In 2005 the Riviera Maya stepped into the arena of world class family entertainment with the opening of the Xcaret Adventure Park. In the Mayan language the ‘x’ is pronounced ‘ish’, thus the whole name is said as ‘ish-ka-ret’ Adventure Park. Let’s take a look at everything to be discovered at this amazing new attraction.
The park is located on the Riviera Maya, about an hour drive from Playa del Carment and just a twenty minute drive from the center of Cancun. Being located on the Yucutan Peninsula, the park is situated in an ideal place to showcase the wonders of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. In a geographic sense, all the rivers flowing from beneath the Yucatan Peninsula run directly into Xcaret. The outcome is an incredible ecosystem that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The concept behind the park is to educate and amaze visitors; this is not a Disneyland type of park. There aren’t thrill rides or light parades, but the experience will be just as incredible. In the park space you will find underground river snorkeling tours, both ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. The so-called wet snorkeling takes you into underground rivers that are only five feet deep and feature incredible caves and rock formations. The ‘dry’ tour goes along Paradise River on specialized rafts while guests marvel at the amazing vegetation growing along the underground river. Also part of the space is a Tropical Jungle Trail, lagoon beaches and pools. The Stained Glass Plaza in Xcaret Park is a wondrous example of Mexican art and culture, and it can even be seen from one of the underground rivers!
Also part of the adventure park are the numerous wildlife exhibitions. Visit the Butterfly Pavilion and have some of the world’s rarest species of butterflies sit on your hand, head or even your nose! There is also highly regarded Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm that has been very successful in breeding a vast number of bird species including the Red Macaw, the Flamingo, the White-Fronted Parrot and the Aracari Toucan. When you visit the breeding farm you may even be able to handle some of the birds! As the entire park is an eco-themed park there are some seriously sensitive species cared for there, providing a great opportunity for educating the public on flora and fauna of the area. For example Spider Monkeys, Turtles and Manatees are all in residence on various ‘islands’ in the park.
The cultural portion of park is like no other in Mexico. Located at the highest point of the park is the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, a quaint building designed with the historic architecture of the region and officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Wedding ceremonies can take place there, amide the limestone altar, thorn tree pews and sapodilla crucifix. Also on the park grounds is the Hacienda Henequenera or House of Mexican Folk Art. The building itself is of the familiar 19th century colonial design, but inside the artifacts and art of the region is represented both through private and public collections all of particular historical value. Also, don’t miss the Mexican Cemetery located in the Mayan Village on the park grounds. Visiting this attraction will give the guest a very clear feeling of the importance placed on family and ancestors in the Mexican culture. Even an evening visit is an eye-opening experience!
These are only a few of the adventures to be had at Xcaret Adventure Park. There are so many more attractions! If you are planning a trip to the area, consider doing it at a time when there is a local festival scheduled. For example in May there the project of the Sacred Mayan Journey in which over 300 oarsmen make an ocean journey in traditional hollowed out canoes, just as the Mayan peoples did. From October 30th to November 2nd is the Festival de Vida y Muerte, a celebration centered on the Day of the Dead and the celebration of relatives who have passed on to the other world. This is one of the largest festivals in Mexico, a truly colorful and artistic showcase of the culture.
This adventure park is definitely an attraction for the whole family, no matter what the age range is. Thrill seekers will find adventure, nature lovers will discover incredible beauty, history buffs will find enlightenment and beach bums will find the perfect beaches!
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