Xcaret Park is without a doubt one of the most visited tourist places in the entire Riviera Maya, this is because in the same place you can find archeology, fun, entertainment, folklore, charreria, Mexican wines, gastronomy, flora, fauna, caves underground, aquarium, dolphinarium, cove, beach, Mexican cemetery, culture, lagoon, butterfly garden, ball game, Mayan town and one of the best Mexican shows you can find for miles around, perhaps only comparable to the Folkloric Ballet of Mexico by Amalia Hernández in Mexico City.
Xcaret Park was founded in 1990, and since then it has entertained thousands of tourists from all over the world, but it is also fair to mention that Xcaret has several programs for the reproduction and conservation of the typical flora and fauna of the region.
An example of them is the successful program for the conservation, reproduction, and release of Scarlet Macaws, a specie in danger of extinction due to illegal trafficking, in which several dozen specimens have been released in the state of Chiapas.
But for you, who perhaps are planning a visit or are already about to visit Xcaret, we leave you this list with the best travel tips for Xcaret that we have compiled so that you can make the most of your visit to this fantastic theme park, take note:
1. Xcaret has a large number of activities (several of them included in your entrance ticket) so to make the most of your day it is recommended that before arriving you have in mind which ones you would like to do.
2. Don’t forget your cell phone or digital camera, and bring a charger or an extra battery. But if you plan to do water activities it is advisable to bring a submersible camera.
3. Avoid taking creams, shampoos, sunscreens, or other similar items, only the use of 100% biodegradable products that do not contain any of the following chemicals is allowed: Benzophenone, Ethylhexyl, Homosalate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane.
4. If you are traveling on a limited budget, it is better to opt for the Xcaret Plus Tour, because it includes buffet food, locker service for your luggage, and some activities that are not included in the basic package.
5. You do not need to bring snorkeling, diving, or life jacket equipment, in the park they can provide or rent them, depending on the case, but for the loan, they ask you for your identification as a guarantee.
6. Always have a map of Xcaret on hand, you can ask for it when you arrive.
7. It is not necessary to carry your suitcase to visit the park, just wear comfortable clothes, such as shorts, light shirts, sandals, a towel, a bathing suit and an extra change of clothes. There are lockers available to store your belongings in the park.
8. If you want to swim with dolphins, it is better to arrive with a prior reservation, even though there are different hours, space is limited, but if you prefer to book the same day, make your reservation at your arrival.
9. If you want to enjoy the best view of Xcaret, go up the “Torre Escénica”, it is an excellent place to take pictures.
10. One of the best seasons to visit Xcaret is during the Festival of Life and Death, where you can enjoy a whole mosaic of traditions, legends, and music related to the Day of the Dead.
11. Another great event that takes place in Xcaret is Sacred Mayan Journey or “Travesía Sagrada Maya”, which takes place around May 20.
12. If you are staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or any point in the Riviera Maya, it’s normally better to book the tour with roundtrip transportation included, since they pick you up directly at your hotel and return you at no extra cost.
13. Children from 5 to 11 years old have a 50% discount on their tickets, and 4 years old children and under are free.
14. If you only want to visit Xcaret for the night show, there is a special rate which you can enter the park after 3 pm.
15. When at sunset the paths of Xcaret Park begin to light up with candlelight, get ready! The night activities are about to start, including the spectacular Night Show.
16. If you think that a single day is not enough to enjoy Xcaret, ask for the special 2-day package.
17. If you love good Mexican wine, don’t miss the Wine Cellar in Xcaret Park, it is the only one of its kind in all of Mexico.
18. When you arrive ask about the guided tours included in your ticket.
19. Swimming in the cove after a long walk is delicious and refreshing!
20. February is turtle release season, if you are lucky you might be able to be part of this great experience.
21. In the Chapel of the Ex Hacienda there are benches with historical figures from the golden age of Mexican cinema. It is worth the visit!
22. If you are one of the first to arrive at Xcaret, be sure to visit the tortilla shop and enjoy tasting some warm tortillas.
23. The best time to visit the butterfly farm is early in the morning.
24. Starting at 4 pm pre-Hispanic dances take place in the Mayan Village.
25. Do not miss the show of the Voladores de Papantla, they are located next to the plus area.
26. Highly recommended to visit the henequen hacienda and the Museum of Popular Mexican Art.
27. At noon remember to turn to the sky to witness the flight of the Macaws painting the sky in all colors while they are released.
28. To eat with an excellent view we recommend the Manglar Restaurant.
29. If you don’t know how to swim or even how to float, don’t worry! There is an activity known as SNUBA, in which without a tank, without a life jacket, you can get to know the bottom of the sea while you breathe air directly from the surface, which is incredible!
30. Remember to look at the sky at noon, so you can see the macaws painting the sky with colors while they are released.
31. Did you know that in Xcaret you can find natural Jacuzzis? Enjoy them on your next visit.
32. Ask about the schedules of the different shows that take place throughout the day in the park to better organize your itinerary.
33. If you want to propose to your partner in a very special way, go to the aviary and let a Macaw deliver the engagement ring for you.
34. Don’t forget to take a picture in the hammock area.
35. To cool off, be sure to try the house drink: a tai pai.
36. Xcaret Park has Distinctive H, which guarantees hygiene in the preparation of all food and drinks.
37. You can meet the Quetzal and its breeding program, which includes the reproduction of cloud forest conditions.
38. Visit the Xcaret Aviary, in which more than 3,000 birds of 150 species from all over Mexico live.
39. One day before visiting Xcaret rest, sleep well and the next day have the best breakfast you can and drink plenty of water since a day full of adventures awaits you and you’ll need a lot of energy.
40. You don’t say goodbye to Xcaret, but… see you soon!
BONUS TIP: If you want to book online Xcaret tickets you can get an additional discount with CancunRide, check more info here
And if you want to book a hotel near Xcaret park, check more info about the Xcaret Hotels in Cancun.