Xcaret Park is the best adventure park to explore the nature and culture of Mexico. You will find beautiful nature here in Xcaret and will get to know a lot about the Mexican culture in an adventurous way! You will learn about the famous old Maya culture from Mexico and you will find out what the villages looked, all explained with a funny twist. You can see turtles, jaguars and many other animals here, as well.
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Xcaret Park Location
Xcaret Park is an ecotourism park located in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. It is located about 6 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, at kilometer 282 of the Chetumal-Puerto Juarez highway.
The location of Xcaret Park is privileged, as it is in an area of great natural beauty. The park is surrounded by the Mayan jungle, and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Things to do in Xcaret
From the powerful Mayan civilization, it is possible to visit archaeological sites that maintain their ancient splendor after thousands of years. Admire the ornate Mayan architecture with painted facades, recessed lintels and interior walls of the temples.
With more than 50 attractions for young and old, Xcaret is the ideal park to visit with family and friends. Swim in the mystical subway rivers, enter the magnificent caves and stroll through the trails that cross the jungle.
Fill yourself with culture and visit the Museum of Mexican Popular Art, the Guadalupe Chapel, or live the experience of Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, a show full of Mexican folklore with pre-Hispanic dances, charrería and more than 300 artists on stage.
Scenic tower
Go in the rotating scenic tower and explore the park and nature of the Riviera Maya from high above! You will see the jungle, rivers, the lagoon and the turquoise sea. In case you’re afraid of height, be careful, the tower is 80 meter high.
Hacienda Henequenera
Wander in the golden age of Yucatan and Mexico! Find out about the architecture at that time, learn about the ancient machinery and production and the haciendas! From the Hacienda you can enter the museum and the theater as well. Go back in the time at Xcaret adventure park.
Paradise River
Explore the beautiful nature of the Riviera Maya from a river! Sail through the water channels and explore the jungle. You can spot all kinds of animals: monkeys, macaws, deer, and more.
Archaeological sites
Explore the ancient Mayan world. Find all the hidden pyramids in right in the jungle of the Riviera Maya and learn how the native Mayan people lived over there. Go back in time and feel like a Mayan inhabitant of one of the archaeological sites.
Marine turtles
At park Xcaret you can spot turtles! The turtles are the most cherished animals in the Riviera Maya. Six of the seven species of marine turtles nest in the coast of Mexico, which is why it is so important in Mexico to act responsibly and preserve the turtles. Learn all about the turtles at Xcaret adventure park!
Jaguar island
There are not only turtles to spot at Xcaret, there are many more! What about the jaguar island? They are not just in Sian Ka’an, but in Xcaret park as well. And you will learn again something about the Mayan culture, because the jaguars are the symbols of the Mayan jungle.
Spectacular shows
Watch the best show of the Riviera Maya about the Mexican culture and traditions here! The must see show is ‘Xcaret México Espectacular’! You will go on a journey through Mexico’s history in a educative but especially fun way! The show is amazing and full of many great actors who help make it happen. Don’t miss it!
Facilities
Restaurants and bars
You will find many restaurants and bars to explore the the taste of Mexico at Xcaret adventure park. If you buy a PLUS ticket, some are included in the price, others you can have at an additional price.
Xcaret evening show
Equipment rental
You can rent snorkel equipment, towels, lockers wheelchairs and more. Xcaret services and prices are listed online.
At Xcaret park you will find information booths, shops, wifi, public phones, ATM’s, showers and restrooms and the park has been made suitable for wheelchairs.
Which park is better, Xcaret or Xel-Há?
Xcaret and Xel-Há are two of the most popular ecotourism parks in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Both parks offer a wide variety of attractions, but they also have some key differences.
Xcaret is a more comprehensive park, offering a more varied experience. The park features a wide variety of attractions, including:
- Natural trails: The park has a series of natural trails that allow visitors to explore the Mayan jungle. These trails lead to cenotes, underground rivers, mangroves, and other natural wonders. Water attractions: The park has a range of water attractions, such as rivers, slides, pools, and beaches. Cultural shows: The park offers a series of cultural shows that showcase the culture and traditions of Mexico.
- Xel-Há, on the other hand, is more focused on water activities. The park has a large crystal-clear lagoon where visitors can snorkel, swim, dive, and engage in other water activities. The park also features a cenote, a mangrove area, and an underground river.
So, which one is better for you? The answer to this question depends on each visitor’s personal preferences. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive experience that combines natural beauty with the culture and traditions of Mexico, Xcaret is the better choice. If you’re looking for a park focused more on water activities, Xel-Há is the better option.
How to Get to Xcaret Park?
There are several ways to get to Xcaret Park from Cancun, and the most common ones are:
By Car
If you’re coming by car from Cancun, take the Chetumal-Puerto Juárez highway towards Tulum. The park is approximately 76 kilometers from Cancun, and the journey takes about an hour.
If you’re coming by car from Playa del Carmen, take Federal Highway 307 towards Tulum. The park is approximately 6 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, and the journey takes about 15 minutes.
By Bus
From Cancun, you can take the ADO public bus to Tulum. The bus stops at the park’s entrance. The journey takes approximately an hour and a half.
From Playa del Carmen, you can take the ADO public bus to Tulum. The bus stops at the park’s entrance. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Private Transfer
From Cancun, you can book a private transfer service that will pick you and your companions up from your hotel and take you to Xcaret without any hassle.
Xcaret Cancun Park Hours
Xcaret Park in Cancun is open every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., including holidays.
Conclusion
Xcaret has to be one of the parks to visit on your next vacation to Cancun, so do not miss the opportunity and if you need a Transfer service to Playa del Carmen, which has the same cost as the transfer to Xcaret, we can take you there.