{"id":12661,"date":"2015-01-30T11:54:14","date_gmt":"2015-01-30T16:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=12661"},"modified":"2017-01-08T17:36:11","modified_gmt":"2017-01-08T22:36:11","slug":"xcaret-inclusive-park-encompassing-enjoyment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/xcaret-inclusive-park-encompassing-enjoyment\/","title":{"rendered":"Xcaret \u2013 an all-inclusive park for all-encompassing enjoyment"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a>. Good news \u2013 there are actually seven Experiencias Xcaret parks to enjoy.\u00a0 Bad news \u2013 where do you start?<\/p>\n

Experiencias Xcaret<\/strong><\/h1>\n

For seniors, this was a perfect vacation destination. The main park, simply called Xcaret<\/a> (pronounced loosely like: esssssh-car\u2019-et), was the first in a now growing line of parks. \u00a0No roller coasters, no death defying rides, just beautiful things to see and ways to relax.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Xcaret-22\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 With underground rivers, cenotes and sinkholes, the park has an amazing array of sights to enjoy and had been amazing tourists since 1990.<\/p>\n

\"Xcaret-20\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Signage throughout the park is in English as well as Spanish, so you\u2019ll have no trouble finding your way or ordering food.<\/p>\n

Mayan culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In addition to the natural beauty, Xcaret has recreated a Mayan Ruin to explore and has some 40 cultural exhibits \u2013 both visual and participatory. If you want to learn about the Mayan culture, you both learn it and live it here.<\/p>\n

\"Xcaret-14\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Sea Turtle sanctuary<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From just hatched little turtles to giant aging turtles, Xcaret makes them feel welcome.\u00a0 Multiple age-specific pools enable the little ones to grow and prosper before being reintroduced into the wild.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\"Xcaret-18\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Macaws and more <\/strong><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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.\u00a0 That was the first time anyone received such an award for an endangered species.<\/p>\n

\"Xcaret-6\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Underground river<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the most famous attractions at Xcaret is the underground river.\u00a0 Don a personal flotation device (PFD), grab some flippers and float the \u00bd 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.<\/p>\n

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\"Xcaret-8074\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Xcaret in 11 minutes<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Xcaret in this video summary of our two days in the park last October.<\/p>\n