Xcaret is one of the most important natural parks in Mexico and the world. And here they have known how to combine nature, with Mexican traditions and with a lot of fun for the whole family. Here I leave you everything you need to make your visit successful.
How much does the entrance to Xcaret cost?
Admission to Xcaret varies depending on when and where you buy it, but the basic ticket costs just over 2,400 MXN (120 USD). The price can be easily achieved with discounts that vary depending on the season. If you buy 7 days in advance you have a 10% discount on the regular price. When you make your purchase 21 or more days in advance, you get a 15% discount.
However, you will hardly end up paying that amount and you still have to add your transportation, food and drinks to this. Additionally, if you want to use lockers you will have to pay for them or directly choose the Xcaret Plus option that already includes it.
The basic Xcaret pass, with transportation from Cancun and food, costs 3,370 MXN (2020 prices).
What are the differences between Xcaret and Xcaret Plus?
Both the Xcaret and Xcaret Plus passes guarantee your entry to the park, however, only the Plus will guarantee you:
- A locker to store your belongings.
- Snorkel equipment and life jacket.
- Buffet lunch in one of the restaurants with a beer and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
- Have access to the exclusive facilities of the Plus Area with changing rooms and bathrooms.
Important: none of the passes include transportation, you can add that regardless of the pass.
What are the main attractions of Xcaret?
Xcaret has more than 50 attractions, but the main ones are:
- Ride on the Paradise River: ideal for getting to know the rivers of Xcaret without getting wet. The trip is done by boat.
- Swim in one of its three underground rivers
- Coral Reef Aquarium
- Swim in the cove to snorkel
- Natural pools in Xcaret
- Visit the butterfly farm: the sooner the better, since the butterflies rest early.
- Mexican Cemetery with 7 levels and 52 steps
- Visit to the Mayan town
- Climb the scenic tower
- Spectacular Mexico Show lasting 2 hours.
To this we must add that there are different optional paid activities. Not recommended if it is your first visit because there is so much to do.
How do I visit Xcaret in one day?
If you only have one day and want to make the most of your visit to the park, you will have to be very efficient.
8:30 AM. Arrive at the park first thing in the morning, you will only need to go to the lockers to leave your belongings and the changing rooms to change. Don’t waste time in the store, there will be later before you leave, it is best to take advantage of the light and the few people.
9:30 Choose one of the 3 rivers, for a first visit it is better to concentrate on one since you will need about 1 hour on the journey.
11:00 The exit to the rivers is through the beach area where you should be arriving around 11 am. Ideal time to continue enjoying the water in one of the coves (if you want to snorkel), swim in the natural pools (if the tide allows it) or simply enjoy the beach. Enjoy your time in this area and get ready for the food.
13:00 Lunch time. The buffets at Xcaret are famous for their variety and eating early ensures you find a spot without having to wait long.
14:30 Time to go back to the locker room to change clothes and enjoy the second part of the day. The path from the beach area to the lockers will take you past archaeological sites, animal reserves and more. Just enjoy the journey.
15:30 With dry clothes it is time to take the path to the Paradise River. The only river that does not require a swimsuit. Finally, I recommend you start the Mayan route, which connects with places like the Mexican Cemetery or the butterfly garden.
17:00 Finishing you can take a walk towards the aquarium area. It will be a quick tour because around 6 p.m. it is time to start heading towards the México Espectacular show. Before entering the show don’t forget to stop by the Hacienda and the Chapel (they are on the way to the theater).
19:00 Time to be seated and ready to enjoy one of the favorite shows in the park.
At the exit of the park you will have time to visit the souvenir and Mexican crafts store.
Where to eat in Xcaret?
It is prohibited to enter Xcaret with food, so at some point during the day you will have to consume something. The park has 4 restaurants, 3 bars and places where snacks are sold.
Remember that you can enter with a water bottle and that there will be places to refill it for free in the park.
What clothing and accessories should I bring to Xcaret?
If you are going to visit Xcaret it is better that you do not forget some basic items:
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes: Remember that you will be walking a lot during the day and that you will encounter wet areas. A water shoe may be ideal. They will be more comfortable than sandals and much safer. Don’t forget tennis shoes or similar for non-water activities.
- Swimsuit
- Towel: the park does not include this service, so don’t forget it.
- Dry change of clothes
- Biodegradable sunscreen: it is the only one allowed.
- Sunglasses and hat or cap: to protect yourself from the sun.
- Waterproof camera/cell phone: I even recommend it even if you buy the photo package.
Xcaret or Xel-Há?
The parks are managed by the same company, however, they have important differences. Xcaret is the main park and has both aquatic and cultural arts activities, while Xel-Há is more focused on aquatic activities, in fact. 70% of this is water.
Much will depend on your interests and budget, Xcaret is more expensive but with longer hours and has more activities. Xel Há is cheaper but operates about 4 hours less per day than Xcaret.
How to get to Xcaret cheaply from Cancun?
The easiest way to get to Xcaret is by car, especially considering that parking is free. However, if you don’t have a car, the cheapest way to get there is by bus. In front of the Cancún station you can take a collective van that will leave you in Playa Del Carmen. At this point you have to take another collective van a few meters away that can drop you off in front of Xcaret. You just need to ask the driver where to get off.
Errors when visiting Xcaret
And if you are going to visit Xcaret, don’t make the following mistakes.
- Do not buy your ticket in advance. The sooner you will have the more chance to compare and take advantage of a promotion.
- Do not plan your arrival to Xcaret. Consider that if you are not going by car, public transportation can be a bit chaotic and slow, while private transportation can be very expensive.
- Do not compare Xcaret with Xcaret Plus. Depending on your needs, one or the other pass may be the best for your visit.
- Not preparing your “luggage” for the day. Don’t forget the basics like a change of clothes.
- Bring food. You are not allowed to bring food, but you are allowed to bring a bottle of water.
- Enter the buffet more than once. If you have the meal plan you can only enter the buffet once.
- Wanting to see everything in one visit, start with the basics.
- Don’t plan your day. The park is huge! So if you have the event schedules
- If it is your first visit to Xcaret, avoid any extra paid activities. There is so much in the park that you don’t need to spend more.
- Arriving late or leaving early. The ticket is expensive, make the most of your money.
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