Xcaret is a vast natural and cultural park combining underground rivers, wildlife, Mexican history, swimming and evening shows.

It will appeal most to families and visitors who want to experience many different aspects of Mexico in a single day.

Ideal length of visit: a full day, from opening time until the end of the evening show

Xcaret at a glance

• Main reason to visit: the underground rivers and the Xcaret México Espectacular evening show
• Nature of the place: a professionally developed nature and cultural theme park
• Best for: families, couples, first-time visitors to Mexico and travellers who want to combine swimming with culture
• Not ideal for: budget travellers, adrenaline seekers and visitors looking for peaceful, unspoilt nature
• Time required: at least 10 hours; 12 to 13 hours if attending the evening show
• Location: 6 km south of Playa del Carmen

Xcaret is one of the most visited attractions in the entire Riviera Maya. The park is very commercial and the admission fee is high, but the organisation, the range of attractions and the evening show are of an exceptional standard.

If you’re only going to visit one theme park in the Riviera Maya and want the most varied programme possible, I’d choose Xcaret.

What to see and do

Underground rivers

The biggest attraction is swimming in the three underground rivers that flow through caves, tunnels and open natural sections.

You can choose between the Azul, Maya and Manatí rivers. The routes differ slightly, but the experience is similar. During a one-day visit, it’s enough to swim down one river and spend the rest of the time exploring other parts of the park.

Before entering the water, you’ll be given a life jacket. You can store your clothes and other belongings in a lockable bag, which the staff will take to the river exit.

It’s best to head out onto the rivers first thing in the morning. Later on, larger groups tend to form, and the water may be closed off after the evening show.

The aviary, butterfly pavilion and aquarium

Xcaret isn’t just a water park. Among the most interesting natural exhibits are:

• a large aviary with parrots, flamingos and other tropical birds
• the butterfly pavilion
• a coral reef aquarium
• nature trails through the jungle
• sea turtle exhibit

The aviary is one of the most impressive parts of the park, and I wouldn’t miss it even on a short visit.

Beaches and natural pools

Within the grounds, you’ll find a small beach, coves and natural pools suitable for swimming and relaxing. Don’t expect a traditional beach resort, though. Swimming is a complement to the other attractions, not the main reason for a visit.

If you’re mainly interested in snorkelling and spending the whole day in the water, Xel-Há would be a better choice.

Mexican history and culture

The extensive park also features archaeological remains, a Mayan village, a Mexican cemetery, a chapel and a hacienda dedicated to traditional crafts and culture.

The individual exhibits are no substitute for a visit to actual archaeological sites, but they help to put Mexican history and traditions into context.

Xcaret México Espectacular

The highlight of the day comes in the evening. Xcaret México Espectacular is a spectacular show featuring more than 300 performers, which, over the course of approximately two hours, presents the history of Mexico, its indigenous cultures, the colonial period and the traditional music of the various regions.

The show is included in all standard admission tickets and usually starts around 7.00 pm. Please check the current time on the day of your visit via the app or the park programme.

Please arrive at the auditorium at least 30 to 45 minutes before the start. Good seats fill up quickly.

If you’ve already paid for Xcaret, I wouldn’t leave before the evening show. It’s the show that justifies a significant part of the high admission price.

Admission fees and which option to choose

Prices vary depending on the season and when you buy your ticket. If you’re buying online, you can expect to pay roughly the following amounts:

• Xcaret Basic: approximately 2 800 mxn per adult
• Xcaret Plus: approximately 3 500 mxn per adult
• Xcaret at Night: approximately 2 300 mxn per adult

During peak periods, Basic tickets may cost around 3 200 mxn and Plus tickets approximately 3 900 mxn. Children aged 5 to 11 receive a 25% discount; children under 4 enter free of charge. Children may be required to present a physical passport.

Please check the official Xcaret price list for the current price on a specific date. Buying in advance is usually cheaper than buying a ticket shortly before your visit.

Xcaret Basic

The basic ticket includes the underground rivers, nature exhibits, beaches, regular performances and evening shows.

It does not include food, a locker or snorkelling equipment. You will only be given a bag for your personal belongings whilst swimming in the underground river.

The Basic ticket makes sense if you don’t want to go snorkelling and don’t mind paying for food separately.

Xcaret Plus

The Plus option also includes:

• one buffet lunch
• soft drinks with the meal
• one beer per adult
• a locker and Plus facilities
• snorkelling equipment available for a refundable deposit

The difference compared to the standard ticket is usually around 700 mxn. For most visitors, Xcaret Plus is the most sensible choice. You’ll spend the whole day in the park, food is quite expensive, and having somewhere to change and store your belongings comes in handy.

Xcaret at Night

An evening ticket allows entry from around 4.00 pm and also includes Xcaret México Espectacular. However, the underground rivers close at around 5.30 pm, so there won’t be enough time to see most of the park.

Only choose this option if you’re mainly interested in Mexican culture and the evening show. For your first visit to Xcaret, I recommend a full-day ticket.

Compare Xcaret tickets, including transport

How to plan your day

The park is too big to see absolutely everything in a single day. It’s better to pick your priorities.

Recommended itinerary:

• 8.30 am: arrival at the park
• Morning: one underground river
• late morning: aviary, butterfly pavilion and aquarium
• around midday: lunch
• afternoon: the beach, natural pools and the cultural section of the park
• early evening: equestrian or folklore show
• Evening: Xcaret México Espectacular

Don’t plan too many paid optional activities. Dolphin encounters, speedboat rides and other experiences cost extra, and on a one-day visit they’ll take up the time you need for the attractions included in the admission price.

Xcaret, Xel-Há or Xplor?

The individual parks are not aimed at the same type of visitor.

• Xcaret: the most varied combination of water, nature, animals and Mexican culture
• Xel-Há: best for a full day of swimming and snorkelling; food and drinks are included in the admission price
• Xplor: best for adrenaline, rope slides and rides in amphibious vehicles

For families and a first trip to Mexico, I’d choose Xcaret. For water lovers, Xel-Há; and for active couples or families with older children, Xplor.

Practical information

• Opening hours: daily from 8.30 am to 10.00 pm
• Recommended arrival time: by 8.30 at the latest
• Parking: free
• Age: the park is suitable for all age groups
• Evening show: usually around 19:00
• Visiting hours: all day
• Official information: xcaret.com

What to bring:

• swimwear worn under your regular clothes
• a towel
• a change of dry clothes
• water shoes
• comfortable shoes for long walks
• a waterproof phone case
• power bank

Only eco-friendly sun creams are permitted on the premises, particularly mineral-based products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Transport to Xcaret

Xcaret is situated directly on the main road linking Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

From Playa del Carmen

The journey by car or taxi takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Expect to pay around 300 mxn for a one-way taxi fare.

A cheaper option is the colectivo heading for Tulum. Get off at the road entrance to Xcaret, from where the free Despeinado bus takes visitors to the ticket offices. It runs approximately every 30 minutes.

Selected ADO services also run to the park from the main bus station in Playa del Carmen.

From Tulum

The journey by car takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes. You can also take a colectivo heading towards Playa del Carmen and get off at the entrance to Xcaret.

We explain how colectivos work in the section on transport in Tulum.

From Cancún

From the centre of Cancún and the hotel zone, allow for a journey of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The easiest options are a hire car, an ADO bus or a ticket for organised transport.

A taxi from Cancún is very expensive and doesn’t make financial sense for a day trip.

Official transport from your hotel or a designated pick-up point can be added when purchasing your ticket. The advantage is convenience; the disadvantage is a longer journey due to stops at other hotels and a fixed return time.

Where to stay near Xcaret

It isn’t necessary to stay right next to Xcaret for a single visit to the park. Playa del Carmen remains the most practical base, from where you can also easily reach restaurants, shops and other day trips.

Hotels right next to the park mainly make sense if you want to visit several parks in the Xcaret group during your stay.

Hotel Xcaret México

A luxury all-inclusive resort particularly suitable for families with children. The All-Fun Inclusive concept includes unlimited entry and transport to the Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses and Xoximilco parks, as well as the Xenotes excursion.

The hotel is expensive, but if you plan to visit several parks, the included tickets can represent significant savings. For a stay of just one or two nights, the high price is usually not worth it.

Check prices for Hotel Xcaret México

Hotel Xcaret Arte

A more luxurious and peaceful alternative for couples and guests aged 16 and over. Here too, the All-Fun Inclusive package is included in your stay, with admission and transport to the Xcaret Group’s parks.

I recommend this hotel to couples who want to combine visits to several parks with high-quality dining and do not wish to stay at a traditional family resort.

Check prices for Hotel Xcaret Arte

Occidental at Xcaret Destination

A more affordable all-inclusive resort right next to Xcaret Park. It’s ideal for families and couples who want to stay at the resort and have the park right on their doorstep.

Entry to Xcaret is not automatically included with every booking. Some rates or packages include it, whilst for others you’ll need to purchase a ticket separately. Therefore, always check the exact details of your chosen rate before booking.

Check prices for Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Is Xcaret worth a visit?

Yes, if you want to combine swimming, nature, animals, Mexican culture and a top-quality evening show all in one day. For most visitors, the Xcaret Plus ticket offers the best value for money.

I’d skip Xcaret if you’re travelling on a very tight budget, only want to go snorkelling, or prefer smaller natural sites without crowds and commercial attractions.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Riviera Maya.