Xcaret Park: Discover a World of Unforgettable Fun
Planning a visit to Xcaret Park in Mexico is an exciting adventure, including how to get there and the admission fees, can make the experience even smoother.
Getting to Xcaret
Xcaret Park is conveniently located in the Riviera Maya, just a short drive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Here’s how you can reach this enchanting destination:
- From Cancun: You can drive south on Highway 307 towards Playa del Carmen. The journey typically takes about an hour. Alternatively, there are buses and shared shuttle services available that go directly to Xcaret.
- From Playa del Carmen: Xcaret is only about 15 minutes away by car. Similar to Cancun, buses and shuttles are available and provide direct access to the park.
- From Cozumel: If you’re coming from Cozumel, you’ll first need to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. From there, you can catch a taxi or a shuttle to the park.
Admission Fees
Xcaret offers a variety of admission packages, each tailored to different interests and budgets:
- Basic Admission: This includes access to the park from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM, including the “Xcaret México Espectacular” show, access to the beach, bays, natural pools, and all the cultural attractions and exhibitions. It does not include meals or some of the optional activities.
- Plus Admission: In addition to everything included in the Basic Admission, the Plus Admission also includes one buffet meal, snorkeling gear rental, and access to the Plus Area lockers and showers.
- Xcaret Total: This package includes all the benefits of the Plus Admission, plus your choice of one additional activity such as Adrenalina Jet Boat ride, Snuba® Reef, or Sea Trek®.
The prices vary depending on the season, and it’s often more cost-effective to purchase tickets online in advance. There are also occasional promotions and discounts for Mexican residents, children, and seniors.
Fun for All Ages
I decided to take a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Xcaret, and the drive was quick, taking just about 20 minutes. Arriving early proved to be a smart move, as there weren’t many people yet, and the line to buy tickets was surprisingly short. I purchased the Basic Admission ticket right there at the gate.
Included in my ticket was access to a buffet, which was a delightful surprise. The food was simply delicious, offering a wide array of Mexican cuisine. From savory main courses to an assortment of desserts, the choices were abundant and mouthwatering. It was a fantastic way to sample various dishes and truly indulge in the flavors of Mexico.
The Fun Starts Here
Riding the Scenic Tower at Xcaret was an exhilarating way to see the park from a unique perspective. As the tower gently lifted me skyward, the slowly rotating platform provided a 360-degree view that expanded as we ascended. From this vantage point, I could see the lush landscapes of Xcaret sprawling beneath me, from the dense greenery of the jungles to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea.
As the tower reached its full height, the panoramic views were breathtaking. I spotted the winding paths of the park, the vibrant colors of the Mexican Folk Art Museum, and even the distant outlines of the archaeological sites. The sight of the Xcaret México Espectacular show’s grand stadium was particularly striking from above.
Create Moments, Cherish Memories
Make Every Moment Count
The Chapel of Guadalupe in Xcaret Park is a beautiful and serene sanctuary that stands as a testament to Mexican faith and culture. At the heart of the chapel is an impressive and large wooden sculpture of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a central figure in Mexican Catholicism. This intricately carved image draws the eye and serves as a focal point for the prayers and devotion of visitors.
Joy Rides and Wild Slides
The Horse Show at Xcaret, Mexico, is a vibrant spectacle that captivates everyone who watches. It kicks off with a magnificent parade of nations, where riders wave flags from across the globe, including the USA, Canada, and various South and Central American countries. This colorful display sets the stage for a series of thrilling performances.
A standout moment is when the lasso man takes the spotlight, expertly showing off his lasso skills, mesmerizing the crowd with his precision and flair. Meanwhile, the women riders, dressed in traditional attire, ride side-saddle, their poise and elegance on display as they gracefully balance and maneuver through the arena.
Not to be outshined, the men demonstrate their prowess with a range of riding techniques. Each rider impresses with his own style, whether it’s racing at high speeds or executing sharp, breathtaking turns that earn gasps and cheers from the audience. The entire show is a thrilling blend of skill, culture, and excitement.
Adventure Awaits at Every Turn
During my visit to Xcaret Park, I decided to try something a little unconventional—fish therapy. I placed my feet in a special pool designed for this purpose and waited with anticipation. Almost immediately, small fish swarmed around my feet, beginning to nibble gently at the skin.
The sensation was unexpectedly ticklish, causing me to giggle. The fish, unfazed, continued their work, and as minutes passed, I started to relax into the experience.
Where every day’s a Celebration
