New archaeological areas open at Xcaret

Maya ruins in Xcaret

Xcaret, the privately operated theme park near Playa del Carmen, has recently made significant investments in the Maya archaeological monuments on its grounds. While Xcaret markets itself as an immersive experience into Maya heritage, the site—originally the ancient port city of Polé — has undergone extensive reconstruction over the years.

Aside from being beautiful, the park offers several opportunities to engage with Maya culture as well as the region’s wildlife. But as with everything on the Riviera Maya, this type of experience comes with a hefty price tag. 

Reconstruction, Not Just Preservation

Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History has intervened and restored Xcaret’s ruins. INAH has also recently carried out significant research that has opened up new areas with significant archaeological remains. As a result, Xcaret’s monuments — including temples, watchtowers, sections of a sacbé (Maya ceremonial road) and the old city wall — have been partially rebuilt to enhance their visual appeal for tourists.

Archaeologists familiar with the site confirm that while some original masonry remains, many walls and facades have been carefully reconstructed using traditional techniques. INAH has defended this approach as a way to help visitors visualize the past. On the other hand, for non-experts, it’s often difficult to distinguish between what is an example of ancient architecture and what is, in essence, a contemporary attraction that mimics the architecture of the Maya. The lack of signage that would make these sorts of distinctions is not helping. 

Unlike most archaeological sites, the structures found in Xcaret are peppered throughout the park, surrounded by dolphin shows, restaurants, the aviary and other attractions. They can be identified by consulting onsite maps or the Xcaret App.

Xcaret’s Postclassic and Colonial History

The earliest archaeological surveys at Xcaret laid the groundwork for later research, including work that focuses on the Christianization of the native Maya of Quintana Roo, especially in the context of the colonial-era chapel on site.

Contemporary research suggests a reinterpretation of Catholic elements within Maya rituals. Catholic and Maya meanings did not necessarily contradict each other, as some Christian practices could be aligned with Prehispanic traditions. A notable example is the association of the rain god Chaac with the Archangel Michael. 

Like other Postclassic Maya sites on the coast of Quintana Roo, the bulk of the architecture found at Xcaret is of a style known as Costa Oriental. However, the influence of other important cities in the region, like Cobá, San Gervasio, and Chichén Itzá is also clearly visable.

The Dilemma of Privately Managed Heritage

Unlike public archaeological zones, where INAH maintains stricter control and offers steep discounts to residents of Mexico and students, private parks like Xcaret effectively make the heritage sites within their parks only for those with high incomes. 

For example, the per-person cost for the least expensive package to enter the park totals 2,437 pesos, about US$131, while the average daily income for a Mexican citizen is just over 300 pesos, or roughly US$15. 

Local Maya communities have expressed frustration over their lack of involvement in how their heritage is displayed. “These sites are part of our living culture, not just attractions,” says Jorge Cocom, a cultural representative from Felipe Carrillo Puerto. “When reconstructions happen without our input, and when ceremonies are performed by actors rather than our elders, it feels like our history is being repackaged for profit.”

Visiting the Archaeological Park Without Paying The Full Admission Fee

Within Xcaret’s parking lot is an INAH booth where, in theory, it is possible to access the archaeological site, accompanied by a guide, for 100 pesos, a small fraction of the current entrance fee to the park itself. The reality is that this booth is often unstaffed, and access to the archaeological park via this method is often difficult, as a fair amount of luck is involved. 

Nevertheless, calling ahead is likely to improve your chances. The phone number is +52 983-837-0796 extension 318002. Phone operators are unlikely to speak English.