Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Mexico: Xcaret!

One day is not enough to see and enjoy all there is in Xcaret (pronounced "ish-carette")! It's a sprawling eco park with an abundance of natural beauty. You can explore on foot through the pathways or jump in the water for some snorkeling. The emphasis on the preservation and conservation of the natural habitats is evident everywhere. On land, there is the butterfly pavilion, manatee lagoon, monkey island, deer, flamingos, orchids, turtles ... in the water, there is Paradise River, snorkeling, snuba-ing, subterranean rivers, cenotes, dolphins, beaches, natural pools.

The Mayan culture is celebrated throughout the park. Explore the various archaelogical sites, enjoy watching a Mayan ball game, see the Mexico Espectacular show with over 300 artists showcasing the traditions, history and beauty of Mexico from pre-hispanic times to the present. Just a beautiful place!

Above is the bell tower near the entrance.


Paradise River - A raft takes visitors along the river to explore various areas of the park by boat.

In the subterranean river:

The blues of the Caribbean!



SeaTrek - An underwater walk wearing a breathing helmet. Lots of tropical fish to see and feed. Bri decided to opt out after they put the helmet on her.


See the white helmets? Those are Amber, Brian and Jasmine walking underwater.


Me, relaxing while waiting for the family to come back from SeaTrek. Aaahhhhhh ...


View from a hammock:


Jasmine and, behind her, Amber (taking a picture of me taking a picture of them):


Tortugas! (Turtles)


The rope ladder. The girls were having a great time ... then Daddy created some mayhem and Jasmine fell into the water. :-)


One of the performers for the Mayan show:


At the Mayan show. It was packed, standing room only.


We spent the entire day there and didn't get to see it all. Guess that means I have to go back!


9 comments:

Erin {House of Turquoise} said...

More fantastic images! Sadly, I never made it to Xcaret. I totally want to go now!! Must get back there soon!! I've been thinking about it non-stop every since your first post. So crazy we stayed at the same resort. Wasn't that pool just something else?!

Thanks for sharing all about your trip!

dec0r8or said...

I love all of your pictures, Rose. What a wonderful bunch of memories to have made with your family. I'm so happy you got to go!!

Britt-Arnhild said...

How interesting.
I visited Mexico last summer, but only Mexico City.

rebecca said...

Oh, I loved Xcaret! Last time I was there was in May 1998. Your pictures give me the yearning to return, this time in a much cooler month, though! I've been to Cancun in January and in May. I liked January best and found May to be too humid and hot for my taste. How was it this time?

Anonymous said...

WOW, WOW, WOW. Really a stunning trip Rose! Your family is just beautiful and really makes the surroundings pop (and your heart sing). Thanks for sharing your slice of paradise!
Carol S.
stewcarol

Nouveau Stitch said...

Such lovely photos! The trip must have been amazing. This post should be a brochure for Xcaret!

Thanks so much for stopping by Nouveau Stitch. And get that sewing machine out of the closet!!

Ellen

Kelee Katillac said...

ROSE!!!!

Fabulous & Perfect and exotic and a joy!

I am so happy you had this experience!

A joy for lifetimes to share together!

love, kelee

Rose - Watching Waves said...

Erin - Xcaret is a must-see; you have to go back! Yup, that pool was amazing.

Rebecca - It was probably high 80s, but really nice. I'll bet January is awesome weather-wise.

Cindy said...

Oh Gosh, these pictures are great! Look at Bri's face! Aww!