If you’re planning an action-packed trip to Mexico, you might be struggling to pick your exact destination.
Cancun is one of the most popular destinations with foreigners, located in south-eastern Mexico this city caters for all tastes with its amazing resorts, rich culture and glorious beaches. But to experience all of this and more, a visit to Xcaret should be top of your list.
Xcaret is located in the stunning Riviera Maya region of Mexico very close to the tourist hotspots of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
The site of a former Mayan civilisation, Xcaret is now a luxury resort and park popular with families vacationing in the Riviera Maya. Cisitors can explore ruins, get close to wildlife and take part in a wide range of activities, all in a beautiful setting.
But Xcaret is not cheap by Mexican standards, and one of the main questions I see is, is it really worth the price?
Before I start this article I’m just going to be honest and say don’t consider visiting Xcaret, and no, its not because of the price.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Xcaret?
Xcaret Admission
Adults (12+ years): £103 / Children (5-11 years): £51. A 50% discount children from 5 to 11 years old. Children from 0 to 4 years old are free.
Xcaret Plus Admission (extra fee)
Add the culinary experience of Xcaret to your admission. During your visit, you can select your buffet at any of the five restaurants with varied specialties at the park. In addition, you will have access to the facilities of the Plus Area.
Discounts are available when booking online or in-adavnce.
How Long Does it Take to Visit Xcaret?
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You can visit for 1 day, but 2 days is ideal. If you have the money you can even stay at the onsite hotel.
Top Things to Do at Xcaret
What can I do on a holiday to Xcaret? These are some of the highlights.
Relax at the beaches and lagoons
This site is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons, all in a spectacular setting. You are on holiday afterall, spend time relaxing!
Explore ancient ruins
Xcaret was formerly a Mayan port city known as Ppole and there are remnants of the metropolis’ history in the form of ancient monuments and temples dotted throughout the park. This former walled city stood atop tall cliffs next to the coast many centuries ago, but was ravaged by disease following the Spanish occupation and fell shortly afterwards. Despite this, there is still plenty to see, including a castle of sorts and a number of temples, many of which are largely intact.
Ride a horse through the jungle
For a really memorable experience during your time at Xcaret, explore the surrounding jungle on a horse. A riding tour with an experienced guide will introduce you to the rugged natural beauty of the landscape around the park, and will also take you to some secluded beaches. As you travel, you might spot some of the 60 or so temples and hundreds of houses scattered throughout the wilderness that date back to ancient times.
Have a go at the watersports
The coastal location of Xcaret means it’s a popular spot for watersports, and you can try your hand at kayaking in the estuary or swimming with dolphins at the Delphinius centre. The latter is a must-visit for many visitors to Xcaret, and your experience will depend on the type of programme you choose. You could opt for some quality time interacting with the gentle creatures, feel their might as they propel you through the water by pushing your feet, or even book a ride on one of the mammals.
Walk along the bottom of the sea
Another popular activity you might want to try is walking along the bottom of the sea. You don’t need any prior experience of scuba diving or snorkelling to have a go; simply bring your swimsuit or trunks and put on a special helmet that will allow you to breathe under the water. The weight of the helmet helps you maintain stability as you make your way along the seabed, surrounded by colourful tropical fish.
Take a wine tour
Xcaret is home to its very own wine cellar, where you can wander through the underground chambers and learn about the 500-year evolution of wine in Mexico. An expert sommelier will provide you with facts and figures relating to the process of wine-making and its history in the area as you pass more than 180 labels from prestigious winemakers. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the wines, along with some traditional Mexican cuisine.
Day trip
The Mayan ruins of Tulum aren’t far from the site and are well worth a visit during your getaway.
Why You Shouldn’t Go to Xcaret
I guess if you’ve reached this point you will be wondering what reasons shouldn’t you visit Xcaret?
Simple answer, unethical wildlife experiences. I believe animals should be in the wild, in their natural habitat, which is why for example if you want to visit Florida, you really shouldn’t visit Sea World. with their horrific whale entertainment shows.
And unfortunately even with all the amazing pools, facilities and activities on offer, Xcaret choose to keep animals like dolphins purely for the purpose of entertainment, charging a LOT of money to tourists to have unethical experiences like the often described bucket list ‘swimming with dolphins’.
This is really unethical, especially in this day and age. And the thing is, Xcaret doesn’t need these unethical experiences, as the park itself would be just as good without it.
