Mayan Riviera Xcaret

The very word "Xcaret" basically means "small inlet". It used to function as an ancient port that provided a very important route for trade. This comes from its location. "Xcaret" is a small Mayan Civilization site locater on the Caribbean waterline. This strategic location, apart from being an important site to study Mayan Civilization, also makes it a very picturesque spot for tourists to visit.

It was initially referred to by the Mayan people as ppole. It rose to its height of power in the late classic period around 1400 - 1517 AD. As per the information gained so far about this location it is said to have been an important place for the Mayans. It was an important trading center. In fact, its location in the small inlet is very strategic for commerce and navigation.

Site Description

As per the description given by the National Institute of Anthropology and History it was

• First built between 200 to 600 AD
  
• Its main period when it flourished, however, was 1200 to 1550 AD
  
• It was supposed to be a site well defended by the sea.
  
• It now has many reserves and resorts, open to public.

XCARET PARK

• It is one of the famous parks built on the Riviera
  
• It is a theme park as well as a resort
  
• It is designed as a place for development of tourism
  
• It is a self- described as an eco- tourism destination

Eco- Tourism

It is a practice being adopted by reserves and wildlife parks to educate tourists on the importance of preserving the environment. Xcaret park, with is lush greenery serves as a perfect location and example for eco- tourism.

Many species of animals are cared for at Xcaret park Riviera maya mexico including cougars, ocelot, tapir etc. There is also an aquarium and turtle rehabilitation center where turtles are hatched, sufficiently grown and then released into the wild.

Another attraction would be that it has one of the largest populations of Mackaws. They, in fact, actually talk! The birds are not just to amuse visitors even though they end up doing exactly that. There is an active breeding programme for them in order to prevent them from getting extinct.