Other Parks

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When you are in Playa del Carmen, you must take the opportunity to go on eco-excursions and eco-tours to natural parks in the region. Not only is experiencing what these parks offer unforgettable because of the excitement they give, but also visitors take something with them after their visit: a growing respect, and appreciation, and a love for nature’s bounty. Here are some ecological parks worth visiting when you are in Playa del Carmen.

Aktun-chen

Aktun-chen is the perfect place to find cenotes or sinkholes, as well as beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. These geological features are only some of the many points of interest to discover in this park. Aktun-chen is also home to local wildlife, like wild birds, iguanas, spider monkeys, and white-tailed deer. Location: Carretera 307, Km 107, Akumal. Tel. #: 984-884-0444. Opens daily from 8:30 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

Crococun

Crococun was once a breeding farm that sold crocodile skins. Now, it is a zoo and park where you can hold and pet crocodiles and many other creatures, like boas, baby deer, and monkeys, parrots. You will even see the Mayan dog – a hairless and pig-like creature. Located in a lush jungle, Crococun is a great place for the family. Location: Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km 30 Cancun. Tel. #: 998-850-3719. Opens daily 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon.

Garrafon

Considered to be the highest elevation in the Yucatan Peninsula, Garrafon is home to a Mayan temple built to honor the goddess Ixchel. Here, you can indulge in scuba diving, snorkeling at the Garrafon reef (probably one of the world’s the best reefs), kayaking, sea trekking, and rappelling. If you are the adventurous type, you will surely enjoy the bungee-jumping and zip-lining facilities. You can also swimming with the cute dolphins on Isla Mujeres. Location: South of Isla Mujeres. Opens daily from 9 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon.

Kantun-chi

Kantun-chi ecopark is home to a diverse flora and fauna. It also has a number of cenotes that provide you with excellent opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, or simply for relaxation. Go down the underground cavern of the mystical Grutaventura. It has stalactite and stalagmite formations that provide a magical, almost worshipful atmosphere. Location: 22 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen.

Tres Rios

Tres Rios is home to a wealth of subtropical flora. Set in the subtropical jungle, this park is also great for horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and other watersports. It also has a hiking and cycling trail along jungle paths, a subtropical forest and mangrove, a beach, and cenotes. Location: Carretera Cancun, Playa del Carmen Km. 40. Tel. #: 998-887-8077 / 998-887-8078. Opens daily, 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.