Xcaret
Formely Pole, was an important Mayan population settlement before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors in the sixteenth century. currently is an ecological theme park located in the Rivieran Maya, 5km (3.11mi) south of "Playa del Carmen and 120.7km (75mi) south of Cancun, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. For the Maya cicilization this was an important port and commercial center and in which archaeological remains can still be seen.
Is a privately owned and operated theme park, resort and self-described ecoturism development. It is named after the nearby archaeological site Xcaret, a settlement constructed by the pre-Columbian Maya some of whose structures lie within the boundaries of the park´s 81 hectares (200 acres) of land holdings.
 |
| Snorkeling in the underground river at Scaret |
Thematic Park
Since its founding in 1990, and due to its natural setting, Xcaret has developed several programs of the conservation and reproduction of flora and fauna of the Mexican southeast, like sea turtles, manatees, spider monkeys, deer, etc. Among its facilities is the first butterfly of Mexico and Coral Reef Aquarium, one of the few places in the world where reef structures can be seen in their natural habitat.
 |
| Coral Reef Aquarium |
 |
| Butterfly in Scartet |
As a theme park, Xcaret is characterized by showing the most representative of Mexico´s natural and cultural aspects. apart from that you can do varius water activities in its cenotes, underground rivers, lake and beach, can be seen traditions of the Mayan people and pictures of Mexican folklore.
Place names
Xcaret means in Maya "small inlet", because it has a bight of extraordinary beauty. The geographically convenient location of this creek made it attractive to the Mayans, who built there a port and commercial center. Its ancient name was "pole", derived from the root p´ol, meaning merchandise and service traders.
History of Scaret
Reserch of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Xcaret, show that the earliest settlements date back to the early classic period (200-600 AD), although most of the buildings were made in the late postclassic period (1200-1550 AD). These buildings extended along the coast for several kilometers an are connected by walls of residential constraint. In fact, Xcaret was a walled port, such as Tulum, but unlike the latter, the wall closed maritime access.
 |
| Archaeological zone in Xcaret |
INAH reports detailed in the Chilam Balam and in relation to the legendary pilgrimage of the Itzáes, is mentioned as one of the highlights of the trip, which would reinforce the idea of functioning as a port. Further evidence of their economic and political relevance in the mentioni of marital links established between lineages Pole and Cozumel. Xcaret was also the starting point to the island of Cozumel, where the Maya pilgrimage to worship lx Chel, goddess of fertility an the moon.
 |
| Xcaret Mayan buiding |
The eastern side of the Yucatan peninsula was the last to be invaded by the Spaniards. During the third stage or campaign (1540-1547) came to Xcaret, which belonged to the chieftainship of Ekab, and was the embarkation point for the island Cozumil(Cozumel). A large part of the population of Ekab confirmed acceptance of Spanish rule and the alliance was cemented successfully.
History of Ecologic Park
In 1984 the architect Miguel Quintana Pali and Doctor Ignacio Bernal Hurtado bought five hectares of land in the municipality of solidaridad, Quintana Roo, for private project. When starting the clearance work, they discovered cenotes and underground rivers of great beauty. So they changed their minds and they allied with Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse brothers to develop the idea of the park finally opened in December 1990.
Xcaret park management subsidized the research by the (NIAH), to rebuild the Mayan ruins of Pyramids and buildings found in the area and who are now part of the identity of the park. Simultaneously, was structured a conservation programs of the flora and fauna of the region, mainly sea turtle and endangered species.
 |
| River in Xcaret |
The 80 acres that make up Xcaret have developed various ecotourism and cultural activities, in order to acquaint visitors with the natural and cultural diversity of Mexico. Today, the park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Riviera Maya.
Nature
The unique environment of Xcaret is a natural refuge for many species in the region. The park has developed spaces that allow visitors to appreciate each species without alienating them from their natural habitat.
 |
| Manatee in Xcaret Park |
The coral reef aquarium exhibits biodiversity submarines multicolored gardens of the Mexican Caribbean. In the aquarium have been successfully established over 300 corals on artificial reef structures, thanks to the permanent pumping unfiltered seawater allowing free entry on plankton direclty display ponds and larval sponges, corals, mollusks and algae that cause a process of natural colonization. Marine Aquarium display at Xcaret includes more than five thousand bodies.
 |
| Aquarium Xcaret |
Xcaret also has a lagoon inhabited by manatees, an endangered species, and a with aviary, a butterfly, bat cave, greenhouse with orchids and bromeliads, mushroom farm, jaguar island, corner of deer, among others. They can also be seen flamingos, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, tapir and crocodiles.
Activities in Xcaret
You can enjoy a Mexican Caribbean beaches, jungle trails, underground rivers, gardens reefs, natural pools and cenotes up scenarios where tourists can from walks and thematic tours, to snorkeling, tours to swim with sharks, swimming with dolphins, Snuba, sea trek, or you experience the temazcal.
 |
| Snuba diving in Xcaret |
 |
| Swimming with shark in Xcaret |
For more information Visit
No comments:
Post a Comment