ITTN’s Shane Cullen spent 5 nights in Cancún as part of a fam trip hosted by Jenny Rafter & Keren Shepherd from Aer Lingus and Hilton, respectively.
This marked the launch of the new Aer Lingus direct service from Dublin to Cancún, operating three times a week, up until the end of April 2026. For those interested in venturing outside the luxury all-inclusive resorts, there are the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, snorkelling in the tranquil turquoise waters, plus adventure and entertainment at Xcarat theme and nature park.
Archaeological Site of Tulum
Tulum is a coastal town situated about a 90-minute drive from Cancún or less than 20 minutes from our hotel, the Hilton Tulum (read about the hotel here). Our guide explained that while the holiday resort of Cancún dates back to the mid-1970s, the archaeological site at Tulum was built in the late thirteenth century during what is known as the Mayan post-classic period.
The Mayan Ruins of Tulum are high on a cliff-top, with a commanding view of the Caribbean Sea. At the foot of the cliff is a stunning beach with white sands and turquoise waters. Tulum means wall, and this gave the town its namesake. It was a walled city that served as a port, trading jade and turquoise gems. It thrived up to the 15th century before declining in the decades after the Spanish army began conquering what is now Mexico. Interestingly, it is the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of only a few protected by a wall.
There are many preserved structures with murals and carvings within the thick limestone walls, and spectacular views from the top of the Castillo. Bring swimming togs as visitors can get down to the shore and go for a refreshing dip in the sea.
Snorkelling with Aventura Mayas
Visitors can easily spend half a day enjoying the sights and shores of Tulum, though we were continuing our adventure with a snorkelling trip with Aventura Mayas. The calm, protected waters were filled with fish of every colour – a true tropical underwater kaleidoscope. Everyone was equipped with snorkelling gear and life jackets. You can even hire GoPros at the gift shop, which would have made my camera bag a lot lighter. Our group had a very helpful guide who walked us through the activity and safety requirements. In addition, Aventura Mayas offer many other activities, from ATV adventures to tree-top ziplines for those seeking adrenaline thrills.
Xcaret, Mexico
The group experienced Xcaret, the eco-archaeological park and nature reserve in the Riviera Maya. This is a combination of a water park and amusement park set in the middle of the jungle with natural rivers, cenotes (natural, water-filled sink holes), wild native animals and live entertainment. It has over 50 natural and cultural attractions.
Visitors can enjoy swimming in underground rivers, beaches, lagoons, and natural pools. Even the little ones have a special space for them in the Children’s World, where they can swim in shallow cenotes and fun wading pools.
Xcaret also has a vast Coral Reef Aquarium and the sea turtle centre with marine life from the Caribbean Sea. On land, native animals in the park include jaguars, manatees, flamingos, spider monkeys, saraguatos, bats, deer, and tapirs!
Our group swam along a winding river. Each person gets a life jacket while swimming, meaning everyone can take part. This is a calm, refreshing experience (the water was a blissful 22 degrees Celcius) with lush vegetation on both riverbanks. Plenty of monkeys and colourful birds filled the tree branches before the river flows underwater into cave systems.
After the gentle dip along the scenic river, the group was treated to a sizeable and very tasty buffet lunch under the Mexican sun, shaded by jungle trees. An expert Mariachi band serenaded us as we ate flavourful Mexican dishes.
At Xcaret Park, there are lockers, towels, strollers, wheelchairs and snorkel gear (for details, click here). Changing rooms and showers are available throughout the park (no charge). There are over 10 eateries dotted around the park. Our group were treated to the buffet lunch (which is included in the Xcaret Plus admission and is very tasty). In addition, there are shops and free wifi.
Guests can visit the Mexican Folk Art Museum, the “Bridge to Paradise”, a beautifully painted, vibrant Mexican cemetery, and the Hacienda Henequenera. There is also the Papantla Flyers ceremony, the equestrian show, and ancestral dances in the Pre-Hispanic Village.
Visitors can easily spend a whole day enjoying the facilities and activities on offer – including into the evening (separate ticket or add-on).
Xcarat México Espectacular
Between activities, guests can sit back and be entertained with daily and evening performances and demonstrations. Our group was treated to the Xcaret México Espectacular performance in the evening with an extravagant seven-course gourmet dinner.
Guests are seated around a large stage with a multitude of performances celebrating the culture of Mexico, with each performance highlighting a different era in the nation’s history. This is an epic, spectacular show that captivates all ages and I would class it as a must-see when in Cancún.
Pricing at Xcarat
In January 2026, the Xcaret advance online purchase price was US$120 (per adult). For Xcaret Plus (which includes buffet lunch at any of the five speciality restaurants plus access ot the facilities at the Plus Area costs US$149 (per adult). Children aged from 5 to 11 years of age get a 25% discount on adult prices, and kids under 4 go free. There are various add-ons for specific activities and evening shows, as well as multi-park and multi-day deals. For more, check out here.
Xcarat is just over an hour’s drive from Hilton Cancún and just over half an hour from Hilton Tulum. There are buses, taxis can be arranged from the hotel, or guests can book tour packages.
For More on Cancun
For more from the January 2026 Aer Lingus & Hilton Fam Trip to Cancún fam trip, check out these articles:
For a video tour of the Hilton Properties the group stayed at, follow the links:
Hilton Cancun All-Inclusive:
Hilton Tulum All-Inclusive:
