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

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.

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 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.

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 the Xcaret Park includes access to the archaeological sites. These can also be visited separately by paying a fee of 75 pesos at the INAH stand at the entrance to the park. Included is a guided tour and access to other areas of the park is of course not permitted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.