Mérida, Yucatán — A new attraction has given residents a reason to return to the state fairgrounds, even now that the fair has ended.
Baxal Ja was meant to be a new attraction at the annual Xmatkuil fair, but construction setbacks meant disappointment for visitors who expected an elaborate water park and an eco-park with exotic birds and butterflies.
After a two-month delay, water slides and games, wave pool and lazy river are ready to carry visitors away, a particularly attractive option during Yucatán’s notorious hot and humid stretches.
An adjacent eco-park includes 300 birds representing 56 different species. Their natural habitat is replicated with plants and waterfalls inside a 3,000-square-meter aviary.
A 1,000-square-meter butterfly enclosure houses around 2,000 inhabitants representing about 19 native species.
At the official inauguration of the 80 million peso park, which comprises 30,000 square meter, Gov. Rolando Zapata declared that the site will “strengthen the social fabric” of the community. Funds from Grupo Modelo supplemented state financing.
The Xmatkuil fairgrounds, south of the airport, is used for the state fair in November-December, and Carnaval each February. This project will keep the site busy year-round, open every day except Mondays. Admission is 80 pesos per person.
The fairgrounds are several kilometers south of the Calle 50 exit off the Periferico.
Source: Press releases
