Hobbies And Interests
Xaman Ha Aviary
At the Xaman Ha Aviary, along the Caribbean coast, visitors can view tropical birds native to the Mexico jungles. According to aboutplayadelcarmen.com, the aviary is home to 60 species and nearly 200 birds, including ducks and flamingos. The aviary, situated on more than two-and-a-half acres, includes nesting areas and is a cage-less open-air refuge that closely resembles the birds' natural habitat.
You do not have to be a bird lover to enjoy the aviary. The facility also has a variety of natural landscape, such as rock formations and various types of plant life. Other animals, such as turtles and butterflies, also live at the aviary.
Open daily, the aviary requires an entrance fee.
Dirty Martini Lounge
For something a little different, the Dirty Martini Lounge on First Street is a place to enjoy martinis in a comfortable environment. The lounge caters to an older clientele, serving such classic drinks as manhattans, old-fashioneds and sidecars in addition to wines and champagnes. Patrons also can enjoy music and pizza. Happy hour is daily from 4 to 8 p.m.
Xcaret Ecopark
Inspired by the Mayans, Xcaret Ecopark is an archaeological park of more than 12 acres. According to the park's website, Xcaret is a Mayan term meaning "small inlet." Visitors can visit a Mayan village and see how the people lived for hundreds of years. A guided tour is also available.
A Butterfly Pavilion showcases the life of the insect and houses more than 20 different species. Water activities abound at the park, as visitors can snorkel, scuba dive or sunbathe in natural pools. Visitors feeling brave can swim with sharks or dolphins. At night, guests can enjoy entertainment that showcases Mexican history and tradition.
The park is open year-round.
Quinta Avenida
Quinta Avenida, also known as Fifth Avenue, is a boardwalk along the beach that offers lodging and places for shopping and eating. An array of food, ranging from Italian, American and Mexican cuisine, is available. Stores peddle a wide range of items, including stylish attire, handmade crafts, perfume and jewelry. Visitors can often haggle with sellers to get a lower price on merchandise.
Quinta Avenida is also an ideal spot for people watching. A variety of entertainers, such as clowns and mimes, can often be spotted along the strip.
Mexican Museum
Gain an appreciation of Mexican culture on the Yucatan Peninsula at the Museo Mexicano, at the corner of 25th Avenue and Sixth Street. Open since 2003, the museum houses works of art and archaeological artifacts. "Las Tres Cruces de San Juan de Chamula" (The Three Crosses from Saint Juan Chamula) and "Altar del Dia de los Muertos" (Altar of the Day of the Dead) are featured displays.
Other exhibits include Mexican national figures, uses of masks in Mexican celebrations and ceremonies, coin collections and medicine employed by shamans.
The museum is open daily and requires an admission fee.