A Family Beach Vacation to Cancun? Really!
In the last decade or so, Cancun has replaced Fort Lauderdale as the defining Spring Break destination. But if you carefully avoid the months of March and April when MTV, frat boys and wet T-shirt contests dominate - one wonders - can Cancun ever be suitable for children?
In reality, the actual city of Cancun was never intended for tourists, even when mass development began in the 1970's. The downtown area now marked by tall buildings and individual businesses was intended to house the workers who would service tourists at the posh resorts nearby.
And though downtown developed a nightlife so loved by college students, the city of Cancun is likely to never become a family vacation destination. But what about greater Cancun? Maybe there's a family vacation resort there?
Xcaret, The Ultimate Family Vacation Destination
In 1984, a wealthy businessman bought twelve acres on the Yucatan peninsula (about 30 miles from expanding Cancun) with the intention of building a family home. When crews began blasting the site for construction, instead of digging up dirt they found caves, underground rivers, and lagoons. Amazed by the beauty that rivaled the verdant jungle above, the businessman decided to build a holiday destination - a resort for the world, instead of only his grandchildren.
The resort, opened in 1992, is known today as Xcaret, the Mayan name for the area where the family vacation resort is situated.
The resort is unlike anything in the US. Billing itself as a an "eco-archeological" amusement park, Xcaret is probably best described as Disneyland meets Sea World meets a tropical Yosemite Park. Though a family may choose to lie on its beaches and play water sports all day, the resort operators insist that ecological education and enjoyment is Xcaret's true intention.
An Educational Family Vacation Resort
The most popular attraction at the resort is the 1500-yard underground river, one of the beautiful sights that inspired Xcaret's creation. Visitors travel the river by boat, wearing life vests.
Some visitors insist that the landlocked attractions, like the zoo and outdoor shows, rival the celebrated water attractions. The zoo is not of the caged animal sort. Animals are in large enclosed spaces and visitors get a good idea what life would be for them outside the park gates.
Throughout the day, Xcaret offers live entertainment like horse shows and musical performances. In the evening locals play a traditional Mayan game similar to baseball, an event that has become a surprise hit at Xcaret.
In fact, it is this Mayan connection that makes Xcaret so special. Unlike Las Vegas or Disneyworld, Xcaret celebrates the history and ecology of the land it sits on. While any family can choose to ignore any of these educational benefits and soak in the sheer fun, visitors can come out of Xcaret feeling culturally richer, allowing us to conclude that, yes, greater Cancun can be quite the family vacation destination.
About the Author
Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Lucky enough to grow up in Europe with family all over the world, he has been a consummate traveler his whole life. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.
