Experiencias Xcaret President

Receives Important Tourism Award

Architect Miguel Quintana Pali, president of Experiencias Xcaret, received the 2012 Tourism Leadership Award given by the National Tourist Business Council (CNET), a distinction that recognizes his significant contribution to the tourism development in Mexico these last 20 years.

The award was presented by the Federal Government Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara Manzo, accompanied by the Chairman of CNET Pablo Azcarraga and Rodolfo López Negrete, the Deputy Director of theTourism Promotion Council of Mexico.

During the ceremony, Guevara referred to Quintana as “an entrepreneur with a social responsibility and a great love for his country. He will be remembered as a Mexican who left a great legacy in Mexico and a great example to follow. ”

In turn, Mr. Pablo Gonzalez Carbonell was asked to present Quintana’s work and took this time to showcase the Experiencias Xcaret Parks as an example of sustainability. Carbonell recognized the vision of rescuing natural resources, turning it into an international appeal and how it’s possible to innovate with a high level of environmental commitment.

During his speech, Architect Quintana marked his pride of being Mexican and sent a special message to entrepreneurs:

“I am convinced that there is no better time to be alive, no better place than our home: Mexico. We must seize the opportunities our country offers and heighten them in the tourism industry, as well as the business and social aspects with full respect for the environment.

As entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to our country, which needs us now more than ever. How should we respond? We must create jobs that move the economy. We must remember that is not the property that creates wealth but rather its rational and productive use.”

The Architect Quintana thanked the recognition and said: “this award motivates me to keep going on the road to share the treasures of our Mexico, to give our visitors more reasons to extend their stay and that as Mexicans, we become even more proud of our country.”

For the oarsmen:

“The first glimmers of a new day announce it is time to part. We are ready. “

With only 2 days away from Sacred Mayan Journey 2012, close to 300 oarsmen are preparing to row across the ocean from the ancient village of Ppolé (Xcaret) to Cuzamil (Cozumel). For months, these men and women have prepared physically and mentally for their journey that seeks to rescue and preserve the ancient Mayan traditions with effort and dedication.

“We are blessed. We have placed our offerings to the sea. “

The oarsmen will depart from Xcaret on May 18 at 6 am towards Cozumel after a blessing ceremony. The journey is long and weary, but full of determination, courage, and spirit.

On behalf of your community, we wish you unity, vitality, strength …

@ _LittleUnicorn: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is KANANTABA ‘EX (Take care).”
@ VioletaSolorzan: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is VITALITY.”

@ Orpancriss: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is UNION.”
@ Ladymysterio: I hope that the oarsmen enjoy the ride to the fullest and be filled with inner PEACE.”

@ IttsRoseGarden: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is HARMONY.”
@ _NasseCartel: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is STRENGTH.”

@ Yaaz84: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is AWARENESS.”
@ JIvanMR: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is HOPE.”

@ Pepemickey: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is MUUK ‘.”
@ Ingmoedano: “My wish for the oarsmen of the #MayanJourneyXcaret in a word is LOVE.”

Facebook:

Gabriela Laurii: ”Oarsmen with warrior spirit who give body and soul to achieve this goal and venerate the goddess mother of the Mayan culture, Ixchel. You are a symbol of what effort, commitment and teamwork means. I wish you well on your journey and hope that you can share your experiences with all of us to venture out and experience the magnificent sacred Mayan journey. See you soon!”

Ann Tenorioo: Xi`ic Utz (Maya language which translates as “have a good journey”)

Mike Garcia: Be one with the sea, for every row a wave will take you forward

On behalf of your fellow oarsmen, we thank you:

Dear fellow oarsmen
Sacred Mayan Journey 9 – Arianna Bañuelos.

This issue is dedicated to you. After a brief meditation, I’ve thought that there are few words that can describe that exact moment when our souls met. This journey in life is so short, that we soon find ourselves surprised to be at the finish line and perfect the fleeting looks that will be plastered in photo albums and stories that will live in our memories.

Before that happens and we have successfully completed our reason for fighting, I want to thank each of you the confidence to begin our journey; remind you that you have planted a seed, a badge that is written across your forehead and stitched in your heart.

Thank you because you also form part of my reason for fighting. I hope we can light up our hearts and row with the voice of the Earth and the Sea. I hope that we find in the sun, the reflection of the universe’s embrace for mankind; that our fears become opportunities for change. With each movement of the ocean, I hope that we can understand the duality of life, in constant action to reflect and grow. I hope that we find God, who has belonged to us since infancy and the elder that will fill us with wisdom. I wish that our souls will be together for the next hours to turn to the sky, the universe and love each other like brothers and sisters.

Thank you because no matter what happens, each of you will set your life as an example and will feel worthy of your spiritual gifts. Each of you has given something very valuable from the start. All together, we are one body. I wish you blessings and peace for the journey. We are ready… to leave once and for all for sea. We are water and to water we will return.

For more information on the Sacred Maya Journey, visit the official page.

What is your wish for our oarsmen?

The Moms of Nature

The month of May is special as we celebrate a special person that is always there for us, no matter what—our mom. Mother’s Day—celebrated in Mexico on May 10th—is a special time to thank everything mothers do for their offspring, including our moms in the animal kingdom.
In Xcaret, Xel-Ha and even Xplor, we have a special soft spot for our moms of nature.

XCARET

Xcaret Park helps reproduce more than 20 species and houses more than 44 types of tropical birds; in addition, we have crocodiles, bats, jaguars and pumas, deer, tapir, spider and howler monkeys, and the successful marine turtle preservation program. We also have dolphins and horses that have had successful breeding programs. There’s nothing more beautiful than a mother and offspring and we’re proud to be a part of this magic. The video below shows a foal, or baby horse, with its mother. The colt-foal was born on January 20th, 2012 and was named “Prince of the Water”, Yunuén in Maya.

XEL-HA

Xel-Ha is known as the world’s largest natural aquarium and among the species that call its crystal waters their home, the beautiful manatee has been a part of the family since 2008. The manatee is a mammal that lives in rivers, lagoons and mangrove. Almost 5 years ago, upon request from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, two manatees were rescued from a contaminated lagoon. The manatees—an endangered species—were living in poor conditions and without food readily available. Since their welcome to Xel-Ha, the couple was able to recuperate and reproduce successfully to form a beautiful manatee family.

XPLOR

As you get closer and closer to the center, you will hear it. The “thump-thump” beat of the heart at Xplor that connects everything to the center. All roads lead you to it and the giant, red, beating heart represents Mother Nature and our respect for Her. 65 million years ago, Xplor was already in the making. The combination of two processes—lower water levels and the infiltration of rain water—formed the stalagmites and stalactites inside the caves that now form the Park. Nature itself created the caves that now make our home, even before the first proof of human life. Because of this beauty, we work arduously to respect and admire Mother Nature every day.

What’s your favorite mom of nature?

Day of the Dead, The Most Ancient Mexican Tradition At Xcaret

Cempasuchil flowers, copal scent, candle lights and intense colors for celebrating the Death. So this is Mexico and the 6TH Festival Of Life & Death Traditions In Xcaret, at the Riviera Maya: we celebrate to those who had gone before us with a lively party that stays forever in our memory.

  This is Mexico‘s oldest tradition, dating back to Pre-Hispanic times, about three thousand years ago. There are records of rituals dedicated to the dead among the Aztecs, Mayans, Purepecha and Totonacas since that date. The meaning of death was the way to get into another world that had nothing to do with the catholic concepts of hell or heaven.

This world was known as Mictlan. Eduardo Merlo, a Mexican archaeologist describes it: “According to the belief of the ancient Mexican civilization, when a person dies, his spirit continues living in Mictlan, place of residence of souls who have left the earthly life. Benevolent gods created this idyllic site that is far from darkness and it is rather gloomy calm and pleasant, where souls rest peacefully until the day appointed by the custom, when they return to their former homes to visit their relatives. Although we cannot see them during this visit, we can feel their presence. 

 In the Riviera Maya world, the Day of the Dead tradition is known as Hanal Pixan, which means “food of the soul” and has a little bit more influence of the Catholic faith brought by the Spanish conquerors. 

In Xcaret, located at the Riviera Maya, we’re ready to celebrate the Day of the Dead at the 6TH Festival Of Life & Death Traditions with all its colors, scents and flavors, with the joyous music of Tabasco drummers and the delicious chocolate.

 How Do You Celebrate The Day of the Dead?

Chocolate, A Delightful Protagonist Of The 6th Festival of Life and Dead Traditions At Xcaret, Cancun- Riviera Maya!!

Delighting yourself with a delicious cup of real chocolate at the Riviera Maya is one of the most attractive reasons to attend to the 6th Festival of Life and Dead Traditions at Xcaret, as Tabasco, the land of cocoa, is the guest state to this great celebration of the Day of the Dead. 

 The ancient Mexicans knew the nutritional value of cocoa and held it in such high esteem that it was also used as currency. In fact, the tlatoani Moctezuma, the Mexican emperor, required part of their taxes in cocoa beans.

 In Mexico, the cocoa plant growth throughout the warm zone of the country, from Tabasco, to Michoacan, Colima, Chiapas and Campeche. In fact, the Olmec from Tabasco were the first to include cocoa as a sacred beverage in their rituals, three thousand of years ago!

  The way of make chocolate was inherited to the Maya and Aztecs, so when the Spaniards arrived, “xocolatl” was sophisticated drink, not just ceremonial, but exclusive of the aristocracy. It was prepared with water, wild honey and vanilla.

The chocolate available in stores has a low percentage of cocoa and a very high sugar and other ingredients. The Haciendas cacaoteras (cacao plantations) of Tabasco preserve the tradition of growing cacao and, in this ocassion, in the 6th Festival of Life and Dead Traditions at Xcaret, They allow us to enjoy the taste of chocolate as the ancient Mexican made it.

  Are you coming to the 6th Festival of  Life and Dead Traditions at Xcaret? Then you can not miss the opportunity to discover how to make a cup of traditional chocolate and share with our friends of Tabasco the delicious flavor of its cuisine and its lively music. Remembering our dead ones is a cause for celebration, an excuse to share, so we’ll be glad to see you in the Riviera Maya, on this next Day of the Dead at Xcaret.

Share This Post and Tell Us What Would You Like To See On Our 6th Festival Of Life And Dead Traditions At Xcaret!!

Cancun Mayan Tours: Wine and mole, matching flavors at the Xcaret Wine Cellar

We are at the Wine Cellar “Vino de Mexico” in Xcaret (Cancun Mayan Tours). As a good wine cellar, it is underground and so it has the perfect temperature to keep the wine. The space is so homely that sometimes we forget there are beautiful forest pathways and a lot of water activities outside…

Our guide is Carlos Miramontes, a young sommelier who talk us about the history of Mexican wine and how it is taking its place in the Mexican Cuisine. According to UNESCO -and millions of palates in the world- Mexican Cuisine is an Intangible World Heritage. One of the best Cancun Mayan Tours in Xcaret is to taste some Mexican flavors.

Carlos says that mole is a very special Mexican recipe. “The mole shows how diverse is the Mexican Cuisine. Many states from Mexico have their own version of mole: Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla… Mole is a mix of flavors; it has at least 20 ingredients: chocolate, tortilla, dried pumpkin seeds, spices… Pairing mole with wine has several opinions, but I think it’s necessary to match it with a strong, intense wine”.

Here in the Xcaret Wine Cellar you can taste a delicious recipe. Just imagine it: Duck Medallions in Mole Poblano sauce served with slices of fried plantain and cambray onion flakes. We match it with a Nebbiolo Reserva Privada 2005. “This dish was designed to combine the strong flavors of the duck the lean and bold flavor of the magret meat with black mole, which is made of multiple ingredients and contrasting flavors”.

“The mole in itself is a complete dish, however, and being served alongside with this wine, highlights the many, many flavors they offer. Your taste buds move naturally from the sweet to the spicy, from the smoke to the flavor of chocolate”.

If you want to match mole with wine, the sommelier of Xcaret recommends Casa Grande Gran Reserva Cabernet – Shiraz, Casa Madero; Xaloc Tempranillo, Santo Tomás; Del Viko, Vinícola Torres Alegre y Familia, o el Icaro 2008, Sinergi VT. All of these Mexican wines are available at the Xcaret Wine Cellar “Vino de México”, which is called also the Mexican Wine Embassy. You can find here an exquisite collection of the finest Mexican wines, brought to you from more than 57 different wineries.

Did you find a wine to match with your favorite Mexican cuisine recipe? Which Mexican food & wine pairing should you propose to the sommelier within the Cancun Mayan tours at Xcaret Wine Cellar?

Choosing a name for your child is such an adventure. It is a very difficult decision that takes a lot of months searching in books, web pages, suggestions from family, friends, and even strangers. It’s because the name will stick with them for life and the pressure is on! That’s why when we find someone whose name is Xcaret, we think there must be something very special at this eco park close to Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

Why Xcaret could be a baby’s name? Xcaret means “little inlet” and it refers to the beautiful beach where a long time ago, the Mayan used to arrive on their canoes after a sea journey, and today it’s the place where visitors from many countries have a lot of fun beneath the Caribbean sun.

Xcaret has, however, many others connotations. Xcaret can be that colorful kaleidoscope -blue, green, yellow, red. It can be also the sun caress or the water and the breeze on the skin. Xcaret is maybe that blend of emotions after enjoying the night show “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”. Perhaps it’s a special root, like the natural pools in front of the Caribbean Sea, or a jungle pathway… an unforgettable moment as strong as the experience of being parents.

Javier, from Guadalajara, visited Xcaret for the first time 15 years ago and he was extremely pleased with the landscapes and the Mexican legacy that can be enjoyed in this eco park. So when he had a daughter, he decided to call her Valeria Xcaret. Now, this girl is 11, and his father brought her to Cancún and the Riviera Maya. He wanted her to meet Xcaret. He promised it to her a year ago and finally, they’re here on vacation.

May this visit help Valeria to understand why her father called her Xcaret. It’s probably Valeria is not the only one girl with this beautiful name. Do you know someone whose name is Xcaret? Do you like this name? Tell us!

Ah, the wine, one of the most delicious liquids of the world! It is also one of the oldest and healthiest if you drink it moderately, of course. Maybe tequila and beer are known as the “traditional” Mexican beverages, but wine made in México has been rising in both quantity and quality since the 1980s. Interest in Mexican wine is also growing and several companies have received numerous awards in the recent years. Did you know there’s a wine cellar at Xcaret?

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When you see this pic, you cannot imagine how this beautiful and innoxious kitty can become in a huge, imposing cougar. It’s so cute, and it doesn’t even meows yet! This cougar cub has born at Xcaret, the awsome eco park close to Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

This cute cougar cube has only three months and it’s the first cougar born at Xcaret! Do you want to know what her name is? Soon you will know it if you follow us!

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Meet the social media team for Xcaret, Xel-Há & Xplor!

Hi! We’ve been talking to you for a long time, but we haven’t introduced ourselves. We’re the Social Media team that writes for you on this blog, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and You Tube. We’re four guys who like communication, marketing, technology and we love to show what you can enjoy at Xcaret, Xel-Há and Xplor when you’re on vacation in Cancún and the Mayan Riviera. Would you like to meet us?

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