All about Sandero Jurásico in Chicxulub in Yucatán (2025)

Sure, the park is aimed at kids – but let’s be real: What guy wouldn’t love a bit of robotics, motorized dinosaurs, and tech-driven fun? I mean, I definitely had a blast checking it out!

Opened in 2022, the Sendero Jurásico theme park is a fun attraction for kids, featuring life-size dinosaurs like Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, and Triceratops with motorized movements and sound effects along the Chicxulub Jurassic Trail.

You reach Chicxulub Puerto on the Yucatán Peninsula by traveling east from Progreso. This small fishing village blends so seamlessly with Progreso that it feels like part of the same town.

With around 4,000 residents, Chicxulub is quiet and relaxed but famous as the namesake of the meteorite impact. Its beaches are narrower, and at high tide the water often reaches close to the beachfront properties.

As mentioned, Sendero Jurásico is great for kids but also fun for adults interested in prehistoric life. As you wander through, you’ll come face-to-face with childhood favorites – like Velociraptor, Stegosaurus, the mighty T-Rex, and a bunch of other awesome dinos.

The realistic dinosaur models accurately depict their appearance, movements, and sounds. Some are displayed on land, while others are partially submerged in water, enhancing the immersive experience.

Tips for Your Trip

Everything takes place outdoors, which means you should also keep an eye on the weather. I recommend visiting Sendero Jurásico around 7:00 pm, when the dinosaurs are illuminated and the temperatures are more comfortable.

Here are some tips at a glance:

• Plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

• Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for an enjoyable walk through the park.

• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as some areas have little shade.

• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially on warm days.

• If visiting with children, allow extra time for interactive exhibits and play areas.

The Meteorite Crater at Chicxulub

Around 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid struck the area that is now the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. The event led to the extinction of approximately 75 percent of all plant and animal species on Earth, including the non-avian dinosaurs.

The impact left behind a crater about 180 kilometers in diameter. It was first identified in the 1970s by geophysicists Antonio Camargo and Glen Penfield.

The center of what is now known as the Chicxulub crater is located beneath the village of Chicxulub, which gave the crater its name.

At the time of impact, the asteroid is estimated to have been between 10 and 15 kilometers in diameter. The initial crater depth reached up to 30 to 35 kilometers, though over time, geological processes reduced it to around 10 kilometers.

The impact significantly altered the geology of the region and is believed to have played a role in the formation of the extensive cave systems and cenotes found throughout the Yucatán Peninsula today.

Explore the Emerald Coast

Chicxulub is part of the Emerald Coast, known as Costa Esmeralda in Spanish, a 98-kilometer stretch of coastline in the northern Yucatán Peninsula.

It is named for the striking emerald hue of its waters, which contrast beautifully with the white sand beaches found along this area. Here are some key facts:

Museo del Meteorito

Sandero Jurásico is a recreational park designed specifically for children. If you are more interested in the scientific background of the meteorite impact, I recommend visiting the Museo del Meteorito. It is located in Progreso, near Chicxulub Puerto.

The museum takes you through 14 billion years of history, with a special focus on one of the most significant events on Earth.

Around 66 million years ago, the Chicxulub meteorite struck what is now the Yucatán Peninsula, causing a massive impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and reshaped the planet's ecosystems.

How to Get to Chicxulub from Mérida?

As the place is not far from Mérida, the best way to get there is by car (or taxi or Uber etc.). It is located on the Chixchulub highway towards Telchac from Progreso at kilometre 4.5.

You will see it on the right. One car park is behind the gas station on the highway in Chicxulub. The other is at the "Víctor Cervera Pacheco" police station, which is just a few metres from "El Corchito".