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XCARET,
meaning "Little Inlet" in Maya, was for
more than 1,000 years one of the most important
Mayan ceremonial sites and seaports. Mayans came
here to purify themselves in the "Cenote"
(natural water well, or sink hole) that is part
of the marvelous area. Today, it is a spectacular
eco-archaeological park where you should spend a
day. So popular and spectacular is XCARET that there
is a saying "When you visit XCARET, don't forget
to visit Cancun."
XCARET,
it's more than you think…
NATURAL
FEATURES, NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND WATER ACTIVITIES
AT XCARET
| Subterranean
River
Designed by nature and enhanced by man you
will enter the 530-meter (over 1/3 of a
mile long) subterranean river and float
downstream. With natural skylights in the
jungle above to light the way, you must
swim here while at XCARET. There are locking
duffle bags provided for you personal belongs
and life jackets for all so that you can
leisurely enjoy the cool crystal clear pure
waters that bubble up from the limestone
in the Yucatan jungle. 6 exits are located
along the 530-meter course so that you may
exit at any time. |
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| The
Beach 
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What better way to spend part of any day
that at the beach? XCARET has a beautiful
beach on the Caribbean Sea. Pure white sand,
crystal clear warm Caribbean water, accented
with coconut palms and Palapas and lounge
chars to protect you from the sun and give
you a chance to recharge your energies as
the Mayans did. |
XCARET
Inlet
This small inlet where the cool pure waters
of the underground river mix with warm salty
waters of the Caribbean is where the Mayans
came for over 1000 years to purify their bodies
and souls. Stand in 4 feet of water and feel
the cool water on your feet and the warmer
seawater on your stomach and chest. Truly
a unique experience. |
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The
Lagoon
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Between
the jungle and the beach is the lagoon. A
perfect place to see some wild birds and do
a little relaxed snorkeling. Around the lagoon
hammocks are located to relax in. |
Nature's
Whirlpools
5 pools constructed so that you can enjoy
the force of ocean waves, without having to
swim in the open the sea. The water swirls
through the natural shaped tubs like a whirlpool. |
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|  Ocean
lovers can choose to snorkel on their own,
free of additional charge, or snorkel in
an organized tour (not included in your
tour.)
 XCARET
is home to the caves of XCARET and "Barracuda
Reef." Dive with the experts of XCARET.
This activity is not included in your tour
and carries additional charges.
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ANIMALS OF XCARET
| Bird
Sanctuary
Here you will see an area of reproduction
and exhibition of birds natural to the region.
Over 30 species, many of which are in danger
of becoming extinct.
One of the ambitious projects of XCARET is
the raising and reproduction of Guacamayas.
These birds are in danger of extension. Once
found in the Mexican States of Oaxaca, Veracruz,
Tamaulipas and Chiapas, today they can only
be found in the wild in Chiapas. Born blind
and without feathers the Guacamayas must eat
every hour for 15 days. Monogamous these beautiful
birds can live to be 50 years old.
Another ambitious project is the breeding
and raising of the 5 different kinds of flamingos
found on the Yucatan peninsula. Enjoy Flamingo
Island where you can see these beautiful birds,
which can live to be 30 years old.
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Butterfly Pavilion
XCARET
has one of the largest butterfly pavilions
in the world. The objective, aside from allowing
tourist to see butterflies in their natural
environment, is to breed and reproduce butterflies
in danger of becoming extinct. The "larva
factory" is where you will see all the stages
in a butterfly's life, the eggs, the larvae,
the cocoon, and finally the butterfly. With
a little luck see butterflies coming out of
the cocoon and entering the world. The best
time to visit the open-air butterfly pavilion
is in the morning, because the butterflies
are more active as they prefer to fly when
it is cooler.
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Marine
Turtles
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XCARET, since
1996 has helped various world governmental
bodies study and reproduce marine turtles
as they are in danger of extinction. Here
you will see young turtles smaller than your
hand, to old giants as big around as a car
tire. Living to an age of 100 years only 2
in 100 turtles born reach the age to reproduce.
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|  Jaguars
and Puma Island
The Jaguar was one of the most important symbols
to the Maya. All the mammals that you see
in XCARET will appear not to be in cages.
The Jaguars and Pumas are in their natural
environment and on an island surrounded by
a deep ravine full of water. Xcaret has been
very successful at breeding these beautiful
symbols of the Yucatan peninsula.
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Crocodile
Lagoon
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For more than 140 million years crocodiles have
been the terror of lagoons and rivers in the
tropical zones. Even though they are cold blooded
and spend a lot of time warming themselves in
the sun, they are very agile and speedy hunters
when stalking and attacking prey. See these
ancient egg laying monsters in their natural
environment. |
| Bat
Cave
At the end of the lagoon you will find a bat
cave home to the two kinds of bats that inhabit
the area. There are insect eating bats that
are great at controlling the fly and mosquito
population in the Yucatan and fruit eating
bats that are responsible for spreading the
seeds of local fruit trees that grow wild
in the Yucatan area. |
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Botanical
Gardens and Green areas
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60% of the trees and plants in the botanical
garden retain their foliage all year round.
Here you will find ornamental trees and plants
as well as plants used in medicines, chewing
gum, even a native plant used by the Mayas
against poisonous bites.
As "chicle" or chewing gum was a
very important product of the area at the
turn of the century you will also find a "Villa
Chiclera" or a house where chicle is
produced which used to be used in the production
of chewing gum.
With the objective of finding another industry
for the local rural population XCAERT has
an on going project of studying edible mushrooms.
22 species of orchids have been successfully
grown at XCARET and they are trying to grow
all 76 species native to the region.
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SPECTACULAR SHOWS OF XCARET
| The
Mayan Ball Game
The Mayan ball game is reenacted at XCARET
each day. This game was one of the most important
of the rituals for the Maya. The modern tourist
is amazed to learn that the captain of the
winning team (not the losing team) was beheaded
as a reward. This sacrifice by him was so
that he could live with the Gods. |
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XCARET
at Night
As the sun sets get ready for XCARET at night
where you will see one of the most spectacular
shows in all of Mexico. See a folkloric show,
Indian dancers, singers, and horsemanship
at its best. Witness the famous "Papanatla
Fliers". An ancient Indian ceremony from the
state of Veracruz dedicated to the Sun God to
insure that the harvest would be good. 4 fliers
atop a tall pole do the ceremony. The 4 fliers
represent the 4 important elements: land, air,
fire and water; if the 4 important elements
are not in equilibrium then natural disasters
occur. The same for the fliers. If they are
not in equilibrium they will be met with a disastrous
fall. |
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT XCARET…
Mayan
Village
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See the genius of Mayan technology in the way
they lived. Their homes were built so that the
breeze blew through the house and with a thatched
roof that not only lasted 20 to 25 years but
also kept the house cool and dry. Each Mayan
home also had their own small garden. |
Archaeological
Site
With more than a thousand years of history the
archaeological site at present day XCARET was
constructed in the post-classic period about
1400 A.D. There are some 500 platforms and over
60 structures that possible were temples, meeting
areas, and navigation points for boats arriving
from pilgrimages to Cozumel to praise Ixchel,
the god of fertility. |
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Museum
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The museum at XCARET is unique in that it houses
replicas in miniature of the 12 most important
cities of the Mayas. Replicas so exact that
when you photograph them the photos look as
though they were taken from an airplane.
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Aquarium
The aquarium at XCARET is really an example
of the living coral reef. Here you will see
what most people see while snorkeling and diving.
Flushed with fresh seawater the aquarium is
state of the art. |
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RESTAURANTS
OF XCARET
For your enjoyment
XCARET has 4
restaurants and 1 bar-snack-bar. These restaurants
are not included in the tour price.
Dos Playas
Bar:
Ideal for a light lunch. Complete with beach service
for you enjoyment.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.
El Mexicano:
Looking
for the flavor of Mexico?. Look no further.
Here you will find traditional dishes and regional
favorites too.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.
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La
Laguna:
This restaurant is located in one of the largest
"Palapas" in the area.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.
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La Caleta:
This favorite seafood restaurant features
a trio from Veracruz for your dining pleasure.
Food and beverage not included in your tour. |
La
Peninsula:
Enjoy a light lunch here and view the sea.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.
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Xcaret
Regular Tour
Adult Price
$99.00 USD
Child Price
$49.50 USD
Departure Approx. 07:30
Return Approx. 17:30
Xcaret Regular Day Tour
(Does not include the Xcaret Night Show.) |
Xcaret
Full Day Tour
Adult Price
$99.00 USD
Child Price
$49.50 USD
Departure Approx. 10:00 AM
Return Approx. 22:30 PM
Xcaret Full Day Tour
(Includes the Xcaret Night Show.)
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Your
tour with transportation to Xcaret Includes:
Pick-up at your hotel
Your entrance to the Xcaret Park
Return to your hotel
Schedule:
Daily departures
Xcaret Entrance Only (without transportation)
Adult Price: $69.00
USD
Child
(5-11 Years) Price
$34.50 USD
Schedule: Daily
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