Every once in a while it’s a good idea to get lost someplace.
At least that’s what I told myself as I wandered around Xcaret Park in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, trying in vain to find my way back to the lockers where I had foolishly left the park map, along with my camera bag.
After more than an hour of wandering, I was beginning to realize just how big Xcaret Park really is and just how useful a park map might have been.
Xcaret (pronounced “Sh-ka-ret”) is an eco-archaeological park not far from Cancun. Built on an 81-hectare ancient Mayan archaeological site, the park has attractions designed to showcase the ecological and cultural diversity of Mexico while providing visitors with an entertaining experience.
Key daytime activities include swimming in underground rivers, viewing native animals, exploring a butterfly pavilion, enjoying a coral reef aquarium, relaxing at a beach area, visiting a Mexican cemetery, exploring archaeological ruins, and swimming with dolphins.
In the evening, more than 300 performers take part in several spectacular live shows that showcase Mayan traditions and Mexican culture.
I began my exploration of Xcaret with a swim in one of the underground rivers and that is how I came to be separated from the park map I had acquired at the entrance gate. The park has three underground rivers and visitors can swim or snorkel along them to get a taste of the extensive underground cave system that is found in many areas of the Yucatan peninsula.
Near the mouth of the rivers, I picked up a life vest and a bag to stow my personal belongings, but when the staff saw my camera bag they advised me to take my cheap waterproof point-and-click camera with me and leave the good camera equipment safely stowed in a locker.
Finding the lockers the first time was a bit of a challenge, but it seemed practically impossible the second time around. There were some upsides to my situation, though. As I let my poor directional instincts guide me, I began discovering areas of the park that I would have missed otherwise.
One of the best surprises of the unexpected tour was stumbling across a group of people participating in a Mayan temazcal purification ceremony in a remote corner of the park. Believed to balance the mind, body and spirit, the Mayan ritual involves a gathering around a ceremonial fire, followed by a sweat lodge experience where steam and heat cleanses the body and soul.
In another corner of the park, I explored a Mayan cemetery and then visited the real Mayan ruins that many visitors completely miss.
At the butterfly pavilion, I watched as workers in Mexico’s only butterfly breeding facility sorted through a variety of native butterfly chrysalises and then wandered through the atrium watching the colourful native butterflies fluttering all around.
After a wander past Jaguar Island and the Manatee Lagoon, I was finally able to locate the locker area.
It goes to show that if you go down every wrong road, you will eventually find the right one. It may not the best way to get somewhere, but it is be the best way to really discover a place.
Unlimited Xcaret Xperience
The Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort located directly adjacent to Xcaret Park.
For the first time, the resort is offering guests staying for three nights or more at the resort the option to get unlimited access to Xcaret Park for the duration of their stay.
Highlights of the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package include all day unlimited access to the Xcaret Park, a private guided tour of the park, reserved seating during the evening Xcaret México Espectacular show, free access to the kids’ Xcaret Explorer for a Day activity, discounted meals and beverages at the park, and a resort credit that can be used for services at the resort and in the park.
Three more family-friendly theme parks in the Mayan Riviera
Xplor: This family adventure park has 13 ziplines, amphibious vehicles, cenotes to swim or kayak through, and a great buffet restaurant that are all included in the cost of admission. Some of the zipline circuits include water landings, so you may wish to wear a bathing suit. Board shorts will be more comfortable than brief style bottoms for the ziplines and water shoes are also a good idea. (www.xplortravel.com)
Xel-Há: Pronounced “shel-hah,” this park is a natural aquarium with coves, inlets and lagoons and a natural spring that flows out to meet the salt water, creating a unique habitat for marine life. It’s a good spot for novice snorkelers to see colourful fish and there are hammocks to relax in and boardwalks over the lagoons that allow for leisurely walks around the park. For an extra charge, you can enjoy activities like swimming with dolphins, snuba diving, stingray and manatee encounters and an underwater walk. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and eco-friendly sunscreen (it’s available for purchase in the park and is the only kind allowed). (www.xelha.com)
Hidden Worlds: The most rustic of the Mayan theme parks, a visit to this park includes a ride over extremely bumpy roads on a jungle buggy, ziplining, a sky cycle, a repel into a cenote, and a guided swim or snorkel in a cenote (an underground water-filled sinkhole). Be sure to wear comfortable swimwear, water shoes or waterproof sandals, and bring a towel. This park is not recommended for people with back and neck problems because of the jarring jungle buggy ride. (www.hiddenworlds.com)
If you go
• One-day admission to Xcaret Park costs $89 per person when purchased at the park gates. You can save 10 per cent on gate admission by purchasing admission tickets at least seven days in advance on the park’s website: www.xcaret.com.
• The Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package at the Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort varies in price depending upon the dates of travel and is available for purchase directly from the hotel’s website (www.occidentalhotels.com), through tour operators such as WestJet Vacations or Transat Holidays and directly through the hotel upon arrival. When purchased through a tour operator, the cost for the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package with unlimited access to Xcaret Park for one week is about $170 per person above the regular cost of a resort stay, so it represents a good value.
• In early December, the cost of a one-week all-inclusive package through a tour operator including return air, transfers, food, drink, accommodations and unlimited access to Xcaret Park is about $1,535 per adult, including taxes, from Calgary.
Debbie Olsen is a Lacombe-based freelance writer. Follow Debbie’s travels at www.wanderwoman.ca. If you have an interesting travel story you would like to share, please email: DOGO@telusplanet.net or write to: Debbie Olsen, c/o Red Deer Advocate, 2950 Bremner Ave., Red Deer, Alta., T4R 1M9.