In 1984, architect Miguel Quintana Pali purchased 12 acres in the Mayan Riviera, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo where he was going to build his house. However, when he started to clean the land he discovered natural sinkholes known as cenotes and beautiful underground rivers. He then decided to create a park where everybody could access the natural wonders of the region. Along with Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse, Miguel Quintana Pali brought to life Xcaret Park.

Xcaret was opened in December 1990 as an eco-archeological park where visitors from all over the world can enjoy the splendor of Mexico’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Due to its great success the park has been preserved with an environmental management system. Today the use of sun tan lotions is controlled by offering visitors over 250 samples of eco-friendly sun block lotion every day. More than 108 gallons of water are daily reused for irrigation throughout the park and each month Xcaret produces 160 tons of compost which is used to fertilize green areas and the plant nursery.

Xcaret is also dedicated to promote marine turtle conservation of two species that arrives every year to Quintana Roo’s coastline to nest: loggerhead and green sea turtle. To know more about their migratory routes turtles travel through their life cycle, Xcaret uses an auto grafting technique in some hatchlings so they can be identified when they return to nest.

During the months of May and November Xcaret carries out two grand events to strengthen the cultural identity of Quintana Roo’s communities: The Sacred Mayan Journey and The Death and Life Traditions Festival. For consecutive years, Xcaret has been named a Socially Responsible Company by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy.

“Xcaret is a corner in Mexico that touches the soul of thousands of people. This inspires us to work day by day with passion, pride and responsibility. The strategic priorities of the park will continue to be based upon issues related to our country’s natural resources, people and culture. And it will go on this way.” Arq. Miguel Quintana Pali (Social, Cultural and Environmental Balance, 2008).