Park
Xcaret
The flagship eco-archaeological park — Mexico's nature and culture in one place.
Last updated June 10, 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
- Caribbean beach & coves
- Aviary, aquarium, butterfly pavilion
- Wildlife habitats
- Maya village & hacienda
- Scenic tower
- Xcaret México Espectacular evening show
Included for hotel guests
Yes — All-Fun Inclusive
Physical level
Relaxed to moderate
Recommended age
All ages
Hours
~8:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Good to know
Booking
Book through the hotel concierge. This is separate from the dining wish list.
Getting there
Round-trip transportation included for hotel guests; shuttles to the main parks run roughly every 30 minutes.
Location
Carretera Chetumal–Puerto Juárez km 282, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Ticket tiers (for context)
Basic · Plus (buffet lunch, lockers, snorkel gear) · Total (adds one optional activity) · Night-onlyHotel guests don't buy tickets for included parks.
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 8:30–11:30 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 (~$50–70/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 | Included with park admission |
Photos
Tips
From us and from other guests. Vote up the ones that helped you.
- 1
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).
Mesa Notes
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Water shoes are the single most useful thing to pack. They are required for some Xplor activities and useful everywhere; sandals slip off on zip-lines and in rivers.
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- 0
It's enormous and you won't see everything in one day. Grab the map at the entrance and pick your priorities; many visitors cover maybe a third in a full day.
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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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Do the underground rivers earlier in the day. They close mid-to-late afternoon, around 5:30 p.m.
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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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Snorkel gear is included with the Plus tier; otherwise it's a rental plus deposit.
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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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Pack light, because lockers are small. Lockers are free at Xenses and included with Xcaret Plus; otherwise expect a fee.
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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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Bring your physical passport. It's required to board park transport and for the tours; a digital copy isn't accepted.
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Photo passes are pricey but capture shots you can't get yourself. They're most worth it at night at Xplor Fuego, where personal cameras struggle.
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Unofficial fan site. Not affiliated with Grupo Xcaret. Details drift — confirm hours and inclusions with the hotel concierge before planning your day.