EcoParks & Natural Reserves In The Riviera Maya

XCARET ECOPARK


Xcaret, a marvel-filled territory located 55 kilometers South of the city of Cancun and only 5 kilometers from Playa del Carmen on Federal Highway 180, gets its name from the Maya word meaning "inlet" in reference to its location on one of the zone's most important coves. Xcaret was an economically important part of the Maya culture, a commercial exchange center, thus its original name seems to have been P'ole' , a word derived from the rootword P'ol, meaning 'merchandise'.

Xcaret is one of the preferred places on the Riviera Maya, both because of its archaeological monuments and its Ecological and Archaeological Park which is dedicated to disseminating the Maya and Mexican cultures in general, as well as to preserving the environment and the ecology. Numerous species of animals and plants are preserved in their natural state within the park's boundaries.


Although the foundations seem to have been initiated in the early classic period, 200 - 600 A.D., most of the Maya constructions and monuments you can visit in Xcaret belong to the middle and late post-classic period (1200 - 1550 A.D.) when the Spaniards arrived in this area. Within the site is a Catholic church, proof that the zone was inhabited by the colonizers when they arrived, and its presence denotes and symbolizes the clash of civilizations that would radically alter the history of the American continent, this being one of the most ancient monuments of Spanish origin in all of Mexico.

The different archaeological zones are grouped into units identified by letters to define the most interesting sites for visitors. The wall which encircles the zone is closed off from the sea, separating the swamps next to the coast from the inland area. The whole collection of Maya constructions distributed in the area and the ecological park which recreates a natural paradise of immense ecological riches, are both combined into one magical experience which reveals the uniquely singular natural beauty and cultural depth to be found on the Caribbean sea.




There are so many things to see and do at Xcaret! No less than 25 attractions are included in your entrance ticket to the park. We suggest you plan out an itinerary so you can get the most out of your day. Locators guides in the park make it easier to find what you are looking for.



Attractions your ticket includes:
Underground and Mayan Village Rivers
Beach, Inlets and wells
Manatee Lagoon
Coral Reef Aquarium
Marine Turtles
Apiary (Traditional Bee Cultivation)
Bat Cave
Butterfly Pavilion
Ecological Tour (Reservations at the booth behind the rivers entrance)
Mushroom Farm
Orchid Conservatory
Tropical Jungle Walk
Wild Bird Aviary
Deers and Monkeys
Daily Museum and theater Presentations
Theater " Equestrian Show
Xcaret Spectacular Night Show
Archaeological Sites
Xcaret Cultural and Archaeological Museum

Aditional attractions:
Snorkeling Tour
Scuba Diving Tour
Children's Pony Rides
Horseback riding
Snuba Tour
Swim with dolphins
A walk on the bottom of the sea

From Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya:
Tell your travel agent you'd like to participate in an organized tour. They can provide you with bus pick-up time at your hotel. Or rent a car and explore Xcaret and the Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen
Xcaret
Cancun
Things To Do
Eco Parks
Natural Reserves
Tours

Riviera Maya; The Ultimate Caribbean Experience

Riviera Maya becomes the scenery for the perfect vacation where the romantic isolation and tranquility is just as possible as extreme sports and playful 'partying'. Once you experience a Riviera Maya vacation you will understand why it is referred to as the ultimate Caribbean experience.

Riviera Maya stretches 70 miles of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and sunny warmth on the eastern coast of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. From ancient Mayan ruins to modern architectural complexes such as hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants, isolated virgin beaches to tourist filled Mexican shopping meccas, the Riviera Maya beckons to vacationers around the world. The main ecological reserve of the state, Sian Ka'an, a remarkable habitat rich in flora and fauna, is located just south of the Riviera Maya.

One of the attributes of the Riviera Maya is its diversity. While on your Riviera Maya vacation, you can choose from skydiving to golf and tennis tournaments, jungle tours by foot or on horse, a great variety of water sports, the astonishing Mayan culture through the many indigenous communities and the archaeological treasures of the ancient Mayan world.

Rain forests, jungle, flora and fauna, ancient Mayan cities, virgin beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, the fantasy and warmth of the tropics and the mystery of a legendary culture living in its people today, are only a few of the characteristics that make Riviera Maya a favorite vacation destination worldwide.

Riviera Maya
Caribbean
vacation
vacations
perfect vacation destination
favorite vacation destination

The Riviera Maya Vacations In 5 Star Timeshare Resorts

The Riviera Maya creates a picture-perfect paradise for those seeking the infinite beauty of the Caribbean without the fast pace of Cancun.

Riviera Maya vacation packages offer quiet, romantic vacation getaways at some of the most popular and enticing resorts in Mexico.

Yet a vacation to this alluring coastal paradise also provides an opportunity to gain an appreciation of nature and Mayan history. Here you can explore fascinating national parks and tour remarkable ancient Mayan ruins. You can also catch a ride on the ferry to Cozumel, easily accessible from trendy Playa del Carmen.

Just south of Cancun, and just about an hour drive from the airport, the Riviera Maya hotels promise a “laid-back” vacation experience at some of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, including secluded world-class boutique resorts and lively, socially interactive mega-resorts - something for everyone to be sure!

Mayan Palace:
RCI Gold Crown Resort with 5 Star Rating.
Delight in the mesmerizing beauty of the turquise waters and white sand beaches; Experience awe-inspiring ancient ruins and multitudes of natural wonders. Then return to the Mayan Palace Resorts in the Riviera Maya for exceptional service and superb amenities.

The beautiful Mayan Palace Resorts, located at the exclusive Riviera Maya, is just 15 minutes from the town of Playa del Carmen. There, you can take the ferry to the island of Cozumel. Sunbathe on the white-sand beach; swim or practice your favorite water sports, including fishing in the blue sea.

Back on land, enjoy the variety of food prepared by the international chefs on site, with a different theme to every day. A daily activities program with various tours and additional services will make an unforgettable experience at the Mayan Palace.

Large room is capable of sleeping 4 very comfortably. Special available in June and October of 2006. 7 nights at any Mayan Palace Resorts $600.

Beaches, Child Care, Organized Children's Activities, Childrens Pool, Daily Activities Program, Handicapped Unit, Lift/Elevator, concierge and travel agency Medical Services on site: 24 hoursfully accredited bilingual physisicans and nurses on call; Cyber Cafe, Ice machine, bicycle rental, Gourmet Restaurants, self service washing machines and dryers; Safety deposit boxes, Taxis, airport pick-up; Transportation to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Valet Parking, Sunday Mass at 11:00am, whirlpool hottub, swimming pools, Tennis Courts, Spa Facilities.

Timeshare Rentals
Mexico Vacations
Playa del Carmen
Caribbean Vacations
Mayan Palace
Riviera Maya
Cancun
Resort
Resorts
Vacations