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When you sign up for this unique tour and embark on this jungle adventure, it is guaranteed fun!
The
goal of the ATV Explorer Jungle Tour is to give visitors an overall
impression of the Yucatan Peninsula., and they have succeeded in every
way! From the Monkey Loop to the pristine cenote, tour goers get a
smorgasbord of activities rolled up into one incredible experience.
Their self proclaimed slogan “If you do only one tour….THIS IS IT!” is
right on.
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TIME:
9 AM,11AM,1PM, 3PM
Duration: 2hrs
COST:
$49.50 USD/ Double Riders
$58.50 USD/Single Riders
GROUP SIZE:
1-40 People
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Although the ATV Explorer Jungle Tour has been one of the longest
running tours in the Playa del Carmen area (more than 10 years), long
time friends, Eric Bon and Guus Dorgelo, both from Amsterdam, have been
running the tour for the past four years.
I had the opportunity to take a personalized tour at ATV Explorer, and let me tell you, it is two hours of non-stop jungle fun!
First off, I got to choose from nearly 30 well maintained Yamaha ATV’s (there are two on site mechanics that keep all of the ATV’s in top shape). After I chose my machine I was briefed on the features and safety of my jungle rig, I slid on my goggles, and then we were off into the heart of the jungle to explore ancient caves, jump into pristine waters, and check out ancient Mayan ruins. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours out of your day if you ask me! My guide was incredibly thorough, and knowledgeable on his jungle trivia and safety tips. First stop was at Monkey Loop, a part of the trail where spider monkeys have been seen swinging over head, but unfortunately the day I was there they were partying on the beaches of Tulum. However, we did see evidence of their last visit from the shredded orange peel on the jungle floor. As we motored on to our next stop I marveled at my surroundings, thick beautiful jungle that smelled of earth and the indigenous fauna, with just a pinch of sea air that had crept its way through the Ceiba’s and Che Chen’s to remind you of the beautiful sea just beyond the jungle edge. The birds sang, and the bugs hummed, and I almost forgot I was actually operating a motor vehicle. As we rolled on up to an ancient Mayan ruin, you could look around the parameter and identify other uncovered ruins, and small altars scattered through out, but thank you to the INAH and the conscientious ATV Explorer Team, there is restricted access to many of the ruins, due to their fragility.
After marveling over the amazing architecture and reflecting on the incredible abilities of the ancient Maya, we were back on our hogs to visit one of the most pristine cenotes I have ever seen. I pride myself on being a cenote connoisseur, and hands down, this one definitely takes a place in my top five. As I jumped into the great blue expanse of delicious water, I donned my snorkel mask, and marveled over the stalagmites that seemed to be in arms reach, but in reality they were more then 60 feet below! My guide was hard pressed to get me out of the water to continue on our jungle adventure, but I finally pulled myself away, and we were off to check out an ancient cave system. As we climbed below into the dark expanse my eyes slowly adjusted and I was able to see an altar and some incredible carvings left by someone so long ago it must qualify as one of the 7 wonders of the world. We turned on our light and took a look around, and as we drug our light over the ceiling of the cave we tried not to disturb the sleeping bats hanging from above. We emerged from the cave, and it was time to spend some quality roosting time on the trail. We headed back to base to conclude the tour with a cold glass of Coca Cola, and to purchase one of their famous t-shirts to ensure I had a proper souvenir for this incredible day!
PMN Street Squad Score: 11 out of 10!
There are 4 tours per day at: 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM
Standard Cost (in USD):
$55.00 per rider riding double
$65.00 per rider riding single
Children 12 and over are able to ride single ATV’s
ATV Explorer is minutes from Playa and very simple to get to in a taxi.
If you would prefer ATV Explorer to provide transportation, it will cost an additional $10 USD per person (only available at select hotels).
Playa Maya News Discounted Rate:
$49.50 riding double
$58.50 riding single
ATV Explorer Tour
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