Mexico has some of the world’s most diverse natural landscapes, not to mention a vast array of rare and delicate ecosystems. The Yucatan Peninsula is particularly blessed with exotic flora and fauna, both on land and at sea. All along the Riviera Maya there are a multitude of adventure parks and tour companies focused on providing travelers an incredible experience. We will explore one such business that has been included in National Geographic’s list of Top Ten Picks for travel in Mexico.

Aktunchen Natural Adventure Park is located just 25 miles south of Playa del Carmen and 66 miles south of Cancun. There are four main categories of activities to choose from: cenote, canopy, cave and wildlife. A cenote is a deep natural pit usually resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock. Like a sinkhole, a cenote is formed in or around natural waterways. The result is an incredible diving and snorkeling experience! Aktunchen has all the equipment, training and experienced licensed guides to take travelers on a tour of local cenotes. Visitors will see hundreds of species of tropical marine life, explore underground caves, and swim in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.

A canopy adventure is definitely for those with a penchant for excitement! Ten zip lines and two suspension bridges criss-cross their way across the amazing wonder of the Mexican rainforest. One can harness themselves onto a zip line and fly for more than a kilometre through the trees, taking in the exquisite ecosystem thriving atop the jungle. Guides and equipment are professional and safety certified, making the experience wholly reliable and safe.

National Geographic personnel were particularly impressed with Aktunchen’s tours of their spectacular 1,968 foot cave. Archeologists have determined the cave is approximately 5 million years old, mainly due to the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The numerous vaults have been discreetly lit, and made easily walkable without harming any of the natural elements. Tucked away in one of the natural vaults is a 12 meter deep cenote, in which the water is so crystal clear is seems almost magical.

Finally, Aktunchen’s six acre wildlife zoo and serpentarium is dedicated to the reproduction and repopulation of local species. Visitors have the opportunity to see a variety of local species in their natural habitat, including parrots, toucans, oco pheasants, agoutis, sereques, coatimundi and numerous others. Since Aktunchen’s ancient Mayan cave is situated within the wildlife zoo, visitors can take advantage of both attractions at the same time. Nature-themed adventure is the way to go while in Mexico - there is so much to learn, see, do and experience!

Tags: Snorkling

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