Travel Guide Xcaret

Xcaret was once a major economic center for the Maya, a trading center whose original name may have been "P'ole", a word derived from the root "P'ol" meaning goods. Since 1993, Xcaret has been transformed into an eco-archeological and aquatic park, now known throughout the Riviera Maya. The creation of the park has contributed to the conservation of many animal and plant species in their original environment, but also constitutes a "disneylandization" of Mayan nature and culture. The creeks and natural rivers are marked out for tourists, instrumentalized to entertain young and old. But this "disneylandization" of nature is so popular that many other adventure parks have been created on the same model. Xcaret remains a reference in the matter, because of its incredible aquatic environment. Located south of Playa del Carmen, the site is formed by small coves that are home to a rich tropical marine life. The aquarium, the zoo and the amusement park will satisfy the visitors. No less than 25 attractions are included in the park's entrance ticket, which can be completed in one or two days, depending on the package chosen: underground rivers and Mayan village; coves and beaches; Manatee lagoon; coral reef aquarium; sea turtles; beekeeping; bat cave; butterfly farm; jaguar and puma islands; orchid culture; forest hike; and aviary. There is also the possibility of swimming with dolphins for an additional fee. For the curious, an activity is in vogue in Xcaret: snuba, a mixture of snorkeling and scuba diving. The activity consists of breathing through a long tube attached to a compressed oxygen tank, which allows you to move underwater to admire the sea floor, like a scuba diver... The park also includes several archaeological monuments and organizes activities that are supposed to contribute to the diffusion of the Mayan culture.