Xcaret, formerly Pole, was an important Mayan settlement population before the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century. Currently it is an ecological theme park located in the Riviera Maya, 5 km south of Playa del Carmen and 75 km south of Cancun, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. For the Maya civilization this site was an important port and trading center and in which archaeological remains are still visible. Since its founding in 1990, and because of its beautiful natural setting, Xcaret has developed several programs for the conservation and reproduction of flora and fauna in southeastern Mexico, such as sea turtles, manatees, spider monkeys, deer, etc. Among its facilities is the first butterfly of Mexico and the Coral Reef Aquarium, one of the few places in the world where you can see reef structures in their natural habitat.

As a theme park, Xcaret is characterized by showing the most representative of Mexico natural and cultural aspects. Besides that you can perform various water sports in its cenotes, underground rivers, lake and beach, you can appreciate traditions of the Mayan people and prints of Mexican folklore. "Xcaret" means in maya small cove, it features a bay of extraordinary beauty. The geographically convenient location of this creek made it attractive to the Mayans, who built there a port and commercial center. Its ancient name was 'Pole', derived from the root p'ol, which means merchandise and try to traders. Research of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Xcaret show that the first settlements date back to the Early Classic (200-600 AD), although most of the buildings were made in the late Post-Classic (1200-1550 AD). These buildings are spread along the coast for several kilometers and are linked by walls of residential limitation. In fact, Xcaret was a walled port such as Tulum, but unlike the latter, the wall closed the maritime access, which indicates that it was susceptible to attacks by sea.

Mayan Archaeological Sites at Xcaret. INAH detailed reports in the Chilam Balam and in relation to the legendary pilgrimage of the Itza, is mentioned as one of the points of the trip, which could reinforce the idea of his functioning as a port. Further evidence of their economic and political importance is the mention of marriage established links between lineages Pole and Cozumel. Xcaret was also the starting point for the island of Cozumel, where the Maya made pilgrimages to worship Ix Chel, goddess of fertility and the moon. The eastern side of the Yucatan peninsula was the last to be invaded by the Spanish. During the third stage or campaign (1540-1547) they came to Xcaret, which belonged to the chieftainship of Ekab, and was the embarkation point for the island of Cuzamil (Cozumel). Much of the population of Ekab confirmed acceptance of Spanish rule and successfully cemented the alliance. However, the rumor that Francisco de Montejo, the nephew had drowned on the way, provoked a rebellion in Saci, capital of the cupules.

Xcaret architecture style belongs to the "East Coast", characterized by ornamentation paint on the walls, entablature, tucked lintels, jambs and inner walls of temples. Like many archaeological sites of the Mayan culture, Xcaret several buildings were coated with stucco both the exterior and the interior. The red was the predominant highlight of this port, according to studies at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In 1984 the architect Miguel Quintana Pali and Dr. Ignacio Bernal Hurtado bought five hectares of land in the municipality of Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, for their private project. To begin clearing the land, they discovered cenotes and underground rivers of great beauty. So they changed their minds and joined forces with Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse brothers to develop the idea of the park finally opened in December 1990. The administration of Xcaret research subsidized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History to rebuild the ruins of Mayan pyramids and buildings found in the area and are now part of the identity of the park. Simultaneously, programs conservation of flora and fauna of the region, especially sea turtles, endangered species were structured. In the 80 hectares that make up Xcaret have developed various ecotourism and cultural activities, in order to acquaint visitors with the natural and cultural diversity of Mexico. Today, the park is one of the most visited tourist attractions of the Riviera Maya. The privileged surroundings of Xcaret is a natural refuge for many species in the region. The park has developed spaces it allows visitors to appreciate each species without alienating them from their natural habitat.

A West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). The coral reef aquarium showcases the biodiversity of the multicolored underwater gardens of the Mexican Caribbean. In the aquarium has been successfully established over 300 corals on artificial reef structures, thanks to the permanent pumping unfiltered seawater that allows free entry of plankton directly display ponds and larval sponges , corals, mollusks and algae, which cause a process of natural colonization. Marine display at Xcaret Aquarium includes over five thousand species. Moreover, Xcaret, in coordination with the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAP), the National Fisheries Institute (INP) and the National Institute of Ecology (INE) protects two species that nest on the beaches Quintana Roo: the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta). During the nesting season, in the summer, Xcaret establishes turtle camps and patrols 100 km of coastline, watching the nests and protecting them from predators. After 60 days, the hatchlings break their shell. Some are sent to the park to be built Conservation Program. There, the young are marked by an autograft technique to identify them when they return to nest, 25 years later, and know their migratory routes.

Xcaret also has a lagoon inhabited by manatees, an endangered species; plus an aviary with a butterfly, bat cave, orchid greenhouse and bromeliads, mushroom farm, jaguar island, eating deer, among others. They can also be seen flamingos, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, tapirs and crocodiles. One of the main activities of the park is promoting the cultural richness of Mexico. To this end it has a program of events taking place every day. Among them holding 'Mexico Spectacular ". Divided into two parts, this show is a journey through the history and highlights of Mexican folklore. The first part of the show vividly describes the Pre-Columbian Mexico and includes an interpretation of the ancient pre-Hispanic ball game, practiced in over 1500 fields in Mesoamerica. The second is a mosaic of dances and stamps of various regions: Yucatan, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Veracruz, Michoacan, Mexico City, Jalisco, among others. The sound footwork, cunning courtship and love stories, the joy of the mariachis and the boldness of the charros on horseback exhibiting the flourish luck move viewers to the different states of Mexico. In addition, Xcaret boasts reproduction of a Mayan village and a Mayan cemetery, where the festival of life and death takes place in early November. Other cultural events are the charra party, the ritual of the flyers of Papantla and the parade of costumes.

During the month of May, Xcaret is also performed the Sacred Mayan Journey, a representation of the pilgrimage that the ancient Mayans performed Pole to Cuzamil to consult the oracle and worship Ix Chel. This representation aims to be as close to the Mayan originally performed; therefore, participants crossing in groups of 4 people in very simple wooden rafts using paddles and wearing clothes allegorical era. If the weather is favorable it takes about 4 hours to cross from Xcaret to Cozumel. To be eligible, applicants enroll several months in advance and must attend training to prepare them for the physical effort involved in the journey. Xcaret is also the representation of a sisal plantation, a typical construction of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as a cellar where a unique collection of Mexican wines. Mexican Caribbean beaches, jungle trails, underground rivers, coral gardens, natural pools and cenotes make scenarios where tourists can take while hiking and themed tours, tours to snorkel to swim with sharks, swimming with dolphins, snuba, Sea Trek; or, experience the Temazcal. There is also the experience Xcaret Night, where many shows and activities take place at night, adding a variant with higher prevalence of lights, music and dancing. The show "Mexico Spectacular" has a set of burning rubber balls being manipulated by artists. Xcaret folk dance shows various traditional dances from different parts of Mexico as the Dance of the Little Old Men Michoacan, Oaxaca flower Pia, among many others.