Xcaret archaeological zone is forgotten by tourism while theme park thrives

In addition to Tulum and Chichen Itzá, there are other archaeological sites in the southeast of Mexico, such as Xcaret, which today is relegated to oblivion due to commercial agreements between private entities and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).

The tourist development Experiencias Xcaret Parque has distinguished itself over the years for merging the Mayan and Mexican culture in general with diverse activities and tourist attractions.

Xcaret activity is credited with the Liseberg Applause Award as the Best World Park of 2018, that is, the most prestigious prize in his field. However, in the ancient Mayan harbor known as Polé, there is also the archaeological zone from which it takes its name: Xcaret.

In 1994, the INAH and the park signed an agreement in which the park was committed to the dissemination and promotion of the archaeological site of Xcaret, which can be visited without buying an entrance to the park.

However, despite the agreement that will be renewed during 2019, the reality is that the archaeological zone of Xcaret to date is the second least visited area in Mexico, only surpassed by Huapoca, in Chihuahua, which records 67 visitors per year.

This occurs even though the cost of entry to the vestiges of the port is considerably lower (75 pesos) while an adult entry for the park is around 1,800 pesos, without considering the cost of food.

According to official INAH statistics, Xcaret ruins received 134 visitors in 2018, that is, 11 visitors per month during the previous year. This figure contrasts with the 3 million 332 visitors to the park, of which 75% are foreigners.