Cancun Attractions
Description
Venue: Xcaret When: Daily
Self-labelled as "eco-archaeological", Xcaret is probably best descibed as a natural theme park. Encompassing beaches, butterfly houses, a coral reef aquarium and an underground river excursion, it is geared more towards families than those seeking seclusion. Its picturesque qualities, however, can't be denied.
The main attraction is the unique 600-metre-long underground swimming trail (a classic cenote labyrinth), which leads you through limestone caves and tunnels to a shallow saltwater lagoon. To really experience the tunnel's eerie beauty, try and avoid peak hours between noon and 5pm. The two large natural pools tend to be swamped by swimmers, and they are very popular with children due to the free, giant rubber rings floating about. For a little peace and quiet, walk up to the small string of natural pools lying right on the coast. The sweeping panaromic views offered here are simply breathtaking.
During the day there are performances from traditional Mayan musicians and acrobats as well as horse and dolphin shows. Every evening the ancient Mayan ball game is reconstructed. A key ritual of the ancient civilisation, it used to culminate with the captain of the losing party losing his head as a sacrifice to the omnipresent Gods...
The aquarium is particularly good as the exhibit shows how the coral and fish change as depth increases. There is also a section devoted to turtles which is appropriate given that seven of the world's eight species of turtle live on the Yucatan peninsula.
Self-labelled as "eco-archaeological", Xcaret is probably best descibed as a natural theme park. Encompassing beaches, butterfly houses, a coral reef aquarium and an underground river excursion, it is geared more towards families than those seeking seclusion. Its picturesque qualities, however, can't be denied.
The main attraction is the unique 600-metre-long underground swimming trail (a classic cenote labyrinth), which leads you through limestone caves and tunnels to a shallow saltwater lagoon. To really experience the tunnel's eerie beauty, try and avoid peak hours between noon and 5pm. The two large natural pools tend to be swamped by swimmers, and they are very popular with children due to the free, giant rubber rings floating about. For a little peace and quiet, walk up to the small string of natural pools lying right on the coast. The sweeping panaromic views offered here are simply breathtaking.
During the day there are performances from traditional Mayan musicians and acrobats as well as horse and dolphin shows. Every evening the ancient Mayan ball game is reconstructed. A key ritual of the ancient civilisation, it used to culminate with the captain of the losing party losing his head as a sacrifice to the omnipresent Gods...
The aquarium is particularly good as the exhibit shows how the coral and fish change as depth increases. There is also a section devoted to turtles which is appropriate given that seven of the world's eight species of turtle live on the Yucatan peninsula.
Cancun Information
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