Ecopark Schcaret (Mexico) is a popular tourist complex. Travelers can see rare tropical plants, animals, and birds while visiting the site. In the park are the ruins of the Mayan settlement, guided tours, traditional festivals, festivals.
Description and concept of the Shkaret eco-archaeological park in Mexico
Shkaret Park is an ecological-architectural complex formed in a picturesque location. Natural objects (dunes, tropical forests), monuments of ancient Mexican culture, archaeological sites, underground rivers, aquariums, dolphinarium, jacuzzi, etc. are preserved in the reserve.
The complex conducts entertainment, educational programs for tourists, organizes familiarization of guests with the underwater world of the sea coast. Mexico’s largest park is named after a nearby archaeological site, the ruins of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. Some of the structures are part of the complex and are available for viewing by travelers.
The park is located on an area of more than 80 hectares. The concept of the complex provides an introduction to the traditions of ancient civilizations, rare plants, animals and the history of development of Mexico.
History of Xcaret Park
The ecological complex Shkaret was created at the site of archaeological excavations. The land (initially about 5 hectares) was purchased by Mexican entrepreneurs in 1984. architect Miguel Pali. At the initial stage, during the removal of soil layers, the builders discovered archaeological and natural objects (caves, cenotes, crevices).
Land deformation occurred due to gradual erosion of rocks. The subterranean rivers that flowed through the rock formations had an impact on the ground, the stones.
After researching the area, the architect identified the potential for wider tourism development in the region. This is how the concept of the ecological complex, open to tourists from all over the world, was formed. Subsequently, Oscar and Carlos Constanze joined the project. The landscaping work was completed in 1990.
During this period, an agreement was reached with the Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico to restore the ruins of Mayan houses and pyramids revealed during the construction of the site. The work was subsidized by the administration of the park. For its contribution to habitat conservation and support of regional fauna, the Shkaret Complex made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.
The owners of the ecopark provided for the organization of traditional national rituals, ceremonies, holidays, festivals. For tourists were built restaurants and cafes with Mexican cuisine, landscaped bay for swimming and white beach. There are also swimming pools. For travelers organized diving, swimming with dolphins, walks on the rivers.
When the park is open to the public
The park is open to tourists year-round. Zones of the complex can be visited daily according to the schedule. Opening hours: 08:30-21:30.
Changes in the schedule, possible closures of sites or attractions can be found on the ecomplex’s website: www.xcaret.com.
The main attractions and activities in Shkaret Park
Xcaret Square has more than 50 attractions, there are many interesting natural locations, beach recreation areas.
Travelers are available to visit on their own in 1 day:
- theme and nature parks;
- Mayan Village;
- botanical garden;
- oceanarium;
- Xcaret archaeological site (near the coast);
- zoos;
- aquarium museum;
- Dolphinarium and water park in the bay;
- show programs with national performances;
- ritual processions on Isla Cosumel;
- diving, rafting on inland rivers;
- butterfly farm, etc.
Ruins of the Mayan city of Pole
The ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Pole are preserved on the territory of the ecopark. It used to be the main port of the settlement and the seat of worship of the moon goddess. The ruins of the city are localized in 4 parts of the park.
Travelers can see the remains of altars, ancient pyramids, squares, streets, residences, and Mayan cemeteries. Many ruins are covered with layers of earth, overgrown with tropical plants. Part of the village has been restored.
As a memento of the trip you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs of the local residents.
Hacienda Enekenera and the Folk Art Museum
The complex includes a visit to the Hacienda Enekener with a folk art museum, souvenir departments, theater, etc. It is a rich nineteenth-century homestead from the golden age of the Yucatan. The tour takes place in an age of developing territories with developing plantations, everyday life, and seasonal festivities.
Butterfly pavilion
Nature lovers should visit the Butterfly Pavilion, which features many species from the region. After the tour, you can go into a nature reserve with lots of feathered Mexican birds. About 1,500 species of native birds are kept here and endangered populations are maintained. Travelers can take beautiful photos with butterflies and animals.
Flying People” attraction
In the ecocenter there is an attraction “Flying people”. The numbers are performed by local people. The Voladores culture is part of the Intangible Heritage of UNESCO. The attraction involves five performers in national costumes. Dancers tied by ropes to a pole perform acrobatic stunts. The number is set to national music.
Orchid Garden
Plant lovers should visit the Orchid Garden, which preserves and cultivates more than 80 rare species of exotic plants. In the greenhouse you can learn how to grow beautiful flowers, make original photo shoots, etc.
Ritual trip to the island of Cozumel
A ritual trip to Cozumel Island is on the list of eco-complex attractions. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, solemn water processions were often sent from the settlement of Pole to the island in order to address the goddess Lura, to offer sacrifices to her and to decipher prophecies.
Rafting on the Paradise River
The park program includes an unusual rafting trip on the Paradise River. Available to dive into the waters of underground rivers, visiting the ancient cenote wells along the route of the labyrinths, caves. The depth of the reservoirs is 1.5 m.
During the tour you can see tropical plants, if necessary – rent a mask and snorkel and perform a dive to get acquainted with the inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea. Near the coast for travelers landscaped swimming pools, Jacuzzi, which overlook the open sea.
Dolphinarium
The national park has a dolphinarium where you can watch its inhabitants. Short and long swimming programs with dolphins are available. Before the start of the session, the staff instructs tourists on safety.
Swimming in an underground river or diving with an oxygen helmet
The list of popular attractions in the park includes a swim in the underground rivers. You can choose from the likes of Manatee, Maya, and Blue.
While snorkeling, travelers can see beautiful corals, stingrays, dolphins, and fish. Trips are accompanied by experienced instructors.
Tropical Jungle Trail
The Trail amusement park is set in a tropical jungle that tourists can explore on tours of the Yucatan Peninsula. Many plants from the wild can be found on its grounds. There are fruit crops, medicinal and ornamental shrubs, rainforest herbs and sacred Mayan trees.
Rotating Scenic Tower
During the ride on the Scenic observation tower with elevator, tourists have panoramic views of the entire ecological park and the Caribbean coast. The ride is circular rotating, so travelers can see the jungle of the islands, the beauty of the Riviera Maya.
Evening show programs
In the evening in the park hold exotic colorful shows, costume programs. The cost of the ticket (to be purchased at the ecopark ticket office) is about $70. The show starts with traditional sports and continues with the history of the country. Scenes are performed by actors in costume. Music and dance performances are held at the end.
What else to do in Xcaret Park
Available in the park:
- a visit to the zoo with jaguars;
- Observing the life of turtles and manatees and pink flamingos;
- diving, snorkeling;
- trips to the coral reef;
- Recreation at natural pools, water sources, landscaped beaches;
- The chapel, tower, etc.
Map of the park in Russian
For a comfortable visit to the park at the entrance tourists are given a map-scheme of the complex, available in Russian, to make a plan of sightseeing. A large poster-scheme is located on the main avenue of the park.
Zones are highlighted on the map:
- viewpoints;
- underground rivers;
- Oceanarium;
- beaches;
- exits to the sea;
- animals in the wild;
- museums, etc.
Where is Shkaret Park and how to get there?
The park is located 60 km south of the airport in Cancun and 6 km from the resort of Playa del Carmen. You can get to the site from Cancun by different means of public transport, by car (own or rented).
From Cancun.
Buses from Cancun to the ecopark depart from Av. Uxmal. Direct flights from the international airport to the Shkaret natural complex are also available.
A special bus El Despeinado goes to the park. Flights leave every 30 minutes from Av. Uxmal. The bus El Despeinado is free for tourists.
It is convenient to get from Cancun by cab. Transportation is available from Uber, Cancun Cab, Cabify, Cancun Taxi, etc. Travel time is about 1-1.5 hours. The price of the trip is $80 to $100.
From other regions
From other regions it is convenient to get by cab or rental car. There are buses from Playa del Carmen from the 5th Avenue stop.
Ticket price and what it includes
The cost of a ticket to enter the park is $99.99. If you book the tour 7-20 days in advance, there is a 10% discount. Children under 4 years of age have free admission to the complex. Ticket is purchased at the ticket office or online on the portal of the organization. For children ages 5-11 it can be purchased for 50% of the cost.
The price includes walks, cultural and entertainment program, swimming in the pools, relaxing on the beaches, rafting on the underground river, shows, exhibitions. Included and parking, hammocks, sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms. The purchase of an extended pass provides lunch, luggage storage, shuttle service to the hotel, and insurance.
What a tourist should take with him to Shkaret Park
Comfortable light clothing, sneakers, sunglasses, and a panama or scarf are needed to visit the park. It is important to take sunscreen, swimsuits, towel, camera. You cannot bring your own food into the park. Meals are organized in local cafes, restaurants and bars. Shopping, visiting stores, pavilions in the Main plaza are available.