Located on the majestic Riviera Maya in Mexico, Xcaret is a water park, theme, amusement, eco-archaeological and more, in one place. It covers 200 acres of land, with activities for all ages. There are guided tours through the ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in underground rivers, snorkeling in crystal clear cenotes (sinkholes), and even a night show that highlights Mexican culture and folklore. The park takes its name from the Mayan word “Xcaret” which means “small bay” or “little cove”. Besides that, Xcaret is a theme park in Cancun and Riviera Maya that celebrates Mexico’s present and rich past, a country known for its traditions, culture and folklore.
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A Magical Place for Everyone to Enjoy
Xcaret is more than just a theme park—it’s an experience! There are endless possibilities for fun and adventure here. Whether you are looking for a hands-on experience or relaxing activities, there is something for every member of the family. There are three underground rivers in Xcaret to choose from that are truly breathtaking to see. Xcaret also offers plenty of attractions that cater specifically to kids. From interactive playgrounds to mini zoos and even animal shows, there is always something new and exciting happening here. Plus, there are tons of educational opportunities available too—from learning about ancient Mayan culture to exploring exotic plants and animals in their natural habitats. It’s truly a magical place that has something for everyone!
Some of our favorite included activities:
- The Rivers – The water is cold so be prepared, but the natural rivers that you can easily float with a life jacket are truly breathtaking!
- Children’s World- this is our kid’s favorite! It includes waterslides, tunnels, and hanging bridges, climbing bridges, and cenotes! There is also a place for parents to relax! Lifejackets are mandatory in this area.
- Swimming at the Beaches or Tide Pools There are plenty of gorgeous places to swim! Whether you want the beach, river, or tide pools Xcaret is located on the coastline so offers incredible views and gorgeous places to lay in the sun!
- Voladores de Papantla- This ritual is deep in history and amazing for kids to watch. 5 men climb to the top of a very tall pole. Then, one of them will remain stand-ing at the top while playing melodies with a flute and a small drum. The other 4 fly back down circling around the pole in a beautiful display. Witnessing the ritual will allow you to learn the history and meaning behind it.
- Xcaret México Espectacular- At 7pm a magical 2 hour show starts that you don’t want to miss! With over 300 performers on stage you can witness reenactments, dances, and a beautiful show that takes you through Mexico’s history and culture.
- Archaeological Zones – While these weren’t necessarily a highlight for the kids it is so impressive to see the different archaeological sites throughout the park.
- Aviary – is home to over 1,500 birds and this lush area of the park has gained fame due to its scarlet Macaw program. This program has lead to the most Macaws born in captivity that have now helped repopulate jungles in Southern Mexico.
- Butterfly Pavilion – This is one of the world’s largest butterfly pavilions at 37,673 sq ft and hosting over 20 species. You may get lucky and even be able to hold them.
- Coral Reef Aquarium – Housing over 5,000 marine species it is such a beautiful place to witness marine life.
How do you get there?
Xcaret is located in Playa Del Carmen in the southern State of Quinatana Roo! Whether you are staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or even Cozumel you can easily access Xcaret for the day.
- Xcaret Bus- You can schedule bus pickup at the time you book your ticket, additional pricing starts around $30. They will either offer you an option to pick up directly at your hotel or at a group collective meetup up point depending on where you are staying.
- A local Bus – The local buses are very nice in Mexico and its a great affordable option. We have ridden them several times as a family and always found them to be easy and comfortable. There is a bus drop off directly at the Xcaret park. Look for the nearest ADO bus stop to see schedules
- Taxi – Taxi is always an option but definitely pricer than the above two unless you are traveling in a large group!
- Private Car- With free parking at Xcaret if you have your own car or are renting one this is the best option.
Hotel XCaret
The other option is to stay on site at Hotel XCaret. While the hotel is not cheap, it includes access to all of the parks, transportation, and food allowing you to have a jam packed week of fun for one set price! We hope to stay at this hotel this year so that. we can provide you a more detailed overview! 
How Long Should You Spend at Xcaret
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should spend there, but a great trip to Xcaret would be at least two days. The sprawling park has tons of attractions and activities, from snorkeling in the rivers to walking through historical ruins. Two days will allow you to really take your time and experience as much of the natural beauty as possible. Make sure you give yourself enough time to visit some of the many of the exhibits, watch traditional Mexican performances, and just explore this special corner of Mexico. If you don’t have two days I recommend at least planning to go for one entire day!
Where to Eat
With more that 9 places to eat with ranges from buffet, Mexican cuisine, seafood, and international options available you will not have any problem finding food throughout your day!
How Much is Admission to Xcaret
Xcaret offers various packages for admission. Things to note is that children 4 and under are free. If you have a tall 5 year old they may ask for proof of age so just be aware. All entries include free parking, restrooms, dressing rooms, showers, as well as access to ATMs. Also note that the general admission does not include snorkel gear in the price.
Other price options
Add on Activities
There are. A LOT of additional actives you can choose from at Xcaret for an additional price. Those include swimming with dolphins, sharks, or stingrays, Snuba Adventures, Sea Trek, snorkel tours, paragliding, boat ride, or even dinner at the México Espectacular show. Many of these additional activities require an advanced booking so be sure to plan ahead.
Bundle other Parks
Xcaret is just one of many parks operated. When looking for tickets you can get bundle deals if you purchase entry to other parks such as Xel-Ha, XPlor, Xichen, Xenotes, Xoximilco, Xencses and more!
What Should You Pack for a Day Trip to Xcaret
Before hitting the road, you’ll want to make sure you pack everything you need. Here is our list of must packs!
- Swimsuit
- Rash guard
- Water shoes
- Goggles
- Towel
- Extra Clothes (don’t forget the underwear)
- Shoes and socks
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Water Bottle
- Sunblock (must only contain titanium oxide and zinc oxide)
- Bugspray
- Stroller or carrier (the day involves tons of walking, also available for rent
- Snorkel Equipment ( available for rent $10.99 USD/ requires a refundable deposit of $25 USD)
- GoPro
- GoPro floating handle
Is it too Touristy?
The short answer is no! While it may be true that many tourists flock to Xcaret each year, it still offers an authentic experience that can’t be found anywhere else in Mexico. Especially if you have small children it really is a great way to experience many different aspects of Mexico in one place. With its immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty, Xcaret will make your vacation unforgettable! Plus, if you’re looking for something different than just sunbathing at the beach or partying on Cancun’s famous nightlife scene, then this is definitely worth checking out!
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, there’s no denying that Xcaret Mexico is an incredibly popular destination for tourists from around the world—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting! From its diverse array of activities tailored for families to its stunning natural beauty, there’s something for everyone at this amazing eco-archaeological park near Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or an unforgettable vacation experience, a visit to Xcaret should definitely be on your bucket list! So go ahead and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!
You can book tickets: HERE
