During a recent visit to Cancun, I was lucky enough to visit a charming tour of traditions and nature at Xcaret eco-archaeological Park. Known for its entertainment, exquisite food and pure joy that saturates the entire park, it’s no wonder considering that it lies within a country that welcomes you with open arms.
Located at the seashore, in the Riviera Maya and near Cancun,Xcaret has attractions for everyone, enjoy a traditional Fiesta Charra and the Mayan Ball Game, or if you are a nature lover visit the Jaguar Island and colorful Butterfly Pavillion. You can also enjoy the Caribbean Sea! Take a snorkeling tour, swim inunderground rivers and have fun with the Dolphin Swim. When night falls, you will be our guest of honor at the presentation “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, a celebration of light and color with 300 artists that will take you through the history of Mexico.
During my visit, I had a different history lesson that involved two of my favorite subjects fresh food and decadent chocolate! At Xcaret Park you’ll find that the gastronomic offer is based on foods and drinks that represent the tradition and flavors of Mexico; they incorporate high quality techniques and ingredients with an innovative vision of the renowned Mexican cuisine. From authentic drinks to a variety of native dishes that pleased the pallet, Xcaret encourages visitors to come hungry and leave happy! (LOL)
During an exclusive Chocolate experience at Xcaret Park, I was introduced to the history of chocolate and the Mayans.
The Mayans consumed chocolate by first harvesting the seeds — or beans — from cacao trees. They fermented and dried them, roasted them, removed their shells, and ground them into paste.
They often combined this paste with water, cornmeal, chili peppers, and other spices, then poured the spicy, bitter mixture back and forth between two containers to create a frothy drink. Although chocolate was clearly a favorite of Mayan royals and priests, commoners likely enjoyed the drink on at least some occasions, as well. Many ancient Mayan artifacts are decorated with paintings of the people gathering, preparing, or drinking cacao. It appears to have been a truly integral part of their religious and social lives.
The cacao bean and beverage were used in a variety of religious rituals honoring the Mayan gods — the liquid chocolate sometimes standing in for blood — and were considered “god food.” I took a shot of the cacao “god food” and it was so delicious that I had to come back twice.
Overall, it was an excellent learning experience for a lover of chocolate and inquisitive lover of history as well. In addition to enjoying the cacao created drinks, I was also able to snack on liquor infused cacao chocolate treats to complete the overall Xcarat chocolate experience.
If you love getting a historical treat during your travels, cultural heritage and love for the environment await you in the best family theme park; Xcaret Park. For more on Xcaret Park, connect with them online at Xcaret.com and on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.com.
