Xmas in Mexico - Day 4

All got ready by 7 a.m. and had quick breakfast of the bread and pizza. We were out looking for a taxi for Xcaret. We bargained one down to 350 Pesos.  We had to also get a taxi/van that could seat 5 people. There were plenty that could seat four passengers.  In any case, it took him about 20 minutes to get there. Just like Disney, it is kind of off road, one will have walk about 1 mile to get to the enterance of the park from the main highway. 

We exchanged our tickets for bracelets and then it was time to go in. We were right on time at 8:30 am. There are many paths marked on the map and in the park as well. It is very well made, all the location are marked on the map and in the park so there is no confusion. There are several spots where you can scan your bracelet and let the Xcaret park take a photo. You can buy all these photos at the end of the day.  Good money making scheme!

Viki was our guide and he took the white path to the aviary first. The park has an aviary, aquarium, butterfly garden, some aquatic wildlife, some animals, some ancient ruins, a cemetery, a church, a 10-minute boat ride, a one-mile underground and ground river for people to swim adult hour to see, a nice museum, many shows during the day, an orchid garden, a Beach area for activities, a few restaurants, and finally a grand show at night. The park was neat and clean, plenty of restrooms, plenty of water etc. The only thing I thought was amiss was affordable food. Simple nachos and cheese were $6. Lunch buffet was $35 per person. That’s just too much. But the places were full!!

We started at the aviary and made our way to the cemetery and to the butterfly garden and aquarium. There was a lot of walking involved and plenty to see on the way. We had brought our snacks so that worked out well. The tower ride was short and sweet and so was the boat ride. Everything had its own character and so I am glad we did not miss anything. The only thing was that walking everywhere was taking up too much time and of course one has to take a little break once in a while.

It was 5 pm before we realized we needed to swim the underground river or we will be late for the 7:30 pm night show which is not to be missed. We had been seeing the river and people swimming in it all day and it was not something we wanted to miss.  Four of us were ready for the swim except Bhabhi who would have to change into the swim suit when all of us were already wearing ours.  Oh well, she would have to miss this. We could not burden her with all our bags so were used their wonderful system where you take all the belongings, put them in a duffle bag, give you’re the key, scan your bracelet; and they give it to you at the end of the river. Very efficient and very secure.  Sarvesh and I came out at the next exit in the river.  It was a bit much for me since I am not a very good swimmer so I got tired; also there were no ropes to hold on to. The other thing that helps me is if I can keep my feet on the ground, but the river was about 6ft deep so that also was bothering me. Viki wanted to go all the way so Bhaiya decided to go with him.  Sarvesh and I walked to the next exit and waited but they did not come there. After a while we went to the end of the river and waited. They came swimming and happy! What an achievement for them floating and swimming for a mile on the river.

We got our bags and got changed.  Bhabhi was to meet at as number 35 for dinner but everything was closing at 5:30 and when we were there just 10 minutes before so we rushed there.  She managed to get us two sandwiches with fries.  We sat by the beach and ate.  

We walk back to see the spectacular show. It was on completely the other side of the park.  It was getting so crowded and we also got into the crowd. Ultimately we were standing in line for 40 minutes and eventually we realized we could have gotten a seat easily even if we had come at 7:15 for the 7:30 show because the theater was very large. The theater was open and huge with seating on all four sides. The bottom one third was for people also ordered dinner so had special seats. We were higher up and would have been even if we had come at 7:15pm.  I went to the restroom and then got me a couple Xcaret plastic drinking glasses as mementos.

The show was spectacular! All the dances, music, actions were amazing. They showed the old Mayan cultural ceremonies with the playing of the ball with the fireball with sticks (like hockey); and then the Spaniards came and ruined their culture and then make them all Christians; then there was a lot of slavery. There were a number of dances and displays from different parts of Mexico. All was just grand and colorful. We left about 10 minutes early to beat the crowd so we don’t have to fight for a taxi. It was 500 pesos to get back to hotel - standard price, no bargaining.

We walked over 11 miles today really tired. But still Viki and I went out to get pizza for dinner. Still great pizza.