The Ultimate Guide to the Xcaret Parks in Riviera Maya Mexico (2023)

Are you interested in visiting the Xcaret parks in Riviera Maya Mexico? You’ve come to the right place!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve become a resident expert on the Xcaret adventure parks.

So if you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed by the names of all the Xcaret park and tours, I’ve broken it all down for you in this post.

In this ultimate guide to the Xcaret parks, you’ll learn about what they are, how to pronounce the park names, what activities you can do at each one, transportation information, park costs, money-saving tips, and more!

Ready to learn all about the Xcaret parks? Let’s get to it, starting with a quick overview chart:

Xcaret

🏆 Best for Families

• Activities: 50+
• Known for: Culture, History, & Wildlife

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Read Review →

Xel-Ha

🏆 Best Value

• Activities: 20
• Known for: Water Activities

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Read Review →

XPLOR

🏆 Best for Ziplining

• Activities: 6
• Known for: Ziplining, ATVs

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Read Review →

XAVAGE

🏆 Best for ADULTS

• Activities: 7
• Known for: Extreme Activities

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Read Review →

Xplor Fuego

🏆 Best at Night

• Activities: 5
• Known for: Nighttime Ziplining, ATVs

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Read Review →

Xenses

🏆 best on a budget

• Activities: 14
• Known for: Sense-themed Activities

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Read Review →

XOXIMILCO

🏆 Best for party

• Activities: 1
• Known for: Mexican Floating Fiesta

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XIBALBA

COming soon

• Activities: TBD
• Known for: Cenotes & Mayan underworld

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Grupo Xcaret is the name of the company that owns and operates some of the best tourist attractions in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

The company is constantly expanding but they currently operate 8 adventure parks, 4 tour experiences, and 3 all-inclusive luxury hotels.

From unique tours and activities to luxury hotels, Xcaret has an emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible tourism that lets you plan your Mexico travels in a one-stop shop.

ℹ️ Important to Know: Xcaret is the name of the overall company, but it’s also the name of one of the adventure parks.

🎨 Wondering what it’s like to stay at an Xcaret hotel? Find out in my Hotel Xcaret Arte review!

Just ask and you shall get – Xcaret adventure parks offer all the Mexican Riviera experiences you can think of!

Xcaret activities range from cultural immersion (think live entertainment and archaeological exploration) to unique outdoor activities.

The outdoor activities feature white water rafting, ziplining, snorkeling and snuba, underground river exploration, cenote swims, monster truck challenges, and so much more.

At these one-of-a-kind Mexico theme parks, you can also enjoy elevated Mexican cuisine, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Refer to this map of Xcaret parks for all locations of the different Xcaret parks in Mexico.

Xcaret, Xplor, and Xenses are located just south of Playa del Carmen, while Xel-Ha is closer to Tulum, and Xavage and Xoximilco are closer to Cancun.

If you’re not sure how to pronounce the Xcaret park names, you’re not alone!

I’ll never forget how hard my Mexican friends laughed at me the first time I tried to say “Xcaret” 😂

Note that some of the Xcaret park packages come in two forms: basic admission and all-inclusive admission.

Basic admission offers a limited amount of activities, while all-inclusive offers unlimited access to all activities.

Children under 4 can enter for free, while children from 5 to 11 pay half-price for tickets.

Xcaret park tickets can be bought through the master site below, or each park’s own website.

I highly recommend booking your Xcaret tickets through their official website as it’s the safest and most secure way to book Xcaret tickets.

Plus, they allow you to create your own customized package if you’re interested in visiting more than one of the parks.

I’ve also outlined additional ways to save in the next section.

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.

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

If you’re interested in visiting more than one of the Xcaret parks and tours, you can save by combining parks to create your own 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

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 (adults only)

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.

Xcaret

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Culture, History, and Wildlife
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Families with Small Children, Culture and Animal Lovers
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Daily from 8:30AM–10:30PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

The original of Grupo Xcaret parks, Xcaret by Mexico features 50 attractions within its massive property and is considered to be one of the best Xcaret parks to visit for families.

Drawing your attention towards the country’s culture and heritage, its range of Xcaret park activities makes it the perfect choice for families.

Spend a full day out among the jungle trails, swimming in underground rivers, exploring caves, and frolicking on beaches or natural pools.

Stroll through open-air aviaries, the Butterfly Pavilion and Coral Reef Aquarium; historians will love the Mayan ruins and Mexican Folk Art Museum.

Don’t miss out on the 300-member crew whose Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production tops the list of things to do in Riviera Maya!

The nightly Xcaret show is a history lesson but fun – featuring pre-Hispanic dances and more.

You can read my full Xcaret park review for all the details!

🤑 Get 20% off Xcaret Plus tickets with coupon code XCSALE20!

Xel-Ha

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Water Activities, Water Slides, Snorkeling
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Adults and Families with Older Children
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Daily from 8:30AM–6:30PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

Known for aquatic adventures, Xel-Ha Park has a prime location around an inlet of the Caribbean Sea, which yields the best water activities.

Boardwalks and the Jungle Train connect all the cenotes, caves, hidden beaches, and hammock gardens. In the center lies an expansive “pool”, where red flags mark areas rich in marine life.

While swimming and snorkeling take the spotlight, this Xcaret water park isn’t just a large natural aquarium. Manmade slides, high jumps, and water ziplines add dimension to the park.

There’s even a mile-long float down the river. For land activities, check out the manatee sanctuary and Mayan port city ruins. 

Definitely climb the Scenic Lighthouse water slide for panoramic views over the park!

You can read my full Xel Ha review for all the details!

Travelista Tip: Xel-Ha is the only Xcaret park that includes unlimited alcohol so it’s one of the best Xcaret parks for adults if you’re looking for a fun adults waterpark experience with a group of friends.

🤑 Get 25% off with Xel-Ha coupon code XCSALE23!

Xplor

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Ziplining, ATVs
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Adults and Families with Older Children
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Monday-Saturday from 9:00AM–5:00PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

Xplor is the first Xcaret park I ever visited and still remains one of my favorites, offering ziplines, underground caves, and ATV experiences.

Xplor by Xcaret takes you deep into the Riviera Maya jungle landscape, where naturally carved gorges are hidden within dense forest.

The sky-high zipline course was what propelled Xcaret Xplor onto the lists of “best adventure parks in Mexico”, letting you skim above the treetops and take in the views.

Some of the highest ziplines in Riviera Maya end with a vigorous drop into a cenote so be prepared to get wet!

The newest Underground Expedition activity at Xplor will have you trawling through 800 yards of subterranean trails.

Start by driving an amphibious vehicle through jungle and flooded caves, before the Rafts challenge takes you river paddling through ancient caves.

You can read my full Xplor review for all the details!

🤑 Get 25% off with Xplor coupon code XCSALE23!

Xplor Fuego

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Nighttime Ziplining, ATVs
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Adults and Families with Older Children
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Monday-Saturday from 5:30PM–11:00PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

After 5:30PM, Xplor Park transforms into its night-time persona when sunset hits and flickering torches and cackling bonfires signal the arrival of Xplor Fuego.

Basically, Xplor Fuego is the exact same park as Xplor–only at night!

What was scenic fun in day time is now a dramatic and mysterious landscape. It’s kind of like an “extreme night adventure”.

The same ziplines now show you starry skies, the rainforest becomes strange and haunting, and the underground rivers are illuminated only by fire torches.

End the night at Xplor Fuego with a generous BBQ buffet, and make the most of the nightscape before it closes at 11PM.

Xavage

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Extreme Adventure Activities
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Adrenaline Junkies
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Monday-Saturday from 8:30AM–5:00PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

Located about 45 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, Xavage Park is Xcaret’s newest adventure park.

I’d equate it to an Xcaret park on steroids, since it’s where you’ll find the most adrenaline pumping activities!

Each of the extreme Xavage activities are 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 at Xavage 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 25% off with Xavage coupon code XCSALE23!

Xenses

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Sense-Themed Activities
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Budget Travelers or Those Short on Time
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Monday-Saturday from 8:30AM–7:00PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

If you haven’t gathered from its name, Xenses by Xcaret is all about challenging your senses – nothing is as it seems.

The unusual world teems with sensory deceptions, starting with an enormous water-jet-supported boulder at the entrance.

The charming streetscapes of Town at Xenses feel like an uphill climb when they’re actually level ground. Xensatorium takes you through forest, desert, and savanna without your sight.

The Bird Flight zipline at Xenses has you flying horizontally while mud rivers float you through stalagmite-dotted caverns.

Don’t forget crazy photo ops either! Take a photo of the clean-water drinking fountain…set inside a toilet.

You can read my full Xenses review for all the details!

🤑 Get 25% off with Xenses coupon code XCSALE23!

Xoximilco

• ⭐️ KNOWN FOR: Mexican Floating Fiesta
• 🏆 BEST FOR: Party Animals
• 🕘 PARK HOURS: Monday-Saturday from 7:00PM–11:00PM
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

Located next to Xavage near Cancun, Xoximilco is a literal, floating fiesta!

Not your stereotypical “park”, the Xoximilco tour offers a traditional Mexican party aboard a cruise, a re-creation of the famous attraction outside Mexico City.

The evening begins with carnival games and live performances, followed by a scenic cruise on trajineras (flat-bottomed boats).

Local musical genres such as mariachi and norteño play background music to your Mexican dinner. Dinner is the highlight of this experience, serving tasting platters of traditional foods.

Enjoy ceviche, tamales, Oaxacan chocolate, and more. There’s also an all-night bar which serves alcoholic and fruity beverages.

🤑 Get 25% off with Xoximilco coupon code XCSALE23!

Xibalba Reserve

Xibalba Reserve is the latest Xcaret experience that is still under construction with an undetermined opening date.

Representing the Mayan belief of a three-tiered universe, Xibalba is the underworld – one which you’ll explore via an underground circuit.

From the sacred Ceiba tree to 59-feet deep cenotes, your tour introduces physical spaces within the Mayan cultural context.

You’ll learn about Mayan myths, Xibalba gods, and other ancient beliefs while getting to swim, snorkel, and experience stunning underground cenotes. 

Xenotes

• 📍 TOUR DESTINATION: Cenotes in Puerto Morelos
• 📅 AVAILABILITY: Monday-Saturday
• 🕘 DURATION: 8-9 hours
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

This unique Xcaret Xenotes tour is an all-inclusive experience that brings you to four different Riviera Maya cenotes along the famous “Ruta de Cenotes” in Puerto Morelos.

Xcaret arranges a circuit of activities that include kayaking, swimming, rappelling, and ziplining, letting you experience the natural wonders of the Mexican Riviera actively.

At Lu’um Cenote, a cavern cenote with million-year-old formations, you’ll try assisted rappelling. Ziplines happen over Iik Cenote, where you can cliff jump over 20 feet high.

For kayaking, beautiful Ha Cenote treats you to a semi-open Xcaret cenote with hanging vegetation.

The most beautiful underwater gardens are found at K’aak’ Cenote, an ideal space for swimming and tubing.

And the best thing about the Xenotes Tour is that it’s all-inclusive, so round-trip transportation, equipment, and all meals and drinks are included.

You can read my full Xenotes review for all the details!

🤑 Get 25% off with Xenotes coupon code XCSALE23!

Xichen

• 📍 TOUR DESTINATION: Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
• 📅 AVAILABILITY: Monday-Saturday
• 🕘 DURATION: 12 hours
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

The all-inclusive Xichen by Xcaret tour brings you from Cancun or Riviera Maya to the heart of Mayan culture at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza.

Stroll through the temples and structures with a certified Xcaret guide and learn about the mythologies behind the Pyramid of Chichen Itza.

The tour continues with a stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim, and a visit to the Valladolid downtown area. Enjoy a full-day trip that shows both ancient and contemporary sides of Yucatan!

🤑 Get 25% off Xichen Deluxe tours with coupon code XCSALE23!

Tulum by Xcaret

• 📍 TOUR DESTINATION: Tulum Ruins + Cobá, Xel-Ha, or Xenses
• 📅 AVAILABILITY: Tuesday-Saturday
• 🕘 DURATION: 12 hours
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

The Tulum Xcaret tour is a combo tour that takes you to the Tulum Ruins and your choice of Cobá, Xel-Ha, or Xenses.

The Tulum Ruins is the only pre-Hispanic settlement built along the Caribbean Sea, shielded only by the surrounding wall which once served as defense.

On this all-inclusive tour, you’ll get to explore the archaeological site led by a certified guide before heading to your chosen destination.

Plus, round-trip transportation, as well as meals, drinks, and snacks are included.

Cobá by Xcaret

• 📍 TOUR DESTINATION: Cobá Ruins + Tulum Ruins or Xel-Ha
• 📅 AVAILABILITY: Tuesday-Saturday
• 🕘 DURATION: 12 hours
• 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Book tickets online here →

An ancient Mayan city which reigned before Chichen Itza, the Cobá Tour by Xcaret takes you back millions of years.

Climb to the top of Nohoch Muul, the tallest pyramid of Riviera Maya, and see how far the 50 ancient paved roads known as Sac-Be stretch. You’ll learn about past cultures, customs, and beliefs.

Once you’re done marveling over the ruins and surrounding jungle, embark on a bike ride and follow one of the Sac-Be roads for as long as you can.

The Cobá Xcaret tour is combo tour, so you can choose to continue onto Xel-Ha or the Tulum Ruins after Cobá.

Most people opt for round-trip transportation service for the most hassle free option. Simply add this request at the time of purchase for an Xcaret all inclusive experience.

The Xcaret transportation cost varies by park but is typically around $30 USD per person and picks up from most major hotels in Playa del Carmen.

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.

If your hotel is not on the list of affiliated hotels, you’ll be given a list of meeting points where Grupo Xcaret’s official transport will pick you up.

Xcaret is known for providing more upscale food and beverage experiences but they differ between the parks.

For instance, Xcaret Park Mexico doesn’t automatically include food and drink in their packages – you have to add it to your purchase.

On the other hand, Xel-Ha offers continental breakfast, lunch buffet, snack bar and open bar (including alcohol).

Likewise, the other Xcaret adventure parks also offer buffet lunch, unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. And even though most of the restaurants are buffet style, the food is still very good!

The exact amenities vary but you can expect all Xcaret parks to have: rest areas, dressing rooms, lockers, restrooms, WiFi, ATM, and free parking.

Gift shops are located near the entrance where you can purchase Xcaret park photos, souvenirs, clothing, and gear.

One of my favorite takeaways from these parks is my Experiencias Xcaret photos!

A Photo Pass can be added to your admission package upon purchase, which covers all group photos of up to 10 people. You can pick up your photos at the gift shops.

What’s cool is that there are cameras and “Xelfies” photo opportunities all over the parks.

Tracking technology is inserted in your helmet or wristband so they can track your photos and you’ll be able to scan and review them all at the end of the day.

The photo packages can be expensive but are a great way to capture your memories if you don’t have a GoPro or waterproof camera.

Travelista Tip: It’s cheaper to buy the Xcaret photo packages online when you’re booking your tickets rather than on the day of your visit. If you think you’re going to want park photos, be sure to add this when booking your tickets.

• Consider staying at one of the Xcaret hotels: These luxury Xcaret resorts give you all “fun-inclusive” access to the parks, meaning you get unlimited access to all of the 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 all the perks and photos on the hotel websites below:
  • Hotel Xcaret Mexico
  • Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults only)
  • La Casa de la Playa (adults only)

🆚 Related Reading: Hotel Xcaret Mexico vs Hotel Xcaret Arte: Which is better?

So, which is the best Xcaret park? That is a tough question to answer!

Honestly, all of the Xcaret parks are worth visiting and provide tremendous value and unique and unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Of course, everyone will have a different Xcaret park that they like the best depending on personal preferences, whether or not you have kids, or what kind of activities you like.

But if I really had to choose, here’s my list of Xcaret parks ranked:

1. Xel-Ha
2. Xplor
3. Xplor Fuego
4. Xcaret
5. Xavage
6. Xoximilco
7. Xenses
8. Xibalba (not open yet)

If you need more help deciding between the Xcaret Mexico parks, check out my comparison guides for side-by-side comparison information:

• Xel Ha vs Xplor
• Xcaret vs Xplor
• Xcaret vs Xel Ha
• Xavage vs Xplor
• Xplor vs Xplor Fuego
• Xcaret vs Xel Ha vs Xplor
• Xplor vs Xenotes

I hope this guide to the Mexico Xcaret parks was helpful if you’re interested in visiting one of these thrilling Xcaret adventure parks while visiting Riviera Maya Mexico.

I know it’s a LOT of information to digest but hopefully this Xcaret park guide has given you a better understanding of the overall Xcaret attractions and offerings to find the best Xcaret park for you.

While all the Xcaret theme parks and tours are tremendously fun, Xel-Ha is my personal favorite and the best option for water activities.

But no matter which park you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time!

Just remember to buy your park tickets on the official Xcaret website ahead of time to get the best deal!