A Complete Guide to Mexico’s Xcaret Adventure Park

What holiday destination combines a water park, theme park, archaeological park, cultural park, and eco-park into one sprawling complex of fun? That’s easy! It’s Xcaret Park in Mexico!

This park is a treasure trove of experiences suitable for all ages. You’ll find yourself winding through jungle trails one moment and clambering up a Mayan ruin the next before exploring underwater worlds or scampering through natural pools of water. 

The adventure never stops, so planning your itinerary ensures you spend more time having fun than getting lost. 

Getting excited to experience this magical place? Read on for our detailed Xcaret Park guide. 

What is Xcaret?

Grupo Xcaret is the parent company that owns this collection of parks across Mexico (more on the others below). The company has become the master of adventure and beach tourism, with eight adventure parks, four tour experiences, and three luxury hotels. 

We will focus on the most popular one: Xcaret Park, which opened in 1990 and is constantly expanding. 

It’s nestled among underground rivers, cenotes, and vast jungles that face the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. It’s a must-visit destination known for its history, wildlife, and culture. The site is an Eco-Theme Park that promotes sustainable tourism, highlighting the region’s eco-diversity and distinct cultural history. 

With more than 50 attractions spread over 200 acres (81 hectares) of land, you will find it impossible to get bored in this marvel of modern tourism. 

Regardless of what activities entice you, you’ll quickly realize that Xcaret Park reviews are excellent for a reason.

Where is Xcaret? 

The park is just south of Playa del Carmen, about an hour’s drive south of the Cancun Airport, or one hour from Tulum. 

What activities are there in Xcaret Park?

Water activities

It’s impossible to get bored in this wonderland of adventure because there is always an Xcaret experience waiting around the corner. 

One of the most popular options is its natural water park with underground rivers and pools. Marvel at the countless colorful tropical fish and turtles swimming through the seascape from every direction. The park also has artificial swimming pools and slides to enjoy. 

Book a snorkeling tour to explore the waters of the Riviera Maya or try “helmet diving,” where you can walk along the seabed with an old-school diving helmet.

If sinking beneath the waves scares you, stick to splashing in the shallows of the mesmerizing beaches, paddling in the natural pools, or tubing through underground rivers and lagoons. 

Land activities

Children and adults will love the Immersion Aviary, a sanctuary for scarlet and green macaws, toucans, and king vultures. Wander the open-air sanctuary, listening to the soothing songs of more than 1,500 species of birds. 

Next, visit the Butterfly Garden and the Natural Museum of Orchids and Bromeliads for a feast of vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas.

What else can I do in Xcaret Park?

Explore the Tropical Jungle Trail that winds around the park to spot jaguars, manatees, flamingos, spider monkeys, bats, deer, and tapirs. Bring a camera because you’ll want to remember every animal that crosses your path. 

For another dose of wildlife, visit the Coral Reef Aquarium to learn about the countless species living under the water in Mexico. Visit the aquarium before snorkeling to help identify the marine life coming to say hello.

Learn about the park’s conservation efforts at the Sea Turtle Conservation Program. You can also see turtles in other areas of the park. Small and medium-sized turtles live in a special turtle area. Larger ones live around the natural pools, and the biggest spend their days swimming in the lagoon. 

Arts and culture

Xcaret Park prides itself on teaching visitors about Mexico through experiences transporting them to another place and time. 

Walk back in time by visiting the pre-Hispanic ruins in Xcaret, Mexico. Located at the back of the cove along the Tropical Jungle Trail, the ancient site has more than a thousand years of history.

Soak up the rich culture with educational and entertaining shows, like the pre-Hispanic dances in the pre-Hispanic village. 

Watch horseback riding experts dazzle in the Equestrian Show or visit the Mexican Folk Art Museum to learn about the creativity of artisans and artists from all over the country.

The park loves spotlighting old traditions, like the Papantla Flyers ceremony. The ceremony involves five men scaling a towering pole and performing melodies at the top. Then, they descend headfirst while tethered by a rope around their ankles. It is a breathtaking sight.

Learn more about Mexico’s culture with a visit to the Bridge to Paradise Mexican ceremony. 

Another option is to visit the Hacienda Henequenera, a 19th-century Mexican mansion that showcases the golden age of haciendas in Yucatan. 

What to do at Xcaret Park at night?

The number one thing to do at night is to attend the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show. 

Involving more than 300 performers, the show takes its audience on a journey through the historical culture of Mexico from the pre-Columbian era to the modern day. The show is split into phases, with each performance spotlighting a different period.

Highlights include the Owl’s Dance, which depicts a life-and-death ritual, and the Ball of Fire Game, which literally lights up the evening. 

What to eat in Xcaret?

There are lots of delicious eateries to choose from, including a coffee shop, eight restaurants, and a wine-tasting cellar. You can also eat a seven-course dinner while watching the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show. 

For a sumptuous breakfast to energize you for the day, head to La Orquidea Coffee Shop. 

Sample some incredible seafood at El Manglar Restaurant or enjoy a hearty steak dinner while watching sea turtles in the cove at La Caleta Restaurant. 

Buffet lovers should head to Oaxaca Restaurant or La Cocina Restaurant. 

To enjoy authentic local cuisine, go to El Yucateco Restaurant, and for sushi, visit La Peninsula Restaurant. 

Dive beneath the surface of the Main Plaza, and you’ll discover one of the best wine cellars in Mexico: Vino de Mexico Xcaret. You can opt for a tour through its underground corridors or reserve a 5-course food and wine tasting experience.  

How do I navigate inside Xcaret Park?

Figuring out how to see everything is daunting, especially for people with limited time, but it’s possible. Especially if you plan ahead and figure out what you’d like to see. This guide will help.

Be prepared to walk around a lot. Bring plenty of water and a parasol if you struggle in intense heat. 

Xcaret Park makes life easier for its visitors with six color-coded routes spread like a cobweb throughout the park. For example, the Black Line, or Del Rio Route, is the first color you’ll see when arriving. All the other routes extend from this line. Always return to the black line if you get lost and need to reorient yourself. 

Other routes include the Blue Line, or Acuario Route, for marine life lovers, and the White Line, called the Pueblo Maya Route, which tours the park’s Mayan cultural treasures.

Where to stay near Xcaret Park

Picking an Xcaret hotel is only tricky because you will be spoiled for choice. While it’s easy to book a hotel nearby and travel into the park each day, the best option, if you aren’t on a budget, is to stay on-site at an Xcaret resort. 

Two hotels—Mexico and Arte—provide “All-Fun-Inclusive” access to the parks, translating to unlimited access and transport to all the parks. But there are three hotels to choose from:

• Hotel Xcaret Mexico is ideal for families and kids. 
• Hotel Xcaret Arte is an artsy-inspired, adults-only hotel known for its immersive atmosphere and a myriad of art exhibitions, workshops, and events. 
• La Case de le Playa is another adults-only option with a little extra luxury in the form of a 24-hour butler, exclusive experiences, and haute cuisine.  

How to book Xcaret tickets

To start your adventures, book tickets through the company’s website or via each park’s direct website.

You can buy one-off tickets that guarantee entry for an entire weekend, or there are money-saving options to buy tickets for multiple parks in one. While purchasing tickets on the day is possible, book in advance to save money.

Expanding the adventure to other parks

Xcaret Park is not the only option available. To expand your adventure, look no further than one of Xcaret’s other parks. 

Xel-Ha is a smaller site and has excellent value. It’s a natural water park known for incredible water activities, including water slides, snorkeling through coral reefs, high jump slides, and a zipline. 

Xplor is perfect for people who want adventure without triggering any major heart attacks. There are several ziplines, ATV adventures, natural gorges, and an underground expedition activity that takes you through subterranean trails. 

Xavage is famous for its extreme activities and is ideal for adult groups or couples. Some wild adventures include white-water rafting, monster trucks, kayaking, a jet boat ride, and ziplining.

Xplor Fuego is known for its fantastic nightlife. Spend the day ziplining or driving ATVs before enjoying a BBQ buffet by a bonfire, ziplining under the starry night sky, and exploring the caves by torchlight. 

Xenses is budget-friendly and plays with the senses through activities that challenge your perception of the world, starting with a waterjet supported bolder at the entrance to the park. A popular activity is the horizontal bird-flight zipline.

Xoximilco is made for party lovers with its Mexican floating fiesta, essentially a party boat on a cruise. Carnival games and live performances start the night with a bang, followed by a scenic cruise on smaller boats called trajineras with local music playing in the background. 

Xibalba Reserve is still under construction, but expect a unique experience that spotlights Mexico’s natural beauty with underground tours through deep cenotes and caves. 

Weather in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a year-round destination thanks to its near-constant sunshine, cool evenings and loads of things to do. 

The best time to visit is in the high season, between December and April, when temperatures are between 73.4°F (23°C) and 80.6°F (27°C) with very little rainfall.

Humidity and temperatures spike (up to 84.2°F/29°C) in the wet season between May and November. However, even the wet season is suitable for adventures because the showers clear quickly. 

Packing list essentials for Xcaret Park

While almost everything you need is on-site, don’t forget to bring these essentials, too:

• Biodegradable sunscreen. The parks are all in natural environments, beaches, and cenotes, so respect your surroundings. 
• GoPro or waterproof camera to capture all those precious memories. 
• Reliable shoes! Water shoes will protect your sensitive soles. Flip-flops or trainers are essential for exploring the park on foot. 
• A reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic usage. Just don’t drink any tap water. 
• A one-piece swimsuit and activewear. Bikinis aren’t going to endure the activities, so bring something sturdier for when you’re not on the beach. 
• A beach towel. Keep the hotel towels lovely and soft for showering, and bring a microfiber towel for beach days and water activities. 

Map of Xcaret and how to get there

Xcaret Park is just outside of Playa del Carmen, like Xplor and Xenses. Visitors staying in one of their properties can arrange a transfer directly.

Alternatively, it’s possible to organize a transfer from Cancun International Airport privately or to hire a taxi from Playa del Carmen. Other options include catching the shuttle bus or minivan and taking a local bus. 

Go to Xcaret Park prepared and love every second of it

A holiday without an itinerary is fun, but Xcaret Park is best enjoyed with a rough plan in place. 

Research all the gems this sprawling park offers and prioritize the most appealing ones. Although it’s technically possible to see everything in a day (if you’re without kids), it’s better to spread the adventures over a few days to avoid rushing and needing a vacation after your vacation!

FAQ