Xcaret Mexico with Kids – The Ultimate Family Adventure

You have never vacationed like this! Welcome to the world’s most spectacular adventure resort, Xcaret. Nestled inside the jungles of the Riviera Maya in Mexico, this sprawling eco-archaeological park offers visitors a mesmerizing journey through Mexico’s past and present, with a blend of history, nature, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. From the cultural immersion of Xcaret Mexico to the adrenaline-fueled adventures of Xplor Fuego and Xavage, there’s something for every type of traveler to enjoy. Ready for the biggest adventure you’ll ever experience? Read on as we discover the fascinating world of Xcaret.

Lay of the Land – Xcaret Mexico

Experiencias Xcaret Group is the company behind the seven ecopark empire devoted to Mexican and Mayan culture, history, and heritage. It is situated approximately 45 miles south of Cancún, in Playa del Carmen. It is named after the nearby archaeological site Xcaret which was constructed by the Maya (some of whose structures lie within the boundaries of the parks!). The Xcaret group owns and operates three Hotels and seven (yes, seven!) adventure parks across its sprawling 700-acre landscape.

Xcaret Hotels – All Fun Inclusive

The 3 Hotels are all top-of-the-line, 5-star luxury. At a glance:

One remarkable aspect of these hotels is that they operate on an all-inclusive basis, allowing guests to access all attractions, activities, and amenities within the park. Xcaret refers to this as “All-Fun Inclusive” because it truly is. A hotel stay includes complimentary access and transportation to ALL seven adventure parks: Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xenotes, and Xavage.

Your stay at any hotel also includes premium 5-star dining experiences (including alcohol), round transportation to the airport (CUN), and the Xcaret Ferry to Isla Mujeres. For example, Hotel Xcaret Mexico has 10 restaurants onsite, 13 bars (including a swim-up bar), and room service. All is included with your hotel booking at no additional fee. Learn more about the hotel (and grab a special rate) by using our link.

Xcaret Theme Parks – All Fun Inclusive

Can’t stay at the hotel and want to enjoy one of the parks for only a day? A park ticket offers the same all-fun inclusive access to all attractions, activities, and amenities within the park with a single ticket purchase. This inclusive approach ensures that you can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of each park without having to worry about additional costs or fees. Your ticket includes a buffet restaurant meal and (depending on the park) all alcoholic drinks.

Note that there are a handful of “extra” special excursions available at the parks. These are specialized experiences, such as swimming with Dolphins, StingRay encounters, parasailing, and similar. These do have an added fee and need to be booked in advance. 

Xcaret Mexico Park

Xcaret Mexico Park serves as the flagship park of the Xcaret Group, showcasing the diverse beauty and cultural significance of Mexico. Visitors can immerse themselves in over 50 attractions surrounded by a lush jungle landscape. From exploring ancient Mayan ruins (yes, they are real) to swimming in crystal-clear rivers, the park truly has something for everyone. The park features vibrant cultural shows, including a Horse presentation and the world-renowned Xcaret México Espectacular, celebrating Mexico’s history through music, dance, and folklore. Nature lovers can discover a vast array of flora and fauna within the park’s lush landscapes, including a butterfly pavilion, a jaguar island, a jaw-dropping bird aviary, and a vibrant coral reef aquarium. Don’t miss the Mayan village with classes on chocolate making and wool spinning. The options at this park are endless. Did we mention that there is a beautiful sandy beach, too?

Xcaret Park For Kids: The above list is also for kids, but every park has a special area for children, too. Children’s World – An oasis at Xcaret for children under 12 years old, where they will enjoy water slides, hanging bridges, a child size aviary, stunning waterfalls, and cenotes. Hands down, one of the most beautiful playgrounds I have ever seen (and likely will EVER see) in my life. You could spend a whole day in the Children’s World alone. Use our link for 15% off park tickets.

Xel-Há

Nestled within a stunning natural inlet, Xel-Há Park offers a paradise for water enthusiasts. Known as the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Há boasts an abundance of marine life and activities for visitors to enjoy. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters allows guests to encounter colorful fish and fascinating underwater formations. For adrenaline-seekers, cliff jumping and ziplining provide thrilling experiences amidst breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the park offers relaxing river floats and serene hammock gardens, making it an ideal destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Top Highlights:

For Kids: The Xel-Há Children’s World has a wonderful children’s play area with activities that the little ones can have fun with for hours, such as a wading pool, playground, water slide, rope climb, seesaw, crocodile tunnel, hanging games, water lilies, and turtles for photos. Use our link for 15% off Xel-há park tickets.

Xenses

Explore the wonders of perception and illusion through a series of mind-bending experiences at Xenses. This unique park challenges the senses with optical illusions, sensory games, and immersive attractions. Guests can navigate through a pitch-black cave, float in a salt river that defies gravity, and walk through landscapes that distort perception. Xenses encourages visitors to question reality and embrace the mysteries of the mind, making it a fascinating destination for all ages.

• Top Highlights:
• Bird Flight – Soar like a bird in the sky, on a zipline that fulfills your wish of flying.
• Xenses Town – A place where the laws of physics and logic don’t apply.
• ​​Sludgerie – Be covered with a secret recipe of mud in this special activity.
• Illusion Area – Explore the optical illusions of the Mirror Labyrinth, Turrell, Heartbeat, Kaleidoscopes, Tunnel of Hearts and more.
• Xensatorium – Go deep into the total darkness of a cave where you will find different ecosystems.

Note: Xenses is considered a half-day park. There is no restaurant or children’s world on site (but one would argue that the entire park is for play!). Use our link for 15% off Xenses Park tickets.

Xplor + Xplor Fuego

Adventure awaits at Xplor Park, where adrenaline-pumping activities abound amidst the lush jungle scenery. This high-energy park offers thrilling experiences like ziplining over the treetops, driving amphibious vehicles through rugged terrain, and swimming in underground rivers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can also explore ancient caverns and caves, adding an element of discovery to their adrenaline-fueled escapades. Xplor promises an action-packed day immersed in nature’s beauty and excitement. 

As the sun sets over the Riviera Maya, Xplor gets a fiery twist. Visitors can zipline through the night sky, paddle through illuminated caves, and explore the jungle under the glow of torches and bonfires. Xplor Fuego transforms the jungle into a magical playground after dark, offering a thrilling nocturnal experience unlike any other.

• Xplor Highlights:
• Ziplines: Glide down the tallest ziplines in the Riviera Maya. Two 7-zip line circuits descend you over the jungle.
• Amphibious Vehicles: Drive an amphibious vehicle through two circuits that take you by jungle paths, hanging bridges, and caverns.
• Underground Rafts: Venture inside this spectacular underground cave, paddling with your hands onboard a fun raft.
• Hammock Zipline: Slide sitting on a hammock and end with a dip in the waters of a cenote.

Xplor For Kids: A small playground is available at Xplor for young children and includes nets, swings, and balancing pieces. Use our link for 15% off Xplor park tickets.

Xavage

For those craving ultimate adventure and adrenaline, Xavage Park delivers an action-packed experience that pushes the limits of thrill-seeking. The park features a range of heart-pounding activities, including whitewater rafting, monster truck driving, and high-speed jet boat rides. Visitors can test their courage on challenging obstacle courses and conquer towering water slides, all set within a rugged natural landscape. Xavage offers a full day of adrenaline-fueled excitement, making it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers.

• Highlights at Xavage:
• Rafting: the only whitewater rapids in the Mexican Caribbean! 
• Ropes Course: Choose your skill level and adventure in the Xavage Ropes Course. It has four different levels, where you can test your coordination and effort while mastering the heights.
• Kayak: Paddle a kayak through the Xavage canals. You can choose between a short or long tour and find individual or double kayaks available.
• Jet Boat: Feel the speed through the Xavage canals! Aboard one of the fast Jet Boats, you will feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins with the sudden turns and 360° spins.
• Monster Truck: Take the wheel of a Monster Truck and go through a circuit full of obstacles.

Xavage For Kids: Children will love the water park area, which is exclusively for them and features waterslides, hanging bridges, and water jets. It’s a water wonderland! Use our link for 15% off Xavage tickets.

Xenotes

Nestled amidst the lush jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Xenotes experience invites visitors to explore the mystical beauty of cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. This experience allows guests to immerse themselves in nature’s wonders. Visitors can swim, snorkel, kayak, and zipline across four cenotes, each with its own unique charm and allure. Xenotes provides a peaceful retreat where guests can reconnect with the natural world and discover the magic of Mexico’s hidden gems.

Note: Xenotes is a guided tour through land that contains four cenotes. The experience includes several activities and lunch. Use our link for 15% off Xenotes tickets.

Xoximilco

While Xcaret and its sister parks offer a spectrum of experiences from serene to exhilarating, one park stands out for its vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and tradition: Xoximilco Cancún. This unique attraction draws inspiration from the famous floating gardens of Xochimilco, near Mexico City, offering guests a night of lively festivities, traditional music, and culinary delights aboard colorful trajineras (flat-bottomed boats).

Note: Xoximilco is a floating dinner party experience for all ages. (Families are allowed—but know that it IS a party scene!). Use our link for 15% off tickets.

Photo Moments – Selfies at Xcaret 

Xcaret offers visitors a fun and interactive way to capture photo memories. They designed innovative photo spots dubbed “Xelfies” strategically located throughout Xcaret Hotels and every adventure park. Easy to spot and use – Simply tap your entry bracelet on the sensor – and a perfectly placed camera will snap your picture. They make family photos a snap, and allow for photos in areas where carrying a camera would be difficult- such as adventure caves and rivers. The Xelfies are also programmed to snap pictures automatically on action courses like the ziplines. After your visit, all digital photos will be available for tour review (and potential purchase). 

Tips for Your Visit:

• Rash guards and swim shorts are best for Xcaret (zipline harnesses can chafe skin/are not comfortable.
• Water shoes are your best friend – and helpful for the rocky surface of most experiences.
• Bring an extra change of clothes and a towel to the parks. Free lockers are available at every park.
• Xcaret parks only allow reef-safe sunblock. Be sure to bring this or you can purchase from the giftshop.

• More about Xcaret HERE.

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