The Riviera Maya is one of the few places in the world where you can zipline through the jungle in the morning, swim in an underground river at lunchtime and watch a full-scale Mexican show at night, all within an hour’s drive of a quiet beach. The region’s theme and adventure parks are a big part of the appeal, but with so many to choose from, picking the right one can feel overwhelming.

This guide walks you through the main parks, who each one suits, and how to fit them around a relaxing stay at Casa Chanty in Playa del Secreto. Park details, prices and opening days change often, so always confirm the latest information on each park’s official website before you book.

Quick picks: which park for which traveler?

• Culture, variety and a night show: Xcaret
• Adrenaline and adventure: Xplor (day) or Xplor Fuego (night)
• Snorkeling and a relaxed all-inclusive day: Xel-Há
• A shorter, offbeat half day: Xenses
• A festive evening on the water: Xoximilco
• Hands-on animal experiences for kids: Crococun Zoo in Puerto Morelos

The Grupo Xcaret parks

Most visitors mean one of the Grupo Xcaret parks when they talk about Riviera Maya theme parks. They are separate parks, each built around a different idea, rather than one big resort.

Xcaret

The original and the most varied: an eco-archaeological park that mixes nature, Mexican culture and dozens of attractions, including swimming in underground rivers and a large evening show. It suits families, couples and anyone who wants a full day with a bit of everything. Plan to spend most of the day, arrive at opening and stay for the night show if you have the energy.

Xplor and Xplor Fuego

Xplor is the adventure park: ziplines, amphibious vehicles and swimming through cave rivers. Xplor Fuego is its nighttime version, where the jungle is lit by torches and the atmosphere is completely different. Both suit teenagers, active couples and groups of friends.

Xel-Há

A natural inlet and lagoon near Tulum, popular for snorkeling, floating and relaxing. Admission is generally all-inclusive for food and drinks, which makes it a stress-free day for families and non-swimmers who want to take it slow. It is the farthest of the main parks from Playa del Secreto, so start early.

Xenses

The most unusual of the group: a sensory park of optical illusions, mazes and playful surprises. It is a half-day experience and is often combined with another park or an evening activity.

Xoximilco

An evening on colorful boats inspired by the canals of Mexico City, with food, music and a lively fiesta atmosphere. It is a fun night out for groups and for adults traveling together.

Other Grupo Xcaret experiences

The group also runs other parks and tours, and has announced new ones over the years, so opening status can change. Check the official Xcaret website for the current list before you plan.

Other parks and attractions worth knowing

• Crococun Zoo (Puerto Morelos): an interactive zoo on the highway near Puerto Morelos, visited on a guided tour of about an hour. It is one of the closest attractions to Casa Chanty and a favorite with younger children.
• Selvatica and Mayan Jungle Rush (near Puerto Morelos): zipline and jungle adventure parks, some with a cenote swim built in. Good for a half-day of adventure close to home.
• Garrafón Natural Reef Park (Isla Mujeres): a reef and snorkeling park reached by ferry from Cancún.
• Aktun Chen (near Akumal): a cave, cenote and zipline park south of Playa del Carmen.

How far is each park from Casa Chanty?

Casa Chanty sits between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, so most parks are an easy day trip. These are approximate driving times, which vary with traffic:

• Crococun Zoo, Selvatica and Mayan Jungle Rush: about 10 to 30 minutes
• Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses and Xoximilco area: about 25 to 40 minutes
• Aktun Chen: about 45 minutes
• Xel-Há: about an hour or a little more
• Garrafón (Isla Mujeres): about an hour’s drive plus the ferry

Tips for visiting the parks

• Book on the park’s official website and check which days and shows are running.
• Arrive at opening to beat the heat and the queues, and plan a quiet afternoon back at the villa.
• Most parks that include swimming require biodegradable sunscreen, so check the rules before you pack.
• Don’t stack park days back to back. One big park, then a beach day, is a better rhythm.
• If animal welfare matters to you, read each park’s animal policies first. Some parks keep animals in captivity, while others, such as Xplor, are mostly about nature and activities.

Frequently asked questions

Which Riviera Maya park is best for families?

Xcaret and Xel-Há are the most common picks for families with children, because they offer a wide range of activities for different ages. Crococun is a good short outing for little ones.

How many parks should I visit in a week?

Most guests choose one or two. Pair a big park day with beach time, a cenote visit or one of our seven favorite day trips.

Is it better to stay near the parks or on a quiet beach?

Many travelers prefer a quiet base and day trips to the parks. At Casa Chanty you return to a private beach and your own kitchen, instead of a crowded resort. See why we prefer villas over all-inclusive resorts.

Still choosing between the big three? Read our comparison of Xcaret, Xplor and Xel-Há, or plan your whole trip with our Riviera Maya things-to-do guide.