The Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's premier vacation destinations and no wonder, thanks to mile upon mile of stunning beaches and scores of activities to keep even the most adventurous visitor busy for weeks. One such activity is really a destination unto itself and one not to be missed.
Xcaret Park is an internationally recognized eco-archeological park that offers the perfect blend of fun, adventure and culture-ideal for families looking for an unforgettable and educational experience.
Parents would be remiss in not trying out one (or all) of the fun-filled kid-friendly activities at Xcaret. Best of all they're included with your price of admission.
World of Children
Little kids will have some big fun on the World of Children. Geared to the park's younger set, this section offers water slides, hanging bridges, cenotes, a parakeet habitat and even a playground that has been designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding jungle.
Older kids will thrill as they tackle the obstacle course or dive into the clear waters of the cenote. Smaller visitors may prefer to hang by the wading pools or splash in the water jets-in between rounds of playing in the sandbox and on the playground, of course. Parents, meanwhile, can take a breather and watch their children from the comfort of the rest areas.
Butterfly Pavilion
The Aztecs believed that butterflies represented the souls of fallen warriors. Today, hundreds of butterflies from more than 20 species flit and float above waterfalls and lush vegetation in what is one of the largest butterfly gardens in the world.
Wild Bird Aviary
Parrots and toucans and quetzals, oh my. They're all on display in the Xcaret Aviary, where visitors young and old can delight in the vibrant colors and the songs of more than 1,500 birds. The aviary also serves as part of Xcaret's ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the region's endangered species.
Coral Reef Aquarium
Though your children may be too young to dive, they are never too young to discover undersea wonders. Xcaret's unique aquarium features 500 coral reef structures and the opportunity to discover the Caribbean's natural treasures.
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Marine Turtles
Xcaret is more than an adventure park. It takes its ecological responsibility seriously and has partnered with the Turtle Conservation Program in the Riviera Maya through its foundation Flora, Fauna y Cultura de Mexico A.C. to promote the protection of Mexico's marine turtles.
Regional Wildlife
Flamingos, howler and spider monkeys, deer, tapirs and even bats all call Xcaret home. The various wildlife sanctuaries within Xcaret present a wonderful opportunity to discover the area's wild residents. Children will love the chance to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat; parents will love the educational aspect.
Jaguar Island
Have a close encounter of a fierce kind with a visit to this island habitat. Located on an island in the middle of the Mayan jungle, visitors can see these regal jungle cats-the largest cats on the American continent-up close and see for themselves why they played such an important role in Mayan culture.
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