On a recent trip to Mexico, I spent a day with my group of friends exploring Xcaret. Nestled along the Caribbean coast in the Riviera Maya, Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park spanning over 200 acres. It offers a blend of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and beauty of its natural landscapes.

Visitors can stroll along winding paths that lead through the tropical flora and fauna, which include exotic birds in the Aviary  and butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion. Don’t miss the ornate stained-glass ceiling in the Butterfly exhibit over a cenote — it took 5 years to create, and it’s spectacular!

We had hoped to get a glimpse of the two jaguars in the park’s wildlife sanctuary, but they eluded us that day. We did enjoy spending time watching manatees and dolphins.

One of the highlights of the park is the underground rivers that provide an opportunity for swimming and floating, all while surrounded by stunning natural rock formations. While most of my group set off to enjoy swimming the underground river,  I opted to wander with a friend on dry land, exploring the jungle trails and visiting the ancient Maya ruins and the sea turtles and sharks. Along the way, I inadvertently made a few furry friends … I saw a coati on the path, and when I grabbed my phone out of my tote bag to take his picture, he apparently thought I had some food for him, and he called his friends. I must say, one coati is cute, but when several surround you begging for food that you do not have, it’s a bit unnerving! Note to everyone: Listen to the park rules and do NOT feed the wildlife!

At one point we were ushered to clear the walking path by workers who were carefully corralling a flock of flamingoes in a flamingo parade. Curious, we followed the flock and got to hear a presentation educating guests about the magnificent pink birds.

Xcaret is not only about nature; it also offers cultural performances and educational exhibits. The park features ancient Maya ruins and a traditional Mexican cemetery.

At night we returned to see Xcaret México Espectacular, a vibrant and captivating performance that celebrates Mexico’s heritage. This show showcases traditional music, dance, and costumes from various regions of Mexico. It features a cast of talented performers who bring to life stories from Mexican history, indigenous traditions and folkloric legends through colorful choreography, live music and elaborate costumes. It provides an immersive and entertaining experience for visitors, offering a deep appreciation of Mexico’s diverse cultural tapestry. It was my favorite experience of the park’s entertainment offerings, and it alone was well worth the price of admission!

— Tracey Cullen, art director