Ecological parks are extremely popular amongst visitors to Cancun. Water sports, aquariums, zoos, aviaries, butterfly pavilions, crocodile farms, horseback riding, as well as restaurants, bars, and folkloric shows are among the main attractions of these parks.

The popularity of Xcaret and Xel-Ha has inspired entrepreneurs to ride the wave of interest in ecological and adventure theme parks. Be aware that "theme park" is the more pertinent part of the phrase. The newer parks of Aktun Chen and Tres Ríos are, so far, less commercial and more focused on nature than their predecessors. Included here are several true reserves, which have less in the way of facilities but offer an authentic encounter with the natural beauty of the region.