Xcaret, Mexico, USA
Airing Date: Nov 8th, 2004
Xcaret (pronounced Ish-ka-rett) is a theme park based around the three things the Yucatan is famous for - Mayan ruins, the spectacular environment and a lively culture.
Since opening its doors in 1991 many tourists have come to experience this unique attraction. The theme park is built around ancient ruins of the Maya Indians, people who lived there a thousand years ago. Even today a Mayan village is set up for tourists to enjoy.
The land was once sacred to the Mayans, and so was the network of river canals beneath the ground. Two of these rivers are opened for tourists to snorkel down, and there are plenty of fossils and corals to check out along the way.
If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous try Xcaret's popular Sea Trek. The trek - which is included in the entry price - offers the chance to surround yourself with fish at the bottom of the sea. You're equipped with an oxygen helmet and taken 12 metres below the surface to the home of colourful marine life.
Xcaret also offers dolphin lovers the opportunity to spend half an hour in a pool with these beautiful and gentle animals.
Marine animals aren't the only fauna living in the park. Rare jaguars and pumas, spider monkeys, porcupines and many other animals are also on display.
You're also spoilt for choice when it comes to food. There are five restaurants at Xcaret and many of the local dishes are on the menu, including a delicious cactus salad.
Xcaret doesn't close when the sun goes down - the fun continues into the night. You'll be taken on a mystical journey into the past through winding underground passages, the Mayan Village and to ancient candle-lit pyramids where a traditional ceremony is held to evoke gods of the past.
There's one final aspect of ancient Mayan culture not to be missed. This is a 2000-year-old game played in an open-air, hand-carved theatre with a ball made of 4 kilos of solid rubber.
The facts:
Air New Zealand and Air Mexicana will fly you to Cancun. Prices start from $3149 ex east coast and $4001 ex west coast. Includes taxes. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Air New Zealand
Tel: 13 24 76
Xcaret park entry costs from $67 for adults and $35 for children. A swim with the dolphins costs from $157 a person.
Xcaret
Tel: 0011 52 998 883 3142
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct at 08/11/04
