XCARET: Unfold Mexico's Sacred Haven

Experience Mexico at its finest.

Xcaret is a natural refuge found just a few minute drive from Cancun. If you think you've had enough of top Cancun attractions, then move on south to experience Mayan Riviera tours courtesy of Xcaret National Park, Mexico's sacred paradise. One thing's sure, you'll never go wrong upon reaching this popular eco-park because there are around a hundred and one ways to love Xcaret. Delve through the rich culture of the Mexicans from the past to the present and cater your senses through different activities incorporating the country's best underwaters and wildlife. Come and indulge yourself with a delightful tour of nature and tradition.

Xcaret Main Features

Underground River. This highlights your Xcaret tour. Because not all tourist attraction in the world can provide you with this, grab the opportunity of floating over an underground river while witnessing a spectacular view of nature. Your underground river tour can serve as an awesome bonding moment for the family for you can bring your children here, even those as young as five! Swim with your hearts out as you explore the wonder that Xcaret's underground river holds.

Mayan Archeological Site. While learning about Riviera Maya's natural spectacles, it is also a great time to discover about its cutural and historical aspects through the Mayans. There are a lot of unique ruins contained at Xcaret plus one that is a recreation of the original Mayan village. Travel back in ancient Mexican history upon learning from the Maya ruins. 

Animal Parks. There are a variety of parks inside Xcaret that features some of Mexico's best animals. Feel good upon visiting the Butterfly Pavilion where you can interact with different species of Yucatan butterflies while in their natural habitats. You can also move to a Tropical Reef Aquarium and spot marine creatures you've never seen before. Lastly, go wild at the Jaguar Island and observe these large animals in a seemingly 'cageless' area.

Swim with the Dolphins. Share a part of yourself with these amazing underwater creatures and learn more about how they live while swimming with them. Also, you don't just get to swim with the friendly dolphins, but also with those feared sharks. Don't worry because your tour provider will take care of your safety.

Xcaret Mexico Espectacular. As the night arrives, get entertained by Mexico's esteemed Espectacular night performance that is shown in a large theater. Get amused while learning about Mexico's culture and history that is vividly portrayed by the performers spiced up by awesome sounds and lights that strikes every audience..

Getting up Close with Cancun

Before preoccupying yourself with the bunch of top tours in Cancun and planning your Mexican vacation, it is best that you first get yourself acquainted with the place before even approaching it. Just as how life goes, first you have to get an idea of what it is, then as you get through it, there you'll have more of the details.

Cancun is a renowned destination for tourists that is seated on Southeastern part of Mexico, north of Yucatan Peninsula. This city holds an unprecedented stretch of white sandy beaches reaching up to 14 miles. Not only do the beaches made it perfect for summer trips but also the weather that seems to go well with its look. Cancun experiences 240 sunny days in a year! That's why there is only a little probability for your planned summer vacation to be ruined by the rain. 

History - The Place and its Name

Do you know that Cancun was primarily built for tourism? It was once a cradle for Mayan civilization with its name Nizuc which means 'point of grass'. But years after, large number of inhabitants left the place due to death, poverty, and illness which left Cancun to only a small number of population particularly in Isla Mujeres and the island of Cozumel. It was until 1967 that the Mexican government decided to subject Cancun under comprehensive transformation to make it as one of the world's well-known resorts from being an isolated fisher island. Now, it is one of the world's best--the amenities, structures, and natural landscapes. 

On the other hand, its name Cancun was first used in the 18th century. Though it is still unclear if this name is Mayan in origin, it can be translated to two versions: 'seat of the snake' and 'place of the gold snake'. 

The Modern Cancun

In the early 1970s, this city has only three residents whish are all caretakers at Isla Mujeres, whereas today, Cancun has a population of approximately 700,000 due to the government's effforts in tourism development. It is no doubt that Cancun is an ideal vacation spot for anyone who seeks for nature's finest. Founded on its natural resources, the city has successfully endorsed its once hidden and unsearched wonders to the world. The landscape is best suited for growing plants and flowers that accentuate the whole place. Not to mention, Cancun will not only satisfy the needs of your eyes, but also your need for healthy living. There are several physical activities to enjoy and at the same time, have your muscles toned. May it be land based where you can try Cancun's great golf courses and jungle tours or even water activities which includes diving and snorkeling, these all are just perfect for an awaited summer delight.

Cancun Fact Sheet

1. Next to Australia's Great Barrier Reef which is the largest in the world, the Maya Barrier Reef is found on Cancun.

2. It is a great choice if you'll choose to be married at Cancun for it holds about 46, 000 weddings a year.

3. If you're longing for a not warm sand under a sunny day, head for Cancun where the sand is a product of crushed coral.

4. Latin America's tallest control tower is found on Cancun airport.

5. Due to its beauty today, it is never obvious that Cancun was once devastated by a hurricane in 2005.

Cenote Diving at the Best Cancuns in Mexico

For venturesome travellers out there who are seeking out for a Caribbean-style of a vacation, it is highly recommended that you try heading out for Cancun at Mexico. Surely, you'll never miss out a wonderful trip as you discover Cancun attractions not to mention its cool stuffs of aquatic adventures, specifically, Scuba Diving and cenote diving. Cancun Scuba Diving is described to be one of the best activities in the Caribbean wherein one can experience interacting with Mexico's awesome reefs and diverse underwater life.

If you're one of those people who want to get underwater at Cancun, you shouldn't miss venturing out at the following diving sites:

Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres is both a beginner-friendly and also an expert-ally diving site. Due to its convenience being that near to the mainland, many who are striving for their scuba diving certification are being trained here. Also, this island offers a variety of dive sites that will definitely suit people's varying preferences and expertise.

Punta Nizuc. If you are finding for a diving site which is hotels nearby, then you must choose Punta Nazuc. Many tourists prefer this one for its accessibility and also for its wonderful location, just beside the world's second largest reef, the Great Maya Barrier Reef.

Mexico's Underwater Museum. Learning more of Mexico's heritage and arts while diving is made possible through this Underwater Museum found between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. There are around 400 sculptures quietly inhabiting the seabed which made this diving site unique from all the others.

Cozumel. This is another island which offers a great diving site for beginners. There are numerous dive sites for people of different forms and sizes and also diving packages to assist everyone who wants to engage in the beautiful art of diving.

Arrecifes Chitales. What makes this reef distinct is the presence of constant current that fascinates all divers on almost any time of the year. Just like what the others have, Arrecifes Chitales also possess a wide array of diving sites to explore and jump into. It is located at Punta Cancun and is only 35 feet deep which makes it a suitable training ground for new recruits.

On the other hand, Cancun is not only popularized by beautiful scuba diving spots but also by one that is completely different, thrilling, and definitely exciting. What we talk about here is Cancun Cenote Diving wherein one is subjected to jump not in open seas, but on underwater caves. BUt what is cenote in the first place? A cenote is defined to be a freshwater pool connnected to an underground tunnel. Cenote Diving can be compared with diving through a sinkhole which has water in it accentuated by stalactites and stalagmites that has developed throughout the ages.

If you want to try this extreme sport, first it is required that you took a special course in diving for it may be dangerous for you if you're not experienced in such activity. And if you think you're qualified enough, then you must head out for Tulum which offers the great places for Cenote Diving.

Playa del Carmen: Its Attractions and an Introduction

Thinking of things to do in Riviera Maya? Try visiting Playa del Carmen!

Playa del Carmen is located in the heart of Riviera Maya in Mexico. It makes as the top attraction in Mexico with a number of things you can do while in there and the worthy sceneries to see.

Playa del Carmen tours are widely available on the respectable tourist companies to let you enjoy your vacation with less worries. In the region, most people; local and tourist alike, see Playa del Carmen mainly because of their stunning beach clubs. Have a relaxing day or two at one of the beach resorts and let yourself be transported to a stress-free world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A day at the beach is best spent at Playa del Carmen. 

If you want to talk a walk in Playa del Carmen, head on to the Fifth Avenue strip. Locally known as Quinta Avenida, this is a location for you see the locals and tourists.  The place is home to a number of shops and restaurants to dine and buy local products during the day. At night, Quinta Avenida transforms into a music entertainment spot, with diners and bars. 

Try the local foods sold along the strip. Try the tacos and other traditional culinary gems as well as international cuisines selling rampantly all throughout the place.

There are Ferry services that transfer tourists to another Caribbean island of Cozumel. This makes it for you to have an easy day tour at the island if you want to have a snorkeling and scuba diving activity. Also, you can have a walk at their ancient historical sites, the famous cenotes, and the ecological parks around Playa del Carmen. Just talk to your tour guide to set this trip. An advanced planned tour is an ease for you and your tour guides. 

At the south of playa del Carmen, you will see Playacar. Playacar is the top of the line development place in the region where you can spot a golfing activity for the day. If sports is your thing, especially golf, you’ll definitely enjoy their golf course in the area. Aside from the golf course, around Playacar are luxury resorts and exclusive residences.

Activities to Try in Playa del Carmen

You’ve arrived at Playa del Carmen! But are you ready of the activities to try in the fishing village of Mexico? Do you even know the most sought after activities and eager to experience it for yourself? Upon arriving at Playa de Carmen you must arrange and plan the things to want and have to do beforehand. To help you do that, we give you the list of the top activities in Playa del Carmen to help ease your travel plans. This will make you look forward for your Playa vacation!

When to Visit

Almost every season is a good season at Playa del Carmen, except on the months of September to December where there are chances of hurricanes. However, you can take a swim and dive into the Gulf almost every day of the year.

Activities to Try on the Beach

Beach lie is always perfect at Playa. You can take deep see fishing as preparation for the other water activities.  Try to catch a sailfish or a barracuda on its vast waters. For the adventurous you can do parasailing, kayaking or wakeboarding. Underwater sports are also a must try. Go scuba diving or snorkeling to see the beautiful underwater world beneath the sea. 

Of course, swimming and sun bathing don’t have to be excluded on the list. Enjoy the view of the sea and the shore as you take on Playa’s water and bask under the sun.

Land Activities

If you want to try land activities, Playa del Carmen fair or even surpasses other famous destinations for the many number of things you can do on its stunning land. 

See the Mayan Ruins. Take a walking tour as you see the ancient Mayan Ruins that define the culture, practices, and history of Mexico. Even go into the jungle, see the rainforest and the wide species of animals; from birds to the wild, and the plants and trees surrounding them. There are even ATV Jungle Tours offered by known travel companies of top tours in Playa del Carmen which you can hop on if you want a more easy way to tour the Playa del Carmen jungle.

Convinced enough? Now plan your Playa del Carmen tours today and be amazed of the many things you can do in this Mexican Village!

Chactun: A Long Lost Mayan City in the Mexican Jungle

A group of paleontologists have discovered a Mayan city in the rainforests of eastern Mexico, and they're trusting the revelation will bail them figure what prompted the ancient civilization's rice and fall hundreds of years back. The city, which paleologists have named Chactun or Red Rock, was in its prime between 600 and 900 AD, and is made up of 15 pyramids, different squares, homes and work places for upper class parts of social order, and ball courts, as said by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Around 40,000 individuals may have existed in Chactun throughout its prime, as said by Reuters. The city is blankets around the range of 54 acres of land area, and its closest neighbor is Xpujil, an antiquated Mayan town likewise in vestiges, in the vicinity of 10 miles away. The group that discovered Chactun was headed by paleontologist Ivan Sprajc, from the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Sprajc told Reuters that the city was totally secured in bush development and vegetation when they ran across it, yet that they have confirm that other individuals had gone to the city something like 20 to 30 years back. Sprajc said in the report that loggers and gum extractors were unquestionably as of recently there, on the grounds that they saw cuts on the trees. "What happened is they never told anybody." he added.

Chactun is a city buried in Yucatan's rainforest.

Sprajc and his group went on the chase for Chactun in the wake of taking a gander at some aerial photographs of rainforests in the Mexican state of Yucatan. "With aerial photographs examined stereoscopically, we found many features that were obviously architectural remains. From there we took the coordinates and the next step was to locate the ancient alleys used by tappers and loggers to reach the area."  Sprajc said. The used something like three weeks clearing a 10-mile way from Xpujil to achieve the Chactun, which has is separated into three divisions that each one have their own particular landmarks, the Institute said. Before each of the monuments, Sprajc said that his group has discovered fired offerings, which indicate that these may have been places for worship.

More research needs to be done to uncover why the city was abandoned. However the Mayans may have left because of demographic and atmosphere weights, or wars, the excavator told Reuters. At its biggest focus, the Mayan civilization stretched out from southern Mexico into Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The finding of Chactun happens a week after the lost city of Mahendraparvta was revealed in Cambodia.

Chactun will add to the number of reasons as to why you need to visit Mexico and uncover its rich culture. Not to forget the adventures you need to experience like exploring the underwater caves in Mexico and having to try cenote diving in one of its known cenotes.

Image credits: theverge.com

The Top Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

A cenote is a pit or sinkholes made naturally by forces in the earth. It’s a result of the collapsing of limestone bedrocks that exposes the groundwater underneath it. Cenotes are commonly associated with the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. 

Cenote originates from the Mayan word "dzonot" or "ts'onot" which means consecrated or sacred well. Cenotes were the fundamental source of new water for the ancient Mayan civilization. Mayans accepted the cenotes held therapeutic components and recognized a large number of them to be consecrated. They additionally accepted cenotes to be entries to the underworld and an approach to correspond with the divine beings. The Sacred  Cenote or Cenote Sagrado at Chichen Itza was utilized to perform human presents back then. 

These wonderful sinkholes are popular and are open to the public. Here, we have listed the best cenotes in Mexico at the Yucatan Peninsula to visit. 

1. Ik-Kil

Also called the "Sacred Blue Cenote", Ik-Kil is a perfectly clear, round in shape cenote. Found on the roadway between Chichen and Valladolid, this cenote is around the range of 130 feet deep. It is in the ballpark of 85 feet from the surface so you will stroll down a wooden stairway to reach the cenote. Ik-Kil is more famous with swimmers and snorkelers than divers. Just near it are restaurants and little palapa homes for those wanting to stay overnight. When in there, search for the waterfalls and the rich green vegetation hanging the distance down to the water.

2. Dos Ojos

Found about nine miles south of Tulum is the Cenote Dos Ojos also known as “two eyes”.  It was named two eyes because these are two round cenotes that looks like eyes. This is an extremely popular cenote and there is a cave underneath where jumpers can explore a vast 500 meters of the underworld. Did you know that IMAX shot a piece of their film "Journey into Amazing Caves" here?

3. Gran Cenote (Sac Aktun)

Having the name Gran / Grand, meaning great, this cenote is unquestionably a sight to see. Found just outside of Tulum, it is not difficult to see. The Gran Cenote has different regions for those who love to swim, to snorkel, and for scuba jumpers. Here, you’ll find fish and turtles and be extra of the stalactites abundant in the area to not hit your head.  Numerous individuals and visitors say this cenote is their favorite among others.

Mexicans and foreign visitors all look forward to visit the wonderful cenotes of the Mexican Caribbean. They may use the day swimming in the water, snorkeling, plunging, sunbathing or just simply unwinding. Arrange your cenote tours, visit a cenote now and connect with the old Mayan culture.

Image credits: amazingplacesonearth.com