A short ride from Playa del Carmen brings you to Xcaret, an eco-archaeological park and one of Mexico’s top destinations. This privately owned park offers a rich combination of nature, culture and history. On your next visit, immerse yourself in the region’s traditions and wildlife through these standout attractions.
Jaguar Island
Explore a habitat where the largest cat of the Americas roams among jungle foliage and clear rivers. In Maya traditions the jaguar represents strength, the night and the underworld. Touring Jaguar Island gives visitors an up-close sense of the animal’s majesty and the cultural significance it holds.
Marine Turtles
Xcaret operates a marine turtle conservation program that educates guests about these vulnerable sea creatures. Of the seven marine turtle species worldwide, six nest along Mexico’s coast, and four are known to nest in the state of Quintana Roo. The park’s efforts focus on protection, rehabilitation and public awareness.
Underground Rivers
Beneath the Yucatán Peninsula lies an extensive network of subterranean rivers and caves. Visitors can swim and float through spectacular formations such as the Blue River, the Maya River and the Manatee River, which winds past mangroves and habitats frequented by pink flamingoes on its way to the sea.
Voladores de Papantla
The Voladores ceremony is a ritual originating in Mesoamerica that dates back centuries and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The performance features four flyers and a musician who climb a tall pole; the flyers descend by spinning on ropes to honor the sun, the winds and the four cardinal directions.