Category Archives: Nature

Wildlife Wednesday: Bird watching and bird conservation; two of my favorite things about living in Riviera Maya!

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I moved to Playa del Carmen about 10 years ago, since then I have been surrounded by nature and wildlife in a way and an unexpected hobby was born for me while living in Riviera Maya: Bird Watching. I could stay for hours and hours sitting on my terrace to just listen and if I´m lucky enough see a large group of euphonias, hummingbirds and parrots just to name a few.

In fact, bird-watching is a very popular activity throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, with so many different types of our feathered friends. Right here in Playa del Carmen is only a matter of where you are and what you hear to look up and see an entire group flying over the city.

But there are also aviaries, like the one located in Playacar or the recently opened aviary at Xcaret Park but the thing the I love the most about Xcaret is not the fact that there’s a brand new aviary, is actually the fact that wherever you place your sight inside the park, you’ll be able to find a breathtakingly beautiful bird and in some cases, and I kid you not, you are able to touch it.

Bird-Watching and interactive experiences

So, about a year ago there was a lot of buzz in Playa del Carmen regarding a particular conservation program and activities held around it at Xcaret, which was the “Flying Home” program, created to release Scarlet Macaws into their natural habitat in the Chiapas rainforest.

The Scarlet Macaw is an endangered species and the largest population of this colorful bird lives at Xcaret, visitors are able to see them and listen to them (they don’t talk, but make funny noises) and the awesome thing about having them here is that they are part of a very successful reproduction program.

Make sure that you visit this wonderful eco-theme park when you have a chance, we do it several times a year and is always a wonderful experience because we have lots of fun and always learn something new about wildlife and many ecological themes. Once again, one of the advantages of living in Riviera Maya is to be in touch with nature and learn from it.

– By Bea Lozano

Life around Xel-Ha Park – Being Part of an Eco-Friendly Community Pays Off!

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It’s no secret that Riviera Maya is the closest thing to Paradise! There’s no doubt or question of that, and there’s also no room for doubt that we, as its inhabitants are the ones with the power to change it for better or for the worse. Having said that, I am very happy to say that I am particularly aware of the nature and special environment that my family and I live in and  do my best to keep my mind and actions as eco-friendly as possible.

I’ve never disguise my preference for this park (as well as all the other parks belonging to the Experiencias Xcaret group) for different reasons. I love the fact that you can spend all day enjoying the inlet with many water activities, eat delicious food, learn about the delicate eco-system existing within the area and snorkeling in the water’s larger natural aquarium.

Xel-Ha De Oro; environmental sustainability for visitors and the community!

Last Saturday was an exceptionally special day for Xel-Ha Park as well as the Tulum and Chemuyil community.

We were invited to the press conference in which the park was being awarded with the EarthCheck Gold Certification for its environmental policies and efforts in this natural reserve.  There we we also learned about the work that they have been doing with the neighborhood community of Chemuyil.

It is necessary and worth mentioning that Xel Ha first attained the EarthCheck Silver Certification in 2009, being the first park in the world to have ever to gotten this kind of recognition.  They have steadily maintained this status for 5 years which has driven them to achieve this new level of Gold Certification.

The most valuable asset to this event was not only the scenery (which of course is to die for) but the tour around the village of Chemuyil, to the parks recycling center and the plant nursery.

In Chemuyil, the outstanding efforts include a baseball field, a library and a clean façade program in which Xel-Ha gives away the painting materials and colors, and Chemuyil’s residents make a compromise to keeping their homes clean and spotless façades.

For me, the library was one of the biggest hits because as a result of the educational efforts, all of the community residents are alphabetized. Isn’t it wonderful?!

Keeping it clean and green!

The recycling center was a revelation to everyone on the tour because basically, about a 75% of the disposable waste generated within the park is actually recyclable (they call it “Valuable Material”). The entire Xel Ha family and the Chemuyil community are involved in these programs as well. At the plant nursery, about 50,000 plants are planted every month and then transported to different places around the country.

Maintaining this beautiful place is not a business, it is a true labor of love for the beauty and nature surrounding us. There are generations of families working at the park for more than 15 years now, from fathers to sons and nieces and nephews; everyone’s involved.

Why is this so cool?

Xel-Ha Park is located between two of the most tight and eco-friendly communities in Riviera Maya, which are Akumal to the north and Tulum to the southern end. Both are strong and its residents are pretty much hands-on with environmental issues, whether is with the different sea turtle conservation programs or community wellness centers.

So, if you happen to be living in Tulum and want to watch the programs and community efforts done by Xel-Ha nearby, just do your homework and research and get in touch with any of the non-profit organizations they support or look for others within the area. Let´s keep our home as the natural wonder that it is!

-By Bea Lozano

Beach Thursday in Riviera Maya– We are all Xcacel Lovers!

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The Riviera Maya is a place best known for its incredibly clear waters; in some places it is almost impossible to determine how many shades of blue are visible! The Riviera Maya sand is so soft and powdery that it stirs through your toes almost like water.

One of those Riviera Maya beaches is Xcacel; which is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also one of the most important nesting spots for sea turtles.

I can’t help but go almost every I time can, after some 35 minutes driving south from Playa del Carmen, in a kind of “hidden” entrance between mangroves. After entering you drive for about 3 more minutes until you reach a security stand where the keepers will come and meet you and tell you some basic facts about Xcacel.

TOP Facts you need to know about Xcacel-Xcacelito!

In case you didn´t know, these are the TOP 4 facts you will learn as soon as you enter Xcacel-Xcacelito Sanctuary:

  1. It was designated as the Xcacel-Xcacelito Sea Turtle Sanctuary in 1998.
  2. Its total area is about 365 hectares that combine 3 different ecosystems; which are beach, mangrove and cenote (sinkhole).
  3. The Xcacel-Xcacelito sanctuary has a wide and long beach, sand dunes, an open cenote, mangroves and great wildlife diversity.
  4. There´s a “Turtle Camp” with volunteers run by the ecological organization Flora, Fauna y Cultura that´s been operating for the last 10 years on site.

Once you pass the entrance and park your car, take a walk on top a sand dune and what you will find will astound you; everywhere you look is a wide and white sandy beach, filled vegetation, indescribable shades of turquoise and blue, a few families or groups of young people setting up their umbrellas or looking for a shade underneath a palm tree, walking along the beach, swimming, jumping from wave to wave, taking pictures… and many endless and wonderful beach scenes.

The purity of diving in a Cenote next to the beach

After you set your camp and go for a swim, it is worth to take a short walk to the cenote; you will cross a wooden bridge and pass throughout the mangrove until you get to the cool and clear waters of this sinkhole. For those who are not fond of that salty sticky feeling on the skin, take a dip here to cool off, these waters will make your skin feel softer than ever, trust me!

There are also a few spots within the cenote where you can just sit on a mangrove branch or the wooden dock and let the fish do their job, a way of pedicure which you can find at spas in Playa del Carmen and other cities of the world but in its natural environment! If you are the kind of person who is very ticklish, then try to stay out the fishes way, if not, you´re in for a treat and it won´t cost you a thing!

I wish I could stay longer but sometimes it’s just time to leave!

After a long day of sun bathing, swimming, taking long walks to explore, having fun with the kids and taking pictures with your waterproof camera, around 4:30 to 5 in the afternoon it is time to leave! The beach closes around 5:30 to public and all that remains is a few keepers and the Sea Turtle Conservation program volunteers.

It is extremely important that you bring with you the following items: organic sunscreen and mosquito repellent, enough water, snacks, fruits or sandwiches, and last but not least, garbage bags so you can leave the place as clean as you found it; remember, this is a place where for a few months every year, 2 species of sea turtles come to lay their eggs; so let´s keep it safe for these amazing creatures.

So, if you –like me- live close enough, take a short drive from Playa del Carmen or Tulum and you are ready for a full day of pure fun, feeling blessed and thankful for the life you´ve got, come on over and become a Xcacel Lover yourself.

-By Bea Lozano

Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Playa del Carmen – Saturday Afternoon at Río Secreto!

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Living in Playa del Carmen has a certain feel and allure that can sometimes seem indescribable. Playa has been growing so fast the last 10 years and yet it still somehow achieves to maintain its quaintness; and preserve its natural wonders, which are discovered on daily basis. One of those wonderful places is Río Secreto.

Rio Secreto was discovered in 2007, by a man who stumbled upon a hole in the ground, and set out to explore it. He did not know at this time, however, that he was discovering the longest, partially sunken, underground river system in the Yucatan Peninsula; reaching about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) long and 15 outlets within different areas. It was formed over the centuries and is a very stunning yet fragile lime stone formation.

Do I need to be a cave diver to enjoy this reserve to the fullest?

Unlike most of the caves found across the Yucatan Peninsula, which are completely flooded, and consequently making it completely necessary to acquire special dive training to explore them, Río Secreto is unique because it is only partially flooded, not requiring special diving certification. There are even some areas you can walk on dry soil, making the experience of passing from one gallery to the other much more interesting, since you don´t really know what you may encounter!

Prepare to be amazed and learn something new about these mystical caves at the same time!

The adventure starts right at the entrance of the park. You jump into a van and they drive you on a dusty road deeper in the jungle until you get to the entrance of the cave. Here you will find bathrooms, changing rooms and a locker area where you will get geared up in a special wetsuit, water shoes, a helmet specially equipped with a lamp on it (like a pro) and life jacket. Then a Mayan Shaman will say a prayer for the group that is about to go in; and safety instructions will be provided at that time as well. Then you can be on your way! It should be noted that large groups are not allowed to enter all at the same time.

Once you get into the cave, your guide makes the whole experience incredibly unique.  They will show you the different types of rock formations, which do not stay on simple stalactites and stalagmites. You will discover curtains, towers and helectites; you can even see the roots of ancient trees making their way into the rocks to get water from the river! You will notice many different colors on the rocks due to the minerals they contain. It truly is a surprisingly alive new world!

Throughout the tour, your guide will answer every question you may have, and will give you directions on where to stand and what you are allowed (or not allowed) to touch, always keeping in mind that this is an ultra-fragile environment.

At some point you enter a dome full of stalactites at which point your guide will ask you to float and turn off your flash lights… I cannot tell you how this experience ends but I can only say that there´s nothing like it, trust me on this!

After a long tour, let´s go for a bite!

Once you end the tour, you are both happy and hungry! That´s why after you are out of the caves and change into your dry clothes, you´ll get to go to the Palapa and find a very tasteful and nutritive buffet dinner including soup, salads, a variety of mexican dishes, sweets and drinks. And why not relax for a while on a hammock, next to the Palapa, before heading back to your van to leave?

Rio Secreto is definitely a MUST do if you are visiting the Riviera Maya and/or living in Playa del Carmen! It is comforting to know that just a few miles south of your home, you can enter a magical underwater world!

If you are living in Playa del Carmen and want to know more about what there is to do in the area, be sure to follow our special Playa del Carmen blog.

-By Bea Lozano

Throwback Thursday: Tulum Then and Now! A true piece of Art Reflecting life in Tulum 500 Years Ago!

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Over the years, the group known as Xperiencias Xcaret has brought amazing surprises and initiatives to the Riviera Maya area; whether it’s a new park, attraction or conservation project. They have also brought educational programs that involved, not only the parks visitors but the entire community. Keeping this in mind, it is no surprise –well, maybe a little bit- the new surprise is now being featured at Xel-Ha Park.

Xel-Ha is best known as the world´s largest natural aquarium but for this year it will also feature something very special for, both visitors and the overall community – a massive scale model of what Tulum looked like five hundred years ago. The beautiful model is displayed at the entrance of an amazing park, known as Riviera Maya Natural Wonder.

Bringing the Mayan World to life with Art!

It took over 12 months, 15 Mexican artist and craftsmen, as well as Mayan culture experts and anthropologist to put together this representation of Zamá (Tulum´s ancient Mayan name). With more than 400 architecture elements and 4,000 scale figures and miniatures. Over the 90 square meter (295 sq. ft.) scale model you will be able to see some scenes related to economic, political and religious life that ran around the post-classic period of the Mayan world.

It is truly unbelievable the level of detail put into every scale building, as well as the utensil figurines of human and animal life.  The creativity and detailing is just outstanding! You can see the fresco paintings, which, if you listen to your your tour guide or read the plaques of every remaining building on the actual archeological site, you´ll remember that Tulum had a red taint during its golden age.

History of Tulum

Back then, Zamá (Mayan word for dawn) played a crucial role within the Mayan civilization as being a trade center and communication route across the Mayan world.  Being such an important port, it had an intense fishing and maritime trade as well as a production center. Today whenever I visit this area I feel a certain vibe once I walk through the walls of the city. That is why I think the installation being held at Xel-Ha is so incredible.

For those living in Tulum or anywhere in the Riviera Maya, I highly recommend that you make a stop to Xel-Ha Park, even if only to take a look at this wonderful piece of art and learn more about our beloved Riviera Maya.

-By Bea Lozano

Xcaret Turtle Release and Conservation Program – A Community Effort with Outstanding Rewards!

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The Riviera Maya is invested in nature and ecology!  Residents and local organizations work hard every day to help protect the natural environment and amazing wildlife surrounding us.  After all, conservation and care is contributes to preserving the beauty that we all love about the Riviera Maya.

One of the biggest efforts that takes place all throughout the Riviera Maya is the protection of the sea turtles.  This past Monday Xcaret Park held its first sea turtle release of the season sending off the baby turtles to arrive into their natural habitat in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

We were very excited to be a part of this event which takes place at different points throughout the year! These beautiful marine turtles are truly exceptional creatures!

Who came to witness the Sea turtle release at Xcaret?

There was an incredible turn out of attendance to witness or volunteer for the Xcaret Sea turtle release. Xcaret encourages locals and nearby Playa del Carmen neighborhoods to get involved, volunteer, and help support these efforts of conserving sea life.

The children from the “Ninos del Mar” school were invited to watch the release and also learn about how being eco-conscious, recycling and conservation help to save the life of the sea turtles and all their natural surroundings.  Great lesson if you ask me!  If you see firsthand how your actions make an impression you are much more likely to remain conscious of it now and in the future.

Some Facts about the Sea turtle release and conservation in the Riviera Maya

Xcaret released two sea turtle species which arrived from Xcacel beach to Xcaret! The two particular species, the green turtle and loggerhead turtle, are two of the four specials that arrive to Quintana Roo each year.  There seven different species of sea turtles around the world and six of them make way to the coast of Mexico.

As part of the Marine Turtle Conservation Program in the Riviera Maya, turtles are rescued, rehabilitated and then released into their natural environment in the wide open sea.

The time of the release is carefully planned to take place in the late morning-mid day hours to make way for the turtles to have a safe return to the ocean.  Since the biggest sea predator for the turtles are sharks the operation is done way before dawn before the sharks feed in the evening.

What happens to the Sea turtles after they are released from Xcaret?

Unfortunately, despite incredible efforts made to protect these wonderful beings, only one out of every 1000 sea turtles will reach adulthood.  This is due to various reasons including sea predators or human interference.

But the good news is that these efforts do contribute to a beautiful life for the surviving turtles.  Since the turtles are tagged at release, the Xcaret released Sea turtles have been identified all over the Caribbean in places like Miami, The Bahamas and Cuba.  These amazing creatures make their way far beyond what we can imagine and live a beautiful life.

Interestingly enough the females which were released will find their way back home in 15 years when they are ready to nest.  Pretty cool huh?

Saving the turtles is a combined community effort in the Riviera Maya

I would like to stress a major point about the Xcaret Sea turtle release program.  This is a wide community effort.  Xcaret asks the entire community to get involved and become an active part of saving the wildlife and preserving natural life in the Riviera Maya.

In 2012 Xcaret was the first private park ever to be featured in National Geographic Magazine for their efforts in protecting, caring for and releasing the sea turtles giving an even bigger visibility!

If you are living in Playa del Carmen or are thinking about moving to the Playa del Carmen neighborhood discover all the ways you can get involved.  It truly doesn’t take much to save a life!

-By Bea Lozano

The Island of Women – Experience the Treasure of Isla Mujeres!

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In light of this glorious travel Tuesday I would like to highlight a day trip destination worth putting on your to do list this coming season!  If you have never been to the quaint charming Island just out of Cancun, called Isla Mujeres, then you are going to want to give this a shot! You will not be disappointed!

Travelers from all over will be arriving to the Riviera Maya right around Christmas time.  Some will stay a week and others will stay months! In any case, if you are a frequent traveler to Playa del Carmen or other areas of the Rivera Maya then you may want to take advantage of day trip or weekend getaway ideas…after all, there is so much beauty to see all over Mexico!

The Island of Women!

Isla Mujeres (The Island of Woman) is known for its amazing turquoise and crystal waters perfect, for anyone that loves to swim, snorkel, dive or even just stare!  The town is quite small but is very sweet and has an attractive, beachy, laid back Mexican feel.  You can walk around to shop or visit some delicious restaurants or bars.  If you like to be more of a site seer then renting a golf cart for a couple of hours is fairly inexpensive and a great way to explore the Island quickly!

The beaches on Isla Mujeres are some of my favorite in the whole Yucatan Peninsula; mainly because the water is just incredible.  There is no doubt that all of the Riviera Maya has beautiful turquoise water but each area still holds its own “special something”!

How to get to Isla Mujeres!

Find the most convenient transportation to Cancun either by bus, taxi or collective, and then hop on the Ferry which will get you to the Island in about 15 minutes.  If you want something a little bit more organized and fun, book a catamaran party boat during the day. The Catamaran ride will send you off with a lot of fun and music, and includes snorkeling, time in the town for shopping and site seeing, then relaxation and lunch on one the Islands exclusive beach clubs.

Night time dinner cruises and Party Boats

If you had enough sun you can certainly enjoy Isla Mujeres even under the stars. There are various dinner and party cruises for night owls. Enjoy a nice ride with fun and dancing before you arrive to the private beach club, where you can enjoy a fantastic buffet along with a steak or lobster dinner. You can book a tour with a local tour agent which will include transportation to Cancun. If you are already staying or living in Cancun you can provide your own transportation.  Make sure to book ahead as there is a high demand in prime season.

I always recommend exploring other areas outside your ultimate destination.  It gives you the chance to appreciate different kinds of beauty that you would never otherwise know.  This beautiful country of Mexico is way more than just beach and sand. It is filled with history, charm and nature!

We would love to hear from you!  Share with us your favorite destination or excursion in the Riviera Maya and we will feature your story.  Like our facebook page and feel free to send us a message at https://www.facebook.com/topmexicorealestate.

Xperience True Beauty and Nature at Xel-Ha

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Xcaret Xperiences created fantastic opportunities for people from all over the world to come and experience nature and beauty at its best.  Recently we have highlighted Xplor and Xcaret but today I want to introduce to you the beautiful park that started it all – Xel Ha!

 

Where the jungle meets the ocean you can go take a full day of relaxation, swimming, snorkeling and eating! Xel-Ha is a nature park that is ecologically preserved and respected!  Your entrance is all inclusive and includes snorkel gear and unlimited food and drinks all day!  Yes, cocktails are included for those of you who like their does of tequila now and then!

Xel-Ha (Shell-Ha) is more of a relaxed environment where you will find hammocks throughout the park or chairs overlooking the water!  You will see that this particular eco-park focuses more on aquatics highlighting the natural wonder of the ocean and cenotes.

You can walk through some beautiful paths created throughout the jungle where you can see different animals and natural wildlife!  Don’t feel like walking?  That’s ok; pick up a bicycle and make your exploration on wheels.

Once you arrive to the lazy river you can grab a float and chill out until the river takes you to a beautiful centoe that eventually meets the ocean.  There you can swim, go cliff jumping, walk across the tight rope, or go zip lining!

There is a fun wobbly bridge where you can see the lagoon from one side while watching the breathtaking ocean waves roll in on the other side!

In between the swimming and site seeing you can grab a bite to eat in one of the buffets or just simply sit, relax, breath and take in all the beauty surrounding you!

 

Extra activities

While you can enjoy the park all day long with your original admission, there are some other add on options that might perk your interest as well!  Xel-Ha offers swim with the dolphins programs as well as the new Sea Trek adventure where you can get the best underwater experience!

 

You should remember a few things before you go!

Bring your water shoes!  You will be in and out of the water the entire time and walking through dirt paths and rocky areas!  Water shoes will make you the most comfortable for all activities throughout the day

Leave your sunblock at home unless is ecologically approved!  Many sunscreens have chemicals in it that can be harmful to natural wildlife and to the environment!  Xel-Ha respectively asks you to help them preserve nature!  They will be happy to provide you eco-friendly sunscreen if needed.

 

Xel-Ha is a well-known excursion for both tourists and those who live in the Riviera Maya.

 

-By Bea Lozano
Mexico Real Estate e-book

Cenotes Are a Natural Wonder – So Let’s Protect Them!

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If you’ve ever been to a cenote here in the Yucatan Peninsula, you won’t hesitate to call these beautiful, natural pools of water a natural wonder.  I have no idea if they have that distinction “officially,” but they sure should.

In case you don’t know about them, cenotes are naturally-occuring pools of water which form in sink-holes opening up to the water table; they connect to the area’s vast network of underground caves and rivers.  They are wonderful for snorkeling, swimming and even diving.

One point about cenotes that many people don’t know about is that they are also a sensitive eco-system; besides the plant and animal life within them, water from cenotes can also make its way to the Caribbean Sea and impact the equally sensitive coral reef ecosystem.
Many parks have rules posted, like no using sunscreen or insect repellant because these can harm the life inside the cenote.

Thankfully, the effort to protect these beautiful phenomena is going to the next level with Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) now producing a document and education program to teach property owners what steps to take to protect themselves and the cenote’s ecosystem.

Here’s an excerpt from an article on INAH’s website:

“In order to strengthen the protection and conservation of the region’s cultural, archaeological, historical and paleontological heritage specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) created a statutory provision for the proper use of the cenotes, caves and underground of the Yucatan Peninsula.

“Archaeologist Antonio Huitron, director of INAH Site Operations, said the document will serve to educate the owners and users of caves and cenotes.  It will present the actions to be followed to safeguard and care for them, as well as legal restrictions from various levels of government.”

(Source, in Spanish)
The article also notes that there will be obligatory registration of cenotes so that they can be recorded in the Public Registry of Monuments and Archaeological Sites for protection.

While the article does not specify exactly which rules will be in the document and education program, let’s hope that the program helps to improve the protection of this natural wonder!

For more information on eco-friendly areas and activities click here!

-by Thomas Lloyd
Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

“A Day Full of Wonder at Xcaret”

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Sure you have likely seen many reviews about Xcaret Park but given that it is a place I love I would like to share my own thoughts and feelings about this wonderful destination!

What is Xcaret?

Xcaret is one of the biggest and most attractive eco-friendly attractions here in the Riviera Maya!  And it’s no wonder since the park is filled with so many beautiful aspects to explore.  I always recommend getting the Xcaret Plus package because it includes a fabulous meal and also all of your necessary aquatics and snorkel gear.

What can I do at Xcaret?

You can start anywhere in the park but for me I always prefer to start off swimming through the underground river and allow the rest of the day for exploring through the jungle, swimming in the lagoons and visiting the Mayan Village.

The underground River is a mysterious and historical experience.  If you have never swum through an underground cenote cave before it can be wondrous to know that you are exploring some of the greatest nature in the Riviera Maya which is known for their underground magic! Xcaret provides a very safe and structured way to do it!  They provide you with all the necessary equipment to snorkel!  You will never be lost as there are lots of exits with xcaret personnel available if you get tired; but most people will enjoy the entire route.  Along the way there are plenty of areas where you can have your photo taken!

After your swim you can move on to any other activity that you desire.  I like to take some time to relax in the hammocks over- looking an incredible view of the ocean and crashing waves!  It is pretty much breathtaking to see this area of the park.  You might also decide to grab a tube and hang out in the lagoon.  There is no schedule; you do as you please!

After spending time hanging in the sun and enjoying some swimming I like to start my hike or walk through the jungle to check out all the nature and history.  Along a long walking path around the park you can see lots of different wild animals such as Jaguars and spider monkeys, huge sea turtles, sharks and deer!  That is just to name a few!  My favorite is the butterfly house where you can visit and find amazing and colorful butterflies flying all around you in their natural habitat!  For me it is just incredible to see.

If you are tired of walking you can enjoy a canoe ride through the river where you can look around at all the nature surrounding you.

Wait there’s More?
Aside from all the nature Xcaret is rich in Mayan culture.  It offers a great experience to visit some Mayan ruins and see what a typical Mayan Village would have looked like years ago, as well as a beautiful Mayan graveyard full of colorful and interesting gravestones!

By this time you have probably had a long day and have worked up an appetite.  Although Xcaret has many food options to choose from all around the park I always like to use my included at the Mexican buffet that is located just towards the entrance.  In my opinion this is probably your best food option and it has a complete selection of various Mexican dishes!  If you can arrive around 5 pm you can also enjoy some nice entertainment as there is a horse show right there for everyone to see with some great Mexican attire for the riders as well as lovely music.  It’s fun and the kids enjoy this part as well.

The Mexican Show is a Must See Experience!
You must not leave the park without watching the Mexican show!  Xcaret includes two wonderful performances that are included in the price of your ticket and they are amazing and spectacular shows full of Mexican and Mayan Culture.  Recently during low season I have seen a new show that they have created that blew my socks off.  It was a show full of Music and Dancing and colorful traditional Mexican attire. Each act represented history from different states of Mexico.  Immediately following that performance you are invited to see a fire filled typical ball game from back in the Mayan days!  I will tell you that it is incredible!

Of course at the end of the night you can shop in one of the best souvenir stores that I have seen in Mexico.  By saying this I mean that it is not cheesy cheap souvenirs.  They sell things that are worth taking home.  Also, you can pick up and buy your photos if desired.

The day is long but well worth it and is absolutely a must do when you arrive here in the Riviera Maya!

-by Bea Lozano
Mexico Condo Hotel Kit