Clik here to view.
Evening show at Xcaret. Photo courtesy of Xcaret.
If you’re visiting the Riviera Maya, you’re likely headed to check out some of Mexico’s most well-known Maya sites, soak in the sun on the beautiful beaches, and/or hit the clubs in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. You may not realize the region is also home to a number of interesting adventure and cultural theme parks like Xel-Ha, Xcaret, Xplor, and Xenotes.
If you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities, here are some of the best adventure experiences in the Riviera Maya.
Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium located on an inlet along the Riviera Maya. Here you can snorkel and swim in a lagoon, explore cenotes, float down a river in a tube, and more. Some of the more adventurous options here include the “Cliff of Courage,” where you can jump from a height of 5 meters. Test your endurance on the Trepachanga, zip-line on the “Salpichanga” that ends with a refreshing dunk in the water, or experience Chuc Kay’s flight, where you can swing on a rope and fall into the refreshing Xel-Ha cenote.
Don’t miss crossing the floating bridge, a challenge in itself, or take a bike ride along the jungle paths of Xel-Ha in search of more wildlife. Xel-Ha has a number of other interesting exhibits and sites as well – the Queen Conch Sanctuary, the Meliponary, a nursery, and natural mangroves in the Home River.
Xcaret
Xcaret is one of the region’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. The eco-archaeological park features a number of interesting cultural and adventurous activities. Visit sacred Maya sites where it’s believed people engaged in cleansing rituals at the underground limestone caverns before canoeing to Cozumel to pray to the goddess of fertility and childbirth.
Check out the aquarium and some other zoo-like exhibits, learn about the Mayas’ cultural norms and infrastructure, go snorkeling with the sea turtles, relax on the beach under a palapa, or stroll through the beautiful Orchid Garden.
Allot at least one full day for Xcaret, which is easy to visit from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen. You can opt to leave as the sun sets or stay for Xcaret México Espectacular, the nighttime show featuring more than 300 performers in traditional costumes who reenact important events from Mayan and Mexican cultural history dating back from pre-Columbian times up until today.
Xplor
Xplor is where the adventure really gets ramped up. Like Xcaret, a visit to Xplor is highly recommended. At Xplor, you’ll spend the day ziplining over treetops, drive an amphibious vehicle through the jungle, raft underground caves, and swim in rivers and caverns where you’ll see impressive stalactites. For an added thrill, opt for a nighttime visit to Xplor.
Can’t choose between Xcaret, Xel-Ha, or Xplor? Book a combo tour that includes Chichen Itza as an option. Choose two of the four tours and take them within 15 days of each other, luxury coach transport included.
Xenotes Oasis
Explore four amazing cenotes while partaking in a variety of adventurous activities at Xenotes Oasis. Each cenote is different and offers a unique experience like:
- Explore an open cenote by kayak, and float in an inner tube
- Zipline over an ancient cenote then swim in its waters
- Rappel down rock walls in a semi-open cenote and
- Snorkel a cavern cenote
The cenotes at Xenotes Oasis are located in the “Route of the Cenotes,” between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Each of the cenotes relates to an element and has its own guardian.
K’áak’ Fire Cenote
K’áak’ guards K’áak’ Fire Cenote. Said to have a strong and passionate temper, his rules are to live in the moment, do everything with passion, energy, and vitality. K’áak’ is an open cenote filled with beautiful emerald green water and an abundant plant life.
Lu’um Earth Cenote
Guarded by Lu’um Alux, this is a cave cenote with spectacular views of stalactites. Lu’um is said to be the most playful and mischievous guardian, full of laughter and protective of his natural home.
Ha’ Water Cenote
Ha’ Water Cenote is a semi-open cenote with diverse aquatic life and fauna. Ha’ Alux watches over this cenote, said to be the more harmonious and well-behaved one. Take care of the water, don’t litter, and be sure to use the appropriate sunblock to keep him happy as the water is his most sacred treasure.
lik’ Wind Cenote
lik’ watches over the wind cenote, an open, cylindrical shape cenote with lots of lush vegetation. lik’ is unpredictable and is volatile, always changing his mood — very fitting for the wind cenote.
– Contributed by Erin De Santiago
The Best Adventure Activities in the Riviera Maya from Cancun Things to Do