Once a sacred Mayan city and port for departures to Cozumel, Xcaret is a destination attraction like no other in the Riviera Maya. Xcaret is a 250-acre ecological theme park located on a beautiful stretch of coastline. Visitors come to learn about the area's ecology and Mayan history, relax on the beach, float down one of two subterranean rivers, swim with dolphins, or wander jungle shrouded trails. This eco-archaeological park, it is a place to spend an entire day - and into the night to enjoy the "Mexico Spectacular" show. There are so many attractions at Xcaret; it's hard to know where to start. A trip through Xcaret leaves visitors feeling that they have experienced biological life in its natural state and come into intimate contact with the mysterious and magical Maya world, a combination that makes a visit to one of the most spectacular places on earth a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

The main attraction is a series of underground rivers and caverns that are safe and fun to swim in. The park also features a small recently excavated Mayan ruin site, an aquarium, a botanical garden, an aviary, an archeological museum and five restaurants. As the sun sets, Xcaret beams with the sights, sounds and colors of the folklore show. This choreographed production is internationally renowned and one that traces México's rich heritage and fascinating history.

Xcaret is approximately an hour's drive south of Cancun. Approach your visit to Xcaret like a visit to a major theme park: Arrive early, and stay as late as the park is open, to enjoy Xcaret at night. The park has many quiet spots where you can rest in a hammock, or your kids can play in the sand.

XCARET PARK HIGHLIGHTS:
WATER ACTIVITIES:
Exploring the Caribbean reefs and underground rivers is part of the Xcaret experience. Xcaret offers diving and snorkeling tours to the barrier reef, “the second largest in the world,” extending only a few feet from the shore. The eco-tours vary depending on the level of experience and include a class for those who are going under water for the first time. These are the different alternatives on the water activities offering:

• Beach: Lay back and enjoy the quiet beauty of Xcaret's beach
• Sacred Lagoon: Another popular activity at Xcaret is snorkeling in a warm lagoon
• Natural Inlets: Waves turn these inlets into natural Jacuzzis
• Paradise River: One of the Eco Park newest attractions designed for those who want to experience the Xcaret’s rivers, but prefer not to swim
• Reef Snuba: Diving without a tank and enjoy the Mexican Caribbean Reef
• River float: One of the most-touted features of Xcaret is a 1.590–foot swim in an underground river. This is indeed a fabulous experience, and even kids as young as five can participate: Everyone is issued a life-jacket. If the river gets crowded, simply get out of the water. There are many pretty places where you can climb out and rest until the crush eases up
• Sea Trek: Explore fantastic underwater gardens. This is the ideal alternative for those who do not know how to swim. By simply walking along the ocean floor in a bathing suit and helmet, one can visit the closest reefs accompanied by yellow and silver-colored shoals of French grunt fish
• Snorkeling: You will discover the marvels of the coral reefs
• Snuba diving: This is a new sport that combines diving technology with the freedom of snorkeling
• Underground Rivers: Slip through ancient caves and amazing formations

DOLPHIN SWIM PROGRAMS:
Experience the magical sensation of swimming with the dolphins in paradise! Xcaret gives you the opportunity to swim freely with the most intelligent and charismatic species in the ocean, the dolphins. The interactive Dolphin Swim programs at Xcaret are without a doubt the experience that closest approaches to swimming with them in their natural habitat, as the dolphinaria have been adapted to the natural ocean inlets of the Caribbean thus giving them enough space and an environment where they can feel the natural rhythm of the Mexican Caribbean Ocean.

Play, learn and interact with the fascinating and friendly bottlenose dolphins that truly enjoy human company. The purpose of all the activities is that through spending time with dolphins, we can make conscience about respect and love that all animals and nature deserve. The park has a complete project for Training and Caring for Dolphins, where the dream of swimming with dolphins actually comes true.

The interactive swimming with dolphins programs are:

• Swim with Dolphins - Delphinus Program: During the dolphin swim program at Xcaret, a group of majestic dolphins will swim freely with you long enough to allow time for play and time for touching them. Feel their skin, hear their sounds and watch how they gracefully swim in the water or jump in the air
• Swim with Dolphins - Fun Kids Delphinus: Kids can swim with dolphins in the fun kids program, the dolphins get closer to their new friends, play with them and jump clear out of the water to surprise them. It is a great program for all ages.

FLORA AND FAUNA:
Be sure to visit the Butterfly Pavilion and the Tropical Reef Aquarium. Also, throughout the park, you will come across habitats for creatures such as giant turtles, or orphaned manatees.

• Butterfly Pavilion: Xcaret’s Butterfly Pavilion is the first butterfly nursery in Mexico and, with its 37,600 square feet of tropical vegetation and almost 50-foot high ceilings, is one of the largest in the world
• Deer Shelter: There are many mammal species in Xcaret that provide some wonderful experiences during your visit as you open a window into their world. White Tail and Brocket deer, a miniature variety, with their fawn can be seen at the park
• Jaguar Island: Jaguars, hunters by nature, play amongst the islands’ large, leafy trees. Telescopes are strategically placed to provide the best views of these strong, graceful cats
• Mushroom Farm: At the Mushroom Farm you will learn the cultivation process of the Pleurotus mushroom, an edible and very tasty mushroom
• Regional Wildlife Enclosure: This area is filled with hundreds of birds and different species of regional wildlife, some of which are in danger of extinction
• Tapir House: Meet the friendly tapir named Poloc, which means chubby in Maya. This is one of the rarest and least known species in the Eco Park
• Tropical Reef Aquarium: Explore the world at the bottom of the sea without getting wet. This tranquil spot teaches you the importance of various types of reefs and shows you some amazing marine plants and animals

XCARET EXTRAORDINARY SHOWS:
Xcaret’s spectacular night comes at the end of an entire day full of adventures at the Eco Park. In the Valley of the Scents, the deep call of pre-Hispanic drums resonate in the night air and the wind carries the notes of ocarinas, bells and conch shells. The priests and Mayan warriors, wrapped in the smoke of incense, announce an unprecedented cultural and historic journey in the Grand Tlachco, the large theatre that has a seating capacity for 6,000 people. Accompanied by the song of the conch shells and other pre-Hispanic musical instruments, Mayan children open the spectacle singing in chorus an ancestral legend. The attractions include:

• Ball Game: One of Xcaret’s objectives is to disseminate the culture heritage of the Mexican people and the Mayan culture. At sunset, the park is transformed with wonderful shows, including the pre-Hispanic ball game announced by the tankules (wooden drums) that resound through the afternoon silence
• Mexican Charreria: Every afternoon in the traditional Mexican corner, there is a show in which horses and their riders exhibit their skills in Mexican rodeo tricks. The lady riders, called Adelitas, gallop through the choreographed exercises of the “Escaramuza” just inches away from the stands
• Voladores de Papantla: This is a ceremony dedicated to the Sun God asking for fertility and good crops. The four flying men represent the four elements earth, air, fire and water
• Xcaret Mexico Spectacular Performance: At dusk the park is transformed. What during the day is a jungle, adventure and water turns into mysticism, traditions, legends and history
• Xcaret Night Dinner: Relax in a reserved section of the “Gran Tlachco” Theater while you delight to fine Mexican cuisine and watch the show

EXHIBITIONS:

• Archaeological Vestiges: With over 1.000 years of history, the ancient city of Pole (modern-day Xcaret) was once both, a major walled ceremonial center and a thriving port and trade center for the Mayan people
• Mayan Village: Take a trip through time visiting a replica of a Mayan Village. Ancient Mayan cities were built starting from a central hub where palaces and temples were erected
• Scenic Tower: Admire this paradise from an 80 meters height spinning panoramic tower. You will have the best view of this jewel of the Mexican Caribbean
• Xcaret Main Plaza: The contemporary style of the Xcaret Main Plaza contrasts harmoniously with the many exhibits of Mayan artifacts

PARK FACILITIES IN XCARET:

• ATM machines
• Baby strollers
• Hammocks and beach chairs
• Information center
• Lockers
• Paramedics and infirmary
• Parking free of charge
• Photo and souvenir shops
• San Francisco de Asis Chapel: Mass is celebrated in this beautiful chapel overlooking the sea every Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
• Showers and dressing rooms (at no charge)
• Snorkel Equipment
• Towels
• Wheel Chairs
• Xpa - Xcaret Spa: Treat yourself to a relaxing massage nearby a lagoon fed by the water of an ancestral underground river; or take an original massage on a hammock or on a hammock chair

RESTAURANTS:
Beneath broad palm roofs, four of the five restaurants are strategically located in these zones to offer the best service, in addition to spectacular views.

• Dinner at the Tlachco: Have a preferential seat for the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show and taste an original mixture of regional and international dishes that satisfy even the most demanding palates. Available all week, except Sundays: Summer: 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. Winter: 6:00 to 8:15 p.m.
• Dos Playas: Sea food specialties. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• El Manglar: Hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, tortas and tacos. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Heladeria: From 8:30 a.m. to park close.
• La Caleta: Seafood buffet. Open Monday to Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• La Cocina: A very Mexican atmosphere and cuisine. From 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• La Isla: for special events.
• La Laguna: International Buffet. Open Monday to Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• La Orquidea: Breakfast, lunch and snacks. Open From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• La Peninsula: Great variety of seafood, seafood cocktails, ceviches and snacks. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Los Carritos: Located strategically throughout the park, offering soft drinks, beer and snacks.
• Restaurant Playa Dos Playas: Service in the beach area, cocktails and snacks. From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Note: The services a la carte and buffets purchased directly at the park do not include tips.

Thanks to its two treatment plants that allow for alternate uses of wastewater, the Park makes sure to prevent contamination of both the ocean and underground rivers. Organic waste is used for compost, while plastics, paper, glass and aluminum are collected for recycling.

WEDDINGS:
Picture your Wedding, you, walking through a cave lighted with candles, a cascading waterfall, and a water inlet sparkling with the last rays of sun. Imagine a special set up for your wedding around the water, with violin music and sparkling stars in the night sky as your private guests arrive. The park has spectacular natural locations for your wedding, very sophisticated and elegant to make your wedding dream a beautiful memory.

The wedding counselors will design a personalized ceremony, combining mystic and natural elements, creating the most romantic moment, reflecting your personality and particular taste. Forget about everything, enjoy the excitement of your wedding in the park, and leave to the personnel at the park the special task to make your dream come true!

The turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea, and the bright green of the luscious vegetation, are as festive as the special moment you are about to experience. Xcaret’s weddings offer an array of outdoor and indoor venues as the perfect frame for your new beginning.


For prices, reservations, availability and bookings, please contact us at: visit@luxuriousmexico.com