Parks & Adventures in the Riviera Maya
From eco-archaeological wonders to jungle adrenaline — the four Xcaret-group parks that define the Yucatán experience, plus the trips locals love.
The Xcaret Parks: Mexico's Most Iconic Attractions
Grupo Xcaret operates a constellation of parks scattered along the Riviera Maya, each with a distinct personality. Together they form the most complete way to experience the natural and cultural soul of the Yucatán in just a few days. Below is an honest comparison of the four most popular ones, from the must-see flagship to the high-adrenaline jungle escape.
Xcaret
The flagship eco-archaeological park
An entire day immersed in Mexico: underground rivers, a coral reef aquarium, a Maya village, traditional dances and the unmissable evening show 'México Espectacular' with 300+ artists.
- Underground rivers
- Maya village & ruins
- Mexico Spectacular show
- Coral reef aquarium
Xel-Há
Natural water park & snorkeling paradise
A vast natural inlet where rivers meet the Caribbean. All-inclusive snorkeling with hundreds of fish species, cliff jumping, ziplines over the lagoon and floating down jungle rivers.
- All-inclusive snorkeling
- Cliff of Courage jump
- Lazy river float
- Jungle trails
Xenses
Half-day of optical illusions & sensory play
A one-of-a-kind park that plays with your senses: an upside-down town, a mud spa, an albino river, slides through clouds. Less crowded, perfect as an afternoon add-on.
- Optical illusions village
- Mud & salt spa
- Cloud slides
- Albino river
Xplor
Adrenaline in the jungle
The most adventurous of the group: 14 ziplines over the canopy, amphibious vehicles through the jungle, raft paddling and swimming through stalactite-filled underground rivers.
- 14 jungle ziplines
- Amphibious vehicles
- Underground rafting
- Stalactite rivers
Beyond the Parks
Once you've done the big parks, here's what else fills a perfect Yucatán itinerary.
Swim with whale sharks
From June to September, snorkel with the largest fish on Earth off Isla Holbox or Isla Mujeres.
Sail to Isla Mujeres
A short ferry from Cancún to a tiny island with white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Ferry to Cozumel
World-class diving on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere
UNESCO reserve south of Tulum with mangroves, dolphins, manatees and bird-watching boat tours.
Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas
Pink lakes and thousands of flamingos on the northern coast — a half-day from Mérida or Valladolid.
Mérida by night
Free Sunday concerts on the Plaza Grande, mariachis, marquesitas and the cultural heart of the Yucatán.