Xcaret
In Quintana Roo you can visit Xcaret, an Eco-archaeological park designed by millionaire developer Miguel Quintana-Pali. Xcaret is an intriguing recreational and educational project perhaps the first of its kind.
In addition to cultural, historic and archaeological attractions, the Xcaret park's 250 acres include a vast play area where you can swim, snorkel, horseback ride, engage in water sports and be entertained by folkloric and equestrian performers.
The Xcaret park is located on a stretch of the Caribbean coast of Mexico, around an inlet that was once an embarkation point for Mayan pilgrims en route to Cozumel to worship at the shrine of Ixchel, the god less of fertility. The area around the Xcaret, or "little cove" in Mayan, was inhabited by these fascinating people from A.D. 1200 to 1500. Mayan culture and history are preserved in the park's museum and in archaeological sites scattered throughout the lushly landscaped grounds.
Much of the Xcaret park is devoted to nature attractions, many of which encourage visitor participation. Topping the list are two underground rivers consisting of crystal-clear freshwater. Outfitted with a lifejacket and optional snorkeling gear, you can float along the waterways, passing through a series of beautifully illuminated limestone caves. Above ground, you can bask on a white sand Caribbean beach, snorkel through an inlet brimming with tropical fish or just relax in a soothing freshwater lagoon. Water-sports equipment is available.
At the Dolphinarium, you can watch trained dolphins perform or get into the water yourself and swim alongside these high intelligent sea mammals. The Xcaret park's aquarium allows you to view marine habitats representative of the main Eco-systems of the Caribbean Sea, including coral reefs; you can also touch live starfish, manta rays and other sea creatures.
Bird lovers will particularly enjoy walking through the aviary, where more than 70 species can be observed. Xcaret also has its own Mexican-style ranch, complete with horseback-riding facilities. If you're not an equestrian, an adjacent restaurants provides the perfect venue for watching a Charro performance by thoroughbreds.
The Xcaret park's botanical garden is a nice place for a respite. In an atmosphere of quietude, you can discover more than 80 varieties of indigenous plants, bushes, flowers and trees.
Xcaret's restaurants have been creatively designed to complement the park's natural setting. You can dine outdoors under palmfrond roofs on fresh seafood and Mexican specialties.
A visit to Xcaret is an all-day adventure for folks of all ages.
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