Attractions
Tulum- Mayan Ruins
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is the most important archeological site on Mexico's Caribbean coast. At the end of the Classic period, 900 AD, the Mayan civilization began to decline. In this Post Classic period, small rival city states developed, such as Tulum. Tulum is protected on one side by ocean cliffs, and on the others by a stone wall. It was founded around 1200 as a commercial trading port, and reached its height of importance in the 1400s. The city was occupied at the time of the Spanish conquest, and survived for 70 years after the Spanish arrived. Although the city is not considered as impressive as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, its seat on a Caribbean coast makes it a beautiful and unique place to visit.
The following weblinks offer more information regarding the ruins of Tulum.
Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park
Xcaret (pronounced sh-cah-ret), which are beautiful natural parks with inlets and cenotes for swimming and snorkelling, as well as swimming with dolphins in natural aquariums which is a truly unforgettable experience.
Here are some youtube links that people have put on about their experiences at Xcaret, it's so amazing!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-brYbwBlFr4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGrxnBfkAR0&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2mAUOMOtoc&feature=related
-this link is of the park and of the Occidental Xcaret.
Xel-Ha Ruins and Ecological Park
Xel-Ha, pronounced Shell-ha, is a remarkable destination all of its own. The lagoon is calm, even on windy days, so snorkeling is easy. The coral is mostly dead, but Xel Ha feeds the fish so there are plenty to see. For a peso, you can feed the fish too. This works well if some of your group gets in the water while one person throws food at them. This way you get to see a swarm of fish all at once. For an extra fee you can swim with the trained dolphins.
There is a river that starts in a spring in the mangroves. It is a relaxing float down on inner tubes, and you can dump all your belongings in the free locked bags provided at the river entrance. On the river you can climb and jump off cliffs or snorkel, but you might want to float and save your energy. The river ends at one side of the lagoon and you have to swim across the whole lagoon to get back to the beach and restaurants.
Xel Ha has a few fresh water cenotes in the park, and hidden beaches with hammocks for relaxing. On the far side of the lagoon, near the bridge, check out the Mayan cave. The restaurants, snacks and sodas are not over priced, so you can enjoy lunch in the park.
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/Mexico/Estado_de_Quintana_Roo/Cancun-959663/Things_To_Do-Cancun-Xel_Ha-BR-1.html
-Tourist reviews of the park.
