Xcaret: Introduction
What, exactly, is Xcaret Eco Park”? The buzzword is “eco-archeological theme park”… imagine Disney-meets-National-Geographic. Xcaret Park aims to package the Yucatan’s Mayan history and its tropical lagoon ecology into one day-long fun experience.
The result is well-executed; Xcaret Mexico’s Park is a terrific place for a family to spend a day.
Xcaret Eco Park is approximately an hour’s drive south of Cancun. All Cancun, Playa del CArmen and Riviera Maya resorts organize excursions; also, tourist kiosks in Cancun also outings to Xcaret Eco Park and Xel-Ha Natural Park. Or you can rent a car and drive yourself; or take one of the buses that fly down the highway, and then return to your resort by one of the taxis awaiting at the end of the Night Show.
Xcaret Eco Park: Plan of Action
You’ll be covering a lot of ground during your visit, so it’s nice that the park has many quiet spots where you can rest in a hammock, or your kids can play in the sand. You’ll also find great restaurants.
Xcaret: Park Highlights
Underground River Float
The standout activity at Xcaret is a 1,590-foot swim in an underground river. This is indeed a fab experience, and even kids as young as five can participate: everyone is issued a life-jacket.
“Underground”, by the way, doesn’t mean pitch-black and scary: some areas are like tunnels, but you can always see light.
If the river gets crowded, simply get out of the water: there are many pretty places where you can climb out and take a break.
Other watery activities at Xcaret include swimming at the beach and snorkeling in a warm lagoon, and premium (i.e. extra charge) activities such as dolphin encounters, snuba, sea trekking, and excursions to the coral reef.
Xcaret also has a river boat ride: very pretty, but know that this is a hot, slow, ride; families may find their time is better spent elsewhere.
