Back view of woman in swimwear overlooking blue swimming lagoon with tropical vegetation

Xcaret at Night

By Jo Cooke

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Looking for things to do in Cancun? The sun-soaked Mexican paradise is awash with fun, cultural and adrenaline experiences and happily, in between relaxing on the beach. you can take your pick of them when you pick up a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7-day All-Inclusive Pass, the very best way to make great memories and savings too.

The natural wonderland of Xcaret Park is one of the highlights of the Riviera Maya - breathtaking by day and possibly even more magical by night. Here we guide you through the adventures on offer when you visit Xcaret Park at night including:
• Tropical jungle trails and wildlife
Underground river swimming
• Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show
• The Coral Reef Aquarium, Aviary and Butterfly Pavilion
Your pass also includes admission to the Cancun Scenic Tower

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What to do at Xcaret at night

Whatever the time of day, there’s always something new to discover in this tropical eco-archaeological park of over 50 attractions. Roam the jungle trails and come face to face with jaguar, deer, macaws, stingrays and manatees. Visit the Coral Reef Aquarium (until 6.30PM), the Butterfly Pavilion and the Aviary (until 6.30PM). As the evening golden hour falls, the lush grounds are even more magical, the pristine beaches less crowded, the river swims deliciously cooling and the Mexico Espectacular show not to be missed!
Evening tickets are valid from 4PM to 10.30PM.

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What to take to Xcaret at night

We’d suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes to explore the park.
Remember to pack or wear your swimwear and towel. You can put your belongings in a locker or drybag to pick up at the end of your river swim. Maybe take a waterproof camera, phone or phone cover to capture your adventures, though you can also buy images taken at automatic photo points. Snacks, drinks and alcohol are available to buy for the evening show.

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River swimming at Xcaret

Evening tickets are valid from 4PM with river swimming available until 5.30PM so you might want to head there first for this fun and refreshing experience. This part of Mexico is pitted with enticing xenotes (watering holes and underground rivers). Grab your mandatory buoyancy aid to float in the sparkling water, swim through caves, drift under canopies of tropical vegetation, waft through the mangroves and watch exotic birds (and even bats!)

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Children’s World at Xcaret

All ages will be entranced by the shows, wildlife and beautiful surroundings, but there’s still an area especially for those aged 6-12 years, open until 6PM. The Secret Adventure features tunnels, waterslides, hanging bridges, a wading pool, a jet fountain and a sandbox.

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Entertainment at Xcaret

Listen for the drum-beat and follow the aroma of copal (a resin traditionally burned by the Mayan people) to the Mayan village, where pre-Hispanic dances are performed at nightfall. Don’t miss the Horse Exhibition where charros and escaramuzas (Mexican horsemen and women) display their riding and roping skills on magnificent Aztec horses.

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Xcaret Flying men

Los Voladores de Papantlya (Flying Men) will leave you with your jaw on the floor as they fall headfirst from a tall pole and spin by their feet in a time-honoured ritual that is listed by Unesco as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ (!) Watch as five men climb to the top and one plays a traditional flute and drum in honour of the sun and the four elements. Then gasp as the dancers fall, their long ropes unwinding, spiralling closer and closer to the ground, like exotic birds. There are outdoor shows throughout the day, but in the evening you can watch them fly as part of the Mexico Espectacular show.

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Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show

Take your place in the enormous Gran Tlachco theater for the famous evening extravaganza, featuring over 300 artists re-enacting 500 years of history, folklore and traditions. Watch the arena flicker to life as you light a candle along with the other audience members. Follow the scenes of Mexico’s legendary birth, of encounters between Spaniards and Aztecs and soak up the spectacular costumes, sights, sounds, dancers, musicians, singers, sportsmen and horses from every part of the country.

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Cheer on the teams in the Mayan ballgame, one of the most famous ritual sports, as two teams try to score through a high-up hoop - traditionally with life or death consequences!
Thrill as a ball of fire speeds hazardlously between players’ feet as they thwack it toward the fire-pit goals of Mayan fire hockey.
It’s a long but endlessly engrossing show for all ages, as the performers celebrate Mexico past and present.

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Cancun Scenic Tower

Your Xcaret park wristband also gives you entry to this dizzying viewpoint, found in the Cancun Hotel Zone at El Embarcadero Isla Mujeres by Xcaret, Blvd Kuklucan Km4.

Climb aboard the elevator and be whisked 260ft up to a revolving platform for stunning views of the Caribbean sea. Cameras at the ready for those evening photo opps as the golden light falls across the waves and sparkling lights flicker around the tropical landscape.

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We’re sure you can't wait to ‘xperience the ‘xcitement of Xcaret! For huge savings on combined admission to this and a whole host of other attractions and experience in and around Cancun, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, remembering that Xcaret at night is only available on the All-Inclusive Pass.
Enjoy your adventures - with Go City.

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Cancun's hotel zone beaches in February
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Reasons to visit Cancun in February

February is a great month to visit Cancun. Slap bang in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula’s dry season, the wardrobes of many visitors don’t extend much beyond swimwear – though there are some excellent shopping opportunities should the need arise. Temperatures are warm but not too hot by both land and sea, whilst the clear blue skies of Cancun in February are sure to bring a smile to the face of anyone coming from cloud-covered nations further north and east. But there are plenty of other reasons to consider visiting Cancun in February, as you’ll discover below. Perfect conditions for a beach break A beach destination par excellence, February sees the sands of Cancun’s 20 kilometer coastline at their very best. Its almost endless ribbons of beautiful white sand receive an average of nine hours of sunshine per day, which sees average temperatures range between 24 – 29°C and daily lows still into the twenties. The cool temperatures of evening make the hours around sunset a good time for a stroll or bike ride along the coast, whilst the Caribbean Sea is warm enough for both swimming and snorkeling without having to resort to a wetsuit. There is a limited chance of seeing some rain when visiting Cancun in February, but totaling just 44 mm split between five non-consecutive days, showers are easy to avoid even if they do develop during your stay. Ideal for sea-based adventures Mexico’s Caribbean shores around Cancun have a commanding presence above and below the surface. And it’s not just their dramatic contrast against the white sands or the phenomenal temperatures of around 24°C that draws people into the water at this time of year. February is also known to be a month with fantastic underwater visibility. It’s not surprising then that snorkeling and scuba diving are so popular in Cancun in February. Although sea turtles don’t generally appear in large numbers for another few months, as part of the world’s second-largest reef system there’s still plenty of life to become absorbed by. Soft and hard corals provide habitats for around 2000 individual species, ranging from lobster and clown fish to shark and rays. The best snorkeling locations require a short trip out by boat, so look out for tours to El Meco, one of the best-preserved areas of reef. If you’re yet to earn your water wings, you can take in the beauty of Cancun’s underwater worlds without getting wet onboard the glass-bottomed boat which forms the centerpiece of the Paradise SubSee Excursion at Paraiso Nizuc instead. Unique sinkhole adventures Not very far from the coast lie other spectacular watery discoveries, Cancun’s cenotes. There are somewhere in the region of 30,000 of these entirely natural sinkholes, each one of which is unique and offers something different to those visiting. You can think of them as underground caves with the roof or a side wall peeled away, which is exactly what has happened to most of them after thousands of years of freshwater flowing through them weakened the limestone rock they’re made of. Between them, they contain dramatically-shaped formations, large fish and turtle-filled ponds, tiny pools hidden in the jungle and grand cenotes complete with cabanas, restaurants and changing facilities. With something for everyone, cenotes become the favorite part of a trip to Cancun in February for many. Cenote Azul is a great example, with two swimming areas and a cliff-edge platform used for jumping and diving. Slightly further away, Cenote Chichen Itza (also called Cenote Ik Kil) feels fully enveloped by the surrounding jungle. Cenote Tankah Ha is ideal for cooling off after climbing to the summit of the Mayan’s tallest pyramid – Coba. Celebrations galore Romance may not be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about a trip to Cancun, but with Valentine’s Day on February 14 there’s a good chance you’ll be in the region on what’s often hailed as the most romantic day of the year. Have no fear – Cancun’s got you covered! A luxurious catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres is sure to set the mood perfectly with its mix of snorkeling, feasting and island views. Alternatively, you might like to enjoy a two and a half hour dinner cruise with a multi-course meal set to sunset or moonlight. You’ll need your feet firmly on dry land to experience Carnaval. Marking the start of the Catholic fasting period of Lent, it echoes the celebrations that take place in Rio de Janeiro, with streets filled with colorful floats, richly-decorated performers shimmying along main avenues and the election of a carnival queen. Festivities can go on for a week, culminating on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras). If you’re in Cancun at the start of February, there’s also a chance to get involved with Candlemas celebrations (El Dia de Candelaria). Also known as Tamale Day, expect to see no shortage of these delicious menu items in restaurants and on the street food stalls, alongside the sight and sound of parties going on long into the night. Awaiting jungle adventures February is also a fantastic time of year to visit Cancun for anyone keen to explore the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. The limited rainfall ensures trails aren’t washed away, and lower humidity levels help to make jungle expeditions easier too. Although trekking on foot is an option, you might prefer to cut through the tree cover on the back of an ATV, something that’s easy to do at Extreme Adventure Park. Motor engines play an important role in yet another way of encountering the jungle just a short distance from Cancun’s hotel zone, with the chance to control a speedboat across the wildlife-rich Nichupté Lagoon. Getting the most out of your Cancun February vacation With so much to see and do in Cancun in February thoughts might invariably head to how to afford it all. Explore with Go City and you get the benefit of significant savings on admission to many of Cancun’s top attractions. Other advantages include the fact our pre-paid passes mean you don’t have to carry large amounts of cash on you. So don’t delay, buy one today!
Ian Packham
A couple on a white sand beach in Cancun
Blog

Cancun in January

If you’re planning a visit to Cancun in January you’ve hit the jackpot. Sure, Mexico’s top beach resort is probably at its most crowded, but with so much to see and do you’ll hardly even notice. Coming early on in the Yucatan region’s dry season, which starts in December, Cancun’s weather in January sees temperatures of 21 – 28°C matched by clear sunny skies. Warm evenings mean you can stay out in short sleeves long into the night, whilst sea temperatures aren’t all that different to what you can expect on the long ribbons of white sand. Humidity is also at its lowest levels of the year, especially towards the end of January. This makes the month an excellent time to explore the jungle, hit the waters of the Caribbean Sea in any number of ways or soak up the sun on beaches famed the world over. Is January a good time to visit Cancun? There’s no denying it is! Jungle adventures Take a snapshot of the Yucatan Peninsula from the vantage point of a quetzal bird or hornbill and you’ll soon realize just how much of it is thick subtropical jungle. So whilst it’s right to focus much of your attention on Cancun’s shoreline, be sure not to miss the delights of this other natural habitat within very easy reach. From Cancun’s hotel zone beaches the jungle is just one exhilarating speedboat tour across Nichupté Lagoon, whose opposite banks form an unbroken chain of trees providing important nesting spots for crocodiles as well as birds. Alternatively, you can experience the jungle by tearing through the canopy securely attached to a zip line at Jungle Maya Native Park before going on to take part in a traditional Mayan purification ceremony, abseil or snorkel. However, when it comes to zip-lining experiences, few can match that at Selvatica Park’s Extreme Canopy Tour. Here you’ll have the chance to tackle no fewer than ten zip-line circuits, a zip-line roller coaster and half-aquatic zip-line route. Prepare to get wet! Take to the waves If getting wet gets you smiling, your cheeks are going to get sore pretty quickly in Cancun in January. Water sports gear isn’t hard to find in the hotel zone, whether that’s a jet ski, stand-up paddleboard or banana boat. It’s even possible to hang above the turquoise waters by parasailing. Meanwhile, below the waves water visibility is excellent, making January an ideal month for scuba diving and snorkeling at one of the most important reef systems in the world – the Grand Mayan Reef. There’s an almost unlimited number of options when it comes to uncovering the underwater world, from Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park on Isla Mujeres to checking out the life that has adopted shipwrecks as their habitat of choice. But the unique diving and snorkeling opportunities don’t end there. Cancun’s warm waters are also home to one of the world’s few underwater museums. More correctly a gallery to display the specially-made sculptures of Mexican and international artists, MUSA consists of several galleries which have become home to around 500 different species of sea life. Beach life With over 20 kilometers of beachfront to choose from, Cancun is also a great destination for soaking up a little winter sun. Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) is Cancun’s largest stretch of public sand, and is perhaps also the most beautiful even if the eponymous wild dolphins don’t make an appearance. For somewhere a little quieter to wile away the day check out Playa Chacmool, which rubs shoulders with the livelier Playa Forum. Elsewhere, Playa Tortugas is primarily used as a hangout for locals, but this takes nothing away from its stunning sands. A short ferry or catamaran sailing away you’ll also find the beaches of Isla Mujeres. Playa Norte (North Beach) is its best-known, and from here it’s possible to rent a golf-style buggy to explore the island further, peruse the souvenir stalls or sit down to a sumptuous meal all within earshot of the waves. If you’re already missing the hotel zone’s epic night spots, swap the catamaran sailing for a trip to Isla Mujeres by dancer cruise. A double-story water slide, open domestic bar, onboard entertainment and steady supply of foods might even rival the seascapes! Don’t forget about the Maya Cancun is probably unique in beach resorts because of the presence of internationally-important historic sites as well as celebrated beaches. The Yucatan Peninsula is the location of many of the Mayan civilization’s most important sites. Absolutely not to be missed is Chichen Itza, whose well-preserved step pyramid is one of the most impressive landmarks in the entire region and definitely worth exploring even if it requires giving up on the beaches for a couple of hours. Although Coba may be harder to visualize as a functioning city, since it has been partially reabsorbed into the jungle, it boasts the Maya’s tallest ever construction – a pyramid which it is still possible to climb. Nor should Tulum be ignored. Made even more special by its coastal rather than jungle location, this Mayan city’s outer walls still stand. Within them visitors are able to explore everything from laborers' homes to those of the nobility. Avoid missing out on the festivities Cancun in January is relatively quiet when it comes to special events, however no one is able to miss the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Cancun on December 31. Not only do fireworks erupt over the hotel zone on the stroke of midnight and into the first minutes of January, but many of the strip’s bars and clubs host special events to mark the coming of the new year. Also at the beginning of January is King’s Day on the sixth of the month. The Mexican equivalent of Epiphany, this largely religious festival commemorates the Biblical story of the Wise Men. During the first week of January keep an eye out for rosca de reyes – a special type of sweet bread in the shape of a ring or wreath. Decorated with candied fruits, it contains a small figurine of a baby hidden somewhere inside. The person who finds the figure is expected to host a Candlemas party on February 2. Save when visiting Cancun in January Because it lies within the high season, January is one of the more expensive times of year to travel to Cancun. However, there are still ways to keep your budget in check, not least by traveling with Go City! We provide you with massive savings on entry to many of Cancun’s top attractions and activities so you can see and do what you want without worry. Vacations are about having fun rather than keeping an eye on the finances after all!
Ian Packham
A view across a Cancun beach in the hotel zone
Blog

Is Cancun safe to visit?

Cancun welcomes millions of visitors each year eager to relax on its white sand coastline, party night long in its clubs and explore the historic remains of the Riviera Maya. As one of North America’s top beach resorts, this family-friendly destination has something for everyone. The Caribbean Sea offers extraordinary snorkeling, sultry year-round temperatures ensure the beaches are alive with sunbathers and those in need of a little retail therapy won’t be disappointed either. So far, so incredible. But is Cancun safe for travelers? Here’s the truth behind the headlines. How safe is Cancun? The very thought of voluntarily traveling to Cancun scares some would-be visitors witless. However, millions take their vacations here each year, begging the question, how safe is Cancun? Taken as a whole, crime rates in Mexico are higher than other nations with similar economies. But burrow down into these figures and you’ll discover that the vast majority of these crimes take place far from the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula. Safer than US cities including Detroit and New Orleans, the Yucatan has some of the lowest crime rates in the country and a murder rate lower than that of another popular tourist destination with a very different reputation – Thailand. The Mexican government makes huge efforts to keep tourists safe. The tourist areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya more generally are well policed, with a dedicated tourist police service. This hasn’t stopped sporadic attacks taking place linked to the country’s drugs trade, but tourists are not directly targeted and rarely get caught up in them. Most crimes take place away from the tourist areas and hotel zone, in neighborhoods such as Lopez Portillo, far from anywhere of interest. If in doubt, make use of a local guide, who will know where is and isn’t safe for you to explore. How to stay safe in Cancun One thing to watch out for when looking for a trustworthy guide is people stopping you on the side of the street and offering their services. Unfortunately, they are almost always scammers. Instead, be sure to make use of guides you know to be trustworthy, such as those suggested by hotels and those used by Go City who lead tours to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. In general, you shouldn’t let the stunning beaches and nightlife put you into a false sense of security. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be the victim of a crime on vacation in Cancun, petty crime can take place anywhere. You should keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and not leave them unattended when you head to the bar if you’re traveling alone. You should also avoid wearing flashy items such as jewelry and watches, or carry expensive-looking electronics. They are always best left in a hotel safe. To sum up, you should follow the common sense precautions that you should be taking wherever you go in the world. Is Cancun safe at night? It is always wise to be extra cautious after sunset, which takes place between 6:30PM and 7:30PM throughout the year. Secluded areas of beach are best avoided, as are roads away from the main strip of the hotel zone. It’s considered safe to walk around this area of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, but if you’re intending to travel further afield, a taxi is recommended. If you are deemed to be drunk the police can arrest you. You will have to pay a fine for your release from the nearest cells. Likewise, you should stay clear of illegal drugs. There are now no legal penalties for carrying or consuming small amounts deemed to be for personal use (equating to 5g of marijuana), but harsh penalties exist for higher amounts and being a foreign national will not save you from prosecution or imprisonment. Cancun’s hotel zone is also a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a good number of gay bars welcoming locals and visitors alike. Are buses safe in Cancun? Buses are the main form of public transportation around Cancun and are generally considered safe, though you may want to avoid using them after dark. Routes R1 and R2 are of particular interest to travelers since they connect downtown Cancun with the lagoon-side hotel zone. The US State Department recommends pre-booking taxis – most hotels will have a function for this – rather than hailing them from the road side, since you’ll have more control over your security. You will however need to agree a price before setting off on any journey. Hotel receptions will be able to suggest the approximate amount you should be paying. Alternatively, it’s also possible for most foreign nationals to rent a car for the day, giving you the freedom of the road. Watch out for bus drivers, who tend to travel at speed and weave in and out of traffic without warning. Other than that, roads along the Riviera Maya are pretty quiet and relaxed affairs. Parking is often free at resorts (excluding any tips) and available at most major attractions too. Natural dangers in Cancun to be aware of Your biggest risk when heading to Cancun might actually be natural, depending on what time of year you choose to visit. If you head to the Yucatan during the budget-friendly wet season, heavy downpours can lead to localized flooding. June through the end of October is also hurricane season. The chance of Cancun being struck by a hurricane is so small it’s not seriously worth worrying about. Landfall is most likely to happen in either September or October. Also be aware – and pay attention – to signs at lagoon-side locations warning of crocodiles, and don’t swim nearby under any circumstances. Is the water safe to drink in Cancun? Locals drink the water straight from the faucet, but as a traveler you should avoid this to be on the safe side. Only drink bottled mineral water. For the same reason you might want to avoid ice in drinks or any foods that will have been washed in municipal water supplies, such as salads, however tasty they appear. You should stick to fruit you can peel yourself. Hotel buffet tables are often identified as the source of food poisoning – ensure all foods are piping hot and protected from flies. Enjoying your time in Cancun safely Speak to anyone who has traveled to Cancun personally and they are sure to tell you that Cancun is safe. Governments around the world broadly agree. With your safety in Cancun sorted, the only thing left is to enjoy your time in this jewel in the crown of Mexican destinations. Explore the range of beaches, historic sites and modern attractions with Go City and you’ll have access to reduced admission prices to some of Cancun’s top attractions without losing flexibility during your stay. Who can say no to that?
Ian Packham

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