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