MonSat 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Sun 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For over a thousand years Xcaret was a Mayan port known as "Pole". Travelers would come here to purify themselves before worshiping the goddess Ixchel in Cozumel. Today, Xcaret is an educational center with lots of water-based activities. The center is built in and around the ancient ruins, making a unique setting. You can participate in activities like swimming through an underground river, playing with dolphins or checking out a replica Mayan village.
The underground river is truly amazing. A gentle current takes you through a myriad of beautiful caves that millions of years ago formed part of the ocean floor. You get to drift along and see fossilized coral and marine life. Use your own judgment, but strong swimming skills aren't needed, so both young and old may enjoy this experience.
The butterfly pavilion is one of the largest in the world. From the moment you enter, butterflies surround you. These vibrant and intriguing insects are all around and some may even decide to get up close and personal. Not only will you be in awe of these vibrant and magnificent insects, but you'll learn a little something about them too.
To the bat cave - this is not for the faint of heart. It's dark, damp and smelly and you can literally hear the bats rustling around above you.
The Mayan village is a replica of the way things once were. Houses, gathering huts, boats and food have been replicated to demonstrate what it was like to live during that era.
One of the main attractions of the park is the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. You get the chance to pet them, play with them a bit, then watch as they leap over you. It's an invigorating experience. The whole thing lasts for about an hour (30 minutes of instructions/explanations and 30 minutes of actual dolphin time.) After your hour is up, you'll have the option to purchase a video of yourselves with the dolphins. The whole experience, with video, will run you around $200 per couple.
You can easily spend the day at Xcaret. Besides these activities, you can spend time on the beaches, walk the grounds and see other educational exhibits. If you stay for the evening, you can see "Xcaret at Night", a series of presentations that reflect the Mayan history and culture. One of the highlights is a game of Ulama, the traditional game where two teams of six people move a 9-pound ball using only their hips. A folklore show follows.
Xcaret is aproximately 1 hour from Cancun and five minutes from Playa del Carmen off the Cancun - Tulum highway. For those staying at Cozumel, you must cross to Playa del Carmen in the ferryboat. From Playa del Carmen you may take a taxicab or the XCARET tour, which leaves at 9:00 a.m. from their terminal.
Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Sun 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission/fees: Mon-Sat: Adults $39.00; Children 5-12 $24.00 (price includes Mayan dinner show.) Sun: Adults $30.00; Children 5-12 $18.00 (There is no dinner show on Sunday.) Children under 5 free always.
Snorkel gear (mask and fins) $8.00. Swim with the dolphins (15 minutes) $50.00. Only 36 people allowed a day so book early. Horseback riding $50.00 per hour. Hot dog and coke will run you $7.00. Bottle of water $2.50. Baby strollers are $15.00 per day. Towel rental is $2.00 each. Locker rental is $2.00 per day.
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