Xenotes Oasis Maya is Experiencias Xcaret’s (the people behind Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor) newest park, an oasis of cool water in the middle of the sweltering Mayan jungle of Cancun. Here, you’ll explore all different types of cenotes (beautiful natural caverns filled with fresh water from underground springs), which were very important in ancient Mayan culture.

The Mayans believed that they were portals to the underworld, and well actually, they are. Scientists have discovered hundreds of miles of connected underground rivers beneath the Yucatan Peninsula.

The ancient Mayans considered cenotes to be portals to the underworld — Photo courtesy of Xenotes

Xenotes is made up of four different types of cenotes, which have been given the names Fire, Water, Earth and Wind. Each cenote also has its own Alux (mischevious guardians of the jungle). You’ll learn about their importance in local culture and experience each cenote in a different way though kayaking, zip lining, rappelling, snorkeling or relaxing in an inner tube.

The Xenotes tour, available Monday through Saturday, includes roundtrip transportation, a Mexican continental breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, a picnic-buffet, all equipment, one towel and use of restrooms and dressing rooms. Be sure to bring your own water shoes and extra towels. It should be noted that children must be at least six years old and accompanied by an adult at all times.

An exhilarating day of fun and healthy physical activity in spectacular natural surroundings awaits at Xenotes.

Kayak, snorkel and zip line at Xenotes — Photo courtesy of Xenotes