PLAYA DEL CARMEN: XCARET
Map of Cozumel
1. La Caleta Cove and Blue Lagoon
Both of these are fine places for easy swimming. La Caleta (“the Inlet”) was the main harbor of Mayan Polé and is now a favorite snorkeling spot, with coral and tropical fish just below the surface. The Blue Lagoon is a big, ultra-relaxing clearwater pool behind the beach, with islands of thick vegetation to explore.
Visitors going snorkeling at La Caleta Cove inlet
2. Hacienda Henequenera
Henequén, a fiber derived from the agave plant, was a major industry in the Yucatán during the colonial period. This 19th-century mansion takes visitors back in time to learn more about this important part of Yucatecan history.
3. Sea Trek
A fabulous guided walk – not swim – right along the seabed, using simple breathing apparatus and weights to prevent you from floating upwards. You don’t need to be a great swimmer to enjoy this, and on the way you see all kinds of wonderful sea life from below.
4. Butterfly Garden
One of the most spectacular parts of Xcaret, the mariposario is the largest butterfly garden in the world, partly hidden in a steep ravine beneath a giant net of a roof. Bursting with all kinds of exuberant tropical flowers and plants, the garden is alive with an astonishing variety of colorful butterflies. Mornings are the best time to visit.
5. Aviary and Zoo
Animal attractions are spread all around the park. Among the birds on view – all of which are native to the Yucatán – are toucans, cute aracaris or “little toucans,” bright green parrots, and the very rare quetzal, whose tail feathers were used in Mayan headdresses. Animals here include spider monkeys, bats, and pumas.
Quetzal, Aviary
6. Turtle Pools
Near La Caleta, you will have the chance to see different kinds of sea turtles – leatherbacks, hawksbills, and loggerheads – in every stage of life, from tiny newborns to grumpy-faced ancients with beautiful shells over 3 ft (1 m) long. The pools are part of a repopulation program to preserve this endangered species, with turtles born here being released into the sea at 15 months.
7. Mayan Village and Ball Court
Reached via a series of atmospheric passageways, the Mayan Village tries to re-create some of the life of the ancient Mayan world. This includes a reconstruction of a Mayan ball court, where a modern interpretation of the mysterious, long-lost ball game is played each afternoon. There is also a well-presented museum by the park entrance.
Ball court at the Mayan Village
8. Forest Trail and Orchid Greenhouse
A well-signposted trail helps you to explore many other parts of the park, through lush natural forest and passing further attractions, such as beehives, animal enclosures, a mushroom farm, and a wonderful greenhouse with more than 100 magnificent varieties of rare orchid. You can also explore a longer, guided trail on horseback.
9. Underground Snorkeling River
This clear, winding, turquoise stream allows visitors to swim and snorkel all the way through the park and the Mayan Village to the beach, via rocky canyons, pools, and caverns lit by shafts of daylight.
Snorkelers in the Underground River
10. Live Show
Presented nightly, this is a spectacular mix of entertainment spread all around the village and theater. It begins with “ancient Mayan” rituals, mariachis, and vibrant performances of folk music and dances from all over Mexico, and goes on to a charrería, or Mexican rodeo.
