Xcaret - Xcaret

Xcaret is a Mayan ruin and nature park in Quintana Roo in Mexico.

background

Already in the early Mayan Classic period, the place was able to establish itself as a trading center thanks to the trade route that ran along the coast. With the rise of Coba could also like Xcaret Xel Ha or Muyil record further growth. In all likelihood, the place was called "Polé", derived from the Mayan word "P'ol" for trade. The name Xcaret is based on a small river that flows into it and means "narrow inlet". When the influence of the large inland cities decreased at the end of the Classical period, the importance of the trade routes on the coast grew at the same time. Xcaret was also able to benefit from this. The nearby island also took on importance Cozumel as a sanctuary too. The place also played in a Mayan story, which was recorded in the so-called Chilam-Balam writings (records of local traditions). Most of the buildings were not built until between AD 1200 and AD 1500. But the arrival of the Spaniards meant a hard turning point for this place as well. Just by interrupting the trade routes and actively combating religion, two important livelihoods were taken from the place. However, in contrast to most of the other coastal ports, the place remained inhabited and eke out its existence as a small fishing village. But that changed in 1984 when the architect Miguel Quintana Pali bought a large part of the town. Together with other investors, he opened an eco-archaeological park here in 1990 with the same name, in which flora, fauna and part of the archaeological sites were integrated. This has been continuously expanded over the years and was able to achieve national recognition with the MTV Latin Music Awards 2005.

getting there

By plane

The nearest international airports on the mainland are in Cancun and Chetumal. Not flown to that often, but closer, it is on Cozumel.

By bus

Numerous buses and collectivos drive along the Carretera Playa del Carmen - Tulum, which also stop at the theme park.

In the street

Xcaret is right on Mex 307, which runs from Cancun to Chetumal leads and is located about 6 km south of Playa del Carmen. The nearest major bus station is also in Playa del Carmen. From here you can cover the last 6 km with a collectivo or taxi. Another alternative as a bus station is the in Tulum there, which is also approached by major lines such as ADO.

By boat

who of Cozumel comes, the ferry can go to Playa del Carmen take, from there continue on the road for the last 6 km.

mobility

Tourist Attractions

The place offers two kinds of sights that merge here. On the one hand, there are numerous ruins from the pre-Columbian period, some of which are also located in the eco-park. The different groups are labeled from A to K. The area along the coast has been inhabited since prehistoric times, without the settlements being of outstanding importance. In addition to fishing, they served as trading centers with economic ties up to today's Guatemala. At the same time, Xcaret was a transit point for pilgrims to the shrine of the goddess Ixchel on the island of Cozumel. Like most Mayan sites along the touristically highly developed coast, there is a certain contradiction between the historical, architectural and artistic importance to their tourist exploitation.

There are also numerous attractions in the eco-park next to the ruins. Often referred to by critics as Disneyland, the park tries to bring fauna, flora and the culture of the Maya closer to the visitor. For an entry price from 100 USD per adult, visitors can choose from attractions such as the following:

• Shows about the traditions and history of Mexico and the Maya (including ritual ball game)
• extensive beach area
• Water activities such as diving and snorkeling
• Wellness area (massages and a traditional Mayan sauna)
• Mayan Museum
• Observation tower
• Mushroom and orchid farm
• Agave plantations
• Raft trip on the semi-subterranean river
• High artist arena
• Zoo with domestic animals

The park is constantly being expanded and supplemented.

activities

shop

kitchen

There are numerous restaurants in the park with a varied cuisine. It is not permitted to bring your own food.

nightlife

accommodation

Even if most of the guests from the hotels in Playa del Carmen and Tulum or up to the numerous resorts on the coast Cancun come (day tours are offered everywhere), there are also hotels in and around the theme park.

• 20.5866-87.11061  Xcaret Hotel, Carretera Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Kilometro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. Tel.: 52 (998) 881 9836. last change: not specified

health

Practical advice

trips

literature

Web links

http://www.xcaret.com/ - Official website of Xcaret Park

Xcaret on the INAH website (span.)