Cozumel Mexico and Xcaret come together.

Cozumel Mexico is located just across the channel from Xcaret. It is a modern-day commercial theme park in Playa del Carmen ("the mainland"). However, it is much more then a tourist attraction.

Xcaret is also a Maya civilization archaeological site located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula. The site was once occupied by the pre-Columbian Maya and functioned as a port and was an important trading center. Some of the site's original structures are contained within this incredible Eco Park. 

Xcaret means "small inlet" in Mayan. It derived its name because of a small inlet that served as a strategic location for navigation and commerce. The original name of the site was p'ole', from the root p'ol that means "merchandise" or "deal of merchants".

The first buildings of the site are from the years 200 to 600 A.D., but the majority of them are from the period from 1200 to 1550 A.D. Xcaret originally had a wall, but unlike the one in Tulum that was open towards the ocean, the wall at Xcaret defended the site from assaults coming from the sea. Xcaret was inhabited at the time of the first stage of the Spanish incursion of Alonso Dávila and Francisco de Montejo into (1527 to 1529).

Although it is impossible to do and see everything in one day; the botanical garden, aviary, aquarium, stables, butterfly farm and Mayan ruins; one can also swim in the lagoon, snorkel and ride the underground rivers that naturally flow through the site. These are just a some of the many attractions of this world class destination.

Cozumel Mexico was of particular importance because the port of Xcaret was used by the Mayas to bathe in its waters to purify their minds and bodies before sailing across the channel. The crossing was made in order to worship the goddess of fertility, Ixchel; who resided here.

On May 21st, 2010 a reenactment of this ancient ritual took place on our shores at night. It was truly stunning and entertaining.

Everyone that came to this unique performance was given a chance to go back in time and experience the culture of the ancients'. 

For those of you who were not able to attend, I prepared the video below with the permission of the officials in charge of the show, and edited it for your enjoyment. Cozumel Mexico is not only steeped in history but as a modern day tourist destination there is something to do for children of all ages!

I hope that you enjoy the video and we look forward to your arrival during your next vacation to our wonderfully enchanting island!

If you would like to participate in an excursion to Xcaret simply click on the logo and we will take you there during your next visit to Cozumel!

Warm Regards,
Bob Rodriguez

Cozumel Mexico. net (Your Complete Vacation Guide!)