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?

Fly Over the Jungle

Zip-Bike in Xel-Há

Zip-bike is a unique journey through nature, surrounded by the most amazing flora and fauna of the region. It is a journey of 600 meters by bike, with a height of 7 meters, and is run by a cable that passes over the jungle, cenotes and mangroves.

Can you imagine being able to fly above the cenotes?

Thanks to the new activity you can enjoy the best view, through the jungle and the caves of Xel-Ha. The Zip-Bike is the best combination between a bicycle and a zip line.

The tour begins when staff aids you in adjusting the equipment and explain the security measures. It’s a smooth ride after that. All you have to do is pedal and enjoy the view.

Pedal at a height of seven meters during a 55-minute journey and discover the wonders of nature. The Zip-Bike is a different way to enjoy Xel-Ha, come to live this new experience and do not stop pedaling!

Ready to try?

Learn more about this activity here: Zip-Bike en Xel-Há

Traditions in Xel-Ha

The Melipona Bee and the Mayans

In Mayan cosmology, it was believed that Earth was held by four gods: it was the responsibility of the bacabes that the heavenly bodies remain in place forever. The bacab of the east was the honey keeper.

For the Maya, the stingless bee, or Melipona, was and still is considered sacred because its honey is medicinal and regenerative. In Maya, the species is called Xuna’an-Kab, Kolel’Kab o Po’ol-Kab.

The Melipona bee honey has healing properties for treating eye (pterygium, conjunctivitis, cataracts), otic (ear infection), respiratory tract (pharyngitis, laryngitis), intestinal (gastritis, typhoid) and skin (liver spots and solar, skin ulcers) problems.

The honey is also used in ritual drinks like the balché. During pre-Hispanic times, the wax and honey were also export items for their good quality and abundance.

Traditions and Melipona Bee

To protect the hives, the ancient Maya cut the logs that had hundreds of bee nests in tree hollows or jobones and placed them inside their huts.

Although the old method is still practiced today, the tradition and the beauty of the sacred Mayan ritual are disappearing. In an effort to keep these traditions alive, Xel-Ha celebrates the Mayan ritual and the harvest of honey twice a year.

Melipona Bee Ceremony

The Melipona bee ceremony at Xel-Ha is a ceremony to harvest honey. Accompanied by a Maya priest, it is redeemed and instructs the “man who keeps honey” or Xunaan Cab a A ha Muzen Cab, and the “man who guards the hive” Aj Tsiikil Hobon and the lords of the rain and the true God to care for the bees and have plenty of honey.

The Mayan sacred ritual involves cleaning the hives and collect honey during full moons of June and December. The ceremony is performed by a Mayan priest, accompanied by musicians, traditional altars, flowers, and a feast.

An Endangered Species

Melipona bee is endangered because of the destruction of their habitat and more frequent use of the African bee, which produces honey in larger quantities. Central America and Australia are the only regions in the world that houses the Meliponini.

Have you visited the Meliponary in Xel-Ha?

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?

Tortugatón Campaign Ends with $52.505 pesos

Xel-Ha’s Social Media Community Raises $25.378

After 2 months of your tweets, likes, pins, and check-ins, your social media activities together have totaled $25.378 pesos for the marine turtle conservation project with the Tortugatón campaign.

There was also a donation of sponsors, who gathered $27.127 pesos for the sea turtle program of Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico, the philanthropic arm of Experiencias Xcaret.

We appreciate the support of the following Sponsors:

• Playa Paradise, Dreams Tulum, Riviera del Sol Hotel, ILTM (International Luxury Travel Mkt) Américas

In total the Tortugatón campaign collected $52.505 pesos.
Thanks to everyone who made this miracle possible!

Where do the donations go?

“Adopt a turtle caregiver, and he will take care of the turtles.”

- Alejandro Arenas, Director of Sea Turtle Conservation

The total money raised from the campaign will go to scholarships for the volunteers at turtle camps; these caretakers make possible the miracle of survival. The volunteers will ensure that the process of nesting and hatching is as natural as possible while caring for turtles from predators-both natural and man. Their work is voluntary.

The conservation program cares for 13 beaches along the Yucatan Peninsula. The program is 30 years old and 10 years in charge of Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico.

Your actions make a difference

Meet and spread our projects with more people.
We tell you how: alianzas@florafaunaycultura.org
Participate as a volunteer in our programs.

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

Celebrate 2012 with “Rebirth” workshops in Xel-Ha

See, learn and Wrap yourself in Magic

As part of the events to celebrate the arrival of a new era this 2012, Xel-Ha has developed a series of workshops called “Rebirth” that aim to show aspects of Mayan culture.

The workshops are available every Tuesday at different times and you can view the schedule at the end of this post.

Be amazed!

Learn how the Mayan horoscope was created and the characteristics of each sign

See your sign in Maya. This is an interpretive workshop where you can learn the characteristics of individuals, according to their date of birth. The Maya related and compared these characteristics with animals of the geographical area. After your workshop, take a booklet home explaining all the signs.

This activity is carried out in the pergola of the nursery.
Hours: 1:00 to 1:45 pm (Spanish) 2:00 to 2:45 pm (English)

Learn!

The properties of the plants of the region and make your own album.

Herbal Maya – In this interactive workshop, with the help of our expert herbalist Paco Roses, you’ll discover the properties of the plants of the region. The workshop is a very interesting and attractive as you can create an album where you will paste samples of plant leaves, feel the texture and the smell of each. You can also draw and write all the data that we will provide. At the end of this activity, participants will receive a nice gift.

This activity is carried out in the pergola of the nursery.
Hours: 3:00 to 3:45 pm (Spanish) 4:00 to 4:45 pm (English)

Discover!

From now on, you will see the moon in a different light!

Legend “A Rabbit in the Moon” – A short but very interesting activity, Paco Rosas will reveal the Maya’s story and interpretation of the figure on the moon. Discovery why there’s a rabbit on the moon once a month.

This activity takes place on the esplanade in front of the restaurant Chula Vista

What better setting than Xel-Ha to place a touch of magic on this legend.
Hours: 5:00 to 5:15 pm (Spanish) 5:20 to 5:35 pm (English)

Ultimately, Xel-Ha’s interest is providing you with some knowledge about one of the most important civilizations of Mesoamerica and at the same time create a dynamic integration in a fun way always with a touch of magic that is a key characteristic of this beautiful place.

What would you like to learn about the Mayan culture?

Tortugatón 2012

The Miracle of the Sea Turtle

In a normal nesting season, a sea turtle deposits 50 to 200 eggs.
20% of the eggs do not hatch
Only 50% survive the journey to the sea
Of these, only 50% survive and reach maturity
Less than 10% of the 200 survive … at least those were the figures before human intervention.
Today, the survival rate of sea turtles is 1%

A turtle that survives is a long shot, the exception, the jackpot … a miracle.

It’s Time to Help

Xel-Ha Park has been committed to ensuring that the turtles that come to its beach are protected because of this commitment, in 1996, Xel-Há joined forces with the Sea Turtle Conservation Program organized by Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico, AC, the company’s social and environmental arm.

From 1996 to 2012, Xel-Ha has protected:

6295 loggerhead and white turtle nests in just 16 years

532.116 tortoises have been liberated from both species

This year, it’s your turn

The program is extending its efforts by reaching out to its social networks. The Tortugatón is a social media campaign to raise money for the conservation of the sea turtle.

Xel-Há will donate $1 peso MXN to sea turtle conservation.

Last year we reached $ 17.388 pesos.
This year’s goal is $ 50,000 pesos. As of October 3rd, we have received $49,324 pesos for sea turtle conservation.

We’re almost there!

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How can you help?

Each Tweet with HT #Tortugaton

Each new “Fan” on Facebook

Each new follower on Instagram

Each Check-In on Foursquare

=

$1 peso for the conservation of the sea turtle

Each of your actions brings us closer to the goal.

Mark the difference. Talk about the Tortugaton.

The Story of a Miracle | J3630 [Photo Essay]

Did you know that the survival rate of a sea turtle is 1%?

In 1991 a very special turtle came to leave her eggs at Xcacel

The turtle caregivers took her data and registered her information.

To ensure the survival of the tortoises, the eggs were transferred to special hatcheries.

After almost 2 months the tortoises were ready to leave the nest.

The tortoises were taken to Xcaret until they were ready to be released.

When the turtles turned one year old they were released.

One of this turtles was marked as J3630

On 2004, 14 years later, this turtle came back to the beach where she was born to leave her eggs.

Throughout her 20 years she has put 19 nests and given birth to 1.427 tortoises, which we hope return one day just like their mother.

You can help more turtles like J3630 return. The Sea Turtle Conservation program extends its efforts online through the Tortugatón and your participation in social networks.

Mark the Difference. Speak about Tortugatón.

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.