Xcaret, A Natural park where the world must be seen, lived, reestablished and
kept alive, for its healthy sojourn
Bat Cave - Meet the most misunderstood of all animals. Get to know
these tiny creatures of the night in the dark and mysterious cave at the end of
the lagoon. There are many stories about bats, almost all false. The fruit and
insect eating bats play a tremendous role in jungle reforestation and insect
population control
Tropical Trail - Join the staff biologist for a walk into the lowland
tropical forests of the Mexican Caribbean. More than 100 species grow here, such
as flowering trees and bushes; others are timber-yielding, decorative or
medical. The tropical trail, located in a natural land depression offering
shelter from hurricanes shelters many endangered plant species, including kukab,
chit, nak'as, and guano palms. Tropical
jungles grow in most warm and humid climates on this planet. The term
"tropical" applies to regions that lie between two imaginary lines
around the earth known as the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Some
tropical jungles are always lush and green while in others the trees shed their
leaves during the dry season. Tropical jungle forests are of great importance to
the world´s ecological balance, they oxygenate the atmosphere, clean the air,
and their roots prevent erosion; they are also a great source of medicinal
substances for mankind.
Butterfly Pavilion - The world’s largest
butterfly enclosure, with waterfall, flowering plants and free-flying
butterflies. Great for relaxing or just watching. Considered one of the largest
in the world, it is also the only pavilion that is self-sufficient in
maintaining it’s butterfly population. Our goal is two-fold: repopulate the
area with endangered local species and propagate plants needed to guarantee
those species survive. The Xcaret Park butterfly farm began operation in
1995. Not only is it the first such facility in Mexico but it is also considered
one of the largest and most spectacular of its kind in the world. The Butterfly
Farm provides visitors with the opportunity to examine up close the great
variety of native butterflies in Quintana Roo.
Coral Reef Aquarium - One of a kind, the
coral reef aquarium allows visitors an intimate view one of the most
extraordinary ecosystems in nature. The aquarium artificially reproduces the
proper conditions needed to develop healthy coral reef communities, successfully
housing more than 500 species of marine plants and animals commonly found on
coral reefs in the Mexican Caribbean.
From the very beginning our
concept of an aquarium was quite unique. We began by creating artificial reefs
along the
Caribbean
coast in front of the
Xcaret
Park
a project that developed into a series of large tanks in which we reproduced
artificial coral reef environments under controlled conditions.
The Xcaret aquarium blossomed
into a program of managed ecosystems reproducing a part of our environment whose
only rival in biodiversity is the tropical jungle.
Many different life forms now
live together and share the environments we created in the different exhibition
areas. Every day visitors to the Park marvel at the variety and color of the
reef´s inhabitants and delight at being in such close contact with a thriving
ecosystem.
Since the aquarium opened in
1995, through innovative thinking and patient efforts we have managed to
reproduce a coral reef environment on dry land. It now provides a uniquely
accessible window into an underwater world that previously could be studied only
below the ocean.
To Teach and Delight
The combination of natural
colonization processes and organism transplants, plus the care and effort of all
those involved has resulted in the creation of a thriving coral reef at the
Xcaret aquarium.
It is one of the few places in
the world in which people can observe these ecosystems up close in all their
splendor and variety.
One of the main purposes of our
aquarium is to provide learning opportunities. We consider it part of our
mission to teach children about the importance of preserving all life forms.
Through the aquariums children
come into close contact with the reef. Shallow tanks offer them an opportunity
to touch some reef organisms and feel also the texture of their skin or examine
them closely through a magnifying glass.
We can all learn something from
the underwater world. The information we obtain from observing and caring for
them helps us to understand what is needed for their continued survival in
natural habitats.
Through the years Xcaret's
educational projects have consistently provided interesting and useful
discoveries about reef communities. The objective is to provide
aquarium visitors with a deeper understanding of the Earth´s varied and
delicate natural environments.
Jaguar and Mammals - As you walk the park’s leisure trails, you’ll come across several
exhibits. Timid and beautiful, our white tailed and temazate deer delight both
children and adults alike. Other local fauna, such as coati , badger and
spider monkeys live on their own islands. If you look carefully and you'll be
able to observe a family of howler monkeys leaping from one treetop to the
next.
Marine Turtles - Get a close-up look to three of the 7 species found
in Mexico (green turtles, loggerhead and kemp turtles). You'll have the
opportunity to see turtles at every stage of their lives, from tiny newborns to
huge adults swimming around in our natural tanks. Since 1996, we have actively
participated in their protection and preservation through research coordinated
with government institutions, as well as national and international
investigation centers.
Turtle
products such as their flesh, eggs and shells are widely used in
Mexico
since pre-Hispanic times. Despite this their population levels remained stable
until this century when systematic
exploitation caused an alarming drop in their numbers creating an urgent need
for regulation and conservation efforts aimed at halting the decline.
The first official action consisted in declaring a total ban on the sale
of turtle eggs and forbidding the
destruction of their nests under Article 5 of the 1927 Fishing Regulations. By
1964
Mexico
had set up its National Sea Turtle Program to oversee the protection,
conservation and research activities aimed at turtles nesting on Mexican
beaches.
The first sea turtle refuges and sanctuaries were officially set up in 16
conservation areas along the Gulf, Pacific and
Caribbean
coasts of Mexico in 1986, and included the beaches
around
Ria Lagartos in
Yucatan
and Contoy
Island
in Quintana Roo.
Mushroom Farm - One of the main tasks at our Mushroom Farm is to
develop and teach new methods of growing edible mushrooms on different culture
mediums such as oat chaff, palm leaves and other vegetation. Visitors are
invited to sample the results in our restaurants La Cocina and La Caleta.
The Xcaret mushroom farm
opened its doors to the public in March 1994. At that time we were in the
initial stages of trying to grow a Pleurotus djmour, a mushroom species we found
in Puerto Morelos, by planting it on the trunk of a chakah tree. Sometime later
we found this same mushroom growing wild next to the aquarium in Xcaret and gave
it the common name of “Xcaret
mushroom”. We also began to cultivate edible mushrooms known as seta, whose
scientific name is Pleurotus ostreatus. As time passed we also experimented with
several varieties such as the pink
Pleurotus djmour var., Pleurotus
pulmonarius, Pleurotus columbinus,
gray Pleurotus ostreatus var, and a hybrid of the white Pleurotus.
Every
month Xcaret produces between 400 and 460 kilos (880-1072 lbs.) of edible
mushrooms such as the Pleurotus s. which is a very sought-after species because
of its flavor and nutritional value. Recipes abound on how to prepare mushrooms,
for example mushroom omelets, mushroom cream, Mexican style mushrooms, mushroom
tortilla, huitlacoche mushrooms with pork ribs, mushrooms in red sauce, and many
more.
Orchids - Exotic, fragrant and beautiful. An adventure in the
‘Secret Life of Plants’. Located in the heart of the Botanical Garden,
you’ll not only be able to view a variety of orchids, but also learn about
their cultivation process. In our laboratory, you can see the various steps of
orchid development from a seed developed in vitro to just before it is
transplanted to the greenhouse. To date they have successfully cultivated 89 of
the 105 regional orchid species.
Xcaret's orchid laboratory
began operation during June of 1994 in San Pedro Actopan in the state of
Mexico
. At first they worked only with stock obtained from a private plant collection,
then in July 1996 when the laboratory facilities were completed it opened in
Quintana Roo with its own cultivated and greenhouse orchids. In those days
we only had 25 of the total 140 orchid varieties that exist in the
Yucatan
Peninsula
. Today our collection includes 136 varieties plus several hybrids.
Reptiles and Sharks
- For more than 140 million years, crocodiles have dominated the lagoons and
rivers of the tropics. Their slow metabolism and cold-blooded nature means that
‘crocs’ must control their body temperature by sunbathing or taking a leisurely
dip. But they are also surprisingly fast hunters capable of leaping
their body length, vertically. The species you’ll see are known
scientifically as moreletti. They grow to a little over eight feet.
The nurse shark exhibition in the coral reef aquarium, puts you face to face
with a shark - now on the brink of extinction due to unrestrained and unmanaged
fishing practices.
Stables -
Built from local woods and decorated with hand-painted
tiles, the Stables are a careful reproduction of a traditional ranch. This is
possibly the most Mexican part of the Park, and where XCARET AT NIGHT begins.
During the day, hour- horseback riding tours are available, including a ride
through the jungle and along the beach.
Wild Bird Breeding Aviary - Meet the Tropics most
extravagant, vocal residents in the wild Bird Breeding Aviary. Right behind the
museum, the aviary features birds predominantly from Mexico’s southeast. Many
are endangered. Xcaret is home to more than 44 species. Favorites include
macaws, tucans and flamingos.
The
farm was originally started for the purpose of reproducing and showing exotic
wild birds. As the Park continued to grow it became necessary to turn our
attention to other vulnerable, threatened or endangered regional wildlife such
as:
Apiary -
Meet the Maya’s incredible sting-less bees in this
careful reproduction of pre-Columbian apiculture. The apiary, located in the
botanical garden, is dedicated to the cultivation of the "melipona
beecheii bee" , known to the Maya as "Xuna Kab" (royal bee).
These very docile bees produce delicately perfumed, high quality honey.
Beach -
Stroll white sands, take a dip in the tranquil bay, drift
in an inner tube, or view the ocean bed through the view port of a
water-board. Reward yourself with relaxation, on the beach at Xcaret.
Inlet -
Bask in a pristine natural lagoon —the site of ancient
Pole, revered by the Maya, and one of the finest examples in the Riviera Maya.
You’ll be surrounded by schools of curious, brightly colored tropical fish.
Ringed by comfortable chairs, picnic tables and hammocks, the Blue Lagoon’s
sparkling ambience makes for great fun in the sun or superb relaxation. It’s
a great place to learn to snorkel, too. Restaurant and snack bars are within a
brief walk. Easy access to the water for children and physically challenged.
Dolphins - Get to know these friendly, highly intelligent mammals in
our interactive dolphin programs. Brief presentations are accompanied by
hands-on, in-the-water experiences. Reserve early; space is limited.
Dolphinarium I Interactive Program A one-on-one, in-the-water experience,
swimming and petting dolphins.
Dolphinarium II Educational Program A thorough presentation on dolphins,
followed by an in-water-session.
Swim with the Dolphins A combination of structured and ‘free’ swimming in
the Delphinarium.
Dolphin Kids Children, accompanied by an adult, learn about dolphins in an
entertaining and colorful presentation. The dolphins put on a Children’s
Show your kids will never forget. With additional charge
Ecological Tours -
Nothing beats a guided tour to get to know the park’s
attractions. Our tour gets you participating hands on in a variety of
interactive activities with plants and animals. Multiple departures daily;
each tour is limited to 25 people.
Wading Pools - Xcaret has five wading pools waiting for you, just to one
side of the beach. Seawater, straight from the Caribbean, flushes the pools,
making them natural Jacuzzis! Sit back and enjoy an naturally relaxing
experience at the Wading Pools at Xcaret.
Lagoons - Bask in a pristine natural lagoon —the site of ancient
Pole, revered by the Maya, and one of the finest examples in the Riviera Maya.
Dive in — you’ll be surrounded by schools of curious, brightly colored
tropical fish. Ringed by comfortable chairs, picnic tables and hammocks, the
Blue Lagoon’s sparkling ambience makes for great fun in the sun or superb
relaxation. Tropical birds on nearby tiny islands fill the air with exotic
sounds; the whole of the lagoon is surrounded by lush tropical jungle.
Restaurant and snack bars are within a brief walk. Easy access to the water
for children and physically challenged.
Scuba Diving - Certified open water divers will enjoy diving Barracuda
Reef or the sunken wreck "Mama Viña". Not certified? If you’ve
ever thought of learning to dive, there’s nothing like the reefs waiting for
you just offshore. Join our professional dive masters for a resort course and
take the plunge. Great equipment, clear Caribbean water and a very interesting
dive site are waiting for you. With additional charge
Snorkeling - Xcaret's top-notch snorkel crew leads excursions to
magnificent coral reefs. Instruction and equipment available. Learn,
improve your technique and most importantly, explore the underwater world with
an experienced guide. With additional charge
Snuba - Dive without the tank – and you don’t have to be
certified. You can explore depths to 15 feet in this sport that combines
snorkeling with diving. A great primer for diving — and a wonderful way to
experience the vivid tropical marine life at Xcaret.
With additional charge
Sea Trek - Are you a non-swimmer but want to experience the world
under the waves? Sea Trek is a great way to take a walk
underwater. Explore an octopus’ garden with the unique sub-aquatic
apparatus. Safe and fun, Sea Trek is a non-swimmer’s dream. With additional
charge
Underground Rivers - Unique rivers wind through Xcaret’s naturally occurring
system of underground rivers. Cool and refreshing, either of the Park’s two
subterranean river experiences are a great way to start your day. Life jackets
and locking bags for your personal belongings are provided at the entrance to
each river. Your belongings will be waiting for you at the end of your
adventure. There are multiple exits and stopping points along each river so
you may take a break or explore. Easy and safe, even for non-swimmers.
Archaeological Sites - Xcaret encompasses the ancient Mayan port and religious
center of Pole. Eight buildings, dating from 1400 to 1517 (late post-classic).
Sign up for a tour and learn more about the Maya, in ritual and science.
It’s a fascinating tour of an ancient people, with all the conveniences of
the Park.
The Maya Village -
Travel back in time at the Maya Village. Like most
ancient cities, common people lived on the outskirts of town, while the
centers were exclusive to palaces and temples. The Mayan were no different.
Their houses were constructed in circular or elliptical shapes (comfortable
year-round) and thatched with palm. The Maya were wise builders; palm thatch
was harvested only during full moons to yield the most sap filled fronds
(better waterproofing and lasting up to 25 years), and houses were planted
with insect and animal repelling plants. Our village rings an ancient altar.
A traditionally dressed weaver creates handicrafts on-site and fallen-wood
carvings reproduce animals and gods. There is even a Mayan mirror in the
washrooms. Wander through living history at the Mayan Village.
The Museum - Information center for the park, the Museum will inform,
amaze and entertain you. A restaurant, ice cream parlor, ATM and remarkable
exhibits set the mood and provide you with an environment to plan your day.
Tour the Museum’s displays of contemporary and classic art from modern and
ancient Mexico, including paintings and works in pottery. See the Mayan world
in one non-stop trip with the Museum’s detailed models. Great as a
before-or-after actual site visit for that ‘big-picture’ view of this
fascinating culture. Children and adults alike will be charmed by the quail
chick incubators, hatching a new chick every few moments. The Museum store
with everything from curios to Mayan textiles. A panoramic view awaits on the
roof.
Xcaret at Night - Xcaret´s spectacular night show
is an experience for all your senses: an epic celebration with the sights and
sounds of a grand festival set in Mexico´s golden years and the mysticism and
splendor of ancient Mayan kings. It features a colorful fair, the drama of the
pre-hispanic ballgame and the ball of fire in the impressive Tlachco ball court,
followed by an unforgettable gala performance of Mexico´s regional music and
dance. Over 200 performers in an incredible pageantry of color, sight and
sound!
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