Zip-Lining over the Jungle: Tulum Xtreme Adventure

Zip-lining over the Yucatan Jungle

When I was planning my trip to Mexico, I knew that one of the spots we would visit was Tulum (listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up).  But I also knew that by that time in our trip, it would be the THIRD pyramid we would visit.

When I was a kid traveling in Europe with my parents, I distinctly remember that at some point, all the churches and cathedrals my mom dragged me to started to blend together.  I didn’t want that for my guys, so I tried to make each of our visits unique.

Chichen Itza (see my post “Chichen Itza – One of the Seven Wonders of the World”) was so big and huge, I knew it would stand out.  Ek Balam (see my post “Visiting Ek Balam – Mayan Ruins in the Jungle”) was so small and quiet we could climb and scamper about.  Tulum, the last Mayan ruin we would visit in the Yucatan, needed something special.

At this point I want to give a big shout-out and thank you to Terrah over at The Mom Who Travels.  I found her posts on some travel destinations so helpful, especially a tour she took with Aventuras Mayas.

Aventuras Mayas offers a variety of tours that combine Xtreme adventures (snorkeling, rappelling, and zip-lining) with archaeological visits.  For me, it was the perfect day – a little bit of adventure for my guys and a little bit of culture.

Snorkeling in a Cenote

Led by our capable guide, Jorge, we started our day snorkeling in a cenote.  I was so thrilled that we FINALLY got to swim in one of these unique geological structures.  The water was chilly to begin with, but we quickly adjusted.  Best of all, the amount of time was just right – not too long, not too short.

Rappelling off a tower

Then it was on to rappelling off a tower.  Jorge explained everything to us – how to stand, how to hold the ropes, and most important, he explained the safety equipment.  Essentially, no matter what you do, short of cutting the ropes with a knife, you won’t fall.  My oldest went first and quickly zinged down to the bottom.  No problem with me and my fear of heights because, hey, I was attached to a rope.

The map of what we zip-lined.

I’ve zip-lined before.  Quick trips through the forest of Mont Tremblant, Canada.  Easy, simple, and safe.  Again, you’re connected by all manner of safety harnesses and lines.  Again, short of cutting the lines, you won’t fall. So even with my intense fear of heights, zip-lining over the jungle didn’t bother me.

But I survived and had a great time once I was back on solid ground.  Thank you Adventuras Mayas and Jorge for a fabulous morning!  Next up – Tulum!