — pedestrian dining strip for easy patio dinners.

When a place doesn’t have an official site, we link the exact Maps pin so you can navigate with one tap.

7-Day Family Itinerary (modular)

1. Day 1 — Arrive & Settle: Land at CPE or MID, pick up your reserved car, sunset walk on the malecón, early dinner on Calle 59.
2. Day 2 — Campeche City: Old town wander, forts, museum stop, evening bike/scooter loop.
3. Day 3 — Edzná Morning: Beat the heat at the ruins; pool or nap time after. Add a guide if you want stories brought to life.
4. Day 4 — Beach Reset: Drive to Isla Aguada or Sabancuy for swimming, shelling, and a hammock siesta.
5. Day 5 — Hopelchén/Hecelchakán: Easy town day for colorful streets and local markets. See Hopelchén and Hecelchakán.
6. Day 6 — Xpujil Base: Drive toward the jungle; early night for tomorrow’s adventure. Plan fuel/snacks; confirm insurance coverage.
7. Day 7 — Calakmul: Wildlife dawn drive, epic temples, picnic lunch, and back to your base. Optional second night to go slower with little kids.

Have more time? Add a second beach day, or repeat Edzná at sunrise for a totally different mood.

Practical Tips

• Car logistics: Distances are longer than they look. Keep the tank above half when heading into the jungle. Reserve your vehicle in advance with our car tool.
• Heat management: Ruins in the morning, shade and snacks midday, sunset walks in the evening.
• Safety net: Families travel calmer with an active policy — we like the flexibility of SafetyWing.
• Cash & cards: ATMs are easiest in the city. Carry small bills for markets and parking.
• Apps: Download offline maps. Save our guide links for one-tap reference on the road.

Explore by Area (one-tap deep dives)

City & Culture

Campeche City Guide — plazas, forts, evening strolls, and where to eat with kids.

Backup stays after Airbnb: compare central hotels.

Beaches & Wildlife

Isla Aguada • Sabancuy — calm water, flamingo tours, hammock naps. Consider a family boat tour via Viator.

Ruins & Jungle

Edzná (easy with kids) • Calakmul (epic wildlife) • Xpujil base.

Colorful Small Towns

Hopelchén • Hecelchakán — markets, murals, and slow mornings.

Family Packing Shortlist

• Sun hats, lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Refillable bottles, collapsible cooler, snacks for ruin days.
• Binoculars for Calakmul, small flashlight/headlamp for early starts.
• Baby carrier or compact stroller (city only); towels for beach resets.
• Copies of passports, cards, and insurance details.

FAQ

Is Campeche safe for families? We find the vibe relaxed and welcoming, especially in the historic center and beach towns. Use common travel sense, drive in daylight to the jungle, and keep a basic plan.

Do we need a guide for Calakmul? Not required, but many families love having a driver/guide for stories and spotting wildlife. Browse options on Viator.

Hotel or Airbnb? We highlight Airbnbs for space and kitchens; if you prefer a front desk, compare hotels after you’ve looked at the featured stays.

Want Your Place Featured?

We love showcasing family-friendly Airbnbs, tours, and eateries. Email stayheredothat@gmail.com with your location and links. If there’s no website, send the Maps pin — we’ll handle the rest.

Plan the Boring Stuff (so the fun is easy)

• Compare flight prices for your dates: search flights.
• Reserve a family car with seats ready on arrival: book car rental.
• Backstop your plans with flexible coverage: get travel insurance.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Compare flight deals

🚗 Reserve your rental car

🏨 Prefer a front desk? See hotel options after viewing our featured Airbnbs

🎟️ Book local tours & experiences (Viator)

🌍 Travel insurance for families

Some links may be affiliate links that help keep Stay Here, Do That free and growing — thanks for your support.

© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Calm planning, confident trips.

Stay Here, Do That • Family Guide

Family Travel Guide: Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico — Jungle Ruins, Wildlife & Adventure

Ancient pyramids peeking above rainforest canopy. Howler monkeys at sunrise. Quiet roads and real adventure that still works for kids. Calakmul is the ultimate family jungle day with room to breathe.

Headed to the jungle. Keep a flexible plan active for peace of mind with SafetyWing travel insurance. Compare flight deals and reserve your rental car before you arrive.

Quick Links

• Calakmul Archaeological Zone (Maps)
• Calakmul Biosphere Entrance (Maps)
• Guided Tours and Drivers (Viator)
• Stay Here: Family Base near Calakmul (Airbnb)
• Xpujil town base (Maps)

• Chicanná Ruins (Maps)
• Balamkú Ruins (Maps)
• Hormiguero Ruins (Maps)
• Flexible Travel Insurance
• Weather and Storms — SMN/CONAGUA

Need wheels. Reserve a car rental. Flying into Chetumal or Campeche. Compare flights early.

Why Families Love Calakmul

Calakmul feels like a real expedition with kid-friendly wins. A quiet road through rainforest. Wildlife stops. Pyramids you can see above the canopy. The adrenaline stays fun without being overwhelming. You control the pace and the distance.

Travel smart. Keep flexible coverage active with SafetyWing in case of delays or a quick clinic visit. Jungle trips run smoother that way.

Stay Here: Family Base Near Calakmul

Set up in the jungle corridor so sunrise starts are easy and naps are close. This family-ready Airbnb is a practical base with AC, parking, and easy access to the highway toward the reserve. Ask the host about a travel crib, blackout curtains, and filtered water. Xpujil town has markets for snacks and breakfast supplies.

Pin it: Xpujil • Consider nearby ruins on your arrival day like Chicanná or Balamkú.

Prefer a hotel comparison after securing your Airbnb. You can quickly check local hotels for backup nights.

Things To Do With Kids

Calakmul Archaeological Zone

Ancient plazas and steep temple staircases with jungle views. Go early. Carry plenty of water and snacks. Keep little feet steady near edges. This is the big wow.

Pins: Calakmul Ruins • Reserve gate: Biosphere Entrance

Wildlife Moments

Listen for howler monkeys at dawn. Watch toucans and ocellated turkeys along the road. Pull over only in safe places. Never feed wildlife.

Prefer a guide and transport. See Calakmul tours on Viator to handle permits and timing.

Nearby Mini-Sites

Warm up little legs on easier sites. Chicanná has ornate monster-mouth facades. Balamkú is compact and shaded. Hormiguero feels hidden and adventurous.

Evening Reset in Xpujil

Pick a simple dinner, restock water and fruit, and prep snacks for the next day. That reset keeps the jungle day happy for everyone.

Getting around. Most families self-drive. If you’d rather relax, compare guided transport.

Family Tips and Local Know-How

• Start early. The road into the reserve takes time. Gates may have set hours. Ask your host for current details.
• Pack like hikers. Electrolytes, hats, UPF shirts, bug protection, quick-dry towels.
• Fuel and water. Top up the car and buy extra water the night before.
• Cell service. Spotty in the reserve. Download offline maps.
• Backup plan. Flights can shift and kids get tired. Keep flexible coverage via SafetyWing.

Flying in soon. Check airfares and lock your rental car now so pickup is quick.

5-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Warm-Up Ruins

Arrive in Xpujil. Settle into your Airbnb base. Light walk at Balamkú or Chicanná. Early dinner and gear check.

Day 2 — Calakmul Summit Day

Pre-dawn start. Enter the biosphere, continue to Calakmul ruins. Picnic, rest, then slow drive out with wildlife stops. If you prefer a driver and guide, browse Viator options.

Day 3 — Easy Morning and Pool Time

Sleep in a bit. Short visit to Hormiguero. Afternoon pool or hammocks. Prep snacks for the road tomorrow.

Day 4 — Extra Ruins or Drive the Scenic

Pick a favorite to repeat or explore another mini-site. If stormy weather pops up, relax in town and enjoy a long lunch.

Day 5 — Head Out

Pack up. Final bakery stop. Drive to your next destination in Campeche or Yucatán. Check flights and confirm your rental car return details.

We keep flexible coverage running with SafetyWing so plan changes never derail the trip.

Food and Supplies

In this corridor you’ll rely on local comedores and shops. Hours vary. Have a backup snack kit for kids.

• Xpujil center: Markets, pharmacies, and simple eateries. Use Maps to confirm opening times. Pin: Xpujil Centro
• Road snacks: Fruit, crackers, yogurt drinks, and electrolytes. Stock up the night before Calakmul day.

More Guides You May Like

• Ultimate Travel Guide: Yucatán (State)
• Ultimate Family Guide: Quintana Roo
• Family Travel Guide: Campeche City
• Family Travel Guide: Isla Aguada
• Family Travel Guide: Sabancuy

For Hosts: Get Your Listing Featured

Want your Airbnb, boutique stay, or family-friendly tour featured in a “Stay Here, Do That” guide. I build high-quality features that keep sending traffic long after they publish. This is a paid service with limited monthly slots.

Email: stayheredothat@gmail.com — include your city, property link, and one standout detail.

Did this help.

Share it with your travel group, save to Pinterest, and drop a comment with your best Calakmul tip so other families can plan with confidence.

Copy Link  Facebook  X / Twitter  Pinterest

Some links may be affiliate links that support this blog at no extra cost to you.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Flights: Search worldwide flight deals

🚗 Car Rentals: Find the best local rentals

🏨 Hotels: Compare hotel stays

🎟️ Local Tours & Experiences: Book authentic Viator experiences

🌍 Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with SafetyWing

© Stay Here, Do That — Family Travel Guides. Calm planning. Confident trips.