The Best of 2012 | Experiencias Xcaret

Top 10 Moments in Social Media

AMIPCI

The Mexican Association of Interent (AMIPCI) Recognizes the best in Internet in Mexico. AMIPCI held the tenth installment of AMIPCI Awards 2012, which recognized the Experiencias Xcaret Group as the best in social networking strategy. The AMIPCI received 220 applicants.

#TriatlonXelHa

Thanks to you, we were national trending topic with the hashtag #TriatlonXelHa. The TT are keywords that make up the top 10  topics appearing in the Twitter search and a hint of what is being talked about. The Triathlon Xel-Há took place on November 17 and 18th. The Triathlon forms part of the National Series.

CNN Expansión

The CNN Expansión Awards recognizes the best of e-Business in 11 categories. In its first edition, 140 projects were nominated. For two weeks, the jury chose the top 3 in each category. Experiencias Xcaret Group was one of the nominees in the category of Tourism as the Best e-Business. Thank you for the nomination.

#Tortugatón | The Tortugatón Ends with a Total of $52,505 pesos

Social Media Community in Xel-Ha Raises $ 25.378
After 2 months of your tweets, likes, pins, and check-ins, your social networking activities together totaled $ 25.378 pesos for the sea turtle conservation project with Tortugatón. The Tortugatón ended with a total of $ 52.505 pesos supported by sponsors of Flora, Fauna and Culture (Paradise Beach, Dreams Tulum, Riviera del Sol Hotel, ILTM (International Luxury Travel Mkt) Americas) and thanks to your hard work. We look forward to your support next year.

100,000 Likes on Facebook | Xcaret

With 12.351 publications, 206 albums, and 591 photos at 1 pm on July 6, the Xcaret Facebook business page reached its 100,000 likes, placing it as the number one in Quintana Roo. As a small token of appreciation, Xcaret shared a video from their staff: http://bit.ly/100kXcaret

#TravesiaSagrada | Trend Topic por 3 Días

The Twitter community joins in celebration and support for the 300 oarsmen who crossed the Caribbean Sea on the sixth edition of the Sacred Mayan Journey in Xcaret, an event that recreates one of the oldest traditions of the Maya, the journey made by rowing from the ancient Mayan port of Pole (now Xcaret) to Cuzamil (Cozumel today) to worship the goddess Ixchel. This 2012, the official hashtag # TravesiaSagrada remained trend topic in Benito Juarez for 3 consecutive days.

Festival of Life and Death, A Digital Event

The Festival of Life and Death Traditions is a celebration which aims to ensure the active participation of society, independent artists and artistic groups, integrating the rich cultural diversity and in celebration of the Day of the Dead. This year we managed to collect the highest number of photographs sent by users on channels like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. It was a pleasure to enjoy the 7th Festival of Life and Death Traditions through your eyes.

CocoBongo in Xplor: Where Adventure Meets the Party

The best of the Riviera Maya join forces for a summer party and following Xplor an unforgettable adventure in CocoBongo. Here, the adventure meets the party in a unique experience. The characters of the famous Show CocoBongo venture into the Xplor jungle for a summer adventure.

Premios Telehit | Highest Reach of Brand

Two worlds come together for a spectacular show where music merges with nature in the Telehit Awards. We appreciate your enthusiasm, participation and creativity during our contests to win tickets and during the event. In the history of our social networks, this event had the greatest reach and branding.

Community Begins Xichén Tours

This year we welcomed to our community Xichen Tours that offer excursions to the Mayan world with the quality and service of Experiencias Xcaret. We open our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to be at your service and to share with you this wonderful ancient world. We invite you to follow us.

What was your favorite part of Experiencias Xcaret 2012?

What would you like to see from us in 2013?

12-21-2012

Celebrating a New Era in Xcaret

According to Mayan history narrated in the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of Mayan writings, it was not until the third try that the Mayan gods created the men of corn. It is our responsibility to be a new class of men with a sense of renewal.

This new is you, it’s all of us. To commemorate this important date of the Mayan calendar, Xcaret Park celebrates the arrival of a new era.

Visitors leave their wishes for a new era on ribbons of hope. Happiness, love, peace and harmony are just a few of the messages left to a new cycle.

Visitors receive a new era with pure hearts after experiencing and witnessing a Mayan purification ceremony given by the Tihosuco community.

In silence, contemplating the natural beauty of their surroundings, visitors enjoyed a tour of Paradise River, inviting everyone aboard to resume their ties with nature.

Owl Dance. Owls are considered messengers of the lords of death, as recounted in the Popol Vuh, sacred book of the Mayan.

In the Mayan Village, we received a new era with a representation of the New Fire Dance.

Visitors travel to the past with presentations from passages from the Popol Vuh alluding to the creation of man according to the Maya.

Architect Miguel Quintana Pali present at the ceremony cancellation postmark alluding to the Sacred Mayan Journey.

A new era prepares to arrive as visitors are part of a cleansing ceremony by the people of Pole, led by Eduardo Colunga.

The lights illuminate the great ceiba the night of December 21st in the Restaurant La Isla while we received a new era.

The rythms and sounds of the Mayab evoke the gods, giving the new era a fare welcome.

Now we celebrate a new beginning and with it the opportunity to be a better version of ourselves.

How did you celebrate the beginning of a new era?

Flying Home

First Flock of Scarlet Macaw Reaches Palenque

A group of 27 of scarlet macaw (Ara macao) born in Xcaret form part of an ambitious release program in the Chiapas jungle, where this species is almost extinct.

Kin and Pixán

My faithful companion Pixán, our companions and I are adjusting to our new home.

Pixán and I are part of the 27 copies of scarlet macaws born in Xcaret that belong to an ambitious program of reintegration into our habitat in the jungle of Chiapas. This is the only place in Mexico where the scarlet macaw lives in its habitat.

Last Friday we made the road trip from Xcaret Park to our new home.

Flying Home

The return to the jungle of Chiapas marks the pinnacle of efforts of more than 18 years of reproduction and growth in order to contribute to the preservation of this species and reverse the deterioration of its population.

Since their arrival in Palenque, the 27 macaws have a process of adaptation to the environment and activities to recognize their food in the wild, identify their natural predators, discover shelter between trees, and finally learn to fly freely.

The scarlet macaws delivered to Palenque are 24 months old, healthy specimens born in the Xcaret breeding program. The delivery of the macaws was led by biologist Rodolfo Raigoza Figueras, Wildlife Manager at Xcaret Park and Gabriela Lara, Coordination of Terrestrial Wildlife at Xcaret.

The macaws were received in Palenque by Dr. Alejandro Estrada, researcher at the Institute of Biology at UNAM, and by the Release Program Coordinator in Chiapas María de Lourdes Silva García, General Director at Aluxes EcoPark. Juan Cornejo, Curatorial Science Fellow (Ornithology) at the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society, served as advisor to the project of the re-insertion of scarlet macaws in the jungle of Chiapas.

The first group precedes two more to arrive in Chiapas during 2013 to complete a group of 60 red macaws that will take as their habitat 50 hectares of park and almost 800 thousand hectares that comprise the National Park of Palenque, located 2 miles from the first.

The release program will be accompanied by an effort to raise awareness among the local population to ensure the viability and protection of these natural areas.

An Endangered Species

Currently, the scarlet macaw, or Ara macao cyanoptera is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 2007), and listed as Endangered Species in the Official Mexican Norm-059 (Official Journal of the Federation, 2010).

This bird is endangered in Mexico not only for the destruction of their habitat, but because of the illegal trade of the macaw. It is estimated that in the wild, its population is no more than 400 macaws. The scarlet macaw is also found in the rainforests of Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil and other nations. In Mexico, the largest number of scarlet macaws in the country is located in Xcaret Park.

The Guiness Record for Births

With about 1,000 copies, Xcaret is home to the densest population of macaws in Mexico: 100 couples of reproductive age.

In 2009, the reproduction program reached 113 births, of which 105 are still living. Due to these births, Xcaret was creditor to the Guinness World Record in 2011 for the highest number of macaws bred in one year.

This year, the program closed with 175 macaw births.

Have you visited the aviary in Xcaret?
Have your photo taken with the macaws?

Flying Home | The Journey of Kin and Pixan

Did you know that the red macaws has only one life partner?
When they choose their partner, they never part.

The cold of the morning when we left Xcaret Park, our home, accompanied us on this journey back to our habitat in Chiapas.

Pixan, my faithful companion, and I form part of the 27 red macaws born in Xcaret as part of a succesful reproduction program that will return to our natural habitat in the Chiapas jungle. My name is Kin, which means sun in Maya. Pixan means soul. We met at Xcaret Park. Our contact with the humans who have cared for us has been minimal so we will be able to return to our habitat and someday be able to survive without their help.

For the ancient Maya, the macaw was a solar bird, we represent the fire of the sun, we communicate the sacredness of the star, bringing its messages, receiving their offerings and announced its departure.

We left at 2 am towards the Eco Park Aluxes in Palenque accompanied by a group of 11 people who are taking care of our return home. I cannot convey the excitement and a little fear we feel about this big step-or flight-we are about to take.

Follow our journey from Twitter via @XcaretPark and the hashtag #FlyingHome

Will you accompany us on this voyage?

Recognizing Sustainable Tourism in the Riviera Maya

UNWTO Grants Experiencias Xcaret the Ulysses Award

for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism

In this edition of Ulysses Awards, the Mexican company Experiencias Xcaret was creditor to the award in the category of “Innovation for Business” in which companies from 24 countries participated.

Since 2003, the UNWTO Ulysses Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism recognizes tourism initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of tourism through knowledge generation and innovation, in line with the Code of Ethics for Tourism WTO and the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Experiencias Xcaret is the first 100% Mexican company to receive this international award.

Conserving Natural and Cultural Heritage of Mexico

The Experiencias Xcaret Group owns land throughout the Riviera Maya, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, all of which has been turned into eco-archaeological parks that benefit visitors, employees and local community. The longstanding commitment of the Group in sustainable tourism, recreation and social responsibility is often cited as a pioneering example of how tourism can protect the land.

This international success has sparked many positive comments in favor of the Mexican company.

The Executive Director for Competitiveness, External Relations and Partnerships OMT, Márcio Favilla Lucca de Paula, acknowledged the group’s hard work: “It is an example that inspires everyone.”

“The work in sustainable tourism as they do is important and a model for parks around the world” Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO.

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• Finalists: World Wine and Ecotourism Resorts and Spas, Loisium Hotel, Austria; Chanitata di Fiesta, University of Aruba, Aruba, and Calviá Beach Resorts, Meliá Hotels International, Spain.
• The 2012 Winners from Austria, Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico and Spain, received their awards at a ceremony held at UNWTO Istanbul (Turkey).

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Did You Know?

Experiencias Xcaret Group is the oldest member of Mexico in the World Tourism Organization. The group has worked hard year after year to be one of the largest companies worldwide, committed to the environment and providing an excellent environment for its employees and society in general.

For more information of the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism visit: http://know.unwto.org/en/content/unwto-awards-excellence-and-innovation-tourism

How do you support sustainable travel?

The Turtle Hospital in Xcaret

Did you know that there is a sea turtle hospital in the Riviera Maya?

Esperanza or Hope is the most spoiled sea turtle in the turtle hospital in Xcaret. She arrived in 2007 after being attacked by two dogs on the beach.

Although Hope was treated in time and with great care affection, her wounds suffered extensive damage which required amputation of both of her frontal fins. Hope is still recovering, but doing very well.

All turtles that come to the hospital are released after being treated, but Hope is a special case. Since she only has two stumps on the front, Hope can not be released into the ocean. She is the darling of the hospital, approaching her protectors to be stroked.

The Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

In 2010, Xcaret was authorized by the Wildlife Department to operate as Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for Sea Turtles. Here, Xcaret caters to all turtles that come to rehabilitate and release.

The team care-givers led by Ana Cecilia Negrete, Veterinarian, developed special techniques such as treating serious injuries through honey, which is a very effective natural antiseptic. The hospital has a specialized health care for turtles that over many years has given exemplary attention to problems of dehydration, injuries attacks by other animals or humans who practice poaching.

Just on October, 22 sea turtles were released into the sea. The hawksbill, loggerhead and White Sea turtle passed their critical stage in the hospital and met the necessary conditions to return to the sea.

Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico

The hospital’s efforts join the program for sea turtle conservation by Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico, the philanthropic arm of Experiencias Xcaret.

Part of the efforts to conserve the species has led to the development of a program that ensures that the sea turtle exceeds the critical stage of the 15 months. Of the nests that are protected every year, an average of 200 copies remains in Xcaret to be kept and fed until they are able to survive in the wild. Then they are released at sea where the chances of becoming adults are much higher.

The conservation program also is responsible for the care of 13 nesting beaches along the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Sea Turtles of Quintana Roo in Numbers

The results obtained so far reveal that efforts are generating good results

From 1996 to July 2012 have been protected:

• 3 leatherback nests
• 13 hawksbill nests
• 23,246 loggerhead nests
• 58,312 turtle nests
• In total, the program has successfully protected 81,574 sea turtle nests.

From 1996 to July 2012 have been released:

• 125 leatherback hatchlings
• 680 hawksbill hatchlings
• 1 million 624,864 loggerhead turtle hatchlings
• 3 million 940,795 turtle hatchlings
• In total, thanks to this program 5 million 566,464 sea turtle hatchlings have been released.

The sea turtle conservation program operates under the responsibility of Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico, Civil Association, philanthropic arm of Experiencias Xcaret which to fund relies on private donations and contributions from the general public, and as the facilities granted by the municipal, state and federal aid.

Xcaret, Painting Mexico in Colors

Xcaret Earns Recognition for Best Practices in Corporate Social Responsibility:

Macaw breeding program

Did you know that Xcaret has one of the most successful macaws breeding programs in Mexico and the world?

The scarlet macaw, a species considered endangered, is distributed in southern Mexico. Due to the destruction of its natural habitat and illegal trade, the bird is now only found in two well-preserved areas in the jungles of Chiapas and Oaxaca.

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The breeding program of the scarlet macaw in Xcaret has been recognized in the past. The park won a Guinness Record for the largest number of macaws’ births in the same installation. The program is also considered one of the last safe havens for macaws in the world.

Recognized as Socially Responsible

The macaws breeding program was filed to the CEMEFI (Mexican Center for Philanthropy) as best business practice in the environmental category. After several evaluations by specialists in the field, the breeding program was announced as the winner.

Companies from all sectors filed more than 200 practices around various topics that serve as examples of socially and environmentally responsible practices.

Did you know?
The “Solid Waste Management” in 2006 and “Festival of Life and Death Traditions” in 2008, have also won this recognition.

Xcaret and The Macaws

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With commitment, dedication and love, in 1993 Xcaret initiated a program of captive breeding of the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) and green macaw (Ara militaris).

In 2009, Xcaret won a Guinness Record for the largest number of macaws born in one place in one year.

The captive breeding program of the scarlet macaw in Xcaret has a central purpose, which is that these birds born in captivity can be reinstated to their environment and contribute to increased populations that currently exist in the wild.

Congratulations to Rodolfo Raigoza, the Wildlife team, Wendy Santaolaya Lopez and the CSR team.
Let’s keep working as we have done until now, with commitment, dedication and love.

Have you visited the aviary in Xcaret?
Have you had your photo taken with the macaws?

2012 in the Riviera Maya

Celebrating a new beginning of the Mayan World

“A new being was created by the gods, one better than the last, a man with the responsibility of maintaining the harmony of the universe.”

According to the ancient Maya, December 21, 2012 marks the beginning of a new era, where a consciousness being is reborn and renewed.

This new being is you, it is all of us.

Take this time with us as an opportunity to renew and grow in full harmony.

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Experiencias Xcaret through its eco-Parks Xcaret and Xel-Ha invite their visitors on a journey to the roots of the Mayan culture, showing the true meaning of a new beginning, a chance to reconnect with our spirit and renew the harmony with the world and with the beings around us.

With the 21st of December, 2012 fast approaching, Xcaret and Xel-Ha have prepared a series of special events to commemorate this important moment not to be missed.

2012 In Xcaret

Xcaret Mexico Espectacular
Our exciting presentation on stage presents a special issue commemorating the time of the Mayans. Every night from 1 to 21 December at the Grand Tlachco.

Flight of Dreams
Be part of this ceremony in the start of a new era, culminating in the flight of more than 100 majestic macaws that will fill the sky with color.

Journey to a new beginning
Mystical guided tours through the Paradise River and the Jungle Trails to ponder a new world in harmony with nature. From 1 to 22 December.

Pre-Hispanic Dances
Magnificent Mayan dances in the Ballgame court to live the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

Links to my world
Write a message of hope to the Mayan gods, in strips that hang from the Ceiba tree, sacred to the Mayans. From 1 to 22 December.

My Rebirth
We invite you to ceremonies of purification of body and soul where visitors will cool in the crystal waters of our underground rivers to receive the new era.

2012 in Xel-Ha

Moments of Meditation and Yoga
Become one with nature with meditation and yoga sessions on the beach, next to the sea. August 25, September 22, October 20, November 24 and from 17 to 22 December

Afternoon sea turtle release
Become conscious and be part of an event that symbolizes your commitment to the planet. Every Wednesday in September and October at 7:00 pm

Purification and Transformation of Your Being
Become reborn and purify yourself in the mystical place where the water is born and come in contact with nature. Starting in July.

Ceiba of Hope
Write messages of renewal and commitment to this new era in the leaves of Ceiba, the sacred tree of life for the ancient Maya. From 1 December 2012 to January 6, 2013

Spiritual Purification Ceremony
Before cooling off in the crystal clear waters, a shaman (Mayan priest) will purify your body and soul to feel the true rebirth.

Ceremony Thousand Floating Candles
Your thoughts and hopes will travel the world while floating down the water as thousands of candles illuminate the New Era. 20 and 22 December, at nightfall

Be part of these celebrations as tangible reminders that we are approaching a new era and we have the possibilities to start over.

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How will you celebrate a new beginning?

Start a rebirth here. More information on our website: Experiencias Xcaret 2012

Follow us:

Xcaret in Facebook
Xel-Ha in Facebook

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Xcaret in Twitter
Xel-Ha in Twitter

Celebrating Day of the Dead in Xcaret

Festival of Life and Death Focuses on 2012 Theme

A mosaic of colors, music and traditions will make up the 7th Annual Festival of Life and Death and Traditions in Xcaret. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy an extraordinary and varied program to celebrate the traditional Mexican celebration of Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos. This year’s main theme is 2012, a date that Mayans saw as an opportunity for reflection and renewal.

2012 in Life and Death

The festival was initiated to spread and preserve the cultural heritage of Mexico, becoming one of the most important event of its kind in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. This year, organizers expect an approximate 40,000 attendees from October 30th to November 2nd.

We want to return and look back at our ancestors to show something that the Mayans have always had in mind, Hanal Pixán means “soul” who gives life to the body. We will relive a millenary tradition with new eyes:

“We will see that, as you see, I was, as I see, I see!”

The Festival of Life and Death will present a great variety of theater performances, dance, music, food and exhibitions celebrating the Day of the Dead. Special performances include singer Lila Downs, the “Forests of Kings” Dzul Dance Company, as well as performances by singer Jaramar.

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For the first time, this year Day of the Dead celebrations will be extended to Playa del Carmen on the 3rd and 4th of November in Parque la Ceiba and the Centro Cultural Caracol Marino.

Follow the events and exclusive content on Facebook and Twitter with hasthtag #FestivalVidayMuerte .

We look forward to welcoming you. For more information, take a look at the official page:

http://www.festivaldevidaymuerte.com/7FVM_EN/

How to Make the Most out of the Summer | Top 10 Activities

The radio is playing those happy, summer songs that are sure to make you feel a little warmth at the pit of your stomach and fill your head with memories of sun, fun, and friends—summer is here.

Every summer has a story and this is not any different. With such an important date as 2012, these months of flip flops, beach, music, and friends must become the most important and exciting of any year.

If you’re planning a vacation to sunny Cancun and Riviera Maya, let us suggest the top 10 must-do activities for 2012 summer.

FLY.

Summer is freedom. And nothing represents freedom as flying. The Mexican Caribbean offers some of the most spectacular views to enjoy from atop the longest zipline in Latin America. Feel the adrenaline of a 30 km/hr zipline and land in a refreshing cenote in Xplor.

EXPLORE.

The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with history beginning with its very formation. Discover an ancient underground path and be dazzled by the beauty created by nature. You will live the intense emotion of uncovering the process behind these rock formations in Xplor that were shaped, drop by drop at the full sight of nature’s patient eye.

DISCOVER.

Living a unique adventure is a goal for any summer, not just this one. Imagine yourself immersed in underground rivers in Xcaret and exploring caves filled with water like a pro without previous training. Discover the underground scenery that lies beneath and be marveled by Earth’s wonders.

DIVE IN.

The Xel-Ha Park in the Riviera Maya is nature at its best. Known as the most beautiful natural aquarium in the world, the Park’s inlet is home to 14,258 organisms of different species. It is a unique setting where the mixture of fresh and salt water offers a space to see two eco-systems co-exist. Take your adventure to the next level with snuba: the perfect combination between snorkeling and scuba.

FEEL.

Paradise can be described as the place where nature is inspired to build the most amazing biodiversity. With love and care, both nature and men have built heaven on Earth. Xcaret is a sacred space for environmental conservation where dedication and human ingenious come together. Admire a great diversity of native species while aiding in the conservation of their eco-systems.

KISS.

Swimming with dolphins is a bucket list must this 2012. Xel-Ha invites you to swim in one of the best dolphin swim programs in the Riviera Maya. Nature is a priority, therefore, Xel-Ha takes special care not to disturb the natural environment of the dolphins and have the best treatment to ensure a friendly and respectful interaction between our visitors and dolphins.

TASTE.

Delight your senses with a delicious meal and the best and refreshing beverages. The world’s most beautiful natural aquarium not only offers the perfect setting to be awed, but also invites you into a worry-free haven where you can enjoy a limitless variation of food and drinks. When you arrive to Xel-Ha, we recommend you order our house drinks: Xel-Ha or Maravilla Natural, Xcaret, Xplor and Xichen. Cheers!

CHILL.

Relax! That’s what the summer is all about. Xcaret offers an enormous variation of activities for you to enjoy, but if it’s relaxation you’re looking for, the white-sand beach at Xcaret Eco Theme Park is your spot. Grab a hammock and enjoy the gorgeous light turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea, the soft sea breeze and the soothing sounds of the waves. Chill.

RELAX.

You’ve worked hard and it’s time to reward yourself. A holistic experience awaits you in Xel-Ha. The relaxing spa, Xpá, is the ideal location for those yearning purification, liberation, well-being, harmony and renewal. Enjoy the latest blend of aromatherapy and physiotherapy fusions with the ancient wisdom of the Mayans.

LIVE MEXICO.

Get wrapped up in the knowledge and culture of the Mayans this 2012, their year. Feel the drums of traditional dances and colors. Xcaret Eco Theme Park preserves the choreography and meaning of ancient Mayan traditions held by native people in pre-Hispanic times. In addition, Xcaret invites you enjoy a grand Mexican fiesta with its wide variety of live shows representing the country of Mexico. Visit Xcaret and get to know Mexico.

Enjoy this summer in Xcaret.