Heading to the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is always a winning decision, but to really appreciate all it has to offer, you need to experience Xcaret. Good news – there are actually seven Experiencias Xcaret parks to enjoy. Bad news – where do you start?
Experiencias Xcaret
For seniors, this was a perfect vacation destination. The main park, simply called Xcaret (pronounced loosely like: esssssh-car’-et), was the first in a now growing line of parks. No roller coasters, no death defying rides, just beautiful things to see and ways to relax.
Xcaret is an all-inclusive, eco-archeological park just 35 miles south of Cancun’s airport, and is a great place to both relax and soak up the Mayan culture.
Originally, the site was to be home to architect Miguel Quintana Pali, but upon exploration of the 12 acres of forest he purchased, he began to discover an abundance of man-made and natural wonders he never dreamed would be there.
Luckily for the rest of us, he brought in some partners and decided instead to create an eco-archeological park for the whole world to enjoy. With underground rivers, cenotes and sinkholes, the park has an amazing array of sights to enjoy and had been amazing tourists since 1990.
Signage throughout the park is in English as well as Spanish, so you’ll have no trouble finding your way or ordering food.
Mayan culture
In addition to the natural beauty, Xcaret has recreated a Mayan Ruin to explore and has some 40 cultural exhibits – both visual and participatory. If you want to learn about the Mayan culture, you both learn it and live it here.
Sea Turtle sanctuary
From just hatched little turtles to giant aging turtles, Xcaret makes them feel welcome. Multiple age-specific pools enable the little ones to grow and prosper before being reintroduced into the wild. Older turtles who would not survive on their own in the ocean, have quite the pool in which to swim, sun and enjoy their old age.
Macaws and more
There are more than 44 species of birds being raised in the Aviary. The most recognizable (and maybe most vocal) are the Scarlet Macaws, but there’s an abundance of Green Macaws as well. In fact, Guinness awarded Xcaret a World Record for the most number of macaws born in the same facility in any one year. That was the first time anyone received such an award for an endangered species.
Underground river
One of the most famous attractions at Xcaret is the underground river. Don a personal flotation device (PFD), grab some flippers and float the ½ mile long river that runs through the park. Optional snorkel gear is available for rent if you want to see below as well as above the surface.
Xcaret in 11 minutes
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Xcaret in this video summary of our two days in the park last October.
Animal exhibit
Xcaret is like a large, wonderfully done “home away from home” for animals that need care, feeding and rehabilitation. Ideally, when ready, most of the animals are then released into refuges according to agreements with the government.
But, while they are being cared for, park patrons can see a whole cross section of 45 native Yucatan peninsula species including the puma, jaguar, ocellated turkey, black howler monkey, crocs, deer and ocelots.
Just recently, the park was recognized by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA) for its stellar contribution in safeguarding 168 animals over the last ten years.
Mexico Espectacular show
Every evening, the Gran Tlachco auditorium is the place to be for the Mexico Spectacular music show. 260 performers do everything from ancient ball games (with flaming balls, I kid you not) to singing, dancing, horsemanship, and more. The entire show is a short course in Mexican history, choreographed and set to music. Every seat in the auditorium has a great view, and the show is included with your price of admission.
The performances are all well done and many of the announcements are in English as well as Spanish. You can add dinner to the show, but either way, it’s a very enjoyable evening.
Senior Recommended
For seniors, of the seven Experiencias Xcaret parks, Xcaret is the one to start with. There’s plenty to do and see for one or two days without ever leaving the park. Most of the attractions are handicapped friendly but some do have stairs. And the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. Most seem to be bilingual.
You can buy full day admission, evening only admission or their “Plus” admission which includes all you can eat and drink at a selection of buffet restaurants – which are very good.
The only other park we tried during our short stay was Xel-Ha (pronounced shell’-ha). It too would be fine for seniors. Look for a future report on that destination as well. You can save by buying two admissions at once.
Where to stay
With beautiful weather and with wonderful cuisine, the Riviera Maya has no shortage of 4 and 5 star accommodations. We stayed at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, one of TripAdvisor’s top 25 all-inclusive resorts in the world. It lived up to its reputation. The restaurants were unbelievable and the service impeccable. Not inexpensive, but you get real luxury for your money. See our other article on Grand Velas.
Keep reading:
See all our other articles on Riviera Maya, Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula:
Grand Velas Riviera Maya – all inclusive, all fantastic
Day of the Dead celebration in photos – 2014
The beautiful animals of Xcaret