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All about Xcaret Park in Mexico (2025 Review & Guide)

Updated: 

May 30, 2025

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Author: Tobias

Xcaret, located about 186 miles (300 km) east of Mérida near Playa del Carmen, is an eco–archaeological park with underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, and Maya ruins. Admission for foreign adults starts at 1,900 MXN (US-$100). It is one of the most visited attractions in the Riviera Maya.

Xcaret is a water park with underground rivers and cenotes, at the Riviera Maya between Cancun and Tulum.
Portrait of Tobias Wellhausen, German travel writer and Mérida expert.

Hi, I’m Tobias – a German travel writer with a home in Mérida and a passion for exploring new places.

For over 20 years, my wife (a local) and I have traveled Mérida, and the Yucatán Peninsula. On this site I share real insights on 200+ places.

Read more: Our story

Disclosure: This article contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (#Disclosure Policy)

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Quick Facts: Address & Details

📍  Address:

Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

☎️  Phone:

↔️  Distance:

⏳  Travel Time:

🎟️  Admission:

💵  Price Level:

📆  Since:

⭐  Rating:

🕒  Open:

+52 998 883 3143

186 mi (300 km) from Mérida

3h 50min from Mérida

Mex$1900 (US$100)

High (Upscale)

1990

average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 111407 votes, Ratings

• Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
• Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM

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First-Hand Insights on Xcaret Park

I think I’ve been there three times now, and honestly, aside from the ticket prices, I was impressed every single time. Xcaret Park is like the great Xel-Há Park - a natural water park on the Yucatán Peninsula.


The park was opened in 1990 and is located between Cancún and Tulum at Riviera Maya opposite from the island of Cozumel.


Xcaret is a great water park with underground rivers and cenotes where you can swim, all set right by the Caribbean Sea. The name means "small cove," referring to the natural inlet that was once used as a trading port when the area was known as Polé.


Stone statue of a kneeling figure with folded hands at the entrance of Xcaret Park in Mexico, surrounded by palm trees and visitors in the background. The base of the statue reads “Xcaret by Mexico.”
Entrance area

The park offers over 50 attractions spread across a vast area. You can visit the Coral Reef Aquarium and the Sea Turtle Center or explore the Butterfly Garden and Bird House to learn more about the region’s diverse flora and fauna.


A group of people in life jackets swimming with dolphins inside a large enclosed lagoon at Xcaret Park, with wooden walkways above the water and tropical vegetation in the background.
Swimming with dolphins

A long rainforest trail winds through the park, where you can see a variety of animals, including manatees, giant tortoises, flamingos, monkeys, bats, jaguars, deer, and tapirs.


A bright pink flamingo standing on one leg near a shallow pool in a tropical jungle setting at Xcaret Park, surrounded by rocks and lush vegetation.


The Costs


The entrance fee includes food and drinks at the park’s restaurants, and there are only a few things that cost extra, like swimming with dolphins.


However, if you're visiting with older kids, the trip can quickly become quite expensive. It’s definitely not cheap, but I think the cost is fair for what you get.


Maya Ruins of Polé


Incidentally, Xcaret Park is also home to what is probably one of the least visited (or least noticed) Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, the ruins of Polé. Many people probably believe that these are not really ancient ruins.


Admission to Xcaret Park includes the archaeological sites, but you can also visit them separately for 75 pesos at the INAH booth. That includes a guided tour – access to the rest of the park isn’t allowed.


Small Maya pyramid structure from the ancient site of Polé at Xcaret Park, built from stone with a central staircase and surrounded by dense tropical vegetation.
Maya Ruins of Polé

World of Archaeology


The archaeological sites in Xcaret Park give you only a brief look into this world, but the Yucatán Peninsula is filled with incredible Mayan archaeological sites, each with its own charm.


There are over 4,400 registered archaeological sites, but here are just a few highlights. Chichén Itzá is of course the most famous, while the lesser-known Uxmal offers stunning Puuc-style architecture with fewer crowds.


Infographic showing that there are over 4,400 registered archaeological sites in Yucatán and that discoveries in Dzibilchaltún are over 3,500 years old.
Infographic showing that Chichén Itzá receives around 2.6 million visitors annually and that the tallest Mayan pyramid in Calakmul is approximately 45 meters high.

Tulum combines history with beautiful coastal views, and Ek' Balam stands out for its climbable pyramid and intricate stucco carvings. Whichever site you visit, exploring these ancient ruins is something you won’t forget.


The Evening Show


Every evening from 7:00 pm, a two-hour show takes place in the Gran Tlachco Theater, which takes you through more than 500 years of Mexico's history and involves more than 300 artists with elaborate costumes from the respective periods.


Colorful stage performance at the Gran Tlachco Theater in Xcaret Park, featuring dozens of dancers in traditional costumes, with smoke effects and a large audience in the background.
The evening show

The show takes you from the pre-Columbian era, the time of the conquest of Mexico, the colonial period, Mexico's first years as an independent country, the revolutionary years at the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.


Performers in elaborate pre-Hispanic costumes reenact a ceremonial procession during the evening show at Xcaret Park, with dancers, warriors, and a central figure in a feathered headdress seated on a platform.

The pre-Hispanic ritual ball game Pok-A-Tok is one of the highlights of the show. It was played by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Maya, and held great cultural and religious significance.


The game involved hitting a rubber ball through stone rings, and it often had ceremonial or symbolic meanings, sometimes involving sacrifices.


Stage performance of the ancient Mesoamerican ball game Pok-A-Tok at Xcaret Park, with players in traditional costumes and a rubber ball in play on a large illuminated court, surrounded by spectators.
Ritual ball game Pok-A-Tok

In the Xcaret Park, however, no one is sacrificed. The evening show beautifully represents the ancient tradition of the Pok-A-Tok game, showcasing the cultural significance of the ritual through vibrant performances and storytelling.


Facilities


If required, the park will provide you with lockers, towels, wheelchairs, strollers and snorkel gear, although all of this is subject to a charge. There is free Wi-Fi at the Main Plaza, buffet restaurants, and Gran Tlachco Theatre.


If you need cash, there are ATMs located in the Main Plaza, at the park’s entrance. At the Main Plaza is also the largest souvenir store and there are 12 other stores at various locations in the park.


Top 5 Tips for a Great Visit


Here are my top 5 tips for visiting Xcaret Park:


  1. Use biodegradable sunscreen to help preserve the environment.

  2. Opt for comfortable footwear and swimwear, as you’ll be both walking and swimming.

  3. Remember to bring a waterproof camera to capture all the beautiful moments.

  4. Get there early to enjoy the park’s activities before it becomes crowded.

  5. Keep hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas to stay cool.


Xcaret Park vs. Xel-Há Park


Both Xel-Há and Xcaret are located in the same region, the Riviera Maya, along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.


While Xel-Há Park offers a more relaxed and nature-focused experience with snorkeling and water activities, Xcaret is a larger eco-park with a broader range of attractions, including cultural shows and wildlife exhibits.


View of the waterfront at Xel-Há Park, featuring rows of lounge chairs on a sandy path, clear turquoise water, tropical palm trees, and a thatched-roof building in the background under a bright blue sky.
Xel-Há Park

Xcaret features, as mentioned above, the famous evening show, "Xcaret México Espectacular," which highlights Mexican history and traditions through music and dance.


In terms of pricing, Xel-Há Park tends to be slightly cheaper, especially if you’re mainly interested in water activities, while Xcaret is more expensive due to its larger variety of experiences, including the evening show and additional attractions.


I’ve visited both parks multiple times and highly recommend them both. If you’re only planning to visit one park and the cost is not an issue, I would personally choose Xcaret.

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Chichen Itza, Private Cenote, Food Experience & the magic Izamal

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This! Super beautiful cenotes! You have free cancellation. It starts from US-$114

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3. Not either/or, but also!

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General Tips for Getting Around

💡 My quick tips for your day trips:


  1. Fill your tank before you go.

  2. Download offline maps first.

  3. Keep a power bank or car charger.

  4. Pack water, snacks & a small cooler.

  5. Carry small bills for tolls & fees.

  6. Bring printed rental docs & insurance.

  7. Use sunscreen and wear a hat.​​

  8. Pack an umbrella during the rainy season.

  9. Wear long sleeves & repellent.

  10. Use sturdy shoes for uneven paths.

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Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Where is Xcaret Park located?


Xcaret Park is located near Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo. The full address is Carretera Chetumal – Puerto Juárez, Kilometer 282, Solidaridad. It lies along the Caribbean coast, about 6 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen.


⏳ How far is Xcaret Park from Mérida?


Xcaret Park is approximately 300 kilometers from Mérida. The drive usually takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes. The route leads through Valladolid and Tulum before reaching Playa del Carmen and the Xcaret entrance.


🎟️ How much is the entrance fee for Xcaret Park?


Admission for foreign adults is Mex$ 1,900. Prices vary by package and season. Children, locals, and online buyers may receive discounts. Tickets often include access to shows, underground rivers, and exhibitions.


💵 Are prices at Xcaret Park reasonable?


Xcaret Park is considered high-end. While prices are higher than average, visitors gain access to a full-day experience with performances, nature attractions, and cultural activities. It’s best suited for travelers seeking an all-inclusive eco-adventure.


👍 Is Xcaret Park worth visiting?


Yes – Xcaret Park is worth visiting for its combination of natural beauty, cultural shows, and eco-adventure activities. It’s one of the most famous and professionally operated theme parks in all of Mexico.


👥 How crowded is Xcaret Park?


Xcaret Park is usually quite busy, especially during holidays and weekends. Arriving early in the day allows for a more relaxed experience and shorter lines for the most popular attractions.


📆 When was Xcaret Park founded?


Xcaret Park was founded in 1990. It has since grown into a major destination on the Riviera Maya, known for its commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

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