
We, PlayaDelCarmen.com, book a ton of Xcaret trips at 15% discount.
and…
A question we get a lot is “what is Xcaret?”
The truth is that Xcaret (ISH-kar-et) is hard to explain and you just don’t get it until you’ve seen it.
Some people compare it to Mexico’s version of Disney, but that doesn’t quite do it justice.
The Xcaret Eco Park is HUGE (the size of 40 football fields) and has a lot on offer.
Let’s get started…
Your Top 5 Tips a Visit to Xcaret Park.
1. Plan out Your Day.
I know you’re on vacation and don’t necessarily want to make plans.
but…..
If you go into the park and walk around aimlessly, you won’t get to see and experience half of what amazing things Xcaret has to offer.
Stop by the scenic tower first to get your bearings, and pull our the Xcaret map they give you.
There are tons of things to do and see, but your priorities will be different based on the individual.
You’ll also notice that they have several shows and events throughout the day so make sure you plan that out as well so you get to see the Mayan Show or the Flying Men.

2. Swim in the Underground Rivers.
With so many things to do at Xcaret, you don’t want to miss this one.
You can swim, float and snorkel through these underground rivers.
Your main concern might be “what do I do with all my things?” while you’re are discovering the rivers.
You don’t necessarily need a locker to do it.
Once you pass by one of the stations to get your equipment, they’ll provide you with a bag to store all your personal belongings. This bag locks and you keep the key.
Once you finish in the rivers, your bag will have been delivered to the end station where you hand back the equipment.\
They’re really well organized.
If you are not a fan of the water, you can opt for the boat tour that allows you explore the channels without getting wet or hop out safely along the way.
3. Eat the Food.
You can buy the Plus Package which includes access to the buffet restaurant once during the day.
Not only is the food fresh and delicious, but there are many Mexican food options that will just add to your experience.
Refreshing non-alcoholic drinks are also included and between the salads, meals, dessert and drinks, you will be replenished and satisfied to continue on with your day.
You can also buy food as you go along, but it can get quite expensive. I would say that here it does resemble a theme park by the elevated prices for food.
I figure you might as well get the Plus Package and get access to the buffet. Just my two cents.
—–> You get a 15% discount on Xcaret here <—–
4. Skip the Additional Activities.
There are a ton of optional activities that range from swimming with dolphins to a speedboat tour to wine tasting (below)
Xcaret is already a pricey day without all the extras and there is more than enough things to enjoy and do at Xcaret without adding on any of these options.
If you are on a time crunch or have a particular “to-do” that is offered at the park or want to add an extra experience to your package, but all means, go ahead. I am just saying that in the “Basic Package” experience, there is enough to keep you busy for the day, if not for 2 days.
5. Stay for the Evening Show.
It will have been a long day and chances are you will have walked a lot.
But missing the show? NOT AN OPTION.
The show is divided into 3 parts.
- The history of Mexico
- The ancient Mayan ball game
- The music of Mexico.
All come with impressive costumes, lighting effects, live music and well, for lack of a better way, the “feel” of Mexico.
It is an impressive show by anyone’s standards and well worth staying for. It is included in the price of even in the most basic Xcaret package.
SAVE ON XCARET
Want to experience Xcaret for yourself?
Save up to 15%, book your Xcaret tour here.
For or groups larger than 8ppl call us, PlayaDelCarmen.com, at 888-537-9797, mention this post, and we’ll give you an even bigger discount!
Have any tips about what to do at Xcaret? Have you been? What did you think? Leave your Xcaret review or tips below.







Comments (18)
Juanitasays:
January 30, 2019 at 9:29 pmWe are going in 2 months but our son will only be 4. We want to go down the underground river- is there any way this is possible?
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 31, 2019 at 6:27 amHola Juanita, if your child is comfortable floating down the underground river alongside you this will be okay. It really depends how comfortable they feel in the water. If not, there is the option to opt for a boat ride so don’t worry you won’t be missing out on the magic. I hope that helps.
Siro Pachecosays:
April 28, 2019 at 9:23 amHi there! I’m going to Xcaret park on the next week. I’ve bought the basic tickets, so the buffet restaurant is not included. There is an option to pay for it individually at the park?
Sarah Barlowsays:
April 30, 2019 at 8:25 amHey Siro,
Thank you for reaching out yes that is correct the basic ticket does not include the buffet. However, you can buy it when you are in there but the basic ticket does not include any extras you get with Xcaret plus such as lockers and towels.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Sarah
Lisa C.says:
May 15, 2019 at 6:48 pmI love your blog! I am a traveling solo. Any tips that might make my trip more interesting? I will be staying the resort attached and have planned two days for the park.
Thank you,
Lisa
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 16, 2019 at 9:57 amHey Lisa, thank you so much for your comment it means the world. Luckily for you, I actually wrote a blog specifically for you… take a look here it’s going to help you a lot…https://playadelcarmen.com/blog/meet-new-people-in-playa-del-carmen/ let me know if it helps you or not. I was a solo traveler my first time here too so I feel like we are/were in the same boat. I’ll be here if you need anything else.
Michelle Hammondsays:
May 31, 2019 at 2:19 pmHi, if you are staying at the xcaret hotel is the buffet included, or just the basic ticket? Thanks
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 3, 2019 at 7:03 amHey Michelle, it’s all included. 🙂 Have a great trip!
Samsays:
May 24, 2020 at 5:16 pmHi Sarah,
Thanks for your tips. We’re planning on visiting here in January. I’ve had a hard time finding age requirements online. Can you have younger kids float down the river? If we have an infant and have a floatie for her, can she come along?
Sarah Barlowsays:
May 28, 2020 at 2:17 pmHi Sam, you’re so welcome. Thank you for reading my tips so glad you found it useful. We can’t wait to welcome you to paradise in January. I’ll have to double-check on the infant age and get back to you ASAP. Stay tuned.
MExplorsays:
June 16, 2020 at 2:23 pmHello!
Thanks for sharing the tips. It is my dream to go to Xcaret. Hopefully I´ll get there this year. Apparently, they are re-opened.
http://www.mexplor.co
Sarah Barlowsays:
June 17, 2020 at 1:00 pmHello Mexplor, yes they have indeed with lots of new health and safety protocols in place so you can enjoy the park in a virus-free environment. Go! Make your dreams come true. 🙂 Contact us today to make your booking.
shanesays:
September 8, 2020 at 11:00 amAre there changing rooms? We want to swim and snorkel for sure but also don’t want to walk around wet all day.
Sarah Barlowsays:
September 14, 2020 at 6:03 amHey Shane, thank you for reaching out and reading my blog…Xcaret has changing facilities & lockers & showers.
If you intend booking to see the evening show, make sure you have something like a good fan to keep you cool. It gets hot!
The show is absolutely fabulous.
I would also advise you to walk round the park and do all the attractions BEFORE you do the swim/snorkel down the freshwater spring / lazy river.
Have a good trip! Save when you book online at…https://playadelcarmen.com/activities/xcaret-eco-park
marysays:
January 27, 2021 at 2:42 amhola Sarah nosotros nos vamos a quedar para marzo 10 días en el hotel Xcaret para entrar al parque esta todo incluido o hay que pagar la entrada ?
Sarah Barlowsays:
January 27, 2021 at 7:04 amtodo está incluido ¡vas a tener el mejor viaje! ¡Disfrutar!
Jasonsays:
February 7, 2021 at 1:43 pmSarah,
Thanks for the great pointers!
It will be my first time traveling outside the US.
I reserved a room at the Occidental Resort for October 2021 that included the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience. From what I understand this includes some welcome gifts at the resort as well as unlimited entry into Xcaret for the duration of my stay. What I believe it does NOT include (though I could be wrong) is dining at Xcaret park. Granted, I have all inclusive dining at my resort, but I was wondering, do you know if I am able to upgrade my ticket to include the dining option (as well as the other Plus benefits). If so, how much is it?
I’ve found that the details on these offers are VERY vague. It must be a Mexico thing 😉
Also, I’m looking to add on a one day pass to Xplor. What is my best course of action to get this?
Thanks in advance!
Sarah Barlowsays:
February 8, 2021 at 5:39 amHey Jason, thanks for reaching out. 🙂 Yay adventure awaits, all of what you said is correct and yes you can upgrade. Please check with whoever you booked with. It changes during the season and the level of demand.