Xcaret

The basics

A prebooked admission ticket or day tour to Xcaret park makes it easy to access an impressive range of activities, with entry including the opportunity to snorkel with fish in natural lagoons, visit the park's Maya archaeological sites, and and catch the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular light and dance show. Some day-long Xcaret tours have optional upgrades for extras such as a buffet lunch or exclusive changing rooms, while combo tours can be booked to also visit other nearby attractions, such as the Chichen Itza or Xel-Ha ruins or Xplor Park.

While there’s plenty to do within the bounds of a general admission ticket, a plethora of add-on activities are also available. For an extra fee, take a speed boat ride, snorkel atop an offshore coral garden, take in a theatrical interpretation of the origins of Mexican culture over dinner at the Gran Tlachco Theater, or experience the Temascal, a traditional four-part wellness ritual.

Things to know before you go

• Visitors should bring sunscreen, walking shoes, swimming gear, and lightweight clothing.

• Most tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

• Lockers and snorkel equipment are available for a fee.

• Most of the park is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for rental for a fee.

• Several add-on animal encounters are available for additional fees. Pet stingrays in a shallow lagoon; go deeper with snuba (an underwater breathing apparatus); nurse sharks; or swim with bottlenose dolphins.

How to get there

Xcaret is located 47 miles (7 kilometers) from Cancun and six miles (10 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen. Most day tours include round-trip transportation from hotels in both cities. Taxis are available to and from Xcaret, and parking is free for those arriving by car. Public buses run from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

When to get there

The park is open daily from 8:30am to 10:30pm—arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a full day of fun. Although the weather is tropical year-round, it can be especially hot in the humid wet season from June through October. Peak visitor season is December through April.

Xcaret's top highlights

Xcaret's cultural attractions include a replica Maya village, a colorful and symbolic Mexican cemetery with a grave for each day of the year, and shows performed by the swinging Papantla Flying Men (Voladores de Papantla). Don’t miss the Maya ruins, the aquarium, the sea turtle nesting site, the walk-through butterfly pavilion, the orchid greenhouse, or the two inland islands with jaguar and puma enclosures.

Ways to explore

A prebooked admission ticket or day tour to Xcaret Park makes it easy to access an impressive range of activities. Entry includes the opportunity to snorkel with fish in natural lagoons, visit the park’s Maya archaeological sites, and catch the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular light and dance show. Some day-long Xcaret tours have optional upgrades for extras such as a buffet lunch or exclusive changing rooms, while you can book combo tours to visit other nearby attractions, such as Chichen Itza, Xel-Ha, or Xplor Park.

While there’s plenty to do within the bounds of a general admission ticket, a plethora of add-on activities are also available. For an extra fee, take a speed boat ride, snorkel atop an offshore coral garden, take in a theatrical interpretation of the origins of Mexican culture over dinner at the Gran Tlachco Theater, or experience the Temascal, a traditional 4-part wellness ritual. If you want to go deeper underwater but don’t have a scuba qualification, upgrade to a “snuba” (an underwater breathing apparatus) activity.

Accessibility

Most of the park is wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs are available to rent for a fee.

Age limits

None; Xcaret is ideal for kids, and visitors under 4 get in for free.

What to pack

Sunscreen, sun hat, swim shoes to change into later

What to wear

Walking shoes, lightweight clothing, swimming gear (most Xcaret activities involve water)

Not allowed

Outside food and drink

Amenities

Lockers, snorkel equipment rentals, Wi-Fi, restrooms, restaurants

Address

Xcaret is located 47 miles (7 kilometers) from Cancun and 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen. Most day tours include round-trip transport from hotels in both cities. Taxis are available to and from Xcaret, and parking is free for those arriving by car. Public buses run from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Driving

From Cancun, get onto Carr. Tulum - Cancún/México 307 and drive south until you reach the Xcaret exit.

Public transportation

Buses destined for Xcaret depart from the Cancun bus station (Uxmal Avenue) or from Playa del Carmen’s main bus station (5th Avenue).

Best times to visit

The park is open daily from 8:30am to 10:30pm—arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a full day of fun.

Best days to visit

Weekdays for smaller crowds.

Best months to visit

Although the weather is tropical year-round, it can be especially hot in the humid wet season from June through October. Peak visitor season is December through April.

Special events

It’s always extra fun to visit Mexico for the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations at the end of October and start of November.