Xcaret Tour
Xcaret used to be a lagoon hidden in the jungle, but developers
changed all that in 1992 by making it into a type of Mayan theme
park. Although Xcaret is advertised like a water park, the dry land
attractions are actually more interesting.
You can snorkel in the lagoon (rent equipment or bring your own).
With so many visitors the coral isn't really alive, though it offers
some of the best diving on the coast. They feed the fish in the
lagoon so there is still plenty to see. Life vests and inner tubes
are free.
Above ground things are more interesting, so bring your shoes:
- Mayan ruins - Xcaret was a Mayan settlement in the late Post
Classic period and the park has excavated a dozen structures.
- Aquarium - sort of run down, but a walk through gets you to
the sea turtle farm
- Sea turtles - turtles are hatched here, tagged, and released
after 1 year. This way they are bigger and safer from predators.
The turtles are usually released at 11am on the beach.
- Aviary and small zoo with jaguars and other local animals.
- Mushroom and orchid farm, and a botanical garden
- Butterfly farm - a peaceful shady place to sit and relax.
There is a new Maya Village River that has some open parts and
winds through the model Maya village, bamboo forest and stained
glass plaza.
Swim With Dolphins
Swimming with the dolphins costs extra, but is one of Xcaret's
big features. If you decide to do this, arrive early and make
reservations 1st thing. There are height restrictions - so if your
kids are young call before you go.
Stay all evening too
Perhaps the prize of Xcaret is the magnificent night show. Plan
to stay for Xcaret at Night. It is worth the wait, and you can nap
in the hammocks during the afternoon to rest up for the show.
The show begins at the new Gran Tlachco theater with a
pre-Hispanic ball game and the "ball of fire". Sort of like hockey
with the ball set on fire. It goes on to talk about a bit of
history. The second half of the show features Mexico's regional
music and dance. The theater is huge and covered, so it goes on rain
or shine. There are more than 200 artists in the show.
On Sundays, Xcaret at Night starts at the main entrance
with a tour of the reproduction Mayan Village in your choice of a
half dozen languages. You walk through a candle lit cave and see an
enactment of a Mayan ceremony in the village. Afterwards, everyone
goes into the theater for a folkloric show. Currently, the show
features music and dance from each of Mexico's states.
During the day, there are shows around the park like Mayan
ceremonies in the "village", the Papantla Flyers, horse show, shark
feeding, turtle release, etc.
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