Posted By : laimaf2018
I must say that I was skeptical at the beginning because we paid a fortune for the 4 of us (PLUS tickets) and knowing that the park is far too big to see and do it all in one day (especially when you book extra activities). But then we just went with a flow and enjoyed everything on the way. Food was amazing, location is truly breathtaking land the cute little animals that you see around are funny. The show is a must see, only the entrance with all the people in costumes is super exciting!
Don’t worry about all you can do or not, just enjoy and save some energy for the evening, really worth it.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-01
Posted By : dakotad264
I have very mixed feelings about our trip to Xcaret. Upon arriving at the park we had to go to the ticket counter and I noticed that we would have actually saved quite a bit of money by just buying tickets there instead of buying a day in advance from TripAdvisor! So off to a bit of a bad start.
The park itself is pretty amazing. There are Mayan ruins, zoo-like exhibits — some of which are a bit small and sad (deer, tapir, and one of the sea turtle exhibits) and others which are amazingly nice (the aviary and jaguar island). There is a lot of space and good amount of jungle within the park and we even saw a snake moving around through the treetops.
As first time visitors we found it to be a very confusing experience. There are mazes of paths and the signage is not as helpful as you might think — in some cases sending you the exact wrong direction — but a few key paths are marked with colors so that you can usually reorient yourself. We knew we wanted to do the river floats but it took us a very long time to locate the entrance, another large chunk to get the information on how to get a life vest and bag for our things, and then we were finally directed into one of the underground rivers — we would later learn that there are several (four?) but I am still unsure where you would go to enter some of them.
As with most parks there are lots of up-charges and we also were quite confused about what was or was not included with our basic admission. No need to pay extra for life vests or bags that would be transported to the end of the river, but this was not clear to us until we finally entered one of the "Plus" areas and asked for clarification. People had recommended flipper rentals to us but we skipped it because they were fairly expensive and were happy we did — the very long underground river was so crowded on a Tuesday that our speed was dictated by the crowds instead of how fast we could move through the water.
In the afternoon we made it over to the Mayan village area, which seemed amazing, but unfortunately many things were beginning to close. We did do a fun arts and crafts bead art activity there. The person running the activity informed us that four activities were included with each of our passes — again, we had no idea of this — and it was nice to sit and relax for a bit after so much walking and swimming. He showed us pictures of his amazing bead art and it may have been the best part of the entire visit.
Unfortunately we were not able to spend much time in that area because things were closing down as the day wound down. We heard the night show was worth seeing, but by this time we were a bit tired of the crowds and hungry — and most restaurants were also closed — so we exited the park around dinner time.
Overall, I have mixed feelings. This was the most expensive activity of our trip not nearly as memorable or enjoyable as our other activities. The park had some very unique and enjoyable areas, but the crowded underground river, lack of clarity about what was and was not included with our admission and I have very mixed feelings about our trip to Xcaret. Upon arriving at the park we had to go to the ticket counter and I noticed that we would have actually saved quite a bit of money by just buying tickets there instead of buying a day in advance from TripAdvisor! So off to a bit of a bad start.
The park itself is pretty amazing. There are Mayan ruins, zoo-like exhibits — some of which are a bit small and sad (deer, tapir, and one of the sea turtle exhibits) and others which are amazingly nice (the aviary and jaguar island). There is a lot of space and good amount of jungle within the park and we even saw a snake moving around through the treetops.
As first time visitors we found it to be a very confusing experience. There are mazes of paths and the signage is not as helpful as you might think — in some cases sending you the exact wrong direction — but a few key paths are marked with colors so that you can usually reorient yourself. We knew we wanted to do the river floats but it took us a very long time to locate the entrance, another large chunk to get the information on how to get a life vest and bag for our things, and then we were finally directed into one of the underground rivers — we would later learn that there are several (four?) but I am still unsure where you would go to enter some of them. We also spent a LOT of time walking from one area to another only to find that something that seemed like it might be something we might enjoy was both crowded and underwhelming (beach) or mostly inaccessible (sting rays).
As with most parks there are lots of up-charges and we also were quite confused about what was or was not included with our basic admission. No need to pay extra for life vests or bags that would be transported to the end of the river, but this was not clear to us until we finally entered one of the "Plus" areas and asked for clarification. People had recommended flipper rentals to us but we skipped it because they were fairly expensive and were happy we did — the very long underground river was so crowded on a Tuesday that our speed was dictated by the crowds instead of how fast we could move through the water. Conversely, when we did the Paradise River raft ride we ended up having to sit around and wait for a large enough group to assemble to justify a raft launch.
In the afternoon we made it over to the Mayan village area, which seemed amazing, but unfortunately many things were beginning to close. We did do a fun arts and crafts bead art activity there. The person running the activity informed us that four activities were included with each of our passes — again, we had no idea of this — and it was nice to sit and relax for a bit after so much walking and swimming. He showed us pictures of his amazing bead art and it may have been the best part of the entire visit.
Unfortunately we were not able to spend much time in that area because things were closing down as the day wound down. We heard the night show was worth seeing, but by this time we were a bit tired of the crowds and hungry — and most restaurants were also closed — so we exited the park around dinner time.
Overall I have mixed feelings about Xcaret. This was the most expensive day and activity of our trip, but not the most enjoyable or memorable. The park has some very impressive and unique features, but between the crowds, lack of clarity around what was or was not included in our passes, confusing signage and lack of anything to help us decide what activities we might most enjoy, I am confident I would not have paid what we did and am unsure if I would return even though I think a return visit would be much more rewarding now that we have a better understanding of how the park works.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-27
Posted By : M5681ONamandam
This was seriously one of the best things we did while in Mexico for our first time.
The food at the buffet was amazing, the views, the shows, 100% recommend!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-25
Posted By : andrea_reyes08
This experience was amazing!!!!! It is very true that you really Do Not have to buy ANY excursions to enjoy this archeological park! There are PLENTY of free activities that come with entry. With that being said, the Temascal ritual we recieved by Christopher and Angel was nothing short of SPECTACULAR! Completely reset me and allowed me to reach deep into my deepest desires and fears and channel them into greatness! The Fish Therapy was the first I ever recieved and luckily i got a spot right on the beach, overlooking the Caribbean Sea! We also got to Parachute, and even though we only spent 10mins in the air, the Jet Ski ride there was SO SCARY! But that only means it’s was exhilarating! Don’t worry you get a life jacket. Lockers and showers are included, as well as the HISTORICAL show at the end, nothing short of life changing!! This place made me appreciate my culture even more, thank you for the experiences. The Resturante Baja California was the best!!!! American portions and options, various drinks and only Beer for alcoholic drinks. Soda is unlimited. All staff throughout the Park were very attentive and TAKE YOUR PASSPORT!! There is a “stamping” station for your passport for each activity you complete. (or simply just pass by) Great experience and I wish i was a local so I could enjoy this park all year long! Thank you from Texas amigos!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-23
Posted By : Delia_C
For us as family was the 4th time and always had a wonderful day
This time we came with some friends and we didn’t know about the changes in the programs, also the private event that was running that day stopped us to visit all the places
The show was a small slice from what experienced previous times
It was a bit frustrating since we brought some friends with us and from everything that we commented they will see it was a small part
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-21
Posted By : CoriMiles
Me and our family of four went to Xcaret in April 2024- Our children are 13 and 14.
we booked through our hotel because we wanted to be picked up at our hotel. We wernt even really told what we were getting with our package that we paid for. We purchased XCARET PLUS package.
We got on the bus and Karla was our tour guide. She spoke too quick in spanish and a tiny bit in english. The only bit that we understood was that we could buy different activities and buy food and buy buy buy. Once we got to the park we were gathered around to be told that "Bahia Principe guests (which we were) would get a discount on the dolphin activity" Karla then went on to tell us that photos we not included but she had a great deal for waterproof phone cases- one for $36USD or 2 for $50. I purchased one. (keep reading to hear about the scam)
We went up to purchase two activities which were the dolphins and parasailing. When we asked about the dolphins, the lady at the counter was so rude and dismissive and told us we only wanted to buy this one package, which was the cheapest. My husband kept asking what the differences were between packages, and she clearly didnt know. We ended up choosing the more expensive package to hold onto the fin and be pulled. When we went to pay, we asked about the Bahia Principe discount and all she said was "Nope". She told us "Nope" three times before I got mad and went to walk away to get Karla. Then the girl behind the counter said "wait wait wait...here it is". I have no clue why it was so hard to purchase our activities and receive our discount.
The park at first was very confusing and we had no clue what to do. We tracked down Karla and asked specifically what we were supposed to do.
Basically they want you to follow the black line where you go get your locker, and get lifejackets and flippers for the lazy river. I seriously suggest getting the flippers as we didnt and regretted it. The lazy river takes you all the way down to the other side of the park where the parasailing is and dolphins are. Before you get into the water, they have you fill a bag with your belongings and they ship it down to the other side. Bring everything- backpac, clothes to put back on, shoes, wallets, phones etc. We didnt know this and we didnt have anything for the rest of the day because we left it all in our lockers. From there you can get lunch and head back to the start of the park- we did the bird sanctuary and the butterflies and their little zoo along the way.
SCAM part. Karla sold me the water proof phone case before we entered the park. The same exact cases were being sold in the park for $699 MXN pesos at 50% which converts to $21 USD!! I was pretty upset that our own tour guide ripped me off- So beware- do not buy anything from from Karla and maybe walk into the park before purchasing off your tour guides.
At the end of the day we had the option to stay for two shows- DO IT. They were absolutely beautiful and fun. Its a very long day, but well worth it.
Upon booking this tour- we couldnt find any information on what to bring. In our experience heres some recommendations on WHAT TO BRING:
-wear comfortable sandals or running shoes- you dont need to bring both.
-Sunscreen
-Money (not for Karla lol)
-Wear your swimsuit under your shorts and tshirt. Yes youll get wet, but youll dry off quick
-backpack to carry with you at all times
-Water bottle (you can buy at the park, but they have refill stations all over the park)
-sunglasses
-screen shot the online map to plan before you arrive- the colour coding (lines on the pathway) works well
-hats
-snacks if staying for the shows
Xcaret plus included:
- the buffet which was only from 12:30-5:30 and the shows run until 9:40 at night, Kids were hungry at the end of the day but they have some snacks for purchase.
-entrance to the park
-two shows at night
-snorkling and the snorkling gear included
-lifejackets
-flippers
-lockers at no additional cost
Even with all the confusion, poor guidance and getting ripped off by karla, the park itself is absolutely stunning and definitely well worth going. thats why we give it 5 stars still
hope you find this helpful :)
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-20
Posted By : Emeily_D
the cenotes are so worth it!
Wildlife there is so beautiful!
Will be returning in the future!
make sure to book pick up and drop off ahead of time & if traveling for mulitple
days, definitely recommend renting a car instead
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-17
Posted By : claydoe4
We took our 9 month old baby here along with about 8 other family members. The park itself is beautiful and has lot of interesting attractions and activities, some of which also cost extra. The show at the end of the night is the highlight for sure, very cool! I wish we could have just came for the show to be honest.
I rate this 3/5 because it just didn't feel like it was worth the money. We paid over $200 per person (not including the baby) including transportation for the Xcaret Plus package and we just didn't get to do as much as we thought. The park is huge! And it's partially our fault because having the baby did hinder us (do not recommend going with a baby to be honest).
We had previously gone to Xel Ha and Xplor on other trips and I would rate those far higher than Xcaret.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-16
Posted By : Chris S
Brilliant do out not the cheapest but well worth it, there was so much to see and do rivers to swim in are amazing loads of animals to see food was lovely
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-15
Posted By : Philip M
Expensive for what it is.
Booked via TUI, our UK tour operator as it was cheaper than online. We also booked the dual site photo package as we were visiting Xplor 2 days later.
Order and purchase water proof camera cases before getting here, twice the price as online.
We booked the swimming with rays and the speed boat as these two were on half price offer.
The speed boat is well worth it. The water is warm, the spray stings your eyes, the experience is like no other. The driver and host were so funny. Lasts much longer than expected.
Swimming with Ray's, the tank area is huge, you share it with the sea trek people.
If you have not held and streaked a sting Ray, well, the backs are rough and Spined. The bellies are like velvet. Warm and smooth.
The restaurant food is good, self serve and eat as much and of what you fancy. Loads of options.
Food, drink and gift shops. God this place is Expensive.
If you bring a family, do 2 or 3 activities and by drinks all day, gifts and keep sakes. You will easily be spending over $1000
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-10
