I’ll be honest.
I’m not a big fan of theme parks BUT the Riviera Maya parks around Playa del Carmen are AMAZING because of our jungles, cenotes, culture and ocean life.
I love them because:
- They combine action, adventure, and nature
- They are examples of the extraordinary level of Mexican professionalism and hospitality
- They’re tons of fun
Riviera Maya Parks
The region (Riviera Maya) is home to a wide range of fun eco-parks that deliver a ton of exciting activities for everyone.
In fact, they’re the most popular attractions in the entire region with millions of visitors every year.
With everyone one I’ve been to the experience far outweighed my expectations.
Some are more land-based, such as Xplor Park and Rio Secreto, while others such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha are located right on the ocean.
Here are some of the most popular Riviera Maya parks.
#1 Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is one of the biggest and most impressive eco-parks in all of Mexico.
The expansive grounds are home to a number of diverse activities, exhibitions, shows and dining options.
Highlights include Jaguar Island, an aviary, the House of Whispers, the “Mexican cemetery”, Paradise River, an Orchids Greenhouse, a Manatee Lagoon, and much, much more.
The Xcaret admission price includes all of the above, plus great underwater activities such as snorkeling and swimming in an underground river, among others.
If that sounds interesting to you, make sure to check out our top 5 tips for Xcaret Park!
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Xcaret Prices: from Riviera Maya w/ transport – $159.00 USD; from Playa del Carmen w/ transport – $149.00 USD; from Cancun – $159.00 USD; Xcaret Park admission only – $99.00 USD
- Ages: All ages
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Duration: +/- 8-12 hours
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Includes: Entrance, lockers, towels, equipment for the underground rivers and one-time access to the buffet restaurant during the day + the evening show.
- Reservations: Book Xcaret Park
#2 Xplor Park
Xplor is the rugged eco-adventure park owned and operated by the same group that brings you Xel-Ha, Xcaret, Xoximilco, Xenotes, and most recently, Xenses.
This fun-filled park offers up a thrilling zip line course, amphibious all-terrain vehicles, and a float down an amazing underwater river.
This is a great option for anyone looking to get dirty and have some fun!
There’s also an evening version called Xplor Fuego which allows guest to experience this thrilling park under the cover of dark.
- Price: $149.00 USD per person with transportation from Riviera Maya, $139.00 USD with transportation from Playa del Carmen; $119.00 USD without
- Ages: 5 years old and over
- Duration: +/- 6 hours
- Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel (optional), full access to park, all safety equipment, access to lockers and changing rooms, unlimited food and drink
- Reservations: Book Xplor
#3 Rio Secreto
Rio Secreto is a fascinating subterranean world in the Riviera Maya.
Guests get to explore the amazing underwater rivers and cenotes which the ancient Maya considered to be the portal to the Netherworld: Xibalba.
The guides at Rio Secreto are friendly, knowledgeable, and well-versed in the history and geography of the region.
A great tour for nature lovers day or night!
- Price: $109.00 USD per person with transportation, $79.00 USD without
- Ages: All ages
- Duration: +/- 4 hours
- Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel (optional), water shoes, wetsuit, life vest, helmet with flashlight, lockers, towel, snacks
- Reservations: Book Rio Secreto
#4 Xel-Ha All-Inclusive Park
Xel-Ha is one of the top attractions in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
This all-inclusive park, which is part of the Xperiencias Xcaret group, offers fun-filled activities for groups of all ages and adventure levels.
Activities include unlimited snorkeling, inner tubes for river floating, cliff jumping, a Children’s World, aquatic zip-lines, areas of relaxation with hammocks and lounge chairs, and much more.
Breakfast and lunch buffets are included together with a domestic open bar and unlimited non-alcohol beverages.
Another tour also combines Tulum & Xel-Ha.
- Price: $129.00 USD per person with transportation; $89.00 USD without; Tulum & Xel-Ha – $149.00 USD
- Ages: All ages
- Duration: +/- 10 hours
- Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel (optional), full access to park, all safety equipment, access to lockers and changing rooms, unlimited food and drinks
- Reservations: Book Xel-Ha
#5 Xenotes Park
Xenotes is a fascinating cenotes park owned and operated by Experiencias Xcaret, and features four different cenotes (sinkholes) for you to wonder at and explore.
Activities include kayaking, snorkeling, rappel, zip lines and inner tubes through and within these amazing wonders of the natural world.
The 4 different cenotes are dedicated to the four elements, and all bear the names of Mayan gods.
- Price: $119.00 USD per person
- Ages: 6 years old and over
- Duration: +/- 9 hours
- Includes: Round-trip transportation, all equipment, non-alcoholic beverages, lunch, access to restrooms and changing rooms
- Reservations: Book Xenotes
Do you have a favorite eco-park in the Riviera Maya? Let us know in the comment section!
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