Xcaret, Mayan Riviera, Mexico

Location: Mexico: Mayan Riviera (Quintana Roo)
Original/Current purpose: theme park, archaeological site
Affiliation: Mayan, Mexican
Open to public: Yes, $$

Xcaret was designed like some sort of Mexican Disneyworld with certain cultural and ecological undertones. It has a very rich collection of local animals like dolphins, tapirs, butterflies, jaguars and even bats. It is designed to provide unique experiences like floating in the underground river or swimming with manatees. At night it hosts a number of fascinating shows. But the most fascinating to us is the number of spiritual showcases re-created or restored right there in the park. First, there are the original ruins from the ancient town of Pole. Then, there is a replica of the Mayan village complete with a Temascal. Then, there is a replica of the Mayan ballgame arena with interpretations of all the major Mayan sites. Then there is a traditional Mexican cemetery. And on top of that all, at least two beautiful chapels.

Unfortunately, the original ruins while preserved are not very well explained and simply pop-up at unsuspecting tourist all over the park. Some of them are very reminiscent of the more famous Chichen Itza, but obviously, none of the same scale.

Temascal, as the part of the Mayan village deserves a special mention. Not only that it is built very well, it is also fully functional. The organized rituals of clarification are performed on a daily basis, where visitors are welcome to become a participant for a mere $45. Mayan traditional shamans play a role of a guide complete with ancient tales and moral teachings. Our guide, Miguel, seemed especially knowledgeable and involved. Volcanic rocks used as the heating unit supposedly release the earth’s core information with the steam, which is absorbed by the bodies. Definitely recommended for any seeker of spiritual experiences.

Temascal.

Worship of the spirits of the ancestors and dead in general plays an important role in spiritual life of Mexico. The replica of the cemetery is very elaborate not only in shape, but also in colours and design of the graves. On the sides and underneath of what essentially is a hill, there is a couple of small chapels dedicated to a particular family or to the spirits of the dead. Burning candles adorn these grottos. The lack of visitors and black granite could be a little spooky, but it does give you a certain sense of presence.

The view of the cemetery.
The grottos.

There are at least two major chapels on the site. The one on the top of the hill is of more traditional tropical design, complete with thatched roof, lack of walls and white-washed bell tower. The other, on the main square, is dedicated to the underground rivers, that are the main source of fresh water in Yucatan. For that matter, the altar of the chapel is partially submerged in the river with stylized tree root system rising from it.

While Xcaret has been criticized for its commercialization and disregard for native nature, in our view, they struck a very healthy balance between preservation and popularization of many facets of modern and ancient Mexico and Yucatan.

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