Not sure how to best describe Xcaret, one of several parks near Playa del Carmen that were created to entertain tourists, but are also popular with locals (at a much reduced price). Xcaret means “small inlet” in Maya. Originally it was an important Mayan port and ceremonial center in the Yucatan Peninsula – now it’s a combination of water park, zoo, botanic garden with various displays of Mexico’s cultural heritage. Others have more adventurous features like zip-lines high up in the trees and real cave diving. This one had a 2h evening show – I liked the first part best – see photos below (some are blurred, but I’ve put them in for atmosphere). In any case, a nice change of pace from the days on ‘my’ beach.
view of Hacienda + coastline from the observation tower
entrance to 'Jungle Trail' and 'Paradise River'
Paradise River floats
one of many Iguanas along the river
church - part of Mexican folk art exhibition area
Underground river - where my underwater camera drowned, while I was floating in 24 C cool water
if you swim the underground river all the way...
... it ends up here - 8,406 km away from winter in Alemania (and UK) 
snorkel inlet
I love hammocks 
archeological site with Maja ruins
real live Jaguar, posing nicely
mono monkeys
black panther (same spots as jaguar) - big yawn
St. Francis of Assisi Chapel
Mexican Cemetery (replica)
Fiesta Mexicana - rodeo tricks and singing on horseback
getting ready for the big evening show
Leader's Parade
"Mexico Espectacular" - show with about 300 performers
Burning Ball Game
the really big guy (some kind of wizard from pre-hispanic time)
The Evangelization
Regional dancers
Carnaval de Veracruz
musical solo
Tamborileros de Tabasco
Papantla flyers (bird men) app. 30m above ground
...circling down from the top of the universal tree
Lasso tricks
