Xcaret

Useful Information

Location:	Riviera Maya Mainland, 11 km south of Playa del Carmen on the Highway 307 (Cancun-Tulum highway). 60 km south of Cancun.
Open:	APR-OCT daily 8:30-22. NOV-MAR daily 8:30-21. Xcaret tour bus from terminal at Playa del Carmen daily at 9. [2004]
Fee:	Adults US$ 49, Children (5-12) US$ 24.50. [2004]
Classification:	Karst cave River cave
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 77500, Information Center: Tel: +52-998-88331-43 or +52-998-88331-44 E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1990	park opened.

Description

Xcaret is not a show cave, it is a show with caves, a holiday park which includes some cave relates attractions. An ecological park which is advertised to be an "all day encounter with nature", offers dozens of different recreational activities. This includes beach, aquarium, diving, snorkeling and archaeological sites. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, this area offers two things in abundance: mayan remains and under water caves.

There are river caves under the park area, which are guided in two different subterranean river experiences. They are said to be easy and safe even for non-swimmers. Obviously the easiest way at all to discover the water caves of Yucatan. However, the visit does not include cave diving.

And there is a second cave related attrction, although it is not a natural cave, the bat cave. It is a sort of bat zoo where you can learn all about this strange animals. In Mexico most bats feed on fruit, some on insects. They are used in reforestation projects to control insects in a natural way.

After Playa del Carmen towards Tulum, is a left hand turning leading to some Maya ruins at Xcaret. This Maya site was the ancient port of Polé. Xcaret is the Mayan word for little inlet.