By- Barb Strait
Hey there, adventure seekers! Barb Strait here, CEO of Straight Away Travel. I’m still shaking the sand out of my shoes and trying to get my heart rate back down to normal because I just got back from an incredible trip to the Cancun area. While we love a good lounge by the infinity pool (and trust me, we did plenty of that!), we decided to kick things up a notch this time.
We spent a full day at Xplor Park, and let me tell you, it was the absolute highlight of the trip for my kids! If you are looking for a way to break up the “beach, eat, sleep, repeat” cycle with some high-octane family bonding, this is it. As a specialty travel agent, I’m always looking for those “wow” moments for my clients, and Xplor delivered in spades.
Whether you are staying in the heart of the Hotel Zone or down in the Riviera Maya, adding an adventure day to your itinerary is a must. Here is the lowdown on why my kids are still talking about Xplor and how Straight Away Travel can make this dream day a reality for your family.
Why Xplor is the Ultimate Family Day Trip
Located about 80 km from Cancun, Xplor is not your average “theme park.” It is an underground and over-ground playground built right into the natural geography of the Yucatan. We’re talking real jungle, real caves, and real cenotes.
The beauty of Xplor is that it is all-inclusive once you are inside. Your lockers, your safety gear, your snacks, and a massive buffet lunch are all part of the deal. For parents, this is a total win because you aren’t constantly reaching for your wallet. You just put on your helmet and go!
Flying High: Ziplining Through the Jungle
If your kids have ever dreamed of being superheroes, the ziplines at Xplor will get them pretty close. They have two different circuits with 14 ziplines in total. We soared way above the trees, and the views of the Caribbean jungle are absolutely breathtaking.
What makes these ziplines special?
- The Height: These are some of the tallest ziplines in the Riviera Maya.
- The Variety: Some lines end with a refreshing “splashdown” into a water-filled landing.
- The Ease: The braking system is automated, so you don’t have to worry about “hand-braking” yourself. You just enjoy the ride!
My kids loved the competitive aspect of the twin lines where we could race each other to the bottom. Seeing the pure joy on their faces as they zipped through the air was a core memory for sure.
Rugged Fun: Driving the Amphibious Vehicles
Next up, we hopped into the Amphibious Vehicles. Imagine a heavy-duty UTV that can handle mud, rocky jungle trails, and: most importantly: water! We took turns navigating a 5 km circuit through the dense jungle and even drove directly through flooded caverns. It’s bumpy, it’s wet, and it is a total blast. The trails are designed to feel like a real off-road adventure, and the best part is seeing the underground rock formations as you drive through the cave segments. It definitely gave our family that “explorer” vibe we were looking for. You do have to be 18 to drive, but the kids have fun being a passenger.
Diving Deep: Underground Caves and Cenotes
One of the most unique parts of Xplor is the “Underground Expedition.” We spent time exploring 65-million-year-old stalactite rivers. You can choose to paddle a raft through the caverns or do the “Stalactite River Swim.”
We opted for the swim, and it was such a cool (literally!) experience. The water is crystal clear and surrounded by incredible rock formations that have been growing for millions of years. It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and a great way to cool off after the adrenaline of the ziplines. Even the “Hammock Splash”: which is exactly what it sounds like, a zipline on a hammock that drops you into a cenote: was a huge hit with the kids!
The Main Event: Toboganxote (The 5-in-1 Waterslide)
You can’t go to Xplor right now without talking about Toboganxote. This is the world’s first 5-in-1 waterslide, and it is a total game-changer.
This slide combines four different types of movements in one massive descent:
- The Wave: A high-speed oscillation.
- The Whirlpool: A spinning sensation that keeps you guessing.
- The Seven-Point Descent: Quick drops that keep the speed up.
- The Final Splash: Ending in a gorgeous cenote.
It’s big, it’s fast, and it’s something you won’t find anywhere else in the world. We may or may not have gone on it multiple times because once just wasn’t enough for my crew!
Fueling the Adventure: The Mexican Lunch
All that adventuring works up a serious appetite. One of my favorite parts about Xplor (and something I always tell my clients) is the “El Troglodita” buffet.
This isn’t your standard “burgers and fries” park food. It’s a full-on feast! We filled up on:
- Fresh Mexican specialties like tacos and fajitas.
- An incredible salad and fruit bar for those looking for something lighter.
- Unlimited “green juice” (a park specialty!) and fruit smoothies.
- Delicious desserts that the kids definitely went back for seconds on.
The restaurant is open-air and huge, so we never felt crowded. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries before heading back out for round two of the activities.
How Straight Away Travel Makes it Easy
You might be thinking, “This sounds great, Barb, but how do I get there? How do I book it? What about the kids’ ages?”
That is exactly why you work with a specialty travel agent. At Straight Away Travel, we don’t just book a hotel room and wish you luck. We build these experiences directly into your vacation package!
Why Book Through Us?
- Logistics Handled: We arrange your transportation from your resort to Xplor and back. No need to haggle with taxis or figure out local bus routes.
- Expert Advice: We know which parks are best for which ages. If you have younger kids (under 6), we might suggest Xcaret instead. If you have thrill-seeking teens, Xplor is the winner!
- Wait-Free Planning: We handle the ticket bookings so you can walk right in and start your adventure.
- Concierge Support: If something changes or you need to adjust your plans, we are just a call or text away.
We pride ourselves on providing that concierge-level service that makes your family vacation feel like a true getaway, not a planning chore. You can meet our team and see that we really do walk the walk: we visit these places so we can give you the best advice possible!
Ready for Your Own Cancun Adventure?
If my trip to Xplor taught me anything, it’s that the best memories aren’t made sitting still. They are made while screaming on a zipline, laughing through a muddy puddle, and sharing a delicious meal together in the middle of the jungle.
Your family deserves a vacation that is as exciting as it is relaxing. Whether you want an all-inclusive vacation or a custom-built adventure package, we are here to help.
Ready to start planning?
Click here to Request a Quote and let us know you want the “Barb-approved” Xplor experience added to your trip!
Don’t wait until the kids are grown to take the trip of a lifetime. Let’s get you to Cancun and into the jungle! 🌴🧗♂️💨
Straight Away Travel: your ticket to a stress-free, adventure-filled family vacation. Visit us at straightawaytravel.com to learn more.
