“Wanderlust: n. a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world”

Sometimes you travel and then sometimes you travel and it changes you.  Or brings you back to yourself.  That is how I felt after spending a few days in Cancun, Mexico and experiencing the Xcaret Parks.  Located on the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, just south of Cancun, Riviera Maya stretches 100 miles along the Mexican Caribbean. Known for their white beaches, blue waters and Mayan ruins, it truly feels like paradise and the perfect get-away for couples, families or even a girls trip.

 

 

There is so much to share with you but I will do my best to spotlight the main things to see at each of the parks.  I had never visited Cancun before, and I must say it is as gorgeous as you’d imagine it to be.  One of my favorite days was waking up to seeing monkeys swinging in the tree’s outside my hotel balcony.  The Xcaret parks offer tourists a way to immerse themselves into the Mexican culture.  From experiencing the food, history, to the gorgeous land, this is a wonderful way to learn about this amazing country and gain a new appreciation for all that it offers.

Here are some of my favorite features at each of the parks we visited.

 

 

| XCARET Parks |

The Xcaret group offers something for everyone.  Whether you are looking to zip-line across the jungle, explore the caves or riding through the jungle in a buggy, you will find each park offers something unique.  Their parks include: Xplor, Xei-Ha, Xcaret, Xplor Fuego, Xenses and coming this April, Xavage.

 

XPLOR Fuego

 

Jungle Cruise

On the day we arrived at our hotel, The Occidental, we quickly changed and headed out to our first adventure park.  This was one of my favorite parks mainly because I had SO much fun exploring the jungle on their “Amphibious Vehicles”.  Let’s just say Disneyland’s Indiana Jones ride has nothing on this ride!  You are literally driving through the jungle, through hanging bridges and into caverns.  The first night we drove in the dark and saw bats flying through the air, I was mumbling to my friend who was driving that; “I hope they are fruit bats!”  The road is over 5 kilometers long so you definitely feel like you are on a real jungle adventure.  Must be 18 of age and able to drive.  I got a little too excited on one of our rides and the rail may or may not touch (crashed) into one of the caves.  Ha!  But it’s all good.  You are completely safe and secure in this vehicle.

 

Zip-Lines

One of the best aspects of this park is the nighttime activities.  Yes, you can even go zip-lining across the jungle at night.  I chickened out on my first attempt as I was just too freaked that I couldn’t see anything below me as I was jumping off the ramp.  Yep, mid-jump I announced that I would try again tomorrow.  Which I am proud to say I did in fact, try again, and actually did it – several times!  But if you are into some nighttime adventuring, this is the park to be! You can fly solo or fly tandem across the jungle and through waterfalls.  One of my favorite jumps was when I saw a group of monkeys flying across the treetops below me as I zip-lined across the jungle.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

 

Rafts
This was really fun as you have to use your hands to paddle aboard fun rafts though incredible caves.  There are two circuits and you can choose to go solo or in a two seater. I found the solo raft easier to maneuver but it is your call.  Especially if you have younger children with you, it’s nice to have this option to explore the caves in a two-seater.

River Swim

You can swim through the caves in the crystal clear water of an ancient underground river.  It is really cool seeing the rock formations!

Hammock Splash

If you are don’t like heights but want to try zip-lining this is the activity for you!  They have converted a hammock into a zip-line that takes you full speed over waters of a cenote (is a natural pit, or sinkhole) and descends into refreshing waters.

Spelunking Hikes

There are a ton of incredible caves you can explore!  Just be sure that you bring comfortable water shoes!  I made the mistake of buying some that were half a size too big and ended up with some bad blisters.  Note to self: Make sure to wear the water shoes around before your trip to make sure they fit properly.

 

Some Recommendations:

Bring a towel and a change of clothes

Bring cash and a credit card

Ask about their photo packages. There are over 300 photo opportunities around the parks which is nice if you don’t want to bring your phone to take pictures.  Or if you are like me, the battery died on me.  Note to self:  Bring an extra battery if you plan to stay all day at the parks.

Wear a rash guard

Bring a waterproof case for your phone

Use biodegradeable sunscreen and insect repellant containing only titanium oxide and zinc oxide.  This is to help protect the waters from any harsh chemicals.  They do offer them at their gift shop in case you aren’t able to find it before your trip.

 

Note: The minimum age to explore Xplor Fuego is 5 years old.

XENSES

XENSES was one of my favorite parks!  I spoke with our tour guide and she explained that the creator and CEO of the parks, Miguel Quintana Pali, created XENSES with one of his sons.  With more than 50 fantastic scenarios, there are a ton of fun, silly and visual games that provide you with some great images.

 

You start the journey inside The Heartbeat which is a large heart beating in a white room.  It is rather soothing and quite a trip!

 

Next up you walk through the Town which is really disorienting as you don’t know which way is up or down! There are four fun houses, each with their own photo ops!

Then take flight and fly through the air like a bird!  This one is nice for those who are afraid of heights as you aren’t that high above ground but fun nonetheless! One of my favorite things to do at this park was the Riverlaxing where float along inside the caves in salty, warm water. I was photographed looking extremely relaxed!  Dare me to post the picture?!  Note to self: you never know when you might be photographed!

And if you like feeling like you are in the Willy Wonka chocolate factory, be sure to try the Sludgerie where you slide through warm mud inside the caves.

Throughout the XENSES park there are a lot of cool features, like the unexpected lemonade fountain along the path.

 

or little quotes.

and interesting bathrooms!  This one said it is for obsessive compulsive personalities. This sense of fun is found throughout this park.

 

Xel-Há, means “place where water is born”, awaits you and your family!

Xel-Ha Park

 

Near Tulum you will find Xel-Há, a place to be one with nature. Go snorkeling in caves and be ready to see beautiful fish up close.  It is one of the most beautiful places in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo. The water theme park is built around a natural lagoon and surrounded by jungles.

You can spend the entire day exploring the park – from swimming, rafting to snorkeling, be prepared for some serious fun.  My daughter would love the 10-story scenic lighthouse that offers a full view of the park and four water-slides to take you back down.  I was a chicken and opted to not do this – but if you love water-slides this one is a ton of fun!

 

This is an all-inclusive park so you don’t need to worry about bringing snacks or drinks as it is all included.  There are several restaurants and bars throughout the park.

 

 

The snorkeling gear and life-jackets are included as well, though there is an extra fee for optional activities like the Zip-Bike, Manatee Encounter, Scuba and some other activities.

 

 

And enjoy a taste of Mexico with the delicious buffet-style restaurants.

 

 

Xcaret Park

An amazing adventure park with more than 50 natural and cultural attractions for the whole family. You can spend all day among underground rivers, jungle, and the Caribbean Sea. Admire Mayan vestiges and fall in love with Mexico through its food, its dances, and the Xcaret México Espectacular presentation with more than 300 artists on stage.  This park is known for it’s world class zip-lines.  They offer two circuits with seven zip-lines each.  There is some walking to reach each circuit so I really recommend you wear comfortable water shoes with rubber soles.

Main Attractions:

• Tours in three underground rivers (a secure bag for your belongings is provided prior to the river activity).
• Xcaret México Espectacular presentation.
• Access to the beach, inlet, and natural pools.
• Visits to the Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium, and the Aviary.
• Children’s World, a place of fun exclusively for the little ones.
• Horse Exhibition, Papantla Flying Men, and Pre-Hispanic Dances.
• Tropical jungle trail.
• Life jackets and inner tubes.
• Lounge chairs, hammocks, and rest areas.

 

Travel to the heart of Yucatan and join the daily life of a Mayan Village; be part of their homes and customs. Discover the surprises of this wonderful place at sunset. Their performances were mesmerizing as were their traditional wear. Guests also learn about the history of the ancient Mayans at Xcaret’s archaeological sites.  Children’s World is geared for children under the age of 12.  They offer  hours of fun with slides, suspension bridges, tunnels, and cenotes.

 

All in all, any of the Xcaret Parks will satisfy your thirst for adventure!   It truly is an amazing place to visit and only about four hours from Los Angeles!  This is helpful especially when traveling with children.

 

To learn more about Xcaret Parks go here.

 

See more Things To Do in Cancun with Kids from Family Vacation Hub

Note:  We were part of the ConnectHer Media group and provided hotel accommodation and park admissions but all opinions are our own.

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