Theme parks often consist of large artificial structures and, in their quest to provide visitors with immersive experiences, they often rely on new technologies. However, there are theme parks that are integrated into nature and offer the public experiences within that. These are naturalised theme parks. The Xcaret park, located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán peninsula, near Playa del Carmen, in the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo state, Mexico, is an example of this perspective. It combines entertainment, environmental conservation and culture in one place.
Respect and use of nature in naturalised parks
Naturalised parks are not intended to transform the landscape, but to take advantage of its resources and unique characteristics with the utmost respect. Instead of imposing artificial structures, these parks integrate natural elements, as in Xcaret with cenotes, underground rivers and jungle. This is an essential part of the experience they provide to visitors and tourists. Their approach pursues sustainability, minimises environmental impact and promotes the conservation of cultural heritage as an alternative to traditional tourism.
Xcaret, a model of a naturalised archaeological park
Xcaret means ‘small inlet’ in Mayan, and is the name of an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation, a place that was an important Mayan commercial centre and served as a port for navigation. The tourist complex of Xcaret Park, which has among its facilities some of the original vestiges of this site, takes its name from it.
Xcaret Park, between nature and historical and cultural heritage
Indeed, Xcaret Park is immersed in the Yucatan rainforest and preserves natural elements such as cenotes, underground rivers and beaches. As a result, visitors and tourists enjoy an immersive experience in the local ecosystem, in deep connection with nature. Xcaret also has programmes to protect the local flora and fauna. Turtle hatcheries and a butterfly farm are examples of its work in this regard.
But Xcaret also celebrates Mexico’s cultural heritage, especially the Mayan culture, through shows depicting ancient rituals, and other educational activities inspired by the country’s history and cultural diversity.
Fun and learning at Xcaret Park
Swimming in underground rivers, diving on reefs, watching jaguars, flamingos and manatees, hiking or visiting archaeological sites… These, which are just some of the activities at the Xcaret theme park, combine fun with learning. In addition, of course, there is the gastronomic enjoyment of the locally inspired menus offered by the resort’s restaurants.
Low Impact, Efficiency and Ecology at Xcaret Park
Local materials and traditional construction techniques, use of natural formations such as caves and cliffs, energy efficiency and optimisation of energy consumption, as well as the use of renewable energy sources, are some of the strategies that Xcaret Park implements to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. The great success of this theme park proves that naturalised parks are viable as well as desirable. Without a doubt, Xcaret Park represents a model for architects and designers to follow.
By Manuel Ginés, Senior Architect in the Architecture Department of Amusement Logic
