A New Era for Cirque du Soleil in the Riviera Nayarit
Cirque du Soleil, renowned for its breathtaking performances that blend acrobatics, theater, and dazzling visuals, is set to make waves with the launch of a new venue in the picturesque Riviera Nayarit. In partnership with Grupo Vidanta, the resort operator is positioning VidantaWorld as a competitive global theme park that can hold its own against iconic destinations like Las Vegas and Orlando.
The Venue: VidantaWorld
Slated to open on December 12, LUDÕ will be Cirque du Soleil’s second permanent show in Latin America and marks its first aquatic creation since the acclaimed "O" in Las Vegas. The performance will take place in a custom-built water theater located in the BON (Beauty of Nature) theme park—a 150-acre luxury complex designed to offer an immersive entertainment experience.
The BON theme park is a part of the larger VidantaWorld resort in Nuevo Nayarit, emphasizing luxury and a curated visitor experience. This prominent site is about a 20-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, nestled along the Ameca River.
Spectacular Design and Architecture
The VidantaWorld Theater, conceptualized by architect Arturo Hernández, aims to be the architectural icon of the park. Drawing inspiration from notable structures like the Sphere in Las Vegas and Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Walt Disney World, the theater’s design mimics the elegance of a lotus flower. Constructed from approximately 3,500 tons of steel, its shell will illuminate with captivating projections after sunset.
Featuring a 696-seat capacity, this venue is equipped with a 360-degree aquatic stage, a wraparound “human aquarium,” and a submersible platform that can seamlessly transition from water to a dry stage in a matter of seconds. This innovative set-up promises to enhance the audience’s experience by allowing action to occur above, around, and even below them.
The LUDÕ Show: A Journey Through Water
LUDÕ centers on Ludovico, a theater director in search of creative inspiration, embarking on a global adventure that begins at a Mexican cenote, a natural water sinkhole. This 75-minute mega-show features a variety of stunning acts, including underwater performances and freediving, set within a fully immersive, 360-degree environment.
Cirque du Soleil’s latest offering is designed to engage all senses, creating a narrative that unfolds dynamically, captivating audiences throughout the entire performance.
An Unforgettable Experience
Just over a decade ago, Cirque du Soleil launched its show JOYÀ at the Vidanta Riviera Maya complex, which has since become the only resident presentation in Latin America to include a dinner. With LUDÕ, guests will have options like a three-course menu along with extensive experiences ranging from balcony-only seating to VIP dinner packages. Ticket prices will vary, with options starting at 2,350 pesos (approximately $128) for the show only, and escalating to 7,780 pesos (approximately $425) for an experience that includes dinner and unlimited champagne.
A Luxury Theme Park Experience
BON is part of the 1,011-hectare VidantaWorld complex, which is being crafted as a luxury destination that prioritizes limited capacity. This initiative aims to create a seamless visitor experience that eliminates long lines through controlled admissions and transportation systems. Future attractions planned for BON include Tecuani Beast, Latin America’s only double-launch roller coaster, and Vista Wheel, alongside various nightly entertainment shows.
The introduction of LUDÕ and the continuing development of VidantaWorld illustrates a significant commitment to elevating the region’s entertainment landscape, presenting high-end alternatives to traditional mega-parks.
With its captivating narrative, stunning aquatic performances, and immersive experiences, Cirque du Soleil’s LUDÕ is not just a show—it’s a journey that promises to redefine entertainment in the Riviera Nayarit and beyond.