The Colors of Xcaret Theme Park in The Riviera Maya
by Lauren Axelrod on 28/12/09 at 3:37 am
Most of us associate Cancun, Mexico with Spring Break, and really, this location has so much more to offer than tequila slammers and skimpy bikini’s. Cancun is also a popular tourist destination for families or couples looking for an eco-friendly and archaeological site that will stimulate the mind and not empty your wallet.
Xcaret Theme Park is a unique and interesting underground geological formation that includes pools, lagoons, fresh water sink holes, and let’s not forget, a beach to bask in the sun and rest your tired body after a long snorkel through the crystal clean waters of the Riviera Maya.
The soft currents make for an easy swim through the caves so you don’t have to worry about being an avid snorkeler or diver. Along the way, you’ll observe prehistoric marine fossils on the cavern walls as well as stalagmites and stalactites. At the tops of the limestone cavern there are small sky light openings that allow for an ample amount of light to guide you along your journey. The entire underground river adventure takes approximately 20 minutes, however in some cases; it can feel a bit longer. If you feel yourself getting tired there are many exit areas to rest so you can catch your bearings before continuing down the river.
The depth of the water is 1.6 meters and the distance is 2000 feet. Visitors may choose to use life vests and snorkel equipment, but these items are optional. It’s up to you whether you’d like to admire the underwater views or just float along with the current. In some cases, many people will use the fins, but they will clip their masks and snorkel to their vests if there’s nothing to see.
The water is quite cool, like a natural spring, so make sure you take extra precautions and warm yourself up before diving right in. Your personal belongings are stored in locked bags which will be waiting for you at the exit of the river.
It’s a wonderful combination of tranquility and mystery all wrapped up in a historical location where centuries ago civilizations made their way down the river, collecting water for their families and animals.
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18 Comments
jaysonv
Dec 28th, 2009
WOW! great post.. thanks for sharing!
ken bultman
Dec 28th, 2009
You’re a great tour guide. Wonderful pics. Cancun must be a great place. My in-laws cruised there eight times although I don’t believe they snorkled. lol.
mkd1788
Dec 28th, 2009
ohh..ho..such a great park…nicely shared…
Glynis Smy
Dec 28th, 2009
Looks wonderful, thanks for sharing.
Joe Dorish
Dec 28th, 2009
Wish I knew about this when I went to Cancun! Did take a bus trip down to the Mayan ruins but would have visited Xcaret too if I knew about it.
thuanynguyen
Dec 28th, 2009
An excellent article, very detailed.
Chris Stonecipher
Dec 28th, 2009
Lauren,
This place is amazing and you detailed it well. I facebook shared, bookmarked on StumbleUpon and Digg.
Blessings to you,
Chris
8Shei8
Dec 28th, 2009
I went to Cancun years ago and I was short on cash to go to Xcaret. Wish I was there now!
Unofre Pili
Dec 28th, 2009
A glorious article, Lauren. I little more hardwork, I thought, so I could afford to travel to Cancun, someday, somehow.
papaleng
Dec 29th, 2009
By the way you describe the place, I can only wonder, Could I someday visit such a very beautiful place. Thanks for sharing Lauren. Shared it at Facebook.
matt
Dec 29th, 2009
do NOT support this ecological nightmare.
The park is described in Lonely Planet Mexico as a ‘precious spot once open to all’ now a ‘Disneyfied ecopark’ with much of the landscape changed using ‘dynamite, jackhammers or other terra-forming techniques’
Lauren Axelrod
Dec 29th, 2009
Matt that is a shame. I live in Florida and it disgusts me to see what Disney world has become. It’s really catering to the rich these days, and if Walt Disney was alive today, he would be ashamed to think that not everyone could afford it.
kate smedley
Dec 31st, 2009
It looks wonderful Lauren, stunning pictures and article.
palak2008
Jan 2nd, 2010
Wonderful information..I like the jaguar video
Jane Jane
Jan 2nd, 2010
Great place and detailed descriptions here with amazing pictures.
PhoenixRox
Jan 2nd, 2010
This is just stunning. You have not just described it well, but the vivid images and videos add so much more. Awesome. I love that sea turtle! Thank u
artiefart
Jan 5th, 2010
Been there, very expensive, very artificial…
Yovita Siswati
Jan 6th, 2010
Wow…such a great park!
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