Xavage vs Xplor: Which Adventure Park is Better in 2024?
Are you interested in visiting the Xcaret parks in Riviera Maya Mexico and can’t decide between Xavage and Xplor? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve become a resident expert on the Xcaret adventure parks.
And I know just how confusing and overwhelming it can be to navigate all the park information on the internet and understand what they’re really like. That’s where I’m here to help!
In this Xavage vs Xplor comparison guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about visiting both of these extreme adventure parks including:
- An overview of each park
- Pros and cons
- Price and value comparison
- Activities comparison
- Food and beverage comparison
- Visitor info
- Money saving tips
- And more!
Ready to find out which Xcaret adventure park is best for you? Let’s get to it, starting with a quick comparison chart:
🏆 Best for ExTreme thrill seekers
Coupon Code: VIVA15
Discount: 15% off all-inclusive tickets with transportation
Which is Better Xavage or Xplor?
When comparing Xavage vs Xplor, it ultimately depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for during your trip to Mexico.
As the newest park in the Grupo Xcaret family, Xavage is better for those who want an extreme and thrilling experience with the most intense activities.
You can take part in challenging activities such as whitewater rafting, rope courses, kayak races, and even a high-speed jet boat ride. This park is perfect for those who want to push their limits and try something new.
On the other hand, Xplor is better for adventure seekers that want to do ziplining in a more natural environment.
This park offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as ziplining over the treetops, driving an amphibious vehicle through the jungle, swimming in stalactite rivers, and more.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences. If you want a day full of extreme adventure and challenges, Xavage is the better option.
But if you’re looking for a more traditional adventure park experience with beautiful scenery and the best ziplines, Xplor is a great choice as well.
About Xavage and Xplor
Xavage and Xplor are the two Xcaret adventure parks where you’ll find the most adventurous activities.
Here’s a quick overview of each park:
What is Xavage Like?
The newest of Xcaret’s 8 adventure parks, Xavage is located just south of Cancun and about 45 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.
I’d equate it to an Xcaret park on steroids since it’s where you’ll find some of the most adrenaline-pumping activities.
Xavage offers 7 different activities, each named after animals:
- Ropes course (Howler Monkey)
- Superman-style ziplining (Hawk)
- White water rafting (Barracuda)
- Monster trucks (Puma)
- Kayaking (Crocodile)
- High-speed jet boat experience (Dragonfly)
- Kids pool (Serpent)
The white water rafting and monster truck course are intense – and probably some of the most unique experiences you’ll find at Xcaret theme parks.
You can read my full Xavage review for all the details!
🤑 Get 15% off Xavage all-inclusive tickets with transportation with coupon code VIVA15! Must book by September 30, 2024.
What is Xplor Like?
Located just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Xplor is the first Xcaret park I ever visited and still remains one of my favorites.
Xplor offers 6 different adventurous activities ranging from ziplines to underground caves to ATV experiences.
Each activity is carved into natural landscapes, taking you deep into the Riviera Maya jungle, underground cenotes, and flooded caves.
Xplor park is best known for its sky-high zipline course with some of the highest ziplines in Riviera Maya. Some even end with a vigorous drop into a cenote so be prepared to get wet!
You can read my full Xplor review for all the details!
🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets with coupon code VIVA15! Must book by September 30, 2024.
Xavage vs Xplor Pros and Cons
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each park:
Pros of Xavage
- Newest Xcaret Park
- Most activities
- More extreme
- Fewer crowds
Cons of Xavage
- Most expensive
- Less water activities
- No cenotes
- More man-made
Pros of Xplor
- Less expensive
- Best ziplines
- Cenotes
- More water activities
Cons of Xplor
- Fewer activities
- Only 1 admission option
- More crowded
- Lots of stairs
Xavage vs Xplor: Quick Comparison Table
| PARK | # OF ACTIVITIES | ZIPLINES | WATER ACTIVITIES | ATVS | CENOTES | PARK HOURS | ADMISSION PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xavage | 7 | 1 Horizontal Zipline | 3 | Monster Trucks | No | Mon-Sat 8:30AM-5PM | → Check prices |
| Xplor | 6 | 2 Circuits each with 7 Ziplines | 4 | Amphibious Vehicles | Yes | Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM | → Check prices |
Xavage vs Xplor Activities Comparison
Next, let’s take a look at how each park stacks up in terms of activities.
Xavage Activities
- Kayak
- Ropes Course
- Zipline
- Jet Boat
- White Water Rafting
- Monster Truck
- Kids Pool
Xplor Activities
- Ziplines
- Amphibious Vehicles
- Rafts
- Stalactite River Swim
- Hammock Splash
- Underground Expedition
Xavage vs Xplor: Which is Better for Ziplining?
If you’re looking for the best ziplines, Xplor is the clear winner!
With two full zipline circuits (each with 7 ziplines) Xplor by Xcaret offers the absolute best ziplining in Riviera Maya with jungle and ocean views.
You’ll reach the top of the towers by climbing spiral staircases and hanging bridges. Both circuits end with a drop into a cenote so be prepared to get wet!
On the other hand, Xavage offers just one zipline, which is a horizontal Superman-style zipline experience.
While this style of zipline is unique, the speed is not as fast as you’d expect so it’s not quite as thrilling.
It feels more like a man-made theme park ride rather than being really integrated into the natural surroundings like you’ll find at Xplor Mexico.
Xavage vs Xplor: Which is Better for Water Activities?
You’ll find water activities at both parks, so be prepared to get wet!
Xavage Park by Xcaret features 3 water activities which include white water rafting, the high-speed jet boat experience, and the kids pool.
You will get most wet on the white water rafting as you will likely get tossed out of the raft. The high-speed jet boat is thrilling but probably won’t leave you soaked.
On the other hand, Xplor is one of the top Playa del Carmen water parks featuring 4 water activities including the Rafts, Stalactite River Swim, Hammock Splash, and the Underground Expedition.
The Stalactite River Swim and Underground Expedition will take you swimming, river paddling, trekking, and rafting through ancient caves.
Overall, I think Xplor is better for water activities since they are more unique and you get the opportunity to swim, explore, and raft through totally natural cavernous landscapes.
Xavage vs Xplor: Which is Better for ATVs?
Both Xavage and Xplor offer pretty thrilling ATV experiences near Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. The main difference is the type of ATV vehicle, the course, and the intensity.
At Xavage, you’ll be able to drive monster trucks, two-seated all-terrain vehicles with giant wheels, as you traverse through an enclosed obstacle course with giant rocks, steep inclines, and downward slopes.
It’s an intense experience – the monster trucks were personally the most terrifying activity for me at Xavage and I wasn’t even driving!
On the other hand, at Xplor Park Mexico you’ll be able to drive amphibious vehicles, which are four-seated jungle buggies.
These all-terrain vehicles allow you to traverse between 800 yards of land and water landscapes, and over narrow wooden bridges. The course can get muddy so be prepared to get dirty!
Overall, the ATVs at Xavage are more intense, but the Xplor ATV course is longer and has better jungle landscapes.
Xavage vs Xplor: Which is Better for Land Activities?
If you prefer to stay dry, then Xavage is the best option for strictly land activities.
Its most unique land activity is the ropes course, which offers 4 different courses with different levels of difficulty.
The ropes course is a giant elevated obstacle course giving you the opportunity to climb, swing, and make your way across bridges, suspended platforms, nets, and ropes.
The ropes course is a fun and challenging activity and was personally my favorite at Xavage Mexico.
Xavage vs Xplor Price Comparison
Next, let’s take a look at how the prices compare for each park. If you compare the all-inclusive admission prices, Xplor is typically cheaper than Xavage.
However, Xavage does offer a basic admission package that is less expensive, but you only get access to 3 activities.
Xavage Admission Tickets
Xavage offers two different admission packages:
Xavage Basic Admission
The Xavage basic admission ticket includes:
- 3 activities (Kayaking, Rafting, and Ropes Course)
- Kids Area
- Snack Bar
- Lunch buffet
Xavage All-Inclusive Admission
The Xavage all-inclusive admission ticket includes:
- All activities as many times as you want
- Kids Area
- Snack Bar
- Lunch buffet
🤑 Get 15% off Xavage all-inclusive tickets with transportation with coupon code VIVA15! Must book by September 30, 2024.
Xplor Admission Tickets
Xplor just offers one admission package. The Xplor admission ticket includes all the activities as many times as you want, as well as a lunch buffet and unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets with coupon code VIVA15! Must book by September 30, 2024.
How to Save Money on Xcaret Tickets
There are a few different Xcaret discounts available–take advantage of these discounts outlined below to save money on Xcaret tickets and avoid paying full price for admission tickets.
🦜 Explore my Xcaret resource hub for easy access to all of my Xcaret park reviews, comparison guides, as well as current Xcaret coupons and promotional offers.
Book in Advance
You can automatically save by booking online on the official park website in advance:
- 10% off – ticket purchase 7 to 20 days in advance
- 15% off – ticket purchase at least 21 days in advance
Create Your Own Package
If you’re interested in visiting more than one of the Xcaret parks and tours, you can save by creating your own combination package:
- 15% off – ticket purchase for any combination package of two or more parks and tours
- 20% off – ticket purchase for any combination package of three or more parks and tours
Resident Discounts
Xcaret also offers a special discount for Quintana Roo residents which is valid only at the park’s ticket booths, online, or through the contact center.
Tickets for Quintana Roo residents can be purchased through the website here but it is only available in the Spanish language.
You’ll need to present an Official ID of Quintana Roo to be eligible for the discount. For foreigners living in Quintana Roo, Temporary and Permanent Resident Cards are accepted.
Stay at one of the Xcaret hotels
Staying at an Xcaret all inclusive hotel gives you all “fun-inclusive” access to the parks, meaning you get unlimited access to all of the Xcaret parks during your stay.
This is an especially great option for families if you plan on visiting more than one of the parks.
Check out the hotel websites below for more info on these all inclusive resorts:
- Hotel Xcaret Mexico
- Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults only)
- La Casa de la Playa (boutique adults only)
🎨 Wondering what it’s like to stay at an Xcaret hotel? Find out in my Hotel Xcaret Mexico review and Hotel Xcaret Arte review!
Xavage vs Xplor: Which Provides More Value?
If you look at the number of activities offered compared to the price, both Xavage and Xplor provide equal value.
However, I personally believe Xplor theme park provides better value for the types of activities included as it offers a better mix of water, land, underground, and in-the-air activities.
Xavage vs Xplor: Which is Better for Families?
While both parks are suited for children ages 5 and older, deciding which is better for families will depend on the ages of children.
Xavage is more intense so it will be more enjoyable for older children and adventurous teens.
For younger children, Xplor is a better overall experience with more activities that are less intense.
Xavage vs Xplor: Which is Better for Adults?
Xavage by Xcaret is better suited for adults because the activities are more intense and there will likely be fewer children.
I personally visited with a group of friends for a birthday celebration and it was really fun!
Xavage vs Xplor: Which Has Better Food?
Both Xavage and Xplor offer a buffet lunch, unlimited snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurants are pretty comparable in terms of the food offerings.
Even though the restaurants are buffet-style, the food is still very good featuring fresh, healthy, and high-quality options.
You’ll also be treated to snack bars offering pizza at Xavage and cookies and fruit at Xplor.
What to Wear to Xavage and Xplor
You will definitely be getting wet so you’ll want to wear a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, and water shoes.
I usually always wear a one-piece swimsuit with tight-fitting athletic shorts to be most comfortable in the zipline harness.
In addition, you’ll want to bring a beach towel and a change of clothes to dry off after the water activities.
These microfiber beach towels are a great option because they are super lightweight and dry quickly.
Xplor vs Xavage: FAQs
Here’s the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Xavage and Xplor:
Xavage is open from Monday-Saturday from 8:30AM-5:00PM. Xplor is open from Monday-Saturday from 9:00AM-5:00PM.
Both parks are suited for children ages 5 and older.
There are weight and height restrictions for the ziplines at Xplor which can be found here on the “Important Information” tab.
Children can also ride tandem with an adult if they don’t meet the minimum weight requirement.
Transportation is not included in the price of admission. To get to Xavage and Xplor, you can go on your own or add the round-trip transportation service to your ticket for an additional $29 USD per person.
If you do choose the transportation service, it’s important to know that transportation can only be added at the time of purchase, so be sure to add this when you’re buying your tickets.
In terms of facilities, both parks have rest areas, dressing rooms, lockers, restrooms, WiFi, ATMs, and free parking.
Gift shops are located near the entrance where you can purchase park photos, souvenirs, and gear (like water shoes).
Final Thoughts: Xavage vs Xplor
Overall, you can’t go wrong when choosing between Xavage and Xplor as both parks offer unforgettably fun and action-packed experiences.
Xavage is the best option if you are an extreme adrenaline junkie and want to experience the most intense activities.
However, if it’s your first time visiting an Xcaret park, then I would probably choose Xplor as it’s a personal favorite and offers the best mix of water, land, and zipline experiences.
In addition, the Xplor adventure park is seamlessly embedded into the natural landscape featuring natural terrain, freshwater cenotes, and magnificent underground caves, which really shows off the natural beauty of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.
Now that you know all about Xplor vs Xavage, which park are you going to choose?!
🤑 Get 15% off Xavage all-inclusive tickets with transportation with coupon code VIVA15! Must book by September 30, 2024.
🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets with coupon code VIVA15! Must book by September 30, 2024.
