Xplor Review: Is This Adventure Park Worth It in 2024?

Are you interested in visiting Xplor adventure park in Riviera Maya, Mexico and wondering if it’s worth it? 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 tours.

Of all the Xcaret adventure parks, Xplor has some of the most adrenaline-pumping activities and really shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for ziplining in Riviera Maya!

But if you’re just starting to learn about Xplor and all of the Grupo Xcaret offerings from afar, it can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate.

Don’t worry, I’ve broken it all down for you in this comprehensive Xplor review, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about visiting Xplor adventure park including:

• A park overview
• Pros and cons
• In-depth activity reviews
• Food and beverage reviews
• Services and amenities
• Visitor info
• Money saving tips
• And more!

So by the end of the review, you should have an idea of what to expect when visiting Xplor and be able to make an informed decision on whether or not it will be worth it for you.

Ready to find out if Xplor is right for you? Let’s get started!

My Review

Xplor Park

🏆 Best Xcaret Park for Ziplining

Pros:
✅ Best Ziplines
✅ Thrilling ATVs
✅ All Inclusive Ticket

Cons:
❌ Lots of Stairs and Walking
❌ Can Get Crowded

Coupon Code: 5MAYOXP15
Discount: 15% off

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Xplor is definitely worth it if you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a unique and thrilling experience in Playa del Carmen.

This park is all about adventure, including ziplining, amphibious vehicles, underground river rafting, caves with stalactites and stalagmites, and more.

The highlight of the park is the zipline course, which has the highest ziplines in Riviera Maya, and offers incredible views of the Caribbean Sea as well as the lush jungle below.

It’s also an all-inclusive admission ticket, so you’ll get to do all the activities as many times as you want, as well as enjoy a buffet lunch, snacks, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.

But keep in mind that Xplor is not for the faint of heart. The activities can be physically demanding with lots of stairs and walking and may not be suitable for everyone.

Overall, I would highly recommend Xplor for adventurous adults or families with older kids looking for a thrilling day out.

It’s such a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Playa del Carmen while getting an adrenaline rush!

🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets using coupon code 5MAYOXP15! Must book by May 31, 2024.

Operated by a company called Grupo Xcaret, Xplor is an outdoor adventure park in Riviera Maya, Mexico, offering 6 different adventurous activities ranging from ziplines to underground caves to ATV experiences.

Xplor was the first Xcaret park I ever visited and still remains one of my favorites!  It’s basically like an elevated amusement park that’s totally embedded into the natural jungle environment.

Each activity is carved into natural landscapes, taking you deep into the Riviera Maya jungle, underground cenotes, and flooded caves.

Xplor Park Mexico is best known for its sky-high zipline course with some of the highest ziplines in Playa del Carmen. Some even end with a vigorous drop into a cenote so be prepared to get wet!  

From arrival to departure you’ll be completely wowed by Xplor’s impressive eco-friendly design, innovative technology, and meticulous upkeep. 

🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets using coupon code 5MAYOXP15! Must book by May 31, 2024.

Xplor is located just 15 minutes south of Playa del Carmen on the way to Tulum, or a little over an hour south of Cancun Mexico.

Its location right off the main highway makes it easily accessible by car, taxi, or pre-arranged transport. 

Driving times from nearby destinations are as follows:

• Playa del Carmen to Xplor: 15 minutes
• Tulum to Xplor: 40 minutes
• Cancun to Xplor: 1 hour 15 minutes

Xplor Map

Technically the correct pronunciation of Xplor is “Ish-plor”, with the “X” pronounced as an “ish” sound.  However, most people will just pronounce it as “Explore”.

Xplor Mexico is one of the top things to do in Riviera Maya and is suited for adventure seekers aged 5 and older that aren’t afraid of heights.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie and love amusement parks, thrill rides, and being outdoors, then Xplor will be perfect for you. 

It’s a great place for families, friends, and small groups to experience a totally unique adventure park experience. 

Because the activities at Xplor are a little more intense, it’s probably best suited for adults or families with older kids or teens.

Xplor is probably not the best place for you if you:

• Are afraid of heights
• Have difficulty climbing stairs or walking long distances
• Have heart problems
• Are claustrophobic
• Are pregnant

Xplor offers 6 different adventure activities that you can do as many times as you want:

• Ziplines
• Amphibious Vehicles
• Rafts
• Stalactite River Swim
• Hammock Splash
• Underground Expedition

🏗 Coming soon to Xplor Riviera Maya is another activity called Toboganxote, which will be a massive 5-in-1 waterslide ending in a wave pool.

Next, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of Xplor:

Xplor offers just one all-inclusive admission ticket, which 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 using coupon code 5MAYOXP15! Must book by May 31, 2024.

The best and most secure way to purchase Xplor tickets is by booking on the official park website.

There is usually always some kind of promotion when booking on the official website and you’ll receive automatic discounts for booking in advance. I’ve also outlined a few additional ways to save in the next section.

🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets using coupon code 5MAYOXP15! Must book by May 31, 2024.

There are a few different Xcaret discounts available–take advantage of these discounts outlined below to save money on Xplor 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

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.

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!

When you first arrive to Xplor, 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 a wristband, which is kind of like your personal identifier and can be scanned to view your Xplor park photos throughout the day.

During check-in, you’ll also be given your helmet and locker keys.  Helmets are required for all activities so you’ll pretty much be wearing them the entire day.

In addition, each person will be given a wristband with a locker key to store your valuables during the day. 

The wristbands are color-coded with your locker number so you know which colored section of lockers to go to. The lockers are decently sized and big enough to store a tote bag or backpack. 

After check-in, you’ll head through winding caves to the central meeting point. The layout of the entire park is centered around the “Heart” (“Corazón” in Spanish), which is the main meeting point.

This central hub is where you’ll find the lockers, restrooms, changing rooms, and park information. From there, there will be signs guiding you in the right direction to the activities.

✅ Rating: 10/10

With two full zipline circuits, Xplor by Xcaret offers the absolute best ziplining in Riviera Maya with jungle and ocean views. 

When you start out, you can choose the red circuit with 10 ziplines or the green circuit with 3 ziplines.

You’ll reach the top of the towers by climbing spiral staircases and hanging bridges. Be prepared for lots of stairs!

From the Xplor Mexico zipline platforms, you’ll soar solo or in-tandem over treetops with some stunning 360° views of the Mayan jungle.

If you’re concerned about safety, the Xplor park ziplines use safe and comfortable harnesses and braking technology so you won’t have to do anything to stop yourself other than remain in a seated position.  

I’ve been ziplining in other countries and Xplor definitely has the most painless braking mechanism I’ve ever seen.

The guides at each zipline tower are also really helpful and will pretty much take care of everything for you, making it feel really safe and secure.  Trust me it’s not scary after the first one!

Both Xplor zipline circuits end with a drop into a cenote so be prepared to get wet!  These water ziplines are short but some of the most unique as you’ll pass under waterfalls and end with a vigorous splash.

The Xplor ziplines are definitely a highlight and an absolute blast! I’d give them the highest rating because they have always been my favorite activity at Xplor and are really fun if you’re a beginner or experienced zipliner. 

✅ Rating: 8/10

The ATVs of Xplor are known as amphibious vehicles and will take you on a jungle circuit measuring over 3 miles (5 kilometers).

Hanging bridges, tiny roads, flooded caverns, and stunning views of the jungle await you along the journey.

You’ll be splashing your way through the tunnels, tackling steep slopes, and twisting and turning along the agile routes in John Deere amphibious vehicles, which you can do as many times as you want.

While the amphibious vehicles don’t look that intense, they actually go faster than you would think! 

I had a really great time and was tense (in a good way!) as we traversed through the tight turns and rugged landscapes throughout the course.  

I wasn’t even driving and the Xplor ATV experience was still very fun and got my adrenaline pumping.

Plus, at over 3 miles long, the course is much longer than other ATV tours in Playa del Carmen and you really feel like the thrill is worthwhile and not just a short ride.

Each participant will be given two small wooden paddles that you’ll strap to your hands and use to paddle your way through the course.

This challenge can be done solo or with another person, and you have the option to take the long or short course as you navigate through stunning caves and under impressive stalactites.

Personally, the Rafts activity was probably my least favorite because it can be very challenging to steer the raft in the correct direction and takes a lot of coordination especially if you’re sharing a raft with a partner.  

A lot of times you’ll be bumping into the sides of the caves or getting stuck behind other rafts.  Most people were not doing this activity with ease! 

It’s definitely a unique environment but not really a leisurely experience as you’re constantly having to steer the raft and avoid collisions.

✅ Rating: 8/10

The Stalactite River Swim will take you swimming, floating, and trekking, through ancient caves.

It’s one of the most unique activities at Xplor featuring an absolutely stunning cavernous environment, clear turquoise water, and impressive stalactites.

You’ll be required to wear a life jacket and water shoes are an absolute must for this activity!

The ground is rocky and takes a lot of coordination to navigate without injury. At the end of the journey, you’ll even have to navigate under an intense waterfall to reach the exit. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the Stalactite River Swim!  If you’ve never visited a cenote before, it’s really an unforgettable experience to get an up-close view and float through these natural underground caves.

The only thing that was challenging about this activity was navigating the underground rocks and trying to get around other people in front of you.

I would advise trying to space yourself out from other groups so you can enjoy the experience fully.

✅ Rating: 9/10

The Hammock Splash activity will take you on a comfortable seated zipline with a thrilling drop into Xplor cenotes.

When you arrive at the activity, you’ll be given a colorful hammock that you’ll carry on your shoulder to the zipline circuit. 

Once you’re secured, simply take a seat and you’re in for a thrilling ride that ends with a splash!

The activity includes two different circuits so you’ll carry your same hammock throughout.

The Hammock Splash activity is short but is really unique and enjoyable.  Plus, you get to do it as many times as you want!

✅ Rating: 6/10

In the Underground Expedition activity, you’ll get to explore underground caves, climb over obstacles, and glide down two thrilling water slides.

The Underground Expedition activity is similar to the Stalactite River Swim but the water is much more shallow. 

You’ll be able to stand and trek through the narrow caves and rocky uneven ground.  

Obstacles include a few boot camp-style challenges like floating nets and wooden platforms. 

Throughout the expedition, you’ll also submerge from the caves and get to slide down two different water slides. 

The second slide was definitely my favorite – it is long and thrilling and will definitely give you a rush!

Overall, the slides were the highlight of the Underground Expedition activity but I was expecting a lot more physical challenges.

There were only a couple of obstacles to traverse over in the caves so it wasn’t quite as thrilling as I had hoped.

At Xplor, you’ll get to dine at the Troglodita restaurant, which is a large buffet-style restaurant with communal seating at large wooden tables.

The Xplor buffet includes food options with a mix of American and Mexican cuisine including hamburgers, pizza, pasta, tacos, enchiladas, and much more.  

In addition, you’ll be treated to a healthy salad and fresh fruit bar, as well as soft-serve ice cream, and gourmet desserts.  Drink options include a soda fountain, water, and fresh juices.

Honestly, the Xplor food isn’t amazing but hits the spot after you’re famished from all the strenuous activities.  Plus, you can treat yourself as much as you want.

Aside from the restaurant, Xplor Park Riviera Maya also offers two snack and smoothie bars known as “Oasis” and “Manantial”. 

These snack bars are perfect for a pitstop between activities to refuel with refreshing flavored water, fresh juices, and fruit smoothies.  You can also grab some snacks like bananas and oatmeal cookies.

Another unique feature of the Xplor snack bars is the rest areas.  Once you grab your beverage of choice, you can relax and take a break in the surrounding hammocks, seating area, and shallow pools.

These are nice jungle retreats to hang out with small children or if you don’t want to participate in a particular activity. 

Lockers are included in your Xplor admission ticket and are a nice and much-needed amenity to store your valuables during the day. 

You’ll be given a thick velcro wristband to secure your locker key throughout the day.  Be sure not to lose it as the replacement fee is pricey!

The lockers are clean and spacious and are big enough to store a purse, backpack, towels, or tote bag. 

Their central location in the “Corazón” makes it easy to come back to check your phone, change your clothes, or grab any of your belongings.

The restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are also located in the “Corazón” and are very clean and accommodating.  I was very impressed by the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities.  

The changing rooms are also a clean, dry, and private spot to change out of your wet clothes at the end of the day.

Gift shops are located near the entrance and a few different places around the park where you can purchase park photos, snacks, souvenirs, and branded gear (like water shoes, swimsuits, and rashguards). ATMs are also available.

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

A Photo Pass can be added to your Xplor admission package when booking online, or at the gift shops throughout the park.

I would recommend adding it to your package when booking online because it is cheaper than buying it at the park.

What’s cool is that there are cameras and “Xelfies” photo opportunities ALL OVER the park so you’ll get the best shots on the ziplines and water activities.

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 Xplor package for photos can be expensive but is a great way to capture your memories if you don’t have a GoPro or waterproof camera.

After sunset, Xplor transforms into Xplor Fuego, which is basically its night-time persona with flickering torches and crackling bonfires.  

Some describe it as 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.

It’s a fun alternative if you’re looking for a slightly more extreme experience with fewer children and families.

You can read my full Xplor Fuego review and Xplor vs Xplor Fuego comparison guide for more info.

Xcaret currently operates a total of 8 adventure parks so there are parks for almost every type of activity and interest.  

If you’re interested in more adventurous and adrenaline-pumping activities, Xavage park is the most comparable option. 

Check out my full Xcaret park comparison guides for more info:

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

And if you’re interested in visiting more than one Xcaret park, you can also create your own package and save 15-20% off the price of admission by bundling the parks together.  

If you want something a little less touristy, there are also a few other eco-parks in Riviera Maya like Selvatica, Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park, and Aktun Chen. 

These eco-parks are fun outdoor adventure experiences but Xplor Xcaret Park has the most zipline circuits, and they are the highest you will find in Riviera Maya.

Check out my Playa del Carmen zipline guide for more information. 

Below is what I would recommend wearing to Xplor:

• Swimsuit: You will definitely be getting wet so you’ll want to wear a swimsuit.  I usually always wear a one-piece swimsuit to be most comfortable.

• Waterproof shorts: You’ll also want to wear athletic or waterproof shorts to be most comfortable in the zipline harness.

• Rash guard: Another item that’s nice to have is a rash guard, which is a swim shirt to protect you from the sun and keep you warm in the water.  In the Stalactite River Swim and Underground Expedition activities, you’ll be completely submerged underwater which can be pretty cold. 

Here are the essential items to bring to Xplor:

• Water Shoes: The #1 absolutely essential item to bring to Xplor is water shoes, as it’s pretty much impossible to do most of the activities without them.  Closed-toed shoes are required and you’ll need them to protect your feet from the jagged rocks during the Stalactite River Swim and Underground Expedition.  Water shoes can be purchased at the gift shops at Xplor but they can be pricey so I would recommend picking up a pair on Amazon here. 

• Biodegradable Sunscreen: Regular sunscreen is prohibited at Xplor so you’ll need to bring biodegradable sunscreen if you need sun protection. You can pick up my favorite brand on Amazon here.

• GoPro or waterproof camera: Xplor is action-packed and involves lots of water activities so you won’t be able to use your cell phone to take photos. Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture some epic memories.

• Beach Towel: You’ll want to bring a beach towel to dry off after the water activities. These microfiber beach towels are a great option because they are super lightweight and dry quickly.

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

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Xplor:

Travelista Tip: If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Xplor is easy to reach by taking a taxi and only costs around $15-$20 USD each way. There is a taxi stand outside of the park entrance for the return trip.

I hope these comprehensive Xplor reviews were beneficial in helping you to decide whether or not Xplor adventure park is worth it for you. 

I have honestly had a blast every time I’ve visited Xplor and have even brought my family when they’ve come to visit me in Playa del Carmen. It never disappoints!

While the admission price is expensive, I 100% think the value is worth it for the money. 

The park is so impressive, well kept, and all the activities are immensely thrilling, action-packed, and so much fun. 

Plus, everything is included so you don’t have to worry about any added expenses once you’re through the doors.

So what do you think, are you ready to visit Xplor?!

🤑 Get 15% off Xplor tickets using coupon code 5MAYOXP15! Must book by May 31, 2024.