XCARET, GENERAL INFORMATION

With the idea of  establishing a tourist development  to add to the attractions already present in the region, a group of Mexican businessmen with a very clear  vision of what tourism in the state of Quintana Roo would be like, acquired  Xcaret,  which in Mayan means Little Inlet.

In 1984, an architect, Miguel Quintana Pali, bewitched by the natural beauty of the site, bought 5 hectares of this wonderful land with the idea of constructing in it the house of his dreams. However, as he began clearing the land, he started discovering fresh water sinkholes “cenotes” formed by caverns that had  crumbled after millions of years of erosion in the terrain, due to underground currents that flow into the sea. He then  changed his mind and  felt that so much beauty  could not be the privilege of just a few.

So he began to come up with the idea of a natural park open to the public, and joining his efforts with those of brothers Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse, they made this great dream come true. 

They began their work as a team and the park opened its doors to the public in December 1990 as a family oriented park, activity filled for people of all ages.

Simultaneously to all this, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) was contacted in order to reconstruct the vestiges of the pyramids and Mayan buildings found in the site. Xcaret financed all the work and the INAH set a group of specialist to work. In contributing to the restoration of the pyramids, Xcaret feels proud to take part  with  Mexico in sharing some of its culture with the tourists who come from all over the world to visit the park.

From the beginning, Xcaret  was thought of as an ideal of natural beauty to satisfy  the need we all have to come back and coexist with nature and that is what it really has  become, while stressing and increasing all its natural beauty at the exact time when the world is going back to and regaining its natural values.

From the beginning, the park was thought of as an ideal of natural beauty to satisfy  the need we all have to come back and live within nature and that is what it really became, while stressing and increasing all its natural beauty at the exact time when the world is going back to its natural values.

FACTS

XCARET IN NUMBERS

OPENING DATE: December 1990

BEGINING OF THE PROJECT: 1985

EXTENTION: 200 Acres

TOTAL VISITORS PER YEAR: More than 800,000

MEANING OF THE WORD "XCARET": Little inlet

DISTANCE FRON CANCUN: 45 Miles south

DIRECT EMPLOYMENT: 1,300

INDIRECT EMPOYMENTS: 4,000

OUR MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

OUR MISSION:  To offer our visitors an unforgettable experience while sharing  with them  our love for the nature and culture of  Mexico through committed and creative and very humane people, thus becoming widely known as a park unique of its kind in the  world.     

VISION: Being unique as a sustainable tourist recreation.

OUR VALUES:

Love for Mexico

Love for Nature

Love for People

Creativity, personal achievements

Self sufficiency

Sustainability

Coherence, Truth, Commitment and Authenticity

OUR PHILOSOPHY

XCARET is a sustainable tourist development known for rationally using all its resources maintaining its cultural essence and ecosystems. We have a deep respect for the environment and its ecosystems, for history and culture and for the aspirations of the local community and our visitors themselves.

OUR PRINCIPLES

• To provide  an experience of the highest quality to tourists . Visitors are increasingly demanding an require a personalized treatment with highly qualified  services.
• To promote the development of the natural wealth and culture of the region.
• To spread the knowledge  of  the advantages and opportunities that the tourist activity brings to the economy and the environment  as, by handling it the right way,  significant revenues could be obtained that could be very helpful to maintain and improve the prosperity of the country  also preserving natural resources.
• To improve the quality of life of our community by creating sources of work and opportunities of growth for the population.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1997

MUNICIPAL  ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD  ( from  the Solidaridad municipality)

1998

Winners of the first National Competition of  teaching materials for Environmental Education.  Category: Materials for informal  education with  TORTUGUEANDO. (Turtle Play)

1998

Winner of the  British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Reader’s Award

WHAT OUR VISITORS THINK OF US

...many of the delegates claimed it was one of the best events yet. This must really reflect the very high levels of service, standards, hospitality and above all, the genuine warmth of the Mexican people.

The gala night was quite one of the best ever. Your attention to detail, the variety of the entertainment and the magnificent ambience were quite exceptional. I had always promised the ICCA delegates a fantastic last night for the meeting and Xcaret more than delivered on this promise...

Tom Hulton, Chief Executive Officer, ICCA (International Conference and Congresses Association 2001 World Convention)

   The ICCA final evening at Xcaret will be one of my most memorable evenings and I would like to thank you and all your team for such a wonderful sense of hospitality and conviviality as well as my best wishes for a continued success to what should be the new trend in tourism: respect for environment and pride in local culture!

Daphne L. Romy-Masliah; DRM Destination and Resources Management.

  XCARET, this spot of brightness on our planet, will always remain in our memory as a shining example of what a true Peace-Blossom is -- a place of vision that teaches toward universal oneness among themselves and genuine collaboration with nature. XCARET shows all humankind how, through sleepless and selfless dedication to the highest ideals of inner harmony, such goals may one day be the spirit pointing the way to the new and fast approaching Millenium.

...I was highly impressed by the scope of your efforts in environmental education, not only within Xcaret but also to the ouside community.

Your discussion of educational outreach programs being conducted from Xcaret was a wonderful example of a business extending itself into the local commnunity. In this regard it illustrates the theme in a book I am reading.....The book is entitled “Doing Well and Doing Good”. Your educational activities contribute to both of these roles...

David M. Stipanuk; School of Hotel Administration; Cornell University

...you and your associates, have done and I am certain are still doing, a remarkable job of eduating and inspiring visitors. I am especially pleased that you were able to attach the IYOR (International Year of the Reef) logo to so many of your efforts and to advertize it so prominently. If we had awards for outstanding eduational efforts, you would have the top prize.

Robert N. Ginsburg; professor of Marine Geology; Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmosferic Science, University of Miami.

 ... I wish to express our most sincere thanks  for the support you have given us in the development of programs in favor of  the girls, boys and youth of this country . 

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

AL LLEGUE ARCHITECTURE

Originally coined by Miguel Quintana to explain the methodology behind the construction of Xcaret, the expression al llegue architecture stems from the notion that when dealing with lands such as these, the creation of a park should not be based on a preconceived idea or an a project generated by the imagination and imposed upon reality. On the contrary, this kind of project should necessarily draw its strength from detailed observation of the surroundings and the characteristics of the land upon which construction is intended, so as to learn its innermost secrets, its attainable potential and the qualities of its most outstanding features, while also attempting to make the fewest possible changes, or at least give that impression. It is therefore a method for adapting the final objectives of an architectural project, in this case, a park visited by many people from around the world, to the original atmosphere of the site. Consequently, al llegue architecture is a means of carefully accommodating the facets of a general idea suggested by the land itself, without the latter losing its in inherent character. The term llegue is a truly Mexican expression that means a gentle blow and implies a sense of precaution when faced by a minimal risk.

Some people suggest that in the case, al llegue architecture transformed the Xcaret ranch into a work of landscape architecture, while others term it a vernacular architecture with very particular characteristics. With al llegue architecture there can be no master plan other than perhaps a few general concepts insinuated by the land itself , blueprints may only be drawn up once the works has been completed; no-one, not even the project director, really knows what the final outcome will be. Al llegue architecture means following existing paths, yet highlighting and emphasising them, forcing them slightly, but never too much. It means detecting a possible landslide so as to provoke it; studying the behaviour of fresh water resources in the subsoil in order to invent or widen their courses; adapting salt water pools on the seashore to keep them filled and crystal clear without human intervention.

These are all examples of the curious colloquial expression al llegue architecture, a phenomenon which when confronted by the experience that gave it form, becomes implacably descriptive. I’m not creative, says Quintana,

 I don’t invent anything. I merely take existing elements from different places and bring them together in a way that suits my purpose.- His is an interesting way of questioning creativity.

Whether or not one agrees with its criteria, the results of al llegue or landscape architecture at this site should be examined. It is specially difficult to reach a consensus in a place like Xcaret. However , there is no doubt that the acceptance  and admiration of a growing number of people is rapidly gaining ground over adversaries. Time will surely have the last word.

SERVICES

TOURS

The Xcaret adventure begins at the Xcaret bus terminal at the Cancun Hotel Zone. From there, every morning, out very folkloric buses bring you a  quality transportation service, safe and comfortable, with reclining seats, air conditioned and a terrace. One of them has an elevator for wheel chairs. On the way to the park,  specialized guides will inform the passengers about the wonders to be found there with the help of some colorful videos.  To come back from the park there are two schedules offered, one at sunset and another after our Spectacular Night Show  with a direct service to hotels. At the Mayan Riviera , Xcaret offers a practical pick up service at some of the main hotels.

For the comfort of our visitors  we have  packages with lunch or dinner included.   

For information about prices and schedules please check our web site

www.xcaret.net

OTHER SERVICES

Parking, shops , restaurant, information centres, photo shops, towel rentals, snorkel system, lockers and strollers, ATM machines, public phones, wheel chairs, nurse`s  station, beach chairs, hammocks and dressing rooms.

1.    ATTRACTIONS

WATER

UNDERGROUND RIVER.

For the ancient Maya, the cenotes (sinkholes) were considered fluid paths to the Underworld and for the most part revered as sacred. A final stop before continuing their journey to Cozumel, focus for worship of the moon and fertility goddess Ixchel, pilgrims would come purify themselves in Xcaret’s hallowed waters.

Unique in the world, Xcaret’s  rivers are one of the main natural attractions offered at the Park.  They constitute part of a network of canals found beneath the Yucatan Peninsula. In this region, rainwater does not run on the surface in the form of rivers or lakes, instead filtrating through the porous, limestone floor and circulating in crystalline currents, creating an immense labyrinth in the bowels of the earth.  Scuba diving is generally required in order to discover this grandiose and mysterious aquatic world; nevertheless, this unique experience can be enjoyed at Xcaret wearing only a life-jacket.

For thousands of years the peninsula was part of the ocean, explaining the exquisitely beautiful fossilized coral formations embedded in the rocky walls.

You can float in the crystalline water of this 2,000-feet underground stream. The inside of the underground world will open before your eyes and you will be amazed at the marvels that have been hidden below ground for millions of years and that were once part of the ocean bed. Let the gentle current carry you along and enjoy  the magic sky-lit caves. Your entrance fee includes the use of a life jacket and a bag to safely keep your personal belongings that will be delivered to you at the end of the river.

MAYA VILLAGE RIVER.

Mother Nature and man have designed this extraordinary third of a mile trajectory of calm waters surrounded by vegetation, a voyage that invites you to look up  and get lost among canopies of trees. After passing a waterfall,  your eyes will discover  the Maya Village. There, the stream will lead you to a cave, which is the next step on the itinerary. This adventure is a great experience for those who prefer a swim in the open air, with the chance to swim in caves and  admire the beautiful fossils encrusted in the walls.

Just like the underground river, the Maya Village River has several exits and includes the use of a life jacket and safekeeping of your personal belongings.

INLET, LAGOON, BEACH AND WADING POOLS

THE INLET.

XCARET, which means little inlet, owes its name to the small body of water that has formed from the magnificent clear blue water and is home to hundreds of tropical fish that happily approach swimmers. The inlet is the ideal place to learn how to snorkel since there are no waves and it is only about 3 1/2 feet deep. If you wish to feed the fish, special food is on sale at the dock of the inlet. Please, do not give the fish any other kind of food as it might seriously damage their health.

Archaeologists believe that after bathing in the waters of the cenote to purify their bodies and souls, the Maya would set sail from the inlet in their canoes to the island of Cozumel which lies on the horizon.

THE LAGOON.

Between the jungle and  beach lies a peaceful lagoon dotted with small islands which are home to many birds. The lagoon's channels, caves, and coves are incomparable for exploring  clear waters full of multicolored  fish and  the jungle which surrounds it. On the shore, you can relax and enjoy the sun the Maya way - in a hammock.

BEACH AND WADING POOLS.

The perfect complement to a day of fun is a moment on the beach. What could be better than walking on soft white sands, having a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of the peaceful bay, frolicking in a giant inner tube, or admiring the ocean bed through the viewing window of a water-board!

XCARET's beach offers the best of the Caribbean,  with many facilities such as comfortable lounge-chairs and the shade of thatched shelters (palapas) for a well-deserved rest, as well as bar and snack service.

The wading pools are located on one side of the beach and behind the aquarium. They have been constructed in such a way that the movement of the tides that fill them up re-circulates the sea water in them, turning the pools into natural jacuzzis. Here, you can enjoy the breaking waves without the danger of open-sea swimming. By the wading pools, palapas and lounge-chairs await you for a well-deserved rest.

FLORA, FAUNA AND ECOSYSTEMS

BUTTERFLY PAVILION

We recommend a visit to the Butterfly Pavilion upon arrival. Butterflies become more active as the morning sun begins to warm the land.  The free-flying area is an architectural masterpiece in itself: imposing circular walls embrace a multi-leveled garden covered with a fine mesh allowing fresh air and sunlight to filter through.   It has a jungle zone for species that fly in the shadows –like the Caligo mennon, Morpha peleides, and Heliconius erato butterflies– and a brighter area for zebra or tronadoras (Amadryas onorina) butterflies which love sun and feed on nectar.   Hummingbirds like to come for a refreshing dip at the small waterfall.

       Xcaret’s Butterfly Pavilion is the first butterfly nursery in Mexico and, with a free-flying area extending 4,200 square yards and 50 feet in height, is one of the largest in the world.  It is truly amazing in that, contrary to other butterfly pavilions that import more colorful butterflies for the benefit of their exhibitions, it displays solely native species of the region in their natural habitat; in addition, they are reproduced self-sufficiently.  Yet, the most beautiful of these species live in tropical zones and the exuberant vegetation of the Yucatan Peninsula is the ideal refuge for butterflies.  Three hundred nineteen distinct species exist in just the northern part of the state of Quintana Roo!

            The Butterfly Pavilion reproduces 20 regional species and works to maintain 5,000 butterflies at once. In order to do this, it relies on a 6,000 square yard greenhouse, where host and flowering plants are cultivated to feed the larvae and adult butterflies respectively.  This allows these beautiful insects to multiply and prevents the loss of certain species due to the destruction of their environment. Also, many host plants are reproduced replenishing the altered habitats of the area’s wild butterfly populations.  

 The Butterfly Pavilion displays the lifecycle of these insects with an educational objective in mind. Four biological stages constitute a lifecycle forming a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and butterfly.   In the larva lab, those recently hatched are placed on host plants; upon reaching the pupa stage they are transferred to the corresponding area.  Eventually, the newly hatched butterfly moves to the free-flying area. During the ecological tour Xcaret’s Butterflies  visitors are able to participate in the work of the Pavilion’s biologists and technicians  helping them collect eggs deposited on leaves which are then taken to the larva lab in order to shield them from possible predators.  Like other areas of the Park that work with animals, the Butterfly Pavilion is backed by highly-qualified personnel and is able to carry out various studies in biology, ecology and ethology (the study of animal behavior) due to its excellent facilities and sophisticated technology.  Xcaret’s Academic Exchange Program grants college students throughout the country the opportunity to create a thesis in any of its technical areas if and when they comply with the Park’s philosophy and objectives.

WILD FAUNA

THE WILD BIRD BREEDING AVIARY

The Wild Bird Breeding Aviary, located beside the Museum, which displays a great number of tropical birds, mostly from southeastern Mexico.  Today, due mainly to poaching, habitat destruction and black market, many of these birds are facing extinction.  The best option for observing toucans, macaws, ocellated turkeys, great currasows or flamingoes is to visit a reserve or breeding place.

     Xcaret is home to more than 44 species of radiantly-plumed birds.  Various ones roam freely through the aviary, interacting with pond slider turtles; nine are part of the program for their reproduction in captivity that aids in conserving threatened wild bird populations with the hope that one day they may be returned to their natural habitat. Up until now they have successfully reproduced the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), green macaw (Ara militaris), yellow-lored parrot (Amazona xantholora), red-fronted parrot (Amazona autumnalis),  white-fronted parrot  (Amazona albifrons),  yellow-necked parrot (Amazona auropalliata),  yellow-headed parrot (Amazona oratrix),  the black-bellied  whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis), the keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), the collared aracari toucan (Pteroglossus torquatus), the ocellated turkey (Agriocharis ocellata), the great currasow (Crax rubra) and  the crested guan (Penelope pupurances).

    Reproduction in captivity is a very complicated process.  The adequate conditions needed for successful pairing must first be established. Macaws, for example, must be sexed through endoscopic surgery since males and females are physically identical. Afterwards, they are placed together in order to choose a mate and are closely observed for characteristic behavioral differences.  Though macaws are monogamous, it is common for two specimens of the same sex to pair off.  After  the male-female pair is formed, they are isolated in a place offering security and intimacy and the appropriate nest is allocated.  The temperature, and adaptation and incubation times are monitored. Once the chick hatches, it is separated from its parents, allowing the female to lay more eggs, and is fed a balanced diet manually through special syringes, every two hours at first; weighed daily, etc.  The work is arduous but the results are very gratifying.

The aviary also has a pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) protection program, an endangered species which holds its main nesting sites at the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in the state of Yucatan. Each year, Xcaret locates eggs displaced from their nests by tides and rains, collects and artificially incubates them. The newborns are fed by hand.  Most will be reintroduced into their natural habitat, while others will be used in the Park’s project to breed the flamingo in captivity.  The program also rescues abandoned baby flamingoes and juveniles that have been injured generally when flying into electric cables.  Today, thanks to these efforts, in conjunction with governmental measures, the first steps in the conservation of this mythological bird have already been taken.        

      Pioneer in wild bird reproduction, the Wild Bird Breeding Aviary follows a philosophy in accordance with one of the Park’s fundamental objectives: the respect of nature.  The birds residing at the Park were either born there, obtained through exchanges with other institutions and individuals or from donations.  None were taken from their natural habitat.

CROCODILES

For more than 140 million years, crocodiles have dominated the lagoons and rivers of the tropical zones. Most of the time they are motionless as their metabolism is slow. Since they are cold-blooded, they need to control their body temperature with sunbaths or dips in  fresh water. Nevertheless, they can be surprisingly swift hunters when they have to be.

The species found in XCARET is called moreletti . These crocodiles can grow as much as 8 feet long. Even though they live mainly in fresh or brackish water, they can adapt to salt water. The females of these oviparous animals do not need to incubate the eggs with their bodies but they usually sleep on their nests until the eggs hatch.

They start reproducing when they are 6 or 7 years old.

BAT CAVE

At the end of the lagoon, stands a cave that shelters hundreds of bats. Generally speaking, most people have misconceptions about bats believing that because they fly quickly and at low altitudes, they might get caught in their hair; that they carry rabies; and consume blood.  Due to these fears, great bat colonies have been exterminated. Nevertheless, no one has ever witnessed a bat crash into a human head; they have the same possibility of contracting rabies as any other wild animal; and of the approximately 1,000 species of bats, only three are vampire,  feeding on animal blood (not human); all the rest eat mainly fruits and insects. Sadly,  these myths have caused serious damage to ecosystems since bats play a very important ecological role:  they disperse seeds, pollinate fruits and flowers, regulate insect populations and control plagues.  Our opinions will surely change as we learn more about them.

MAMMAL ISLANDS

Xcaret’s mammals open up another world to visitors, one both marvelous and intriguing.   The jaguars and pumas live on two large islands shaded by leafy trees and surrounded by a ring of glassy water.  Kelem (strong in Maya language), the first jaguar cub born at the Park, lives in a separate area.  Very playful and agile, he loves to swim and climb trees.   When he is sufficiently mature, he will be received by a friendly nation, with the hope of fostering respect and love for this ancestral species.

            The jaguar, the largest feline of the Americas, was sacred to the ancient Maya, especially venerated for its majestic power and beautiful coat.  Today, conservation is challenged by the fact that each animal needs a territory of 10 square miles.  Nevertheless, as a symbol of Mexican heritage and an extremely indispensable biologic and economic resource, jaguar preservation is nearly fundamental.

            The Yucatan Peninsula is referred to as the land of the deer and pheasant because these animals form an important part of its biological and cultural wealth. At Xcaret, white-tailed and temazate deer (Mazama americana) can be seen with their fawns. Babies are born with white spots allowing them to blend into the vegetation and protecting them from predators such as the ocelot and jaguar. Deer is  part of the Mayas’ diet.  Today, their hunting is restricted.

    Other local fauna, such as coati mundi, grison and spider monkeys reside on the small mammal islands.                 

XCARET’S JUNGLE

THE TROPICAL FOREST TRAIL

The Tropical Forest Trail, or Botanical Garden, is located in a natural land depression offering shelter from hurricanes.  More than one hundred plant species grow there, such as flowering trees and bushes; others are timber-yielding, decorative or medicinal, and some are used for construction or rituals. Informative signs identify all of these plants.  The ecological tour, Visit Xcaret’s Jungle, exposes visitors to certain types of products made from regional plants: chicle (gum), sisal fiber, coconut sweets, cinnamon, vanilla and anatto paste, among others.  The program for the propagation of wild plants and the rescue of those whose habitat has been altered relies on more than 70,000 plants distributed throughout Xcaret’s plant nurseries. Endan-gered species such as the kukab, chit, nak’as and guano k’uum palms and rare ones such as the contra hierba can also be found.

THE TREE THAT REFUSED TO DIE

At the entrance of the Botanical Garden, this beautiful and amazing tree is living proof of the struggle for survival. In 1988, the Yucatán Península suffered one of the strongest hurricanes of the century. The strength of hurricane Gilbert´s winds uprooted several trees in the jungle, including this tree which fell down and struggled to survive. After some time, it managed to re-root itself, and once again it is healthy and covered with leaves. For XCARET, it symbolizes the great survival instinct possessed by all living things, and it reminds us that plants also have feelings, something we humans easily forget.

THE ORCHID FARM

The Orchid Farm is a mesmerizing place lying at the edge of the Botanical Garden. Twenty-five hybrids and 89 of the 105 orchid species endemic to the region are cultivated in the greenhouse, together composing a fantastic symphony of colors, textures, forms, sizes and aromas. Many people are surprised to see the vanilla plants intertwined overhead: vanilla is the mature fruit of the orchid Vanilla planifolia. Originating in the New World, it was frequently consumed by pre-Hispanic civilizations.

   An orchid’s structure is completely unusual: its calyx contains three sepals while its corolla has three petals -two symmetrical ones and a third in a varied form, called the labellum. The labellum is the largest, adopting forms and colors different from the other petals. Sometimes they are truly extraordinary, appearing like certain types of insects.

      Nearly all orchids are in danger of extinction and the Orchid Farm laboratory works hard  to reproduce many of their species for reforestation purposes.

First, they are manually pollinated: the pollen is inseminated into the pistil of the very same flowers.  Next, they are cultivated in vitro -a challenging process that requires sophisticated technology since germination is the most critical phase in a plant’s life.  On display are more than 5,000 containers of orchid seedlings that grow through nutritious means in a sterile environment.  After a year or two, the plants are strong enough to live in the open and are introduced into flowerpots. Two years later they are tied to the trunk or branch of the Park’s trees, now their definitive habitat. More than half of all orchid species are epiphytes, meaning they live on trees without being parasitic, using them only for support. It takes a long time for orchids to become independent, but they can live up to 30 years. The ecological tour includes the sowing of young orchids.

THE MUSHROOM FARM

The Mushroom Farm presents the cultivation process of the Pleurotus mushroom, an edible and very tasty mushroom.  The farm’s objective is to share the simple technology of regional mushroom cultivation –which only requires a compost of wheat or barley and dry leaves– with rural communities of the region.  This can be very beneficial to these communities since mushrooms are highly nutritive. Delicious dishes made from recently harvested mushrooms may be sampled at the Park’s restaurants.

CORAL REEF AQUARIUM

The Coral Reef Aquarium, one of a kind in America, transports visitors to the depths of Caribbean through its windows under the sea exhibiting the biodiversity of the multi-coloured marine gardens with distinct ecosystems that vary according to depth.  Very few aquariums throughout the world have been able to successfully display such delicate and complex ecosystems.  At Xcaret’s Coral Reef Aquarium, all coral reef ecosystems are shown in their entirety.

            Coral reefs are one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural creations, with a biological richness comparable to that of the rainforest. Corals are formed by colonies of small marine creatures known as polyps that gradually build a calcareous skeleton over which they develop, in time creating huge mounds. They house a fabulous collection of living organisms totalling nearly 3, 000 species.

            In the Coral Reef Aquarium, more than 300 coral samples have been successfully introduced into the made-up reef structures, due in part to the permanent open system that allows for the unfiltered flow of seawater.  Plankton (which nourish many organisms) flow freely into the exhibition tanks, as well as the larvae from sponges, coral, molluscs and algae which then generate a natural colonization process.  At the same time, transplantation of species with a slow growth process, like corals, is carried out, taking advantage of those loose in the sea.  Therefore, the process of colonization in the tanks is accelerated without impacting the reef. Xcaret’s marine exhibition includes more than 5, 000 organisms.

            The Coral Reef Aquarium not only dedicates itself to exhibiting the reef’s fragile web of life and scientific investigations, but also has an educational objective.  Reefs take millions of years to develop but, unfortunately, today they seem to be deteriorating.  Through the ecological tour and its interactive activities, the Coral Reef Aquarium grants us the opportunity to become more familiar with the reefs and invites us to aid in their protection.

SEA TURTLES

Sea turtles are slow growing reptiles that can live up to one hundred years.  These millenary creatures, some colossal (they can weigh up to half a ton),  have been able to survive many natural disasters; nevertheless, today they are facing their greatest threat: man, who has driven all their species nearly into extinction.   For this reason, federal laws have protected sea turtles in Mexico since 1990. Xcaret, together with government agencies –Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fishing (Semarnap), National Institute for Fishing (INP) and National Institute for Ecology (INE)– protects the two species that nest on the beaches of Quintana Roo:  the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the loggerhead (Caretta caretta). The program is backed by the Foundation for the Protection of Sea Turtles, represented by one of the Park’s associates.  During the nesting season (summer),  Xcaret sets up turtle camps along the beach and patrols a 62-mile stretch of coast, observing the nests and protecting them from possible predators. After 60 days, the baby turtles break through their shell and many become integrated into the Coral Reef Aquarium’s conservation program.  Upon arriving at the Park, the newborns are marked using a living-tag system allowing scientists to identify them when they return to nest 25 years later and to learn about their migratory routes.

            Up until they are freed after their first year of life and return to the wild, they form part of the Park’s Environmental Education Program that familiarizes visitors with the turtles’ lifecycle and provides information about their protection.  During this season,  Xcaret with the help of enthusiastic people, liberates an average of 200, 000 newborns from its turtle camps in the nearby beaches.  The ecological tour  The Coral Reef Aquarium and Turtles of Xcaret invites the Park’s visitors to participate in liberating the turtles.

            The Coral Reef Aquarium also fights to conserve the Kemp’s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), endemic to the Gulf of Mexico.  The approximately one hundred specimens living at the Park are part of a program for their reproduction in captivity.

MANATIES

 Manaties are mammals that live mainly in rivers, lagoons and mangroves. These are strange beings that swim very slowly and to the bottom to look for the plants they  feed on which they hold in their paws while they eat, just like a baby drinks from its bottle. Also, when they feed their young, the female swims vertically, as if standing in the water, and holds it with its paws, exactly like a woman breast feeds her child.

 The first Spaniards to arrive in America, when they saw this, called this very unique mammals manaties, which in Latin means provided with hands.

In Mexico we have  the species Trichechus manatus which lives  mainly in the mangroves of the states of Veracruz, Chiapas, Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo, but due to their slow movements  and their natural distraction they are continually injured, thus they are in serious danger of becoming  extinct. 

In August 2001 on request by the Federal Ministry for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry a couple of manaties which inhabited a seriously contaminated lagoon, in very precarious conditions and with very little food was rescued. Now they are living in the crystal clear waters of the Xcaret lagoon and are being taken care of, fed and protected by Via Delphi personnel who are very experienced in the care of sea mammals. This adult couple is now in  reproductive age, and so we hope to witness the birth of  a new manati very soon.

 Manaties are the only marine mammals that can be re-integrated to their natural habitat  without any problems of becoming readapted.

ECOLOGICAL TOURS

There are three kinds  of ecological tours to chose from, depending  on each visitor ´s individual interests in different animals and ecosystems.

            The Jungle Path Tour was designed for plant lovers. The first part  is a  walk through the botanical garden getting to know the different species of trees that grow in this region. The Mayas had specific uses for the majority of these, and so it is not only a botanical lesson but also about myths and legends linked to these marvelous plants. The second stop is at the orchid farm where the visitor will be able to see 140 native species of these flowers in the green house and help plant the new blooms. The path next leads to the mushroom farm to learn about their growth and characteristics. The tour ends with the honey tasting at the melipona bee pavilion.     

 The bird and butterfly tour first stops at the wild bird  nursery where visitors will see more than 30 species of native birds including the red macaws and the pink flamingos. Here they will feed the baby macaws and learn about XCARET `s efforts for their reproduction and preservation. And this is just the beginning,. Later the visit goes on to the butterfly pavilion. Butterflies leave their cocoon everyday in front of our visitor ´s eyes. This is one of the few places in the world  where one can witness all the stages this insects have to go through in order to get their wings; from the tiny little eggs, to the hungry larvae, and the incredible cocoons arriving finally to the stage of the beautiful flying insect that can be seen inside one of the largest butterfly pavilions in the world.

            The Tour of the Aquarium and the Turtle farm takes the visitor on a voyage to the depths of the ocean. Here one can see the different kinds of  reef ecosystems to be found in the Mexican Caribbean: An experience once reserved only to a few expert divers becomes available to one and all. In this unique place one can find all sorts of corals, sponges, sea stars and another 3,000 species that live inside the ponds.

Some of the animals that live in the aquarium are fed as part of the tour. Every year, during the nesting season, XCARET protects around 250,000 baby turtles  and the visitors  can become part of this effort by feeding these little creatures that will soon go back to the sea.  

CULTURE

MUSEUM

The contemporary-style museum contrasts harmoniously with the multiple Maya  pieces in exhibition. The building also houses beautiful paintings by contemporary Mexican artists, a collection of 19 scale models of the most significant Maya archaeological sites, a replica of a typical Mexican town square, and quail chick incubators. The museum also has an information centre, one-hour photo service, changing rooms and lockers, a coffee shop, a retail store offering everything from a film to Mexican handicrafts, a lookout with a panoramic view of the park, and live music at dusk.

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHAPEL

Raised upon a promontory,  the Chapel of Saint Francis of Assisi has a commanding presence. It integrates Maya and Spanish architectural styles with nature (a living tree).  Here, as in the majority of the Park’s buildings, native materials have been used: the cross, carved with an effigy of Christ, is made from the chicozapote tree, the altar of limestone, and the benches from regional wood.

     This beautiful chapel overlooking the sea offers Sunday  services and has witnessed celebrity weddings, baptisms and thanksgiving celebrations.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

With more than a thousand years of history, Xcaret, which in ancient times was called Polé, was not only an important ceremonial centre,  but also a great maritime and trading port with a protective wall.   The city reached its height during the Late Post-Classic Period (A.D. 1400-1517). Strategically situated, it was a prominent point on the coastal trading route extending down the entire peninsular coast to Honduras.  Its ample inlet functioned as a port of haven for the great canoes with rowers which transported up to 40 passengers along with heavy cargo, and as an ideal loading and unloading point for merchandise: sumptuous feathers, golden adornments and jade, obsidian blades, honey, incense, furs, cotton blankets and large quantities of salt, among other things.  A significant historic date also sets Polé apart: it seems the first invading Itzae entered through here, later settling down in Chichen Itza in A.D. 918. The vestiges of 500 residential structures and 60 temples found scattered throughout the jungle and coast are stony testimonies to its ancient grandeur. Remnants of painted murals can still be observed in certain temples. The Mayas covered the facades of their buildings with brightly painted stucco and adorned them with reliefs, thus creating profusely decorated, polychromatic cities that contrasted sharply with the uniform greenery of the jungle.

MEXICAN CORNER

The stables are part of the Rincon Mexicano ( Mexican Corner), an authentic construction of a typical hacienda, or grand ranch. Its restaurant, La Cocina, serves traditional dishes from the national cuisine.  Beside it lies the riding ring where a horse show is performed in the afternoon showcasing the skills of charrería (rodeo), and where the Adelitas (women riders in typical garb) practice the choreographed exercise of the escaramuza only inches away from the audience.  It is a completely colorful folkloric celebration with historic roots, where the skills of the participants and the lineage of the Aztec horses can be fully admired. The Aztec breed, the first purely Mexican horse –valued for its beauty, disposition and perfect suitability for the alta escuela and charrería– is a highly refined cross of Spanish Andalusian mares and American quarter horse stallions.  Xcaret has produced various offspring. (The horse show takes place in the afternoon. We suggest checking the schedules.)

MAYA VILLAGE

The Maya Village offers a chance to travel back in time. It is a replica of a small Maya community  which was commonly found on the Yucatan Peninsula. The ancient cities were built with palaces and temples at their centre. Common people lived in the outskirts, in wooden houses with elliptical shape which would keep their interior fresh all year long. Since iron was unknown, they used thin ropes. Today, the roofs (palapas) are still hand-made with palm fronds which have to be cut on full moon nights, so the sap reaches the tip of the frond. This  makes the roof waterproof for 20 years at least. Just next to each house a small orchard can be found.  Mayas would plant vegetables and aromatic herbs there,  to prevent small herbivorous animals from eating their crops.

PAPANTLA FLYERS

Papantla Flyers are part of the pre-Hispanic traditions that still remain unadulterated.  They partake in a ceremony to the god of the sun  to ask for fertility and plentiful crops. This ritual is full of interesting symbols. For example, the four flyers represent the four natural elements: earth, air, fire, and water. When one of them loses balance, it provokes a natural disaster. Thus, if one of the flyers loses his balance, they all fall. The Papantla Flyers who perform in XCARET come from the State of Veracruz and have inherited this legendary tradition from their ancestors. For them, it is an honor to take part in this rite. After this event, they perform the Dance of the Huahuas.

XCARET SPECTACULAR NIGHT SHOW

Another one of our purposes in Xcaret is to spread the knowledge of the cultural wealth of the Mexican people and the Mayan culture. After the sun sets, the park undergoes a transformation. What in the light of day was jungle, adventure, and water  becomes mysticism, traditions, legends and history.

Our first meeting point is the MEXICAN FAIR. Wonderful old Mexico with its squares and kiosks comes back to delight us at our Mexican corner. The music in the background, the flavor of sugar candy, the scent of  candied nuts and the unmistakable shouts of the Mexican bingo games fill the atmosphere of  hubbub and color.  

The sound of the tunkules (wooden drums) can be heard in the foreground  inviting our visitors to begin their journey through the VALLEY OF SCENTS. The spectacular jungle brings the secrets of its flowers to our senses and suddenly the incense of copal prevails and takes us back to the mystical past of the Mayans.

The sound of a giant seashell is heard and the tunkul responds. Hidden  in the bushes, a dancer  dressed with an imposing headdress reminds us of the greatness  of those who inhabited this land for more than a thousand years. In the background the  GRAN TLACHCO (place where the ball game is played) is a silent witness waiting its turn with ancient patience. 

           Once inside the GRAN TLACHCO we hear the voice of  little LOL BE (path flower), an indigenous girl who with her beautiful voice tells us in Mayan language: Come, Listen and See what my people have to say to you. Thus she invites us to share her life and her dreams. Together with her we begin a journey through several passages of Mexican history.

           As a closing event in this welcome ceremony the Ball Players appear, they come bearing the necessary offering to begin the POK TA POK (pre-Hispanic ball game). The ball game was created more than 3,500 years ago as a political-religious activity wide spread in Middle America in which the noble captives and their vanquishers face each other.  In this ritual-game, considered a metaphor of the cosmos, the ball represented the journey of the  stars and the ball players those who decided their course in the skies. During the conquest, Spaniards prohibited the ball game and  practically eradicated it. However,  the game survived in some regions of Mexico under the name of Ulama and Pok ta Pok.   

          Right afterwards, we can witness the HUARUKUA ( the P´urhépecha fire ball game). This game takes place to honor CURICAVERI (symbol of wisdom, strength and intelligence) god of fire and the main authority of the P`urhépecha culture.

            Peaceful coexistence were interrupted by the clash of two cultures: The Spanish conquest  marks a  changing point in our history and the already teenage LOL BE  is unavoidably led to the world of  racial mixing in which two completely different worlds come together to create the very rich folklore  for which we are known throughout the world.

Lol Be guides us through a whirlwind of richly embroidered and colorful dresses, dances, rythms, music and songs that fill the air. The resounding foot tapping, the mischievousness of the courting scenes and love stories, the  high energy of the mariachis and the daring of the charros who perform all their rope tricks from the top of a horse, take us all in a journey through the different states of our country. Feelings fly from the nostalgia of ancient Mexico, to the euphoria of the carnival through sunrise and sunsets, dreams and realities. This wonderful journey through modern Mexico is a celebration of a people full of pride and traditions. THAT IS HOW YOU WEAR MEXICO ON YOUR SKIN!   

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

DOLPHINS

Xcaret’s dolphin areas have been created to offer visitors an educational and sensitizing experience through three programs –educational, interactive, delphi kids and the swim– all fostering interaction with these legendary creatures. These programs include a lecture given by trainers and biologists on the main characteristics of dolphins. Afterwards, participants may meet, pet and feed the cetaceans from a submerged platform or go for a swim with them. One of the programs includes a fun interaction: two dolphins rest their faces upon the participant’s feet, who, when pushed, shares in the dolphins’ awesome strength and speed.  The dive, arching over the group of participants, surprises observers and thrills those experiencing it. 

     The Park contains bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) which are reproducing successfully, given the excellent features of the dolphin facilities that hold them in semi-captivity.

            In 1992, Xuna became the first dolphin born in Mexico.  Mothers nurse newborns for one or two years in order to provide them with the necessary defenses. Like humans, the mother-child bond is the dolphin’s primary core relationship.  The growing interest in swimming with them is entirely understandable when nearing these intelligent, peaceful, friendly and wholly receptive animals (for example, they feel the same emotions we do).  It is an experience that is not only fun and relaxing, but ultimately moving.

HORSE BACK RIDING TOURS

A great way to appreciate the serene beauty of the ancient temples is on horseback. The guided tour leaves the stables four times a day, providing a relaxing experience that brings the rider as close to history as it does to nature. Horses enter the leafy tropical jungle shaded by tall trees covered in orchids, lianas and bindweed. They follow paths known only to them, wandering towards the coast until reaching the vestiges of  Maya temples and a 16th century Spanish chapel. Suddenly, an isolated beach emerges from behind a dune, shaded by palm trees with a solitary pre-Hispanic lighthouse overlooking the sea. An outline of Cozumel can be seen among the various bright blues of the sky and ocean.

We also have special pony rides for kids.

AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

Exploring the reefs is part of the Xcaret experience. The Aquatic Activities Center offers diving and snorkeling tours to the barrier reef –second largest in the world– extending only a few feet from shore.  The 90 minute-tour varies depending on experience and includes a class for those who are going under for the first time. Discover the numerous life forms that populate the niches, caves and tunnels of this great submarine city, formed by white, red and ochre-toned corals –havens for a remarkable conglomeration of organisms ranging from sponges, crustaceans, mollusks and anemones to multicolored fish, sharks and turtles.  Snuba is a new sport that combines diving technology with the freedom of snorkeling, at a depth of 20 feet.  And Seatrek is the ideal alternative for those who don’t know how to swim.  By simply walking along the ocean floor in a bathing suit and helmet, one can visit the closest reefs accompanied by yellow and silver-colored shoals of French grunt fish.  Our visitors can pet sea urchins during the tour.

GROUPS, CONVENTIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

RESTAURANTS  AND FACILITIES

Under wide thatched roof tops , four out of five restaurants are strategically located in these areas that bring our visitors  not only beautiful eye catching views but also the best service at  lunch time. All of them have excellent International or Mexican cuisine that can be enjoyed while listening to the sound of very lively folkloric groups. Choices include sea food bisque, shrimp with coconut or tamarind  sauce, fried fish, sea food tacos, shrimp fajitas and fish carpaccio among others. Due to its two treatment plants that allow for the secondary use of  water , the park makes sure that neither the sea nor the underground rivers become polluted with waste waters. As far as wastes are concerned, organic waste matter is used  to make natural fertilizers and plastics , paper and aluminum are recycled.       

FACILITIES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

La Laguna Restaurant - 300 people  - Lunch and Dinner

La Caleta Restaurant - 300  - Dinner

La Isla Restaurant and banquet hall - 650 for banquets

La Cocina Restaurant  - 100

Museum terrace- For cocktails up to 2500 people

Museum - Dinners of up to 800 people

OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES AND SHOWS

Amphitheater - 2000 people

Gran Tlachco- 6000 people

WEDDINGS

There is nothing that compares to a wedding in our Saint Francis of Assisi Chapel  with the Caribbean Sea as a witness, nevertheless, if we add the beauty of the jungle of XCARET and the mysticism of the Mayan People, the possibilities become endless and making dreams come true becomes part of our daily task.   

Uniting  the love of two beings is a magical event in itself, in XCARET, this unique event becomes an experience that is difficult to match.

As  the years pass, new  events fill our lives. In XCARET we are also present in receiving a new born  in a baptism, witness the thrill of a sweet sixteen or the renewing vows of love in a wedding anniversary.

UN-CONVENTIONAL CONVENTIONS

What better way of awarding the best employees or motivating them for better achievements than through a unique experience built on thousands of years of history?

After  spending days  upon days at exhausting meetings, listening to new ways of  going beyond the successes of the present year through changes in work patterns and after carrying out group forming activities, they should  be ready to have an unforgettable experience.   

What  some time ago was a centre for contemplation and a Mayan port  today has become one of the most important entertainment parks in Mexico, where, no matter what the size and the budget, the group programs are always fun, exciting and entertaining.

A simple visit will give participants the unique experience of swimming in millenary rivers, stroll through the paths mysterious Mayan priests walked through, watch millions of organisms in the reef aquarium and maybe participate in one of the interactive ecological tours, transplanting in-vitro orchids or cleaning up baby turtles.  Whatever you decide on,  you cannot go wrong in choosing Xcaret as an activity outside of your meeting head quarters 

And when the sun sets in Xcaret, it recovers its old time greatness and visitors will participate actively in a journey through history that will take you from the presentation of the almost  forgotten Mayan Ball game to the most sophisticated Mexican folkloric show.

The Xcaret Spectacular Night Show is an ingeniously conceived program that combines a group of 250 artists and musicians  in  authentic  stage with a capacity of  6000 spectators  which provides the spectator with an experience beyond  the imagination.   

The perfect combination for this show is a dinner in one of our extraordinary Restaurants.

In order to obtain information  about a program made-to-measure contact your favorite DMC or call us at 011 (52-9) 881 24 00 - fax 881 24 44 or e-mail <mailto: > Visit our web site: www.xcaretcancun.com

COMING ATTRACTIONS

INSECT MUSEUM

XCARET will open its doors to the wonderful world of insects. Here, you can take a close look at how bees make their honey; how a termite builds roads; and how an ant stores its food. We have prepared a very special museum that will give our visitors the opportunity of an up-close look of the insects` marvelous world.

This masterful museum stands above the Mayan River right next to the Butterfly Pavilion, allowing every curious visitor to watch first hand, that mysterious world filled with insects. Crowned with a superb 300-sq ft. glass ceiling covered with climbing plants, the museum holds exhibits explaining the development of various insect species.

As XCARET is a park for the CELEBRATION OF LIFE, and, being true to its principles and philosophy, it helps tourists approach a world that grows and reproduces before their very eyes. Life on the planet, as we know it today, could not be possible without insect life. The park contributes with Mother Nature paying tribute to these small living things, while teaching its visitors the role this creatures play in our planet, and how helpful they are. At the same time, our museum also honors another particular life factor on the planet: THE SUN. While the sunbeams filter through the glass ceiling, they divide into hundreds of multi-colorful rays. This never before seen spectacle will make our guests sigh in contemplation of the grandeur of everyday living which we seldom stop to appreciate.

JUNGLE TRAIL RIVER

It was specially designed for those who cannot swim for whatever the reason. This river runs through the botanical garden lending the visitor the unparalleled experience of

traveling through the Quintana Roo jungle. Canoes will be available for this journey.

FREE FLIGHT AVIARY

Soon, XCARET will open the free flight aviary. Set on a hollow behind the Chapel, it is the ideal setting for a honoring bird life. Among the thick jungle and crystal clear waterfalls, this 252,000-sq. ft. shall witness the flight of macaws, parrots, toucans and other local bird species.

Throughout time, XCARET has excelled in its endangered species reproduction and conservation programs. One of its most successful is the Birds Program. We have achieved goals such as the birth of royal toucans, aracari toucans, pajuiles, chachalacas, ocelated turkeys, different types of parrots, and a world record red macaw reproduction.

XCARET’s commitment with local birds has surpassed the park’s limits, supporting  with funds, equipment and personnel North America’s most important nesting zone for the Pink Flamingo, the El Cuyo Reserve. Just last year, 150 flamingo chicks were saved from a sure death when a jaguar attacked their nest.

Now, the park will take a new turn in its work with birds. Our visitors will be able to watch several species flying while displaying their splendor. This space, specially dedicated to them, is sure to become one the most visited attractions.

NEWS

PUERTA CANCUN – XCARET

A Clear Sample of Faith in the Future

               With an investment of 52 million dollars the first "Home Port" in the Mexican Republic “PUERTA CANCUN – XCARET”. By the year 2006 it is expected to generate direct and indirect income of approximately 629 million and 11,300 direct and indirect employment. The construction will begin on October 2002 to begin operations on December 2003. The building period will generate 1,300 employments and 12 million dollars in salaries.

               The "Port Terminal for Tourism Cruise Ships of Private Use “PUERTA CANCUN – XCARET” will be possible thanks to an Association Agreement to carry out this project between Carnival Corporation, represented by Mr. Micky Arrison and the partners of Xcaret Park, represented by Mr. Miguel Quintana Pali.

               The main characteristic of this port is that aside from receiving ships in ports of call, it will be the place where many ships that travel the Caribbean will begin and end their journeys and become a Home Port to many of the cruise ships from the various lines of the Carnival Corporation. As the third port of origin in the Caribbean, after Miami and Puerto Rico, passengers from all over the world will arrive here to embark and return to this destination

with the opportunity of visiting our state before or after their journey. The location of this third Caribbean Home Port is of vital strategic importance for all of the cruise lines, since for the first time in many years the possibility of creating new routes arises, such as the circuit through the Central American Caribbean to Panama.

               A Home Port, aside from receiving in-transit passengers is responsible for embarking and receiving the passengers who begin their journey in this

destination, of making programmed crew changes, as well as supplying cruise ships that originate their trips here with supplies, generating an important economic contribution in this area.

               “PUERTA CANCUN – XCARET” will be able to receive four large cruise ships at the same time, plus two support vessels. Its terminal building will be able to give simultaneous port, immigration and customs services to 10,000 passengers. It will also house all complementary services for passengers such as taxi and bus service, car rentals, travel and tour agencies, exchange house, mail, telecommunications services and stores.

               The authorization for this project is strongly based on all of the pertinent technical and scientific studies of environmental impact and is coherent with the current laws for the use of the land.

               We are extremely proud to be a part of this historic project creating the infrastructure for the development of a new tourism destination which will place our country on the map of the world's most important ports. With the latest in building techniques which are environmentally friendly, with the latest in port equipment, with the special preoccupation of caring for our environment and protecting the ecology in this area, we intend to have a happy ending to this project which will contribute to the development of our Mexico.

For more information contact:

Iliana Rodríguez, PR director

52 (98) 81-24-51 & 52 ; E-mail:  

SPECIES PROTECTION PROGRAMS

RED MACAWS

A stunningly beautiful bird, the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) was once found throughout Mexico. But today, due to its commercialization as a household pet and the destruction of its habitat, it is no longer found except occasionally in the state of Chiapas. It is considered in grave danger of extinction.
       With the aim of contributing to the preservation of this species, the Wild Bird Breeding Aviary in 1993 established a program for its reproduction in captivity, initiated with birds acquired through donations or exchanges with zoos and, step-by-step, has completed the complicated procedure.
       The adequate conditions needed for successful pairing must first be established. This means the birds must be sexed, in other words, their sex is defined through endoscopic surgery since males and females are physically identical; afterwards, they are placed together and closely observed while they choose a mate as it is common for two specimens of the same sex to pair off. After the male-female pair is formed, it is isolated in a place offering safety and intimacy and the appropriate nest is allocated. The adaptation and incubation times are monitored, checking the number of viable eggs and the temperature of the nest. Once the chick hatches, it is separated from its parents allowing the female to lay more eggs and is then fed a balanced diet manually through special syringes, every two hours at first; weighed daily for the first three months, etc. The work is arduous but the results are very gratifying: the year 2000 witnessed the birth of 42 organisms.
        This grand project, aside from facilitating the understanding of the reproductive biology and behavior of scarlet macaws, is aimed towards the design and implementation of a program for their reintroduction into their natural habitat, with the final goal of repopulating zones where these beautiful birds could once be admired.

FLAMINGOES

The pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) is found in the Caribbean, specifically in the Bahamas and Cuba, and in the Yucatan Peninsula.
      This millenary bird that was venerated by many ancient cultures, has been affected today by the destruction of its habitat, especially its nesting areas. Because of this, all five species of flamingoes find themselves in danger of extinction and protected by international agreements.
       Ria Lagartos (state of Yucatan) is the only reproductive flamingo colony found on the North America continent; a zone considered an official Wildlife Refuge for the past 20 years and designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1999. This year, Xcaret Park --that has been supporting the Refuge since 1996-- initiates, in accord with the Reserve and the approval of the National Institute of Ecology, an important Program for the Protection of the Pink Flamingo.
       Because flamingoes are very nervous birds that need a tranquil environment to nest, observation and control were the first steps taken in order to avoid, as much as possible, predators (jaguars and wild dogs), fires and small planes.
       The program undertakes the rescue of eggs displaced by floods, the tides or whatever other type of perturbation suffered. Last year, for example, a great number of nests were abandoned due to the presence of a jaguar. Nearly 600 eggs were collected and after determining which had live embryos, 220 were incubated in the Reserve’s incubator donated by Xcaret Park while 317 were transported to the Park where they were artificially incubated.  International institutions provided assistance once the chicks were born.

        The activities also included: monitoring the flock during nesting season; monitoring artificial incubation; manually feeding the chicks with a nutritious formula; measuring them daily; reintegrating the chicks into the wild and with some forming a reproductive flock in the Park; rescuing abandoned chicks and injured juveniles; studying the biology, behavior and habitat of the species that with 135 million years in existence is one of the oldest in the world.

SEA TURTLES

Mexico plays an important role in the survival of the marine turtle. Due to its geographic situation and the diversity of its coastal habitats, it is one of the first zones of the world in breeding, feeding, reproduction and development sites of chelonians, since seven of the eight existing species arrive and nest on its coasts. Moreover --and contrary to most of the countries-- it is directly involved in the protection of the marine turtle through a national program.

          Four species arrive to Quintana Roo: the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and sometimes the leatherback (Dermochelys coriaca). This is the reason why important projects have been developed to protect the nesting beaches. Since 1996, Xcaret Park --in coordination with the Mexican Secretary of the Environment, Natural Resources and Fishing (SEMARNAP), the National Institute of Ecology (INE), the National Fishing Institute (INP) and Ecosur-- have operated six turtle camps for the protection and investigation of green and loggerhead turtles, the two prevailing species in the region.

          Marine turtles spend most of their life in the sea, but in summer nights, the females return to shore to nest. The big amount of eggs they lay had allowed the turtles to resist their numerous natural predators. Nevertheless, in the last decades, the human activity has endangered these populations.

          In the turtle camps established in the main nesting beaches, the females are measured off and tagged with small steel patches, which allows scientists to know their biology and migratory habits. The eggs in each nest are counted as well and if needed, they are taken to a protected pen where they are set back under the sand. Besides, Xcaret looks over six beaches of smaller incidence to count the nests to determine what may kill the eggs (floods, contamination and depredation, for example) and patrols the coast to avoid poaching.

      When the eggs in the protected beaches hatch, the newborn turtles are released into the sea. Many are previously taken to Xcaret Park, where they are marked by means of a living tag process, that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the white ventral part and placing it on the dark shell. From 1990 to 2000, 41,575 green turtles and 54,324 loggerhead turtles were marked, and in the 2000 season, 308,915 little turtles were freed altogether. In the park two nests are kept each year. They represent 200 babies approximately that will be released when they are one year old, as the survival probability is greater.

      All the information generated in Xcaret is reported to the national authorities and is material for congresses. This significantly contributes to the scientific study and the conservation of this millenary species.

The Kemp’s Ridley turtle in Xcaret

The Kemp’s Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is endemic to the Gulf of Mexico. Due to the reduced size of its population and to its behavior, it is very vulnerable. To protect the species, a program between the INP and the turtle farm of Great Cayman was established, with the objective of reproducing a batch of them in captivity. Years later, after recovering the wild populations, they were sent back to Mexico. Thanks to its experience in the handling of turtles, Xcaret Park was chosen to receive the one hundred turtles and to continue the reproduction program.

BUTERFLIES

Xcaret’s Butterfly Pavilion project was born in 1994 with the identification of the many butterfly species native to the state of Quintana Roo, as well as their host plants and the nectar plants they feed on. Then, with the idea of keeping track of the raising of butterfly populations when reforesting an area with host and nectar plants, the cultivation of these plants was started. After four years, we succeeded in reforesting the park with the fabulous amount of 17,974 host plants and 26,000 nectar plants. This induced butterfly species such as Parides, Papilio thoas and Driadula --that no longer had been observed in the area-- to reappear, besides providing food to the migratory species.

Now, the Xcaret nursery propagates 3,000 plants a month and plans to increase this number even more in order to go on reforesting the park as well as the coastal dune strip in the north of the state that has suffered a strong environmental impact.

As a result of the jungle disruption, three butterfly species are in a delicate situation: the Hamadryas honorina, one of the seven species native to the Yucatan Peninsula; the Battus philenor corbis, whose habitat is restricted to beaches and dunes where its host plant Aristoloquia pentandra grows; and the Driadula phaetusa phaetusa which we know very little about. That is why its research is so important.

To save them from extinction, the Butterfly Pavilion plans to collect adult butterflies in the south of the state. The specimens will be transferred to the park's breeding area, where the natural conditions simulate their habitat. Then, the eggs will be collected in small crystal boxes, and once the larvae hatch, they will be taken to their host plants in the reforestation areas, where they will feed until they turn into pupae and butterflies.

          Moreover, Xcaret Butterfly Pavilion intensively reproduces 20 butterfly species (the average is of 400 specimens a month by species) and knows the biological cycles of 51 species. Its wish is to continue with these studies, because they bring valuable information on the re-introduction of threatened species or those which are in danger of extinction into their natural habitat.

ORCHIDS

            On one side, the Orchid Farm, with a laboratory and a green house, was inaugurated in 1997, in order to continue the in vitro cultivation program, carried out two years before in a laboratory in the State of Mexico. Out of the 35, 000  orchid species existing in the world, 21,000 are Mexican and 109 are found in the Yucatan Peninsula. Nevertheless, due to the great beauty and variety of their flowers and to the healing properties of some of them, they have been subject to unrestrained picking which, combined with deforestation, causes the extinction of many species.

            Xcaret’s Orchid Farm started its work with twelve native species. Today, it propagates 95 species and 12 hybrids, mainly for reforestation purposes but also for trading, so as to reduce indirectly indiscriminate ransacking. The plant reproduction follows three stages: manual pollination, in vitro cultivation, and after two years, the transfer outdoors, first to flowerpots and then to its natural habitat. The challenging in vitro process requires sophisticated technology, because germination is the most delicate stage in an orchid’s life; optimal conditions of asepsis are to be observed to prevent contamination, as well as a strict control of temperature, light, air and humidity. In the laboratory near 5, 000 bottles are kept, each one with 25 to 50 plantlets that will turn into 25, 000 beautiful orchids. Xcaret’ s orchid collection is increasing thanks to donations, exchanges and registered purchases.

REEFS

Coral reefs are one of nature’s most spectacular and majestic creations. Together with the tropical jungles, they constitute some of the most diverse ecosystems and, with nearly 500 million years in existence, they are the oldest natural communities on the planet. They are found only in the clear and shallow waters of the tropical seas; the Caribbean Sea covers 15% of the world’s coral reefs.

         Corals are formed by numerous small organisms called polyps that build the reef by producing and securing millions of tons of limestone rock together. Although their growth period is very slow (2.8 centimeters per year), some reefs reach monumental proportions. The largest barrier reefs are Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (1,500 miles long and 60 miles wide) and our Great Mesoamerican Coral Reef System that extends 600 miles.

 
        Together with sponges and algae, corals are home to more than 3,000 species, which have a very specific role in keeping the equilibrium of the reef.  Sadly, it may be very easily affected by pollution, the exploitation of its resources and misguided tourist activities. In order to protect the reef, the region is consolidating its opportunities in sustainable development not only in tourism but also in fishing, as well as research and education.
         Through the exhibition of typical ecosystems found on the Caribbean coast, from the deep reef to mangroves, Xcaret Park’s Coral Reef Aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to observe its fabulous biodiversity. Its environmental education programs and interactive activities teach visitors how to respect and take care of them.

        Due to their complexity and fragility, very few of the world’s aquariums have succeeded in displaying the reef ecosystems. Nevertheless, in Xcaret’s Coral Reef Aquarium they are shown in their entirety. With only live organisms, it recreates conditions similar to those in nature, thanks --in part-- to an open pumping
system that allows for the unfiltered flow of seawater. Plankton and many other organisms also flow in freely initiating a natural colonization process upon the artificial coral reef bases. Combining this process with the collection and transplantation of organisms, the Coral Reef Aquarium today has more than 5, 000 individuals, in this way providing a valuable representation of a Caribbean coral reef.
  The Coral Reef Aquarium also develops research programs to learn more about the ecosystem, contributing, through awareness, to the conservation of one of the world’s main  legacies.

TREE TRANSPLANTS

      Within the wild plant rescue program that takes place in the Tropical Forest Trail, or Xcaret’s botanical garden, transplantation is surely one of the most challenging operations that this area has faced.

     In a region where tourist spaces have grown extensively and where many of the ecosystem’s endemic or primordial plant species are threatened or in dangerof extinction, this activity has become an unquestionable ecological necessity.

    The process is not entirely easy, since the plants may be unable to Handle the stress that the operation inflicts, above all when dealing with centenary trees.  To ensure successful results, a team of capable gardeners is in charge of handling special cases.

      Firstly, it is determined which plants have an acceptable degree of resistance, varying according to the species and the specimens.  It is preferable to work with young, healthy and vigorous plants in order to determine a greater survival rate.

      Small plants are easy to transplant.  They recover quickly when they are extracted together with their soil.  Large plants and trees are much more delicate and the techniques applied involve more work, with an anticipated and elaborate process of preparation. First the roots should be unearthed and cleaned in order to leave them free of soil and in the open-air, sometimes up to two months.  Stress can be reduced by making incisions in the bark, applying a product to fight plagues and insects and sprinkling the foliage with fertilizer. 

Likewise, some branches are pruned to give the foliage the desired shape, according to its definitive use.

      Very large trees have strategically placed incisions and powdered hormones are applied to stimulate growth in new roots, facilitating their adaptation tothe new terrain.  Then, they are covered with enriched soil and are wrapped individually.  When the new roots emerge, the tree is ready to be extracted. This process can last two to three months.

     The plants are transported to a nursery to recover and are given intensive care treatment.  Even though the ground is sufficiently moist, the loss of water due to transpiration can have fatal consequences, since the roots are not functioning at their best.  For this reason, the plants are kept beneath a mesh that provides shade and allows natural ventilation.  Species that like direct sunlight remain only the necessary amount of time beneath this protective covering.  In addition, thanks to the application of hormones to the roots, fertilizer to the leaves and fungicide, the symptoms of stress disappear quickly, reinitiating growth: the plant can now be placed in its new place. Large trees are transported with the help of cranes directly to their new site where the soil has already been enriched with compost and fertilizers.

      Man’s activities can damage the natural world wherever there are urban or tourist developments.  But, before undertaking any project, Xcaret takes into account the existing vegetation or finds adequate places for the preservation and prolongation of the life of its plants and trees, some of which are immense and now look majestic in their new location.

WATER RECYCLING

In accordance with its philosophy of environmental protection, XCARET has built the country's three most modern plants of biological  treatment and reuse of residual water. Bio-filters are controlled canal systems where semi-aquatic plants are sown in a gravel and sand bed. Through these biofilters, the residual water, which is previously treated anaerobically and biologically, circulates at a controlled speed and volume. Bio-filters are used to purify the treated residual water, turning it into a very high quality liquid which can then be reused  safely in watering and washing processes, sanitary services, and many other applications.

Many microorganisms develop in the bio-filters' aquatic environment. They live among the roots, the gravel, and the sand, and they feed on the contaminating compounds that remain in the previously treated residual waters, which they "bio-digest"  afterwards. In a symbiotic relationship, the plants provide oxygen to the microorganisms through their roots, and then absorb, through the roots as well,  the  compounds digested by the microorganisms. Thus, while a part of the contaminants fertilizes the plants and turns into a vegetable biomass (leaves, stems, fruit...) the other part  reintegrates the atmosphere innocuously. The roots also play an other important part as they leave hollows between the gravel and the sand, where the water circulates.

SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS

      As a visionary park, Xcaret has always understood the need to manage its natural resources. With its educational programs, conservation enterprises and research projects, Xcaret has developed a successful approach to protecting the environment --yet remaining open to new conservations tools.

      Xcaret stands out as an example where recycling is a vital part of day-to-day operations. Moreover, every two months, all the employees take part in Coox mella , let’s work in Maya, a park clean-up organized by the technical area Fauna and Flora. All the areas—both in the corporate offices and within the park grounds-- gather and sort their garbage. While aluminum, glass and plastic products and some of the paper are sent off to a  recycling center, the gardening department takes care of all the vegetal waste produced when cleaning and landscaping the grounds. Clippings, leaves, branches and other organic material are added to other organic materials from the restaurants and farms in the compost bins.

            Newspapers, office stationery, computer printouts, and cardboard that have been shredded are kept for the state school children. Invited by Xcaret Environment Educational Program, they come daily to Xcaret to participate in a number of
environmental activities and one of the most popular is paper making. Then, they use their recycled, handmade paper in an art activity. It's a fun way to learn about the whole paper making process as well as the benefits of recycling.
              The vermin-composting program currently underway is an example of Xcaret’s willingness to experiment. An industry still in its trial phase, vermin-composting  is the raising of earthworms for the purposes of biodegradation of green waste. It involves using the unassuming red worm for composting organic wastes such as food scraps, animal manure and paper or cardboard pulp. The premise is simple: organic materials are added to a bin filled with red worms; the worms eat the bacteria (such as fungi and algae) that grow when organic wastes start to decompose. As the worms tunnel through the fermented waste, digesting the bacteria, they pass beneficial enzymes that eventually become bio-fertilizer. These humble creatures are actually doing double duty as they clean up garbage and enrich the soil. The science on Xcaret’s part comes with providing the correct conditions for the worms. Worm bins must be large with bedding material that is 65-75% moist. Soil temperatures must remain between 60-75°F (16-24°C), and since UV light kills worms, bins must be in a darkened location.  Xcaret’s worms are doing very well.
     Recycling makes sense since it reduces air and water pollution. Aluminum recycling uses about 5 % of the energy required for producing aluminum from ore while
recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television set for three hours. Making new paper from old uses only 10% of the water and 50 % of the energy needed to make paper from trees.
     Xcaret, through its recycling and vermicomposting projects is contributing each day to preserving the environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Today,  in a growing world with the daily rush and explosive technological developments, there is a place where nature welcomes you with a tender smile  and invites you to come near  and  get to know the small things that make every life and every being unique..

Xcaret has several attractions and the great majority  involve reproduction programs  for species in danger of  extinction and studies about the main ecosystems in the region. A team of specialists works endlessly in order to promote the  preservation of natural resources.

            There is no better way to become aware of  just how frail our world is than with interactive experiences within wild life. Here visitors have the opportunity to carry out activities that contribute to making a difference. Becoming involved in an ecological tour within the park is an invitation to participate with  veterinarians and biologists in their daily tasks.

           But XCARET creates not only  consciousness in our visitors. There is also  a very serious environmental education program designed specifically for the schools of the region. The logic is very simple: it is of no use to preserve natural resources in the present if future generations are not committed to carry on with this task. During the school year, around 100 children  visit the park´s facilities daily. The environmental education team welcomes them to the park and an unforgettable adventure begins for these little ones.

          The first stop is the workshop area. There they are given an explanation about the species  Xcaret has and their importance to the environment. The children participate, ask and play  thus acquiring knowledge about Mother Nature while having fun.  The second stop is a visit to the park ´s attractions. The children thus see, touch and feel what was explained to them before and in this way it will be hard to forget what they have learned during the day.  To finish with a flourish, games and workshops  are done where what has been learned is reinforced and  the XCARET team can evaluate their work. If the job has been well done, the children will be able to carry out the games and activities without any trouble.

            The  willingness to carry out this programs in the best way possible has led the members of the organization to develop very special teaching materials. Thanks to their efforts, in 1998  Xcaret won the first prize nationwide for teaching materials created by non-formal institutions. This material is a beautiful board game called turtle play tortugueando which explain the difficulties sea turtles face to grow and develop.

           These programs are at work in the park since 1994 and  an average of 22,000 children are welcomed at the park every school term.

          In addition, we have  programs for the support of higher education where we  motivate university students  to carry out their professional practices or thesis research in XCARET. These programs have allowed Mexican students to have direct contact  with research and programs that are already  in use or  pose new research possibilities that will improve on what already exists on the park 

            Finally, a new motivational system has been created for primary school teachers as far as environmental education is concerned. Since 1999 every year  there is a nationwide invitation to participate in a very special contest. The challenge  is to write an educational  children ´s story  with a subject specifically related to animals that live in Xcaret. The teachers send their stories from all over Mexico and a very careful  selection is made to find the best. The winners get and all expenses paid trip to Cancun. The transportation  is sponsored by AEROMEXICO and during their stay they visit XCARET, El Garrafón and Xel-Ha.

            The objective of  this contest is to motivate those who hold the future of Mexico in their hands, thus we come full circle between the education of the children and the motivation of  their teachers. 

           These activities bring us experiences to remember a life time. After mother nature  touches the heart of our visitors,  our children and teachers, nothing can be seen the same again.

COMMUNITY  SUPPORT

To improve the  standard of life of our community by creating sources of work for the population as well as opportunities for the growth.

      This is one of  the principles of our organization and to make sure this goal is reached a committee has been created called  PACPA  ( Plan for Community Support and Active Participation). Among the main projects of this committee are support with in kind donations  to local schools, plans to include elderly citizens in activities that make them feel productive and needed as well as establishing specific self employment  programs  in Quintana Roo communities.     

     We established a bee growing program in Solferino. This community is in the north of Quintana Roo  and they have been prepared to breed native butterflies. We also taught the Tabi community in the central part of the state to grow mushrooms which, besides being delicious,  are very nutritious as they  provide 13  amino-acids essential   to the daily diet.   

We also integrate elderly citizens into out crafts programs and our  night show , thus giving them a sense and pride of  belonging  and a wish to live and carry on.