Adventure & Eco Tours

The Riviera Maya is the newest and most recent resort on the Mexican Caribbean Coast. It is a tropical paradise of crystal clear waters that harbors true living treasures, some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and an exuberant tropical rainforest teeming with rare wildlife.

There is plenty to do in the Riviera Maya. Frequent theme parks. Take part in eco-touristic activities and extreme sports.

The Riviera Maya is a great place for eco-touristic activities because of the many natural attractions found in the area, starting with the rich colorful coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean, a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. There are also amazing cenotes and subterranean rivers found nowhere else in the world. Bicycling and hiking the virgin natural reserves and even zip lining through them will certainly thrill most adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts.

AKTUN-CHEN

The name is Mayan for "the cave with cenotes inside," and these amazing underground caverns—estimated to be about 5-million years old—are the area's largest. You walk through the underground passages, past stalactites and stalagmites, until you reach the cenote with its various shades of deep green. There's also an on-site canopy tour and one cenote where you can take a swim.

www.aktun-chen.com

CENOTES KANTÚN CHI

This Maya-owned and operated eco-park has cenotes and a few beautiful underground caverns that are great for snorkeling and diving, as well as some small Mayan ruins. The place is low-key—a nice break from the crowds. Bring natural mosquito repellent.

www.kantunchi.com

CROCO-CUN ZOO

The biologists running the Croco-Cun Zoo, an animal farm just north of Puerto Morelos, have collected specimens of many of the reptiles and some of the mammals indigenous to the area. They offer immensely informative tours—you may even get to handle a baby crocodile or feed a monkey. Be sure to wave hello to the 500-pound crocodile secure in his deep pit.

www.crococunzoo.com

SIAN KA'AN

One of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline in North America, Sian Ka'an was declared a wildlife preserve in 1986, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The 1.3- million acre reserve accounts for 10% of the land in the state of Quintana Roo and covers 100 km (62 miles) of coastline. It's amazingly diverse, encompassing freshwater and coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps, cayes, savannas, tropical forests, and a barrier reef. Hundreds of species of local and migratory birds, fish, animals, and plants share the land with fewer than 1,000 Maya residents. The area was first settled by the Maya in the 5th century AD—the name Sian Ka'an translates to "where the sky is born." There are approximately 32 ruins (none excavated) linked by a unique canal system—one of the few of its kind in Mayan Mexico.

www.amigosdesiankaan.org

XCARET

Among the most popular attractions are the Paradise River raft tour that takes you on a winding, watery journey through the jungle; the Butterfly Pavilion, where thousands of butterflies float dreamily through a botanical garden while New Age music plays in the background; and an ocean-fed aquarium where you can see local sea life drifting through coral heads and sea fans.

The park has a Wild Bird Breeding Aviary, nurseries for both abandoned flamingo eggs and sea turtles, and a series of underwater caverns that you can explore by snorkeling or snuba (a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba). A replica Mayan village includes a colorful cemetery with catacomb-like caverns underneath; traditional music and dance ceremonies are performed here at night.

www.xcaret.com

XEL-HA

Xel-Há is a natural aquarium made of coves, inlets, and lagoons cut from the limestone shoreline. The name means "where the water is born," and a natural spring here flows out to meet the salt water, creating a unique habitat for tropical marine life. There's enough to impress novice snorkelers, though there seem to be fewer fish each year, and the mixture of fresh and salt water can cloud visibility. Low wooden bridges over the lagoons allow for leisurely walks around the park, and there are spots to rest, swim, cliff–jump, zip-line, or swing from ropes over the water.

www.xelha.com

XENSES

Awake your imagination and challenge your perception at Xenses. Here you will enjoy different real and imaginary scenarios that will make you live a unique experience.

Xenses is a park with more than 15 activities that will take you on a fantastic journey through air, land and water to revive your senses and awaken those you didn't know you had.

Let yourself go on an experience full of challenges for your mind and body, explore what you feel and take consciousness of your capabilities; only by doing so will you become a Xensei, master of the senses.

www.xensespark.com

XENOTES

Dare to live a unique and refreshing journey into nature with Xenotes Oasis Maya Tour. The adventure begins with a van pick‐up by a friendly guide who will take you from the comfort of your hotel to the heart of the jungle. Upon arrival you feel the magic of the cenotes, where you can: Descend by assisted rappel to a wonderful cenote of turquoise blue water, sheltered by an ancient cave, fly on fun zip-lines that glide into a refreshing splashdown, practice kayaking surrounded by a landscape full of exotic vegetation, enjoy snorkeling in a setting that invites you to relax in the middle of the wilderness.

www.xenotes.com

XPLOR

The jungle comes to life in the best adventure Park in Riviera Maya. Xplor Park is a unique underground world where you will enjoy unparalleled adventure. During the day fly between trees and bridges, discover amazing caves and extraordinary rock formations; and at night, the moon and stars will guide your way as you marvel at the mysteries that Xplor Fuego has for you.

Explorers can enjoy six incredible activities: zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, swimming in underground rivers, spelunking and hammock splash. With nature and adventure at their core, these activities take place in natural settings outdoors and within underground environments.

http://www.xplor.travel

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