Xcaret Park Cancún
An eco-archaeological wonderland blending nature, culture, and adventure with stunning rivers and vibrant shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Xcaret Park Cancún
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An eco-archaeological wonderland blending nature, culture, and adventure with stunning rivers and vibrant shows.
"A breathtaking park that immerses you in Mexico's natural beauty and rich culture."
🎯 Download the Xcaret App
Navigate easily with maps, attraction info, and show schedules. Essential for planning!
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Comfortable for walking and water activities. Reef-safe sunscreen is also recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underground Rivers
Throughout the park
Float through stunning subterranean caves and natural waterways. Life jackets are available.
Xcaret México Espectacular Show
Main Theater
A dazzling evening performance showcasing Mexico's history and culture with music and dance.
Wildlife Encounters
Various aviaries and habitats
See jaguars, flamingos, monkeys, and more in naturalistic settings.
Mayan Village
Central area
Explore a replica Mayan village and learn about ancient traditions and architecture.
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Fewer Crowds
Book Tickets & Reservations Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download the Xcaret App
Navigate easily with maps, attraction info, and show schedules. Essential for planning! +1
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Comfortable for walking and water activities. Reef-safe sunscreen is also recommended.
💧 Bring a Waterproof Bag
Keep your phone and essentials dry during water adventures.
💰 Cash for Tips
While many things are included, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download the Xcaret App
Navigate easily with maps, attraction info, and show schedules. Essential for planning! +1
👟 Wear Water Shoes
Comfortable for walking and water activities. Reef-safe sunscreen is also recommended.
💧 Bring a Waterproof Bag
Keep your phone and essentials dry during water adventures.
💰 Cash for Tips
While many things are included, small tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
☀️ Pack Light
Focus on essentials. Lockers are available for larger items.
📸 GoPro Recommended
Cell phones may not be allowed on some extreme activities; a GoPro is ideal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Xcaret's stunning natural beauty, immersive cultural experiences, and the sheer variety of activities. The underground rivers and the spectacular evening show are consistently highlighted as must-dos. Some find the park can be overwhelming due to its size and the number of attractions, and note that certain activities or premium experiences come with additional costs.
"This park was truly one of the best amusement parks I have ever seen! It is expensive, but if you can buy the plus experience, I recommend it as it includes free lockers, snorkeling, a free meal, and transportation from a resort.
The underground river float was really cool, but a long swim for our young children who were freezing by the time we got to the beach. (Mayan river)
The restaurants were awesome! We stayed for two meals to experience the show at the end of the day, and paid for the second buffet at $45/per person. The food was excellent at both and they both offered a great selection.
The features were truly world class with the scuba area being my favorite. The beach was nice and well kept, just a little small. The animal experiences were cool as well and worth visiting.
The kids area was unlike anything I’ve ever seen - it was a jungle gym course with the water slides built in! It also had swimming areas and other small things for kids to do.
The shows and entertainment were world-class and some of the best I have ever seen!
We spent an entire day here and STILL did not do everything, I may look at staying at the resort next time as this gives you access to all the parks."
Brandon Wilson
"It’s a really neat place, but really expensive.
After you get the enter tickets, expect to pay for literally everything else inside too.
I paid to swim with dolphins, but they didn’t allow us to take photos. Instead we got photos from an extremely amateur photographer (they were all blurry, out of focus, and over exposed).
The food was great, and our tickets included one of the meals.
The best part of the park was the sea trekking. That was worth it to me. Everything else was not worth the price."
Hannah Young
"This park has so much to see and do.
If you can, I'd opt for the multi day ticket.
I was fortunate enough to be in a nearby hotel which meant I didn't need to use any of the onsite food options.
The park is very clean and the grounds are well maintained.
The snorkel area can get very busy so I'd advise to visit that area early on.I
The rope flyers (can't remember the exact name) were really interesting to watch and find out about."
Mark Robertson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Xcaret Park is located in the Riviera Maya, about an hour south of Cancun. Many visitors opt for pre-booked transportation, taxis, or public buses. If you're staying at an Xcaret hotel, complimentary hop-on-hop-off transportation to Xcaret Park and other Xcaret parks is available. +1
Standard Xcaret tickets typically do not include transportation from Cancun. However, if you stay at an Xcaret hotel, round-trip transportation to the airport and parks is usually included. +1
From Playa del Carmen, you can take a taxi or a local bus (colectivo) directly to Xcaret Park. The journey is relatively short, usually around 30-45 minutes.
Ride-sharing services like Uber may have restrictions in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area. It's often more reliable to use official taxis, pre-booked shuttles, or public transportation.
Xcaret Park is approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive from Cancun International Airport (CUN), depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Xcaret offers various ticket options, including Regular, Plus (which includes a buffet meal, locker, and snorkel rental), and Nocturne (for the evening show only). It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.
Many visitors find Xcaret Plus to be worthwhile for the included buffet meal, locker access, and snorkel gear, which can add up if purchased separately.
Yes, you can buy tickets at the park entrance, but it's generally more expensive and can involve longer queues. Booking online in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, Xcaret often offers special discounts for Mexican citizens, especially if you purchase tickets closer to your visit date. Check their official website for current promotions.
Xcaret Park typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes after the evening show, which usually ends around 9:30 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include floating down the underground rivers, exploring the wildlife areas, visiting the Mayan village, and watching the 'Xcaret México Espectacular' evening show.
Yes, Xcaret is very family-friendly, offering a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including gentle river floats, animal encounters, and cultural performances.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside Xcaret Park. However, if you purchase Xcaret Plus tickets, a buffet meal is included.
Comfortable, quick-drying clothing is recommended. Swimwear is essential for water activities. Water shoes and a rash guard are also highly advised.
Yes, lockers are available for rent, especially if you purchase Xcaret Plus tickets. They are useful for storing valuables and extra clothing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Xcaret offers a variety of dining experiences, from buffet restaurants to à la carte options and snack stands. If you have Xcaret Plus, a buffet meal is included.
General admission to Xcaret Park does not include food. You'll need to purchase meals separately or opt for the Xcaret Plus package.
For specific à la carte restaurants, reservations might be recommended, especially during peak season. If you're staying at an Xcaret hotel, you can make reservations in advance.
Xcaret's restaurants typically offer a range of options, including vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check with the restaurant staff upon arrival for specific dietary needs.
Dining experiences vary, with options like 'La Isla' for seafood and 'El Maguey' for traditional Mexican cuisine. The buffet at Xcaret Plus is a popular choice for variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you can take photos throughout most of Xcaret Park. However, for certain adventure activities like zip-lining or water sports, cell phone use might be restricted for safety.
Xcaret offers professional photo packages where photographers capture your moments throughout the park. You can purchase these at the end of your visit.
The show is quite dynamic. Consider a tripod if you have one for better stability in low light, or use a camera with good low-light performance.
Drones are generally not permitted within Xcaret Park for the safety and privacy of guests. Always check the park's official regulations before flying.
A waterproof camera or a GoPro is ideal for capturing water activities. For general park photography, a good smartphone or a mirrorless camera will suffice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Mayan village offers an educational and engaging cultural experience. Consider purchasing Xcaret Plus tickets for the convenience of a buffet meal and lockers. Arriving early can help manage energy levels and avoid the midday heat. The park also features various shows and cultural presentations that can captivate younger audiences.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for regular admission tickets and packing your own snacks (if allowed, check park policy) can save on food expenses. However, many find the Xcaret Plus buffet to be a good value for a full meal.
couples
For a more exclusive experience, consider staying at Xcaret Arte, an adults-only, art-themed luxury resort that offers a sophisticated ambiance and gourmet dining options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Xcaret Hotel Ecosystem
Guests at these hotels can enjoy amenities like complimentary thermoses, blankets, and even sweets to take home, enhancing the all-inclusive experience.
When booking, consider the different hotel themes and offerings. For instance, Xcaret Arte is an adults-only, art-themed resort, while Hotel Xcaret México caters to a broader audience. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the best fit for your vacation.
Maximizing Your Day at Xcaret Park
Consider purchasing Xcaret Plus tickets for added convenience, including a buffet meal, locker, and snorkel rental.
Remember to bring essentials like water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Adventure Beyond Xcaret Park: Xavage & Xplor
Xplor Park is another high-octane option, focusing on adventure activities such as zip-lining through the jungle, driving amphibious vehicles, and exploring underground rivers and caves.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit