The Riviera Maya is a beautiful holiday destination, with excellent beaches and stunning landscapes. This location is home to some of the finest species of animals in all of Mexico, which live everywhere from the sea to jungles. The wildlife that inhabits the Riviera Maya is so impressive and diverse that an array of wildlife parks has been established to help protect their well-being.
The Xaman Ha Aviary is home to over 60 types of birds, including many exotic species, such as parrots, pelicans and flamingos. The aviary is located in Playa del Carmen and offers visitors the chance to see a wide variety of birds in their natural habitats. The aviary is very popular, due to the stunning birds that you can find here and is a firm favorite with adults and kids alike.
If sea life is more your thing, then a trip to the Xcarat Eco Park would be a great idea. At the eco park, visitors have a chance to see 3 types of sea turtles up close and in the flesh. In addition to this guests are also educated about the habitat of the sea turtles and the lifestyles in which they live. This is great if you have an interest in animals and nature. In addition to this, the eco park also has an impressive coral reef aquarium, which is home to many tropical fish. Again, the informative element of the visit is emphasized, as you are encouraged to learn about the biodiversity of the coral reef, which is great, especially for kids with an interest in animals. If this wasn’t enough, the Xcarat also has specific features orientated around jaguars and dolphins, with the park even running an experience that allows guests to swim with dolphins.
Visitors of the Riviera Maya should also explore the jungle environments. An easy way to do this is to visit the Yaax Che Jardin Botanico. The garden is situated in 60 hectares of jungle and mangrove, which means you will see a great collection of animals, including monkeys, birds and lizards. The Yaax Che Jardin Botanico is a great option for those who are looking to explore the expansive area on foot and makes an excellent contrast to the aquatic nature of the Xcarat Eco Park.
Amphibians are also plentiful in the Riviera Maya, also having their own dedicated park in the form of Crococun Zoo. The zoo has humble beginnings, initially starting life as a crocodile farm. Now it has matured into a fully-fledged zoo, which is home to many crocodiles, snakes, turtles and all other manner of animals.
Overall, there are plenty of animals to see in the Riviera Maya. No matter what your interest is, you can be sure that you will be able to see a wide range of incredible wildlife. Furthermore, what’s great about the many reserves and nature parks that operate within the region, is their emphasis on sustainability and education. This helps to guarantee that the animals will survive for many generations to come, meaning many more people get to enjoy their beauty.
