Park
Xcaret
The flagship eco-archaeological park, Mexico's nature and culture in one place.
Last updated June 16, 2026Spot something off? →
Description
Opened in 1991 on roughly 200 acres near Playa del Carmen. You can swim and float through underground rivers, spend time on a Caribbean beach and coves, and visit an aviary, coral-reef aquarium, butterfly pavilion, and habitats for sea turtles, jaguars, and more. There's a recreated Maya village and a hacienda, plus a rotating scenic tower for an aerial view. The day builds toward "Xcaret México Espectacular," a large-scale evening show tracing Mexican music, dance, and history. Good for young kids and a full sunrise-to-night day.
Highlights
- Underground rivers
- Beach Access
- Caribbean beach & coves
- Aviary, aquarium, butterfly pavilion
- Wildlife habitats
- Maya village & hacienda
- Scenic tower
- Xcaret México Espectacular evening show
What to bring
- Water Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Towels (have to pay to rent)
- Comfortable Shoes
- Change of Clothes
Included for hotel guests
Yes, All-Fun Inclusive
Food Buffet included for Hotel Xcaret guests
Distance from resort
~5 to 10 min (shuttle every 30 min; hotel boat to the park)
Time commitment
Full day · come-and-go
Best for ages
All ages, the most family-friendly park and the best all-rounder, from toddlers to grandparents.
Physical level
Moderate
Reservations
Come-and-go / no reservation
Hours
~8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Optional experiences & extra costs
- Admission is already included for hotel guests, these are optional add-ons.
- Dolphin swim, ~45 min (about 35 in water). Min height ~100 cm; under 8 must be with a paying adult. Book ahead.
- Sea Trek seabed walk, approx. ~$70 USD. Min age 8.
- Adrenalina jet-boat, approx. ~$70 USD. Min age 9, min height ~137 cm.
- Snuba, min age 9; must be able to swim.
- Other add-ons: Stingray Encounter, Sharks Hands-On Adventure, Temazcal ceremony (3 p.m.), Snorkeling Tour, Paraxute parasail, Xpá spa, Fish Therapy, Wine Cellar tasting.
- Xcaret México Espectacular dinner upgrade, 7-course at Gran Tlachco with premium reserved seats; extra on top of the otherwise-free night show.
- Photo packages and an aquatic-animal tax (~$3 USD) are extra.
Good to know
Plan your time
Full day, but come-and-go friendly for hotel guests, it's 10 minutes away with a boat option, so many split it into a daytime visit (rivers, animals) and a separate evening for the night show.
Getting there
Round-trip transportation included for hotel guests; shuttles to the main parks run roughly every 30 minutes from Xentral. You can also take a the ferry boat.
Location
Carretera Chetumal to Puerto Juárez km 282, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Restaurants at Xcaret
Most in-park dining is included with the admission hotel guests already have.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| La Cocina100+ traditional dishes (mole, pozole, cochinita); near the main plaza | Regional Mexican buffet | Included with park admission |
| Dos PlayasFacing the inlet; coconut-breaded fish, aguachile, BBQ ribs | Caribbean, Seafood buffet | Included with park admission |
| La LagunaBeside Jaguar Island; sushi, pasta, pizza, steaks, family-friendly | International buffet | Included with park admission |
| El ManglarNext to the underground-rivers exit. Some guides say à la carte at extra cost, confirm on arrival | Mexican Pacific, Ceviches & aguachiles | Included with park admission |
| La PenínsulaNear the dolphin area; grilled octopus, marlin ceviche, fajitas | International, Seafood buffet | Included with park admission |
| El YucatecoInside the Hacienda Henequenera; seasonal hours | Yucatecan buffet | Included with park admission |
| La IslaBeside a grotto and underground river; seasonal | International buffet | Included with park admission |
| La CaletaGrilled meats; the cove-side La Caletita does ceviche and tacos | Grill, International buffet | Included with park admission |
| La Orquídea Coffee ShopBreakfast 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the park entrance, breakfast isn't included in any tier | Breakfast buffet, Coffee & pastries | Extra cost |
| México Espectacular dinner (Gran Tlachco)Seven-course dinner during the evening show; reservation required | Mexican fine dining | Extra cost (~$50 to 70/person) |
| Wine Cellar pairing (Vinoteca)Guided pairing in the underground cellar; reserve at ticket booths | Mexican wine pairing | Extra cost |
| Snack stands (Dos Playas, Venados, Jaguares, XCafe)Quick-service points around the park; most items included at the all-inclusive tier | Snacks, Fast food | exta cost |
Photos
Common questions
Is Xcaret included for Hotel Xcaret Mexico guests?
Food Buffet included for Hotel Xcaret guests
How far is Xcaret from Hotel Xcaret Mexico?
Xcaret is ~5 to 10 min (shuttle every 30 min; hotel boat to the park) from Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
Do you need a reservation for Xcaret?
No reservation is required for Xcaret; you can come and go during opening hours.
How long should I plan for Xcaret?
Plan for a full day. Full day, but come-and-go friendly for hotel guests, it's 10 minutes away with a boat option, so many split it into a daytime visit (rivers, animals) and a separate evening for the night show.
What is the recommended age for Xcaret?
Xcaret: All ages, the most family-friendly park and the best all-rounder, from toddlers to grandparents..
What should I bring to Xcaret?
Bring: Water Shoes, Sunscreen, Towels (have to pay to rent), Comfortable Shoes, Change of Clothes.
Tips
From us and from other guests. Vote up the ones that helped you.
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The night show, Xcaret México Espectacular (around 7 p.m.), is the highlight and is included with full-day admission. General seating fills up, so arrive 30+ minutes early for good seats, or book the Gran Tlachco dinner upgrade for reserved premium seating and a multi-course meal (extra cost). Take the boat from the hotel (located next to La Xentral) for the closest drop off to the arena.
Mesa Notes
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Be prepared for lots of walking! Grab the map at the entrance and pick your priorities; each of the colored lines on the paths take you to a different section.
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Arrive near opening (8:30 a.m.) to do the underground rivers and see the animals before the heat and crowds build.
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A secure bag is provided for you at the beginning of the river swims in case you didn't use a locker.
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As a hotel guest, consider splitting Xcaret into two trips: a day visit for the rivers and animals, and a separate evening just for the show.
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Some restaurants stop serving before the park closes, so plan meals accordingly.
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Reef-safe sunscreen only. The parks enforce biodegradable sunscreen (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide only); regular sunscreen is not allowed and you may be asked to rinse it off. Buy it before you arrive, since park shops mark it up.
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Shuttles run from the hotel roughly every 30 minutes to Xcaret, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, and Xenses. Confirm pickup times with the concierge. As a hotel guest your admission and transport are already covered.
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Protect your phone. Bring a waterproof case on a neck strap or a GoPro, since many activities need both hands.
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Carry a card or some cash for photos, souvenirs, and snacks at the parks that don't include food.
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Unofficial fan site. Not affiliated with Grupo Xcaret. Details drift, so confirm hours and inclusions with the hotel concierge before planning your day.