Xplor Is Cancun, Mexico's Newest Adventure Park
Zip lines and Water Sports at All-inclusive Underworld Park
Oct 19, 2009
Although a massive asteroid struck the Yucatan Peninsula 65 million years ago and a cavern of stalactites and stalagmites formed in the Mayan Riviera, the site remained undiscovered until eight years ago. That find and 22 million dollars later turned 145 acres into Xplor, which is an exclusive underground park. Its focal epicenter is a massive ceramic heart that has a distinctive and audible heartbeat.
Xplor opened in July 2009 with four top-notch activities that take about six hours to complete. The park can accommodate 1,200 visitors and early attendance records show this number will be reached soon. The median age, to date, is 25-35 years of age. The minimum age allowed in the park is 8 with adult accompaniment. The maximum per-person weight is 300 pounds. Some activities are not recommended for pregnant women, persons with heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, hypertension and claustrophobia.
What to Do at Xplor
- Zip Lines: Eleven lines of airborne adventure cover two miles within the park and have 16 points. Two lines have a water landing. To zip line the entire circuit takes about two hours.
- Underground Rafts: Choose a single or double raft to sail for 1,000 yards among age-old formations. Hand paddles are provided.
- Amphibious Vehicles: Travel for three miles either on water, on winding jungle roads or through caverns in a two-seated vehicle that resembles a golf cart.
- Stalactite River: Swim for 437 yards surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites. Water temperature is 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
The park uses first-class equipment and technology, considered the world's best and safest. The staff has First Aid knowledge. A paramedic and doctor are on the premises at all times. Lifeguards are along the way for the river swim. Twenty-five minutes are required for qualified personnel to instruct people on how to put on the zip-line harness and how to adhere to park rules. Double-wired zip lines are standard here, which distributes a person's weight better than one line.
What to Bring and Wear for Xplor
Comfortable clothing such as shorts and a T-shirt are advised. It can be humid and hot inside the caverns as well as slippery in spots. Footwear should be comfortable. For water activities, bring a swimsuit and a towel. All sunscreen applied at Xplor and throughout all of Cancun’s waters must be biodegradable.
All-Inclusive Xplor
Admission covers all four activities. Life jackets, helmets, harnesses and hand paddles are free to use, as are lockers and dressing rooms.
Unlimited servings of natural fruit beverages are available. There is no soda or alcohol available in the park. Meals are 70% vegetarian and created to help attendees continue their activities unhindered by a poor diet.
Visitor Information:
Xplor is located on Federal Highway 307; 25 miles south of Cancun International Airport; 4 miles south of Playa del Carmen and near Xcaret. Discounts available for children and through Internet ticket purchases. Arrive early since Xplor closes at 5:00 p.m. For surrounding area information, contact the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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