Xcaret Travel Guide: Nature, Culture & Adventure in One Magical Park

Discover Xcaret: What Makes It So Special

Tucked along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Xcaret Park is far more than a theme park — it’s a sensory journey through ancient ruins, jungle rivers, and vibrant Mexican traditions. Every turn introduces you to a new spectacle: snorkeling in turquoise inlets, exploring underground rivers, witnessing Mayan rituals, or watching parrots swoop through the treetops.

Xcarets Tours (pronounced ish-kah-ret) blends eco-tourism with cultural preservation, drawing millions each year to experience a deep dive into Mexico’s biodiversity and heritage — all in one place.

Looking to explore more? See our Mexico Travel Guide for itinerary ideas beyond the Riviera Maya.

Location, Access & Orientation

Xcaret’s Park is located just 6 km south of Playa del Carmen, in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

How to Get There:

Closest city: Playa del Carmen (10 minutes away)
Nearby resort areas: Cancun (75 minutes), Tulum (50 minutes), Akumal (30 minutes)
Airport access: Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the nearest major airport, serving direct flights from North America, Europe, and Latin America.
Transport options:
- Pre-booked shuttles via Xcaret’s or Viator
- Rental cars from Cancun or Playa del Carmen
- ADO buses and colectivos (shared vans) along Hwy 307

Tip: If staying in Playa del Carmen or nearby resorts, consider Xcaret’s official transportation service, which includes pickup and return.

A Brief History of Xcaret

The site was once a thriving Maya port town called Pole, which served as a major maritime trading post. Ancient ruins still dot the coastline, providing a unique historic dimension within the park.

The modern park opened in 1990 as a sustainable eco-archaeological project. It aimed to preserve Mexico’s natural landscapes while showcasing indigenous cultures. Since then, it has expanded into a network of theme parks known as Xcaret Experiencias, which includes Xel-Há, Xplor, and more.

Today, it continues its mission to educate, conserve, and entertain — with over 50 natural and cultural attractions wrapped into one extraordinary park.

Best Times to Visit

Weather & Crowds

High season: December to April (cool, dry, and crowded)
Low season: May to early November (hotter, humid, fewer crowds)
Hurricane risk: September and October (check forecasts)

Time of Day

Arrive early (8:30–9:00 AM) to enjoy cooler temperatures and beat tour groups.
Stay late for the México Espectacular, the grand cultural show starting at 7 PM.

Seasonal Events

Festival of Life and Death (October 30–Nov 2): A vibrant Día de Muertos celebration with altars, parades, and traditional food.
Sea turtle nesting season: May to September (educational exhibits)

Entry Requirements, Fees & Booking Options

Tickets

Basic: Access to most attractions and the evening show
Plus: Adds buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and dressing rooms
Total: Includes optional activities like Sea Trek or Adrenalina boat ride

Prices (subject to change):

Basic: ~$110 USD
Plus: ~$140 USD
Children (5–11): 50% discount
Kids under 4: Free

Book early via:

official website
Affiliate platforms like Viator, or Tiqets

Want a guided walk? See our Tour Guide page for curated experiences with round-trip hotel transport.

Top Things to See Inside or Around Xcaret

Underground Rivers – Float through crystalline caves on a 45-minute lazy swim.
Mayan Village & Ruins – Walk among ancient temples with costumed reenactors.
Butterfly Pavilion – Home to hundreds of native species in a lush greenhouse.
Coral Reef Aquarium – One of the largest natural aquariums in Mexico.
Jaguar Island & Aviary – Observe native wildlife in immersive habitats.
Cemetery Bridge (Puente al Paraíso) – A symbolic and artistic cemetery with 365 colorful graves.
Hacienda Henequenera – A replica of a 19th-century Yucatán estate.
Xcaret México Espectacular – A 2-hour live performance featuring over 300 dancers and musicians telling Mexico’s story through song and dance.

Top Experiences & Tours at Xcaret

Xcaret Plus Package with Buffet & Transport – Great for first-time visitors.
Adrenalina Speedboat Ride – High-speed thrills with 360° spins.
Sea Trek Helmet Diving – Walk underwater without scuba certification.
Snorkeling Tour in the Inlet – Safe and kid-friendly marine life encounter.
Wine Tasting & Mayan Chocolate Experience – Cultural flavors of Mexico.
Private VIP Tour – Skip lines, customize your route, and enjoy personal photography.

Traveler Tip: Choose the Plus package if you want to relax, dine, and avoid extra costs once inside.

Visitor Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes – Changing areas are far from entry points.
Use biodegradable sunscreen only – Required to protect aquatic life.
Map out a route – The park is huge. Prioritize zones based on interests.
Don’t skip the evening show – It’s the emotional climax of your visit.
Avoid Mondays – Tour buses are busiest after weekend hotel check-ins.
Keep valuables in lockers – Dry bags or waterproof phone pouches are handy.
Stay hydrated – Bring a refillable bottle; water stations are scattered throughout.

What to Pack for Xcaret

Essentials:

Swimwear, water shoes, towel
Lightweight clothing and hat
Biodegradable sunscreen
Waterproof phone pouch
ID and credit card (RFID wristband for purchases)

Electronics:

GoPro or waterproof camera
Portable charger
Offline maps/downloaded ticket QR codes

Optional but Smart:

Dry bag
Change of clothes
Reusable water bottle
Motion-sickness bands (for boat rides)

Where to Stay Near Xcaret

Budget

Hotel Xcaret Arte (luxury but includes park access)
Posada Mariposa (in Playa del Carmen; affordable and charming)
Selina Playa del Carmen (great for solo travelers or digital nomads)

Luxury

Hotel Xcaret México – All-inclusive with access to all Xcaret parks
Grand Velas Riviera Maya – Ultra-luxury near Xcaret with gourmet dining
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Adults-only, all-suite beachfront resort

Best Base Towns for Exploring Xcaret:

Playa del Carmen: 10 minutes away, vibrant nightlife
Akumal: quieter alternative, ideal for families
Tulum: 45 mins south, great for combining with cenotes and ruins

Where to Eat Nearby

Inside Xcaret, you’ll find 10+ restaurants and snack bars. Top choices:

La Cocina – Buffet of traditional Mexican cuisine
La Caleta – Seafood with lagoon views
El Yucateco – Regional Mayan specialties

Outside the park:

El Fogón (Playa del Carmen): Beloved taco and grill spot
Trattoria del Centro: Italian-Mexican fusion
Alux Cave Restaurant: Dine inside an actual cenote (reservations required)

Tipping: 10–15% is standard in sit-down restaurants.

Hidden Gems & Nearby Sights

Xplor Park – Zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, and nighttime fire rides
Xenses Park – Optical illusion fun for all ages
Xel-Há – Snorkeling and natural waterpark about an hour south
Cenote Azul – Refreshing swimming hole on the highway toward Tulum
Tulum Ruins – Coastal Maya site overlooking turquoise waters (45 min away)
Rio Secreto – Explore underground rivers and crystal caves with a helmet and headlamp

Only 10 minutes from the park entrance, Xplor Fuego offers a rare nighttime adventure park experience — complete with glowing lava trails and zip-lines under the stars.