Xcaret Park — Hotel in Quintana Roo

I had been really looking forward to visiting this park after seeing beautiful photos and videos online. However, our actual experience as a family with young children (ages 6 and 4) was quite difficult and exhausting.

The entrance fee was very high, around $500 USD for four people, package with one buffet meal and one beer per person. We got the teckets at our hotel tour desk. Cheaper 10% than xcaret park website. Also one stroller rental (₱500 deposit + $30 rental) at park.

After entering, we had to walk a long distance to our assigned locker area (#8). The restrooms and changing areas nearby were crowded, small, and built on slopes, which made it hard to move around with children.

While preparing for the river swim, it was confusing to decide what to store in the locker and what to bring. Then, unexpectedly, my 6-year-old son’s testicle swelled suddenly and painfully, and we had to visit the emergency area. The staff were kind and guided us there, but it took around 20–30 minutes of walking.

At the medical area, a nurse checked him and gave us a hospital number in Playa del Carmen, but the call didn’t go through. We were advised to take a taxi, so we left the park. Thankfully, taxis were waiting outside with clear pricing (₱450 to the hospital), which was very helpful. At the hospital, the swelling went down on its own, and the cause remained unknown.

We decided to return to the park around 2 p.m. and were given new wristbands and another stroller, but by then we were already exhausted. The live music felt too loud, and my children couldn’t find anything they liked to eat at the recommended Restaurant #20... they just wanted something simple like butter pasta or eggs.

We managed to see some flamingos and turtles, which were beautiful, but since we often see similar animals at the Calgary Zoo, it wasn’t as exciting for our kids.

Later, we visited the children’s play area, but it was also challenging. The rope climbs were too difficult for our 4-year-old, so we had to help her the whole way. After sliding once, the kids wanted to play more, but we were simply too tired. If there had been even a small slide there, the kids would have been happy, and we could have taken a rest too. There was also a restroom nearby, but because of the slope, it felt very far away.

By late afternoon, we tried the river swim. Unfortunately, it turned into a stressful experience . dark tunnels, cold water, and narrow spaces frightened both me and my son. Thankfully, there was an exit halfway through, but even then, it took another long walk to get back to our belongings.

We returned the locker key by 5:30 p.m., completely exhausted, and couldn’t stay for the evening show.

Overall, it was a very challenging day. I’m sure this park has many great things to offer, but it may not be suitable for families with small children. In hindsight, I wish we had spent the day relaxing at our all-inclusive...

Xcaret Park is an absolutely gorgeous destination that offers a rich and immersive Mexican experience. While its beauty and activities are top tier, visitors should be prepared for the cost of dining. The Positives (What Makes Xcaret Shine): Perfectly Designed Layout: Don't be intimidated by the map! The park is brilliantly designed so that the distances between activities feel manageable. You can easily walk from one point of interest to the next without feeling exhausted. · The Iconic Rivers: A definite highlight! Floating down the calm, underground, and open-air rivers is a must do. The nice 22-degree water is incredibly refreshing and the perfect way to cool down from the hot Mexican sun. · World Class Aviary and Shows: The bird life is spectacular. The aviary is beautiful and a pleasure to walk through, but the "breath taking parrot display" was a particular standout truly perfect in its execution. · Cultural & Historical Immersion: The park does an amazing job of showcasing Mexico's rich history. The exhibition shows are not just performances; they are passionate displays of national pride. It was moving to see how each actor performed with such genuine pride in their heritage. The Negative (A Significant Consideration): High Food and Drink Costs: The main drawback is undoubtedly the price of food within the park. Even with a "Plus" ticket that includes a lunch, it wasn't sufficient to cover a full day of sustenance. This is a particular challenge for all day visitors, especially those from large holiday resorts who are unable to pack their own food and snacks to bring along. Verdict: Xcaret is a breathtaking park that masterfully combines natural wonders with powerful cultural exhibits. It's a must visit for its stunning rivers, wildlife, and unforgettable shows. However, to fully enjoy your day, be sure to budget significantly extra for food and drinks beyond any included meal plans. The experience is incredible, but the cost of convenience inside the...

I really enjoyed my visit to Xcaret Park! I went with my partner (2 adults no children). We had a blast. The underground rivers were beautiful and definitely the best part, and all the activities were a lot of fun. As someone first being introduced to Mexican culture, I found the park to be a great and engaging introduction, the night show especially was very cool and entertaining.

Our package (the plus package) included the dinner buffet, which had a great variety of options and everything tasted delicious. I’d definitely recommend getting the buffet package to make the day smoother and avoid worrying about food. It was also nice that the package came with a locker, and there were plenty of bathrooms around the park (which were always clean).

We also did the Adrenalina boating activity for 30 min and it was amazing! Our drivers, Pablo and Diego, were super fun, entertaining, and made the whole experience memorable. It was a bit pricey and felt like it could’ve lasted a little longer, but overall, it was one of the highlights of the day.

There were many activities to enjoy such as the aviary, butterfly conservatory, chapel, cemetery, Mayan Pueblo, waterpark etc.

The only downside is the price point — it’s definitely on the higher side, and for that cost, it would be nice if at least one additional activity besides the river were included. The souvenir shops were also quite expensive (though that’s somewhat expected).

Overall, I’m really glad I went! There’s so much to see that one day doesn’t feel like enough, and it was never a dull moment. I’d recommend Xcaret to anyone willing to spend a bit extra for a full, unique experience...