Located in the stunning Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, Xcaret is one of the most incredible destinations Mexico has to offer. Spanning a huge 200 acres, this one-of-a-kind eco-archaeological water park is one of the original eco-tourism destinations with pristine beaches to enjoy, exhilarating adventure activities to engage in, and a slew of fascinating natural and cultural attractions to visit.
Xcaret truly has something for everyone, making it the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your family or friends. What’s more, situated just 75 kilometres south of Cancún, Xcaret is ideal for a quick excursion while vacationing in one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations.
If all this sounds appealing to you, then keep reading for some useful tips on how to plan your journey and make the most of your first experience at Xcaret.
Planning Your Trip to Xcaret
Unsure of how to get from Cancún to Xcaret? Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than you might think, as there are a multitude of buses from Cancún every day. Buses go from Cancún bus station on Uxmal Avenue or Playa del Carmen main bus station on 5th Avenue, with departures every half hour. Tickets cost approximately $235 MX (around £11), and the journey can take between 1 hr 30 mins and 2 hrs 20 mins depending on the exact service you take. If visiting during high season, it’s wise to book online in advance to avoid running into issues on the day. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Cancún, but this will obviously be more expensive and is likely to cost approximately $1,400 MX (around £66).
Since Xcaret is huge and has so much to do, it’s worth taking the time to pack for every eventuality so that you have the best possible experience there. As with any water park, you should of course take swimwear, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen with you. If you have room for a towel, great, but it’s not essential, you can rent towels at the park for a nominal fee, around $65 MX (£3), and a refundable deposit of about $170 MX (£10). Additionally, since Xcaret also boasts a variety of jungle trails to explore, it’s a good idea to take a pair of comfortable walking shoes with you. Last but not least, remember to take a camera, as you’ll likely want to catch some snaps of Xcarets amazing natural features and the exotic species.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you get the chance to visit one of the world’s most beautiful and unique adventure parks, then you’ll naturally want to make the most of it. Here are three tips for doing just that.
First and foremost, read up on what Xcaret has to offer and consider planning your route through the park so that you can hit all of the park’s must-see attractions. The Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium, and Aviary offer amazing wildlife experiences, but there is a slew of others you might be interested in exploring as well, such as the park’s cenotes, subterranean rivers, and ancient Mayan structures.
Secondly, try to arrive early in the day if at all possible. As we’ve mentioned, Xcaret is enormous and has a lot to see and do, so getting an early start will give you the best chance of getting a headstart on the crowds and packing as much into the day as you can.
Lastly, be sure to sample the local cuisine while at the park. Xcaret boasts a wide variety of different dining options, including both casual and more upscale eateries, all of which serve authentic cuisine local to the Yucatán peninsula. There’s an extensive array of options to try, but if in doubt, a traditional Mexican buffet is always a safe bet!
Enjoy your Mayan Adventure at Xcaret
Cancún is an incredible place for a holiday, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend the entirety of your trip there. On the contrary, Cancún’s location makes it the perfect hub for exploring some of the other incredible destinations on the Yucatán peninsula, and Xcaret should definitely be on your shortlist. Equipped with these helpful tips, you can plan a day of excitement, exploration, and relaxation as you uncover the incredible natural beauty and fascinating history of Mexico while engaging in fun, family-oriented activities. All that’s left to do now is pack your bags, set out on your Mayan adventure, and make lifelong memories as the incredible wonders of Xcaret unfold before you.