Xcaret tour departing from Cancun.

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XCARET, meaning "Little Inlet" in Maya, was for more than 1,000 years one of the most important Mayan ceremonial sites and seaports. Mayans came here to purify themselves in the "Cenote" (natural water well, or sink hole) that is part of the marvelous area. Today, it is a spectacular eco-archaeological park where you should spend a day. So popular and spectacular is XCARET that there is a saying "When you visit XCARET, don't forget to visit Cancun."

XCARET, it's more than you think…

NATURAL FEATURES, NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND WATER ACTIVITIES AT XCARET

Subterranean River

Designed by nature and enhanced by man you will enter the 530-meter (over 1/3 of a mile long) subterranean river and float downstream. With natural skylights in the jungle above to light the way, you must swim here while at XCARET. There are locking duffle bags provided for you personal belongs and life jackets for all so that you can leisurely enjoy the cool crystal clear pure waters that bubble up from the limestone in the Yucatan jungle. 6 exits are located along the 530-meter course so that you may exit at any time.

The Beach

What better way to spend part of any day that at the beach? XCARET has a beautiful beach on the Caribbean Sea. Pure white sand, crystal clear warm Caribbean water, accented with coconut palms and Palapas and lounge chars to protect you from the sun and give you a chance to recharge your energies as the Mayans did.

XCARET Inlet
This small inlet where the cool pure waters of the underground river mix with warm salty waters of the Caribbean is where the Mayans came for over 1000 years to purify their bodies and souls. Stand in 4 feet of water and feel the cool water on your feet and the warmer seawater on your stomach and chest. Truly a unique experience.

The Lagoon

Between the jungle and the beach is the lagoon. A perfect place to see some wild birds and do a little relaxed snorkeling. Around the lagoon hammocks are located to relax in.

Nature's Whirlpools
5 pools constructed so that you can enjoy the force of ocean waves, without having to swim in the open the sea. The water swirls through the natural shaped tubs like a whirlpool.

Ocean lovers can choose to snorkel on their own, free of additional charge, or snorkel in an organized tour (not included in your tour.)

XCARET is home to the caves of XCARET and "Barracuda Reef." Dive with the experts of XCARET. This activity is not included in your tour and carries additional charges.

ANIMALS OF XCARET

Bird Sanctuary
Here you will see an area of reproduction and exhibition of birds natural to the region. Over 30 species, many of which are in danger of becoming extinct.
One of the ambitious projects of XCARET is the raising and reproduction of Guacamayas. These birds are in danger of extension. Once found in the Mexican States of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tamaulipas and Chiapas, today they can only be found in the wild in Chiapas. Born blind and without feathers the Guacamayas must eat every hour for 15 days. Monogamous these beautiful birds can live to be 50 years old.
Another ambitious project is the breeding and raising of the 5 different kinds of flamingos found on the Yucatan peninsula. Enjoy Flamingo Island where you can see these beautiful birds, which can live to be 30 years old.

Butterfly Pavilion
XCARET has one of the largest butterfly pavilions in the world. The objective, aside from allowing tourist to see butterflies in their natural environment, is to breed and reproduce butterflies in danger of becoming extinct. The "larva factory" is where you will see all the stages in a butterfly's life, the eggs, the larvae, the cocoon, and finally the butterfly. With a little luck see butterflies coming out of the cocoon and entering the world. The best time to visit the open-air butterfly pavilion is in the morning, because the butterflies are more active as they prefer to fly when it is cooler.

Marine Turtles

XCARET, since 1996 has helped various world governmental bodies study and reproduce marine turtles as they are in danger of extinction. Here you will see young turtles smaller than your hand, to old giants as big around as a car tire. Living to an age of 100 years only 2 in 100 turtles born reach the age to reproduce.

Jaguars and Puma Island
The Jaguar was one of the most important symbols to the Maya. All the mammals that you see in XCARET will appear not to be in cages. The Jaguars and Pumas are in their natural environment and on an island surrounded by a deep ravine full of water. Xcaret has been very successful at breeding these beautiful symbols of the Yucatan peninsula.

Crocodile Lagoon

For more than 140 million years crocodiles have been the terror of lagoons and rivers in the tropical zones. Even though they are cold blooded and spend a lot of time warming themselves in the sun, they are very agile and speedy hunters when stalking and attacking prey. See these ancient egg laying monsters in their natural environment.

Bat Cave
At the end of the lagoon you will find a bat cave home to the two kinds of bats that inhabit the area. There are insect eating bats that are great at controlling the fly and mosquito population in the Yucatan and fruit eating bats that are responsible for spreading the seeds of local fruit trees that grow wild in the Yucatan area.

Botanical Gardens and Green areas

60% of the trees and plants in the botanical garden retain their foliage all year round. Here you will find ornamental trees and plants as well as plants used in medicines, chewing gum, even a native plant used by the Mayas against poisonous bites.
As "chicle" or chewing gum was a very important product of the area at the turn of the century you will also find a "Villa Chiclera" or a house where chicle is produced which used to be used in the production of chewing gum.
With the objective of finding another industry for the local rural population XCAERT has an on going project of studying edible mushrooms.
22 species of orchids have been successfully grown at XCARET and they are trying to grow all 76 species native to the region.

SPECTACULAR SHOWS OF XCARET

The Mayan Ball Game
The Mayan ball game is reenacted at XCARET each day. This game was one of the most important of the rituals for the Maya. The modern tourist is amazed to learn that the captain of the winning team (not the losing team) was beheaded as a reward. This sacrifice by him was so that he could live with the Gods.

XCARET at Night
As the sun sets get ready for XCARET at night where you will see one of the most spectacular shows in all of Mexico. See a folkloric show, Indian dancers, singers, and horsemanship at its best. Witness the famous "Papanatla Fliers". An ancient Indian ceremony from the state of Veracruz dedicated to the Sun God to insure that the harvest would be good. 4 fliers atop a tall pole do the ceremony. The 4 fliers represent the 4 important elements: land, air, fire and water; if the 4 important elements are not in equilibrium then natural disasters occur. The same for the fliers. If they are not in equilibrium they will be met with a disastrous fall.

OTHER THINGS TO DO AT XCARET…

Mayan Village

See the genius of Mayan technology in the way they lived. Their homes were built so that the breeze blew through the house and with a thatched roof that not only lasted 20 to 25 years but also kept the house cool and dry. Each Mayan home also had their own small garden.

Archaeological Site
With more than a thousand years of history the archaeological site at present day XCARET was constructed in the post-classic period about 1400 A.D. There are some 500 platforms and over 60 structures that possible were temples, meeting areas, and navigation points for boats arriving from pilgrimages to Cozumel to praise Ixchel, the god of fertility.

Museum

The museum at XCARET is unique in that it houses replicas in miniature of the 12 most important cities of the Mayas. Replicas so exact that when you photograph them the photos look as though they were taken from an airplane.

Aquarium
The aquarium at XCARET is really an example of the living coral reef. Here you will see what most people see while snorkeling and diving. Flushed with fresh seawater the aquarium is state of the art.

RESTAURANTS OF XCARET

For your enjoyment XCARET has 4 restaurants and 1 bar-snack-bar. These restaurants are not included in the tour price.

Dos Playas Bar:
Ideal for a light lunch. Complete with beach service for you enjoyment.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.

El Mexicano:
Looking for the flavor of Mexico?. Look no further. Here you will find traditional dishes and regional favorites too.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.

La Laguna:
This restaurant is located in one of the largest "Palapas" in the area.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.

La Caleta:
This favorite seafood restaurant features a trio from Veracruz for your dining pleasure.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.

La Peninsula:
Enjoy a light lunch here and view the sea.
Food and beverage not included in your tour.

**XCARET WITH TRANSPORTATION**
Xcaret Regular Tour Adult Price $116.00 USD Child Price $58.00 USD (Children must be under 4 ½ feet tall or 1.40 meters) (Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are free) Departure Approx. 07:30 Return Approx. 17:30 Xcaret Regular Day Tour (Does not include the Xcaret Night Show.)	Xcaret Full Day Tour Adult Price $116.00 USD Child Price $58.00 USD (Children must be under 4 ½ feet tall or 1.40 meters) (Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are free) Departure Approx. 10:00 AM Return Approx. 22:30 PM Xcaret Full Day Tour (Includes the Xcaret Night Show.)
Xcaret Plus Tour* Adult Price $149.00 USD Child Price $74.50 USD (Children must be under 4 ½ feet tall or 1.40 meters) (Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are free) Departure Approx. 07:30 Return Approx. 17:30 Xcaret Plus Day Tour *Buffet Lunch and "Bottomless Lemonade" with the meal. (Does not include the Xcaret Night Show.)	Xcaret Full Day Plus Tour* Adult Price $149.00 USD Child Price $74.50 USD (Children must be under 4 ½ feet tall or 1.40 meters) (Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are free) Departure Approx. 10:00 AM Return Approx. 22:30 PM Xcaret Full Day Plus Tour *Buffet Lunch and "Bottomless Lemonade" with the meal. (Includes the Xcaret Night Show.)
Your tour with transportation to Xcaret Includes: Pick-up at your hotel Your entrance to the Xcaret Park Return to your hotel Schedule: Daily departures	CLICK HERE! TO RESERVE For Frequently Asked Questions click here
XCARET WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION
Xcaret Entrance Only Adult Price: $69.00 USD Child Price $34.50 USD (Children must be under 4 ½ feet tall or 1.40 meters) (Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are free) Schedule: Daily CLICK HERE! TO RESERVE For Frequently Asked Questions click here	Xcaret Entrance Plus* Adult Price: $99.00 USD Child Price $49.50 USD (Children must be under 4 ½ feet tall or 1.40 meters) (Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are free) Schedule: Daily Buffet Lunch and "Bottomless Lemonade" with the meal. CLICK HERE! TO RESERVE* For Frequently Asked Questions click here

Frequently Asked Questions about the Xcaret Tours

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GETTING THERE
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOUR
QUESTIONS ABOUT RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT ARRIVING BY CRUISE SHIP

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GETTING THERE

We are staying in a Cancun hotel, how do we get there?
We have hotel pickup. When you reserve we will send you the exact time of pickup in your hotel lobby.

We are staying in the Riviera Maya how do we get there?
We have hotel pickup. When you reserve we will send you the exact time of pickup in your hotel lobby.

We have our on car. Can we take this tour?
Yes, we will send you a map with instructions on how to get there. From the Cancun hotel zone your approximate travel time will be about 1hour 15 minutes. We do sell tickets only for Xcaret.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TOUR

Which tour do you recommend? The Xcaret regular tour or the Xcaret Full Day?
We recommend the Xcaret Full Day Tour because on that one you get to see the Xcaret Night Show. On the Xcaret regular tour you do not get to see the Xcaret night show.

What is the Xcaret Night Show?
The Xcaret Night Show is spectacle with over 250 performers. You will see traditional dances from all over the country of Mexico. It is a fabulous show.

I see that there is lot of things to do in Xcaret. Do we get to go and do as we please or is this an organized tour?
You will arrive by tour bus but once inside Xcaret, the day is yours to spend as you please. We do recommend that you select and do the things that interest you the most first. The reason is that there are so many things to do in Xcaret that you will probably run out of time and energy before you do all the different options.

Is any food or drink included?
Food is only included in the Xcaret Plus tour which does include a buffet lunch. Other than that, no food or drink is included.

Is the water cold in the subterranean river?
The water is cool. Temperature will be about 72 degrees

Is the water salty in the subterranean river?
NO. the water is some of the freshest water and clearest water in the world. The water is from the underground spring system that flows under the entire Yucatan peninsula.

How is the snorkeling at Xcaret?
Xcaret has some fabulous snorkeling. Bring your own gear or rent gear while in the park. But snorkeling in Xcaret is a must.

How does Xel-Ha differ from Xcaret?
While both are considered what are called eco-parks, Xel-Ha is much more in a natural state than Xcaret. Xel-Ha is noted for its fine beaches and great snorkeling and it “wilderness” feel.
Xcaret has more activities and shows and is a much more developed park. Both are great day trips but with a different focus.
Which is best for you and your family is up to your taste. If you like a lot of activities to see and do then Xcaret may be a better choice for you.
Like to be left alone to do a little snorkeling and lying in a hammock or on the beach the Xel-Ha may be better for you.
According to Xel-Ha corporate their mission is simple: Sustainable tourism and recreation in a preserved natural environment.
Xel-Ha Park is a living invitation to enjoy nature first hand and explore the legends of an ancient culture; the Maya.
Our goal is the creation of an organized leisure environment that promotes the appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

Since you go to Xel-Ha first can we stay at Xel-Ha if we decide not to go on to Tulum?
Yes the bus will come back for you if you decide that Xel-Ha is where you want to spend the day.

QUESTIONS ABOUT RESERVATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS

How do I know you have space available?
If you reserve 10 to 30 days in advance you have a 99% chance we have space for you. We recommend you send in your reservation, complete with your credit card information, and if space is not available we will call or email you with when space is available. So be sure to include your phone number on your reservation form.

Is it possible to make a reservation when I get to the Cancun or Riviera Maya?
We do recommend you make your reservations as far in advance as possible so that you are sure to get the trip when you want to go. During the high season from January to August there are many times we have no space available 2-3 days in advance. To make your reservation once you arrive in Cancun call us at 898-4312 or if you are in the Riviera Maya call us at 01-998-898-4312, and from the states 1-800-860-5917. If you have a U.S. cell phone while in Mexico you may also dial 1-800-860-5917 to reserve.

What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel any tour up to 24 hours before departure and only pay a 5% administrative processing fee. If the trip is cancelled because the port is closed or due to bad weather then you will receive a 100% refund. Please remember we do not accept cancellations from anyone but the person that made the reservation. This is to protect you. Click Here! To see all Cancellation and Change Policy.

Is the pricing on the website correct?
Yes- we guarantee the prices you see. The prices are accurate and complete meaning that there are no additional charges. Our guarantee is that you will not pay more than that published price on our website. At the end of the tour a tip is optional and is generally 10% - 15% of the price depending on how much you like the tour and the service provided.

How can I check the status of my reservation?
It is our objective that you know what is happening with your reservation. We will send you an update if we are going to be than 48 hours getting you a response. If 48 hours has gone by and you have gotten no update or coupon please call 1-800-860-5917 from the USA and Canada or +52-998-898-4312 from the rest of the world. If you are already in Cancun our local number is 898-4312 and if you are outside Cancun dial 01-998-898-4312.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ARRIVING BY CRUISE SHIP

We are arriving by cruise ship in Cancun. Will we be able to take this tour?
This tour is not recommended if you are arriving by ship. Your schedule as a rule will not fit the departure and return times of the tour.

We are arriving by cruise ship to Calica. Will we be able to take this tour?
This tour is not recommended if you are arriving by ship. Your schedule as a rule will not fit the departure and return times of the tour.