Xcaret is the original eco-park of the Riviera Maya - opened in 1990, still the flagship of the Experiencias Xcaret group, and unlike anything you will find anywhere else in Mexico. A single ticket covers a full day of natural swimming, underground rivers, wildlife encounters, cultural exhibitions, and one of the most spectacular live shows in Latin America. Getting the most from it starts with buying the right ticket before you arrive.
Book Xcaret Tickets on Klook
Book Xcaret admission on Klook →
Klook lists the Xcaret Natural Water Park admission directly, with mobile ticketing and confirmed entry. If you prefer to browse and compare tours with transport or bundled options, GetYourGuide also lists Xcaret packages including Playa del Carmen transfers.
Ticket Tiers
| Ticket | What’s Included | From (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Xcaret Park + Show | Full park access + México Espectacular show | ~$110 USD |
| Xcaret Plus | Park + show + unlimited buffet lunch | ~$140 USD |
| Xcaret Arte | Park + show + buffet + premium cultural experiences | ~$190 USD |
All children under four enter free. Children aged 4–11 pay a reduced rate on all tiers.
Is Xcaret Plus worth it? If you are planning a full day (which you should), yes. Park food is expensive - a single restaurant meal inside runs approximately $15–25 USD. The buffet covers breakfast and lunch for one flat fee and saves you from deciding what to eat mid-afternoon when your feet are tired.
What Your Ticket Covers
The Underground River
The headline experience. You strap on a life jacket and drift through a limestone cave system for about 500 metres, lit by natural openings in the rock above. The water is cool, the ceiling is close in places, and the light effects are genuinely stunning. Go early - queues for life jacket rental build from 10:00 onwards.
Cenotes and Natural Pools
Beyond the underground river, Xcaret has several open cenotes and natural swimming pools throughout the park. These are calmer than the underground river section and excellent for children who are not confident swimmers. The water temperature stays around 24°C year-round.
Coral Reef Aquarium
One of the largest in the world that uses a natural enclosed reef section rather than a tank. You can walk through tunnels below the surface and observe over 300 marine species - angelfish, parrotfish, rays, nurse sharks - without snorkel gear. The aquarium is entirely enclosed and accessible to all ages.
Butterfly Pavilion
A large, enclosed tropical garden with thousands of butterflies in flight. The species change by season but include Blue Morpho and Monarch butterflies during peak periods. Arrive before 11:00 for the best activity levels.
Cultural Areas
Xcaret is the only eco-park in the Riviera Maya with serious cultural programming. The park includes: a replica Mayan village with live artisans, a partial-excavation archaeological site, a traditional ball court, textile demonstrations, and an area dedicated to Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions. Allow at least two hours to walk through these sections properly.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Xcaret runs one of the largest sea turtle conservation programmes in Mexico. During nesting season (June–October), you may see eggs being protected. Year-round, the hatchery and tank area shows green and loggerhead turtles at various life stages.
México Espectacular (Evening Show)
Every evening at approximately 18:30, Xcaret’s 1,000-seat open-air theatre hosts a two-hour performance covering Mexico’s history from the Pre-Hispanic era through the Colonial period to independence. Over 300 performers in elaborate costumes, live mariachi, and scenes representing each of Mexico’s major cultural regions. Your ticket covers a reserved seat - check the display at the entrance for your section.
Practical Information
Opening hours: 08:30–22:00 daily.
Location: Highway 307 km 282, approximately 10 km south of Playa del Carmen. This is the same highway marker as Xplor - both parks are at the same exit.
Getting there from Playa del Carmen: Colectivos (shared minibuses, approximately MXN $20) run south on Highway 307. Ask the driver to drop you at km 282 / Xcaret entrance. Journey time approximately 15 minutes. Taxis from Playa del Carmen run approximately MXN $200–300.
Getting there from Cancún: ADO direct bus approximately MXN $120 one way, journey time 60–75 minutes. Alternatively, many GYG tours include hotel-zone pickup - browse tours with Cancún transfer.
What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen only (chemical sunscreens prohibited in all Xcaret Group parks). Sandals or water shoes with straps. Lockers are available at the entrance for approximately MXN $200/day (key deposit returned).
Arrive at opening time (08:30). The underground river, butterfly pavilion, and aquarium are best experienced before 10:00 when the tour buses arrive from Cancún and Playa del Carmen. A full day runs until the show ends at approximately 22:00.
Xcaret vs. the Other Parks
Xcaret is the broadest park of the Experiencias Xcaret group but not necessarily the right choice for everyone. A quick guide:
- Choose Xcaret if you want cultural depth, wildlife encounters, and a full day with a big evening show. Best for families, couples, and first-timers to Mexico.
- Choose Xel-Há if you want an all-inclusive snorkel day in a natural lagoon without making decisions. Better for honeymooners and relaxed visitors. Xel-Há tickets →
- Choose Xplor if you want ziplines, underground cave rafting, and amphibious vehicles. Better for teens and active adults. Xplor tickets →
For the full three-park comparison: Xcaret vs Xel-Há vs Xplor.
Cross-Links
- Best Tours in Playa del Carmen - cenote tours, Cozumel day trips and Xcaret packages
- Riviera Maya Snorkelling Guide
- Cenotes in the Yucatán