Xenses Park Review: Is this unusual adventure park worth it? (2023 Review)

What is Xenses?

Of all the Xcaret adventure parks, Xenses is probably the most difficult to explain! Basically, this half day park is all about challenging the 5 senses.

Filled with non-stop sensory deceptions and optical illusions, nothing is as it seems at Xenses.

It’s kind of like a high end fun park filled with hands-on interactive exhibits, sense-themed activities, and endless photo opportunities.

Centered around a giant pinwheel, there are two paths for visitors to explore–the Path of Feeling and the Path of Doing.

The Path of Feeling’s main activity is the Xensatorium, where you’ll feel your way through forest, desert, and savanna habitats in complete darkness.

The Path of Doing side of the park features more adventure activities like the seriously trippy streetscapes of the Town, a high-speed water slide, a horizontal zipline, and salt and mud river floats. 

And around the pinwheel, visitors can explore tiny rooms with fun photo ops like a hall of mirrors, upside-down rooms, and imaginary scenarios.

Where is Xenses?

How do you pronounce Xenses?

Xenses is pronounced “Shen-says”.  The key to pronouncing the Xcaret park names correctly is to pronounce the X as either an “Ish” or a “Sh” sound. 

Why visit Xenses?

If you’re looking for a totally unique theme park or water park experience during your Riviera Maya vacation, Xenses is definitely worth a visit. 

This outdoor amusement park features a variety of low-key activities that are perfect for those who don’t want anything too physically demanding. 

There are plenty of quirky, fun, and colorful photo ops throughout the park–all messing with your mind and challenging the senses. And if you’re looking for a little more excitement, there are a few adventure activities too. 

Best of all, Xenses is the least expensive of the Xcaret parks, so it’s perfect if you’re on a budget. And since it’s not a full-day commitment, it’s great for those who have limited time or don’t want to give up a full vacation day.

Who is Xenses suited for?

Xenses is a unique and low-key adventure park in Riviera Maya that’s perfect for those who are looking for something totally different. 

The park is small and not physically demanding so it’s a great option for those that might not be able to handle the walking and intense activities at many of the other Xcaret adventure parks.

If you’re into art or photography or just generally like weird and quirky things, then you will appreciate all the unique and unusual activities and endless photo ops at Xenses.

Xenses is also a great family-friendly activity for kids ages 5 and older.  Kids will love all of the interactive and hands-on exhibits, colorful photo ops, and adventure activities.

Who is Xenses NOT suited for?

Xenses is not suited for those looking for extreme adventure activities. This park is more relaxing and low-key and while there are a couple of adventure activities, the main focus of the park is on defying your senses.

If you prefer more adrenaline-pumping activities, you may get bored and there are other Xcaret parks (like Xplor or Xavage) that would be better suited for you. 

Some activities are also not recommended for pregnant women or those that have had recent surgeries. 

Xenses Activities Quick Overview

Xenses Pros and Cons

Xenses Tickets

How to Book Xenses Tickets

How to Save Money on Xenses Park Tickets

There are a few different Xenses by Xcaret discounts available–take advantage of these automatic discounts outlined below to get the best deal on Xenses tickets and avoid paying full price for admission.

🦜 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

Create your own package

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.

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

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 get the best price and be eligible for the discount. For foreigners living in Quintana Roo, Temporary and Permanent Resident Cards are accepted.

Xenses Arrival Experience

Here’s what you can expect to experience when you first arrive at Xenses theme park:

Ticketing and Check-in

When you first arrive at Xenses, you’ll be directed to the ticketing check-in line.  You’ll need to present your printed tickets, as well as your photo ID and credit card that was used to purchase the tickets. 

In addition, everyone in your party will need to sign a liability waiver.  You’ll then be given two wristbands–a rubber wristband and the regular wristband.

These wristbands act as your personal identifier and can be scanned to take park photos and view them at any time throughout the day.

After you’re through the turnstiles, you are free to explore the park at leisure and can head to the locker rooms to store your belongings.

Locker Rooms

Locker rooms are available at Xenses and are included in the price of admission.

A locker key will be given to you at check-in, which you can wear as a bracelet.  Be sure not to lose the locker key as the replacement fee is pricey!

Xenses lockers are decently-sized and large enough to hold a medium-sized backpack.  You’ll then easily be able to return to the lockers during the day to change clothes or retrieve your belongings.

Xenses Park Map

Below is a map of Xenses park Mexico.  Basically the park is centered around a giant pinwheel, which is kind of like the starting point and central hub with services and amenities such as the gift shop, restrooms, locker rooms, and restaurant. 

The different spokes of the pinwheel will take you to the Path of Feeling and the Path of Doing, as well as to the tiny rooms with fun photo ops and exhibits. 

Xenses Park Review: Activities

Here’s a detailed look at the activities and main attractions and my honest Xenses park reviews:

Path of Feeling

I would recommend starting with the Path of Feeling as you won’t get wet on these Xenses attractions. 

Dwarfs and Giants

Dwarfs and Giants is a pathway on the way to Xensatorium–it’s not really an activity but just a passage with some optical illusions and photo ops.  

One side is the way of Giants, while the other side is the way of Dwarfs, creating an illusion of being very large and small in the painted doorways.

There is also a fun photo op where a Xenses optical illusion is created to look like you are sitting on a giant yellow chair.

Xensatorium

Each participant enters the Xensatorium in their own lane, where you’re left in complete darkness and have to use your hands and bare feet to feel your way along a forest path–for about 15 minutes!

Without sight, this Xenses dark tunnel is probably the one Xenses activity that really challenges your remaining senses–especially sound, smell, and sense of touch. 

You’ll hear sounds of animals, feel running water, walk over stones, and smell pine tree scents as you transition on a fantastic journey between desert, beach, jungle, swamp, mountain, and forest habitats. 

Xensatorium was probably one of my favorite activities at Xenses because it is so unique.  It’s honestly a little freaky at first because you can’t even see your hand in front of your face! 

But once your other senses kick in, it becomes pretty thrilling detecting the changes between the different environments. And if you get scared or start to feel claustrophobic, you can always signal for help. 

Underground Arteries

After making your way through the Xenses Xensatorium, you’ll find yourself in the Underground Arteries, which is a labyrinth of underground caves and walkways. 

The Eden

After exiting the Underground Arteries, you’ll wind up in “The Eden” which is a lush tropical environment with waterfalls, fish-filled ponds, and natural caves.  

It’s a beautiful spot with lots of photo ops–including pink flamingos and brightly-colored parrots.

Xitric Garden

The Path of Feeling ends at the Xitric Garden, a lemon tree fountain where you can sample fresh lemonade directly from a tap.  It is refreshing and delicious!

Path of Doing

After you’ve finished the Path of Feeling, head to the Path of Doing for the more adventurous activities.

💦 You will be getting wet so be sure to leave your things in your lockers before going this route! 

Town

What looks like an uphill street with old-timey storefronts and homes is actually level ground and designed to make your head spin.  

Everything at the Town just feels off and it’s actually quite difficult to stand up straight and you will probably even feel a little sick! 

But at the same time, it’s pretty hilarious watching everyone trying to navigate down the street on what feels like unstable ground–everyone was laughing! 

Overall, the Town is seriously trippy but really cool–the illusion is just so strange and I still don’t understand how they did it!

⚠️ The Town can be difficult to walk through because you pretty much feel like you are falling over.  Use caution if you get dizzy easily or have issues with balance.

Picture This

If you’re lucky enough to make it to the top of the Town without falling over, you’ll enter the “Picture This” building, which is a room with colorful blocks, trampolines, and plenty of photo ops.

Slip

The Slip water slide is extremely thrilling and is probably the most intense activity at Xenses.  I honestly was not expecting the water slide to be so fast!

At the end you will get dunked into a shallow pool so be prepared to get wet! Overall it was a fun experience and my favorite activity at Xenses.

Bird Flight

With your legs and arms extended, the zipline is designed to make you feel like a bird in flight as you fly down an elevated track that twists and turns for about 30-45 seconds.

Overall, the Bird Flight activity was really fun and unique and will give you a quick rush of adrenaline. 

This style of zipline is very different from traditional ziplines in Playa del Carmen–I only wish it had been longer and higher off the ground for even more of a rush!

Riverlaxing

With calming blue hues, this activity is tranquil and relaxing but it was difficult to float!

Maybe it was just me but I had trouble floating and most of the time had to use my hands and feet to keep moving along. 

Sludgerie

You will get very dirty on this activity so it’s best to just embrace it!  I actually found it easier to float on this activity and the water is thick and warm and almost feels like a cozy mud blanket 😂 

At the end of the mud river float, there are showers where you can rinse off all the mud.  This can be a challenge because you will have mud everywhere! 

It’s best to wear a bathing suit you don’t care too much about because it will likely take some extra scrubbing after you leave to get it clean. 

While the Sludgerie is super dirty, it’s such a unique and fun activity that I would recommend giving it a try!

Rain

After finishing the Sludgerie, you’ll also have the chance to pass through “Rain” which is a tunnel of water heads in every direction.  The water is cold but much needed after the mud river!

Xauna

Finally you’ll finish the circuit by walking through the “Xauna” which is a warm sauna walkway with heated temperatures.  It feels great after the cold water areas of Rain!

Marbelous

Before exiting the Path of Doing, you’ll pass through Marbelous, which is a series of large marble machines designed to push marbles through a series of tubes, tunnels, and tracks. It’s not a hands-on activity but has some more photo ops!

Xenses Park Review: Food and Beverage 

Menu items include burgers, ribs, al pastor style nachos, burritos, tacos, and more. Plus, you can choose from cold offerings like sandwiches, fruit, and desserts. 

And the restaurant at Xenses wouldn’t be complete without a few deceptions–the mango flavored water is green and the lemonade is blue!

Additional drink options include more flavored waters, soda, coffee drinks, beer, and wine. 

Overall, I was really impressed with the restaurant at Xenses.  It feels very new and modern and there is a wide selection of food items to choose from.

Plus, the hot food items are all pretty reasonably priced at around $200 pesos (~$10 USD) each. 

The Xenses restaurant is a great place to chill out and grab lunch or a drink after a fun day of activities.  

The only thing that could be improved with the food and beverage at Xenses was if some snacks were included in the overall admission ticket.

Travelista Tip: Don’t miss the outdoor seating area at the restaurant–there are large Xenses buses and more fun photo ops! 

Xenses Park Review: Services and Amenities

Here’s an overview of the services and amenities available at Xenses Riviera Maya:

Lockers

Lockers are included in the Xenses ticket price where you can safely store your belongings throughout the day.  

Lockers are large enough for a medium sized backpack and you’ll be able to easily visit them throughout the day if you need to access your personal belongings.

The Breather

Located on the Path of Doing, “The Breather” is a rest area with several colorful hammocks in the sun.  

This is a great place to lounge, relax, and dry off after you finish the other activities and are dripping wet!

Restrooms, Showers, & Changing Rooms

Restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are also available at Xenses and are very clean and well-maintained.

The showers are a nice added amenity as you’ll likely need another rinse after the Sludgerie!

🚽 There are also a few funny photo ops in the restroom and changing area including toilet thrones and a clean-water drinking fountain set inside a toilet!

Gift Shops

The Xenses gift shop is located in the middle of the pinwheel main building, where you can purchase souvenirs and branded gear like water shoes, swimsuits, water bottles, and apparel. 

As expected, the Xenses gift shop offers items at a premium price so I would recommend bringing your own water shoes and gear to save money.

Photo Pass

Probably the park’s biggest takeaway is all of the unique Xenses photos! There are cameras and photo opportunities embedded all over the park to get the best high quality shots. 

Tracking technology is inserted in your wristband so you’ll have to scan your wristband at the photo spots and then you’ll be able to review them all at the end of the day.

A Photo Pass can be added to your admission package upon purchase, or you can purchase them at the park gift shop on the day of the visit. 

The Xenses photo package can be expensive but is a great way to capture your memories–most of the photos can’t be captured with a regular camera!

Travelista Tip: Save money by adding the photo package when booking your Xenses tickets online.  It costs around $27 USD per person, which is a lot less than what they charge at the park!

Xenses Transportation

It’s important to know that transportation is not included in the Xenses price of admission. 

To get to Xenses Playa del Carmen, you can drive there in a rental car, take a taxi, take the ADO bus, or add the round-trip transportation service to your ticket for an additional $27 USD per person.  A free parking lot is available on site.

Most people add the transportation service for the most convenient and hassle-free option.

But if you do choose this option, be aware that transportation can only be added at the time of purchase so be sure to add transportation when you’re buying your tickets online. 

Xcaret buses pick up at your hotel, resort, or a designated meeting point. 

Travelista Tip: If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, it’s quick and easy to take a taxi to Xenses and only costs around $15 USD for up to 4 people.  A taxi stand is available at the park for the return trip. 

Xenses Alternatives

If you’re looking for Xenses alternatives, there really aren’t too many other options because the park is so unique! 

Other Xcaret Parks

If you’re not sure if Xenses is right for you, consider visiting one of the other Xcaret adventure parks. Grupo Xcaret offers a total of 8 adventure parks offering a variety of different activities for every interest. 

• Xel-Ha: A natural water park with snorkeling, water slides, cenotes, and loads of water activities

• Xavage: The most extreme activities with a ropes course, superman-style ziplining, white water rafting, monster trucks, kayaking, and a high speed jet boat experience

• Xcaret: The original Xcaret park with culture, history, wildlife, water activities, and the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production

What to Wear to Xenses Park

• Old Swimsuit: If you choose to go on the Path of Doing, you will definitely be getting wet.  I would recommend wearing an old swimsuit (or at least one that is not your favorite) because you are going to be covered with mud from head to toe during the Sludgerie activity.  The mud washes out but it will likely take a little more scrubbing once you get home!

• Water Shoes: Wear water shoes to be the most comfortable on the adventure activities and to protect your feet while walking through the caves. 

• Waterproof Shorts: I would also recommend bringing athletic or waterproof shorts as a coverup when walking through the Town to the adventure activities.  You can leave your shorts in the “Zapatería” (shoe nursery) before starting the activities. 

• Belt Bag: I always bring my belt bag to comfortably hold my wallet, phone, sunscreen, and personal belongings and be hands-free when walking around the parks.

What to Bring to Xenses Park

• Beach Towel: Towels are not provided at Xenses so you’ll want to bring your own to dry off after the water activities.  These microfiber beach towels are a great option as they are lightweight and dry quickly. 

• GoPro or waterproof camera: Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture some epic memories of the activities at Xenses.  I brought my GoPro Hero 10 and was able to take it on all of the activities.  

• Change of Clothes: Bring an extra change of clothes to change into at the end of the day after the water activities. 

• Cash or credit cards:  Bring cash or credit cards for any additional purchases like food, park photos, or gift shop items. 

Visiting Xenses Park: FAQs

Tips for Visiting Xenses

• Wear an old swimsuit: As I mentioned, you are going to get covered completely in mud during the Sludgerie activity so I would recommend wearing a swimsuit you care less about! The mud washes out but will probably need a little more washing after you leave. 

• Don’t forget your printed tickets:  When booking Xenses tickets online, you will be sent an email confirmation with your ticket voucher.  You will need to print your tickets and present them at the ticket office when you arrive.  Electronic tickets are not accepted. Be sure to print your tickets at home or they can usually be printed at the front desk of your hotel. 

• Buy the photo pass ahead of time: You’ll get a discount on the photo pass if you add it to your package when buying tickets.  Consider this if you think you’ll want Xenses pictures.  Just remember to scan your wristband and utilize as many of the photo opportunities as possible on the day of your visit. 

• Scan all of your photos on one wristband: If you’re visiting with family or a group, have one family member scan all of your photos on one wristband so you only have to pay for 1 photo package. 

Xenses Review Final Thoughts – Is Xenses worth it?

I hope these honest Xenses reviews and complete guide to visiting Xenses were helpful in planning your visit! Or at least gives you a better understanding of Xenses Mexico explained.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when visiting Xenses because the park is so hard to comprehend until you’ve seen it in person. 

But I was very pleasantly surprised and had a lot of fun! With its one-of-a-kind sensory deceptions, your mind will be blown at Xenses–I still can’t quite wrap my head around the Town!  

This quirky park is perfect for kids but even as an adult, I still had a great time at Xenses. Plus, you still get the Slip slide and Bird Flight zip line for a little more adrenaline.

While the park is not as action-packed as some of the other Xcaret parks like Xplor or Xavage, it offers a completely unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. 

So, I do think Xenses is worth it if you’re looking for something a little different.  Plus, it’s the least expensive Xcaret park and just a half-day time commitment so you’ll still have time to hit the pool or beach!