Some trips I plan down to the minute — others I figure out along the way. And for me, Santa Teresa is the second kind because I know we don´t need more than its warm sun, dusty roads, and the close ocean.
We’re The Holiday Family: dad, mom, and three little explorers aged 10, 8 and 5. Here’s how we spend 5 days: simple plans, plenty of fresh air, good food, and a bag ready for whatever the day brings.
Day 1 – Make our self confortable in the villa
What we do: Once we drop the bags at our place, first stop is always supermarket. Super necessary to have the house ready for the next days.: And also to know what we are not going to have.
Later on, for Sunset we went to Playa Carmen which is perfect for first sunset: wide, gentle waves, and enough space for kids.
Check List:
✅ Sunscreen and hats
✅ Cold water bottles
✅ Fresh fruit or easy snacks
Where to eat: Taco Corner is the spot where you can just grab and go so food -burritos, tacos and salads!
Day 2 – Surf day for everyone
What we do: By now, someone always asks for a surfboard. So day two is for surfing. There are surf schools with patient teachers for kids and parents alike. And if someone’s not in the mood to surf, watching is half the fun.
Check List:
✅ Book lessons early
✅ Plenty of sunscreen
✅ Quick snacks for after the water
Where to eat: Atardecer dorado in Manzanillo is our pick. It is a local restaurant with shady tables, tasty food and good music just steps from the ocean.
Day 3 – A little adventure: waterfalls
What we do: We love exploring, so a day trip to the Montezuma waterfalls is a must. Short hikes, spotting bugs, a cool swim — and yes, the energy kids burn means nap time later (no complaints here).
Check List:
✅ Bug spray and sturdy shoes
✅ Swimsuits and a dry change of clothes
✅ Small picnic: juice boxes, cookies, fruit
Where to eat: Pack your own picnic and have it in the waterfalls!
IntroductionDay 4 – A slower day: yoga, art or beach time
What we do: By mid-trip, we like to slow down. Some days we try a family yoga class, other days the kids do a little painting workshop while we relax nearby. And sometimes we just end up back on the beach — no complaints there.
Check List:
✅ Check class or workshop times in advance
✅ Light snacks
Where to eat: Anis is fresh, easygoing and has healthy bowls and smoothies for everyone.
Day 5 – Souvenirs and sunset to remember
What we do: We keep the last day simple. A slow stroll through town, picking out bracelets or a fridge magnet that’ll pop up months later in someone’s backpack. When the sun starts to dip, we settle in at Playa Hermosa — it’s the perfect spot to watch the day end.
Check List:
✅ Blanket or sarong to sit on
✅ Snacks and water bottles
✅ Phone or camera charged for that last sunset shot
Where to wrap up: Local pizza or takeout — no dishes, full bellies, and one last evening of stories about the week
Little tricks that make it easy
Bag ready everyday: sunscreen, water, fruit, a few beach games.
Leave room for surprises: Planning helps, but some of the best memories are the unplanned ones.
Respect the place: The kids know the rule — what we bring, we take back (trash, toys, seashells too).
Laugh when plans change: If something goes sideways, it’s probably tomorrow’s favorite story
Ready to plan your own adventure?
Santa Teresa has a hundred ways to enjoy family time. We hope this guide makes your next trip just a little smoother. For more ideas, check out our Guide for Traveling with Kids in Santa Teresa or write us — we love swapping tips with other traveling parents.
