Xaman Ha Aviary, Playa del Carmen

Xaman Ha Aviary, located in Playa del Carmen, is a delightful natural sanctuary that houses around 60 species of tropical birds native to the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. This open-air sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to observe roughly 200 individual birds living in harmony, including flamingos, multicolored parrots, macaws, ducks, and various other long-legged birds.

Visitors to the aviary can stroll through a beautifully maintained botanical garden and follow paths and trails that lead to the birds' preferred nesting areas. The birds live, eat, fly, and reproduce freely within this little Mexican jungle. They share their habitat with several non-winged species from the region, such as iguanas, butterflies, squirrels, and the turtles and fish that inhabit the cenotes of the Riviera Maya and Yucatan.

The natural setting of the park, with its stone and concrete trails, offers a glimpse into what the area would look like without development. However, these trails may not be suitable for those requiring handicap access. Most of the birds are not confined to cages, instead, they can be seen perched on limbs or strolling around ponds, with one walk-through enclosure for closer encounters.

A visit to Xaman Ha Aviary can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and level of interest. For the best experience, bring a camera, stay on the designated paths, and refrain from touching the birds. The park also enforces a no-smoking and no-eating policy to maintain the natural environment. Public bathrooms are available for visitors' convenience.

The aviary offers different experiences throughout the day. Morning visits are ideal for cooler temperatures, midday provides good lighting for photography, and late afternoon is a prime time to observe birds coming in to roost. Each time of day offers a unique perspective on the vibrant life within the sanctuary.