The 7 Unique Eco Parks in Mexico you Can’t Miss
With all the beautiful yet interesting places to visit such as beaches, historical sites, and even cities, Mexico is one of the best places to visit. On top of that, the eco parks in Mexico are some of the nicest and most enjoyable you could imagine.
Did you know that some of the best eco-adventure parks in the world are in Mexico?
In this full guide, we’ll go through the best Mexico eco parks that you should visit on your vacation. These eco-parks will prove to you that Mexico’s natural wonders are out of this world and you’ll have fun trips full of adventures.
Tourists can now enjoy an eco-adventure at any time by visiting Mexico’s pristine jungle or exploring cenotes that are full waterfalls from limestone caverns deep below ground.
With over 1,600 miles (2,574 kilometers) of gorgeous beaches and a variety of natural attractions including lush jungles with ancient ruins to explore – there’s never been so many ways for travelers to experience this vibrant area.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Mexico?
First things first, before exploring the eco parks in Mexico, you should know how to get around the country safely and efficiently.
You can get around Mexico by bus, taxi (or Uber), or even subway in bigger cities such as Mexico City. That being said, the most convenient and best way to get around Mexico is by taxi or calling an Uber.
While it’s certainly more expensive than joining a day trip, you’ll have more freedom and can even ask your driver to stop on the way when seeing particular sights.
For instance, if you plan to travel to the Yucatan peninsula, your best bet will be renting a car or hiring a taxi for the day. This way, you’ll get to explore all the eco parks without rushing.
Do You Need a Passport to go to Cancun?
The paperwork to enter Mexico and, more specifically Cancun, depends on the country where you’re from.
If you are an American, Canadian, or European citizen, you will not need any visa to enter and stay in Mexico for up to 180 days.
However, it is important to note that, on top of a potential visa and other paperwork, a tourism fee has to be paid. This $48 tourism tax must be paid before or upon entering Quintana Roo, for instance, at the Cancun International Airport.
It will take only a few minutes to complete the process on Visitax and will have in no case any impact on your journey.
What is an Eco Park?
Eco parks are large and highly protected green spaces that make it easy to have a fun and exciting time. Unlike your average park, eco parks feature natural landscape features with the intention of reducing water usage while still providing for wildlife preservation.
The 7 Best Eco Parks in Mexico
Mexico, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya offer scenic beaches and rich ecological wonders. From the stunning butterfly gardens to unique dolphin-watching, there are many attractions for people who love nature!
Cancun’s natural beauty attracts tourists all year round; you can swim with dolphins in Xcaret or walk through an eco park while looking at exotic plants and animals.
In particular, ecotourism and the many activities available at the eco parks all around Mexico are one such pleasure. Let’s go through the best Mexico eco parks here below.
Xcaret Eco Theme Park
Xcaret Park is one of the best eco-adventure parks in Mexico and, arguably, in the world. The eco park first opened in 1991 and has won three Travvy Awards for “Best Park” due to their excellence at creating experiences worth coming back again and again.
Xcaret is a favorite hangout spot for tourists and locals alike. With attractions like swimming with dolphins or sharks, snorkeling in an underground river, or enjoying the amazing night show. In plain words, you’ll be sure to find something that suits your interests.
In addition, you’ll enjoy the underground river with its beautiful limestone formations, all kinds of animal exhibits, and even exploring Maya culture at one of its many ruins.
Since the admission fee is relatively expensive, we recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time for savings of up to 25%.
How much does Xcaret cost?
Visiting Xcaret could be a once in lifetime opportunity worth your time. Sure, it can be costly but you will definitely love it.
The admission fee is $109.99 for children aged 12 years old and adults and $54.99 for children up to 11 years old.
However, if you purchase your tickets from 7 to 20 days in advance, you will only pay $98.99 for adults and $49.49 for children.
On the other hand, all purchases made 21 or more days in advance will benefit from a 15% discount.
Lastly, Xcaret Plus’ entrance fee is $129.99 and, just like the regular admission, you’ll save 10% by purchasing online 7 to 20 days in advance and 15% off if you purchase it more than 21 days ahead of time.
Why is Xcaret Park famous?
Xcaret is an amusement park, eco-archaeological site, and overall a peaceful place to enjoy your time with family or friends. It has everything from water slides to ancient ruins.
Visitors can enjoy a day of exciting rides or take in the views at any time during their visit because Xcaret never closes during the year.
Also, as mentioned previously, Xcaret was voted the “Best Water Park” and the “Best Theme Park” in New York in 2018.
Needless to say, if you’re looking for a great eco park in Mexico to enjoy your time for a day or more, Xcaret is the place for you.
Xplor Jungle Park
Do you want to try as many activities as possible on your trip to Mexico? Xplor is the place for you. It is an all-inclusive eco park located deep down in the jungle and has a wide range of activities for adventurers to try.
Top attractions include rafts in underground rivers, two zip line circuits, and even nighttime adventures which offer guests fire shows as well as tours.
You can discover Xplor Fuego from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. The entrance fee is $149.99 for everyone aged 12 or more and $75 for children.
If you want to stay longer than 5.00 PM, we recommend combining your day at Xplor with the nightly activities of Xplor Fuego.
To sum up, Xplor is a fantastic Mexican eco park for both adults and children and we couldn’t recommend it enough.
What’s the Difference Between Xplor and Xplor Fuego?
Upon entering the park or when purchasing your tickets, you might notice 2 different options – Xplor and Xplor Fuego.
Both are the same apart from the fact that Xplor is held during the day and Xplor Fuego takes place when the night comes.
That said, the attractions tend to be longer and more interactive during the day and are, of course, less appropriate to young children.
Xplor Fuego is open from Monday to Saturday from 5:30 PM. to 11:00 PM. The admission fee is $109.99 for adults and children aged 12 years or more. For all children aged 11 years or less, they will benefit from a 50% discount.
Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance to get better deals.
Which is better Xplor or Xcaret?
Xcaret is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. Whether you are looking to ride zip lines, go diving in the ocean or just relax on the beach, Xcaret has something for everyone.
On the other hand, if you prefer more adventurous activities with your friends or your other half, Xplor and its nightly Xplor Fuego are what you’re looking for.
Xel-Ha Eco Park
Xel-ha Hidden Wonder is another fantastic all-inclusive eco park by Xcaret. Located on the Caribbean Sea, it is an amazing place for snorkeling or exploring aquatic zip lines and rope swings.
One of their main attractions includes relaxing float down a lazy river while enjoying spectacular views, the Cliff of Courage, or even swimming with dolphins.
At Xel-Ha eco park in Mexico, you’re looking to spend $99.99 for adults and $49.99 for children aged 5 to 11.
Note that Xel-Ha also offers different packages to Tulum or Cobá and you can combine your tickets with Xplor or Xcaret for about $200 per person.
In short, Xel-Ha offers an endless number of adventure opportunities that will appeal to someone looking for their next great family vacation destination.
Croco Cun Zoo
The Croco Cun Zoo is an ecological animal rescue zoo located north of Puerto Morelos. The zoo features over 400 animals and has educational tours, interactive moments, and feeding opportunities for kids in need of a little excitement.
There are so many animals that can be interacted with such as: holding boa constrictors; feeding spider monkeys by hand; petting hairless Mayan dogs and more.
You have got to see these rare creatures before they go extinct and an eco park in Mexico is a great place to do so
All in all, the Croco Cun Zoo is a zoo like no other. Whether you’re visiting from out of town and looking for a nice day around, it will not disappoint!
Kantun-Chi Park
Just 30 minutes down south of Playa del Carmen is located one of the most beautiful eco parks in Mexico – the Kantun-Chi Park.
Kantun-Chi hosts 4 incredible cenotes as well as a stunning jungle to spend some time exploring.
In addition, enjoy their special underground cenote inside that you’ll have fun discovering. You’ll be able to walk 10 minutes through dense trees or simply hop on their little wagon if it’s busy.
Since multiple tours and activities are available, prices vary from $44.1 per adult when choosing Magic Waters Tour or $26.10 per person on the 4-cenote visit.
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
Just like Kantun-Chi eco park, the Akumal Monkey sanctuary is located down south of Playa del Carmen. As the name mentions, and we would expect, there are many monkeys here to play with or feed them.
Apart from that, you’ll find many donated animals at the Akumal sanctuary including lemurs, peacocks, goats, and even wild boars.
The entrance fee to the Monkey Sanctuary is reasonable compared to the other eco parks that you’ll find across Mexico. From $74 per person that is reduced to $55 when purchasing online to $65 for a tour with a visit to the cenote.
In plain words, whether you’re willing to have a fun day out with your family not far from Playa del Carmen, the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is the perfect eco park.
Xenses Experience
The Xenses Park is like a science museum, but with more fun activities. You can explore interactive exhibits and be challenged by your senses in this imaginative eco park with dozens of settings all around.
The rivers are made from mud that will make for an interesting time floating through the water before climbing back out again to the zip line.
There’s plenty to do: water slides, zip lines, mud baths – and there are opportunities for fun photo ops all over the place. We highly recommend getting the Photo Pass so you don’t miss out on any of these great memories.
There are few things more fun than a great day at the amusement park. The smells of cotton candy and pizza, while kids run amok in the wave pool. You feel like anything is possible here!
Lastly, the entrance fee will set you back $89.98 per adult including the Photo Pass and $62.99 without. Children between 5 and 11 years get a 50% discount while the youngest ones come in for free.
Xenses was designed so creatively and it’s such a great opportunity to spend some quality family time exploring all the exciting features.
Our Take on Mexico’s Eco Parks
The Riviera Maya is a beautiful place with lots to do and see. From the popular Xcaret Park and its natural beauty to eco parks like Xel-Ha, there’s something here for everyone.
The country that is a bridge between the Americas and the Pacific Ocean has much to offer in terms of nature, culture, and history. If you are headed down south this year, be sure to experience some or all of these top Mexico eco parks!
