Xcaret Park blends Mexico's heritage with nature and adventure near Playa del Carmen
Xcaret Park: A Jungle Paradise on Mexico's Caribbean Coast
Xcaret Park is nestled in a lush jungle along the Mexican Caribbean, specifically at kilometer 282 of the Chetumal–Puerto Juárez highway, just a 20-minute drive south of downtown Playa del Carmen.
From Cancún International Airport or the magical town of Tulum, the trip takes roughly an hour by car.
What to Do in Xcaret Park?
With over 50 attractions and experiences, Xcaret is so vast that visitors can explore at their own pace—or follow one of six themed routes, each offering unique highlights.
Dive into one of its three underground rivers, ranging from 6 to 13 feet deep. Some sections are enclosed, while others open up to views of the park's vegetation. If you'd rather stay dry, the Paradise River offers a short guided balsa ride.
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Get up close with native flora and fauna in the park's exhibition areas. Xcaret runs rescue and breeding programs for local species, showcased in its aviary—home to quetzals, toucans, flamingos, golden eagles, and other vibrant birds—as well as the butterfly pavilion, where you can observe their delicate life cycle. Don't miss the coral reef aquarium, teeming with tropical fish, or the tropical jungle trail, lined with towering trees and blooming flowers. For botanical wonders, visit the Living Museum of Orchids and Bromeliads.
Mexican culture takes center stage here. Be sure to catch the equestrian show celebrating charrería (traditional Mexican rodeo), the breathtaking Voladores de Papantla (pole-flying ceremony), and folk dance performances representing regions across the country.
Stop by the Artisans' Village, where craftsmen from across Mexico display and sell their handmade goods. Explore Bridge to Paradise, a pyramid-like mausoleum with seven tiers, 52 steps, and 365 tombs bearing witty epitaphs. Nearby, the Henequen Hacienda—a restored estate from the Porfiriato era—now houses the Museum of Mexican Folk Art, featuring the Chapel of Guadalupe, famous for its Virgin carved from a massive tree trunk with roots and a cenote beneath the main altar.
The park's deep Mayan mysticism is unmissable. Walk among pre-Columbian ruins (over 1,000 years old) and the Pre-Hispanic Village, with replicas of traditional Mayan homes. Here, a grand spectacle unfolds with pre-Columbian music, chants, costumes, and dances.
Cool off in the cove and beach area, where you can swim, snorkel, or try helmet diving (descending up to 23 feet with a modern diving helmet). Thrill-seekers will love the speedboat ride, complete with 360° spins and splashes.
Don't Miss: México Espectacular at Xcaret
One of the park's crown jewels is the México Espectacular show, held in the Gran Tlachco Theater—a colossal thatched-roof structure evoking ancient Mayan architecture.
Over 300 performers bring Mexico's history to life, from pre-Hispanic civilizations (featuring the Mesoamerican ballgame and the fiery pelota purépecha) to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. The show then bursts into a vibrant celebration of regional folk dances, all set to live music. Expect to dance along to Yucatán's vaquerías, Tabasco's drummers, Veracruz's fandango, Oaxaca's Flor de Piña, Nuevo León's norteño music, Sinaloa's banda (with dancing horses), Michoacán's viejitos, Jalisco's mariachi, and even a medley of revolutionary corridos.
The production is a feast for the senses, with dazzling costumes, stage designs, and cutting-edge technology, including video mapping and dynamic lighting that make the experience unforgettable.
Where to Eat in Xcaret Park?
With 10 restaurants, Xcaret offers a culinary tour of Mexico: - La Orquídea (breakfast spot) - Jalisco (next to the equestrian arena) - El Yucateco (inside the Henequen Hacienda) - Michoacán (with views of the cove) - Oaxaca, Yucatán, Veracruz, and Baja California (under a palapa) - La Isla (near the underground rivers and grottoes)
Most dining options follow an international buffet style, though restaurants named after Mexican states feature regional specialties from their respective areas.
For drinks, there are four bars offering Mexican and international snacks, cocktails, and spirits. One of the most striking is Las Rocas, with breathtaking views of the Mexican Caribbean.
In the afternoons, Cava Xcaret hosts wine-pairing sessions featuring Mexican dishes and wines.
Another standout culinary experience is the Mexico Spectacular show dinner, a nine-course tasting menu with small plates like a salbute with shrimp and Valladolid-style sausage; fresh tuna aguachile with soursop; smoked Oaxacan string cheese cream; Caribbean lobster; and duck magret with house mole.
How Much Does Xcaret Cost During Holy Week?
For Holy Week 2026, the basic admission to Xcaret Park is $2,659 MXN per person, with a 25% discount for children ages 5–11 and free entry for infants 4 and under. This includes access to nearly all activities and shows (such as Mexico Spectacular).
If you'd like to dine at any of the buffet restaurants, opt for the Xcaret Plus ticket, priced at $3,299 MXN per person, with the same child discounts and free entry for infants.
Activities like scuba diving, speedboating, parasailing, temazcal (traditional sweat lodge), snorkeling, spa treatments, and the Mexico Spectacular dinner are charged separately, ranging from $899 to $1,800 MXN per person.
