Cenotes, Zip Lines and Jungle: Valladolid’s New Eco-Tourism Draw

Turquoise waters of Cenote Saamal surrounded by rock formations and jungle vegetation at Selva Maya eco-park in Valladolid, Yucatan

Valladolid, Yucatan — A new eco-tourism park combining cenotes, zip lines, and jungle trails is positioning itself as a top summer destination in eastern Yucatan.

Selva Maya, located minutes from downtown Valladolid, offers visitors a mix of adventure, relaxation, and immersion in the region’s natural environment.

Cenote Saamal: A Natural Gem

The park’s centerpiece is Cenote Saamal, a sinkhole more than 50 meters deep with turquoise waters accessible via stone staircases. At night, the cenote takes on a different atmosphere under moonlight, accompanied by stories inspired by Maya culture and the surrounding jungle.

Adventure Activities

For thrill-seekers, Selva Maya features a zip-line circuit that crosses the jungle, offering aerial views of the green landscape over nearly a kilometer of platforms. The park also offers calmer options such as bike rides, nature walks, and rest areas surrounded by bird sounds and vegetation.

Regional Cuisine and Environmental Commitment

The experience includes a regional buffet featuring Yucatecan dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, many grown in the park’s own orchard. Selva Maya also runs waste management programs and environmental education initiatives for visitors.

As summer arrives, the park aims to establish itself as an alternative for travelers seeking nature-based experiences away from the usual tourist routines.

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By Laura Castillo

Laura Castillo covers tourism, business, and economic development across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya for Riviera Maya News & Events. She tracks the region's most important business stories — from hotel investments and airline route expansions to real estate market trends and local economic policy — helping English-speaking readers stay informed about the economic pulse of Mexico's Caribbean coast.Laura has been reporting on Quintana Roo's tourism sector since 2020, closely monitoring developments in Cancun's hotel zone, Tulum's rapidly growing commercial corridor, and the evolving business landscape in Playa del Carmen. Her coverage includes corporate investments, employment trends, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of events like sargassum seasons and hurricane preparation.Before joining Riviera Maya News & Events, Laura worked in business development and market analysis in the Riviera Maya region, giving her first-hand insight into how tourism, real estate, and local commerce intersect. She is fluent in English and Spanish.For story tips: laura@rivieramayanews.mx