This so-called 'sacred paradise' is in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Xcaret (pronounced eesh-carette) is one of the loveliest and most unusual venues in the area. It is said that this was the ancient port of Pole and that the Maya used to come here to bathe in its waters to purify their minds and bodies before sailing to the nearby island of Cozumel to worship the goddess of fertility, Ixchel.

Mans ingenuity combined with natures splendor has formed a very interesting park with a variety of attractions. The park has focused on the areas natural flora, fauna, and natural landscape and used these to create a mini-wonderland. Explore the botanical garden, aviary, aquarium, stables and butterfly farm. There is an exhibition with scale models of all the major archaeological sites of the Yucatan. There is also an inlet for snorkeling, a lagoon for swimming and a beach for relaxing either in the sun or in the shade of the palapas.

In the evenings Xcaret puts on its finery and shows you another aspect of Mexico in a spectacular evening show. It's a show like no other, commencing with a re-enactment of the ancient Maya ball game. Then you walk through torch-lit underground passageways evoking the atmosphere of ages past with candles and incense and ancient music. It seems there is something more spectacular around every corner! Followed is the grand finale, a 90-minute show in an outdoor theatre with dances and music from the different regions of the country! A truly memorable evening event.

The Buccaneer Queen, a legendary 96ft long, tall ship that has been used as a movie set and for TV commercials (one of the movies starred the beautiful actress Geena Davis). It is now sailing on the water around Cabo San Lucas.

Departing from Los Cabos, you will visit the famous Arch, 'El Arco' in Spanish, a breathtaking natural stone wonder that marks the end of the Baja California Peninsula.

Your snorkeling experience will be around Santa Maria Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with thousands of species of colorful fish and coral for your ideal Los Cabos snorkeling experience!

TULUM 'Walled City':
Mounted on the edge of a cliff, this abandoned city towers above the deep turquoise of the Caribbean and a beautiful white sandy beach. Although the site dates back to earlier times, Tulum reached its peak in the Post-classic period between 1,000 and 1,600 AD. Originally called Zama or City of the Dawn, the sun rises from the sea above the city walls and for the ancient Maya, who began her dance across the sky. The city within the walls was only inhabited by the nobles, high priests and esteemed citizens such as astronomers whereas the lower classes lived in simple wood and thatch huts beyond. The buildings in the city were originally covered with brilliant paintings and carvings - stark white, deep red or vibrant blue, but only faint remnants of these now remain.

Tulum is a 1hr 40-minute drive south from Cancun and a guided visit of the site takes about 45 minutes and then some time at leisure to take photos of the picturesque views. Then continue to:

XEL-HA (pronounced shell-ha):
A large area of protected inlets and lagoons, Xel-Ha is a beautiful natural aquarium, home to many varieties of colorful tropical fish. Here visitors can snorkel or simply sit in one of the beach chairs and soak up the sun! Xel-Ha is 15 minutes north of Tulum, ideally located to combine the day with a visit to the ruins. There are several restaurants in the park giving the option of arranging a group lunch in one of them or guests can be at leisure.