7-22-09 Cancun Day 3 from balcony
Friends:
Yet another day in paraiso! Today, we “x-plored” Xcaret (pronounced “sh-ca-RET” meaning “little inlet” in Maya), an eco park located approximately 1 hour south of Cancun. The park is huge and we didn’t get to navigate the entire park in one day (we didn’t see the bat caves). 
Upon entering the park, we were greeting by gorgeous macaws. They were just stunning.
7-22-09 Macaws @ Xcaret
Our day began in the Underground River.
7-22-09 Xcaret Underground River
We snorkeled our way through the winding river which took us into waterfalls, dark caverns, rocky tunnels and twisted tree enclaves.
7-22-09 The family in the Xcaret Underground River
It was a phenomenal experience!
7-22-09 The family in front of a Mayan warrior
After the underground river, we ate lunch at a seaside restaurant called The Peninsula. Our view was breathtaking!’
7-22-09 View from table at The Peninsula
After lunch, we decided to go snorkeling in a little snorkeling bay. We saw tons of pretty fish, all of which were photographed with the underwater camera.
7-23-09 A variety of fish
You can’t beat this breathtaking view!
7-22-09 Amazing View at Xcaret
Eliana loved the giant sea turtles!
7-22-09 Gigantic sea turtle
Then it was on to a trek through the jungle. Eliana led the way, navigating the flora and fauna like an expert explorer.
7-22-09 Eliana leads through the jungle
Iguanas are everywhere! Here’s an iguana for you, Kelly Milner Halls! I took lots of iguana pictures for you!
7-22-09 Iguanas are everywhere!
At the end of our trail, we came to Spider Monkey Island. The Spider Monkeys are like mischievous little children – you never know what to expect from them!
7-22-09 Spider Monkey runs
After trek through the mighty jungle, we visited the cemetery. I was truly moved by seeing these incredible ornate graves, made to fit each person’s unique personality. The Mexican people truly know how to celebrate a life – by honoring their deceased with elaborate tombs.
7-22-09 The Cemetery
We ended our day at the Espectacular show, a huge production in a 20,000 seat arena in the shape of a Mayan pyramid. Before the show, we got some great Kodak moments. Here is Eliana with Quetzalcoatl, the Mayan feathered serpent god.
The show honored Mexico from past to present – from the Mayans to the modern day folk dances. I especially loved the ribbon dance around a pole topped with a basket. Mexican culture is so beautiful! Ole!
7-22-09 Mexican folk dance w ribbons
It was a marvelous day in Mexico. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
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