Parque Xplor
Entrance of Xplor
LocationKilometer Marker 282 Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Highway, Municipality of Solidaridad, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Coordinates20°34′41″N 87°07′09″W / 20.57806°N 87.11917°W / 20.57806; -87.11917
Opened2009
WebsiteXplor Park

Xplor Park (Spanish: el parque Xplor) is a privately owned and operated theme park, located in the Riviera Maya. The park's signature offering is its ziplines and it is the most-visited zipline attraction in the world.[1][2] It brings visitors right into natural caves, rivers and cenotes and built the park's attractions into the landscape of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Xplor is a part of Xcaret Experiencias Group and was the second park to open after the original Xcaret Park. The group also owns Xcaret Park, Xel-Ha Park, and Xenses Park; as well as the Xichen, Xenotes, Xavage and Xoximilco tours and activities. It is situated approximately 75 kilometres (47 mi) south of Cancún, and 6.5 kilometres (4 mi) south of the nearest large settlement Playa del Carmen along Highway 307.

History

The park opened in July 2009. It is only 20% manmade and took several years to construct.[3]

In 2017, Xplor welcomed its 2.5 millionth park visitor and proclaimed to be the world's most-visited zip-line attraction.[4]

In 2018, Xplor welcomed over 2,000 zip-liners per day.[2]

Attractions

A cave at Xplor Park

The park is nestled into the existing jungle terrain and its attractions use caves and underground rivers consistent with the region's unique features. Park visitors are required to wear helmets at all times besides in the dining areas.

Zip lines are the park's main attraction. The park features two circuits of seven zip-line segments each that total 3.7 kilometers[5] and raise up to 60 feet above the tree canopy.[6] The Deer circuit features two water landings. The Jaguar circuit features higher and longer zip lines for those seeking extra thrill. The Hammock Splash is a beginner zip-line where visitors splash into a cenote with one shorter and lower zip line.

The park features an All-terrain vehicle track labeled as Amphibious Vehicles. Up to four visitors share a vehicle and navigate around a 5-kilometer course[5] that includes both land and water components including portions through caves.

Xplor features several water-based attractions through cave rivers in crystal clear illuminated water amidst stalagmite and stalactite formations and dangling tree roots. Visitors can hand paddle through a cave river in one- or two-person rafts. The Underwater Experience opened in March 2020 and allows visitors to wade through a cave river.[7] An Underground River experience allows visitors to swim through a cave river.

The park closes in the late afternoon and reopens in the early evening for Xplor Fuego where the same attractions are offered under different lighting and the night sky.[8]

A tract of ziplines at Xplor

Dining

One of Xplor's drink and snack locations

The park labels itself as "all-inclusive", including dining. Park admission includes unlimited stops at three drink and snack stations that include a wide variety of fruit-based smoothies and infused waters and juices as well as snacks.

Park visitors also get a meal included at the park's main restaurant, a buffet-style outdoor establishment featuring an array of cuisines.

Awards

In 2018, Xplor received the "High Vertical Recognition" as the most-visited zip-line park from Petzl.

In 2017, Xplor earned "Best Adventure Park in the World" status from the Association for Challenge Course Technology.

In 2017, Xplor also earned "Best Adventure Park in Mexico."[2]

See also

References

  1. TSV-Rebecca (2017-04-24). "XPLOR: The most visited zipline park in the world". TravelSmart Blog. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  2. 1 2 3 "Xplor Becomes World's Most-Visited Park". www.travelpulse.com. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  3. "Fort Worth Star-Telegram 21 Oct 2012, page Z6". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  4. dmendozav (2017-05-16). "Xplor: The most visited zip line park in the world". Grupo Xcaret. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  5. 1 2 Currie, James Henry (2023-06-27). "This Playa Del Carmen Attraction Is Trending Massively Among Americans - Here's Why". Cancun Sun. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  6. "Star Tribune 15 Nov 2015, page Page G4". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  7. David (2020-03-06). "New attraction launched at Xplor Park, Mexico". InterPark. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
  8. Slyke, Michelle Van (2023-02-23). "3 Parks Near Cancun Offering Unique Nighttime Experiences You Won't Forget". Cancun Sun. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
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