These adventurous eco-parks celebrate Mexico’s diversity as vibrantly as Disneyland celebrates fairy tales.
Riviera Maya is a collection of distinctive seaside locales along the Yucatán Peninsula’s northeast shore. This belt of Caribbean charm includes Puerto Morelos and its well-preserved reefs and Akumal which is celebrated for its turtle-encounter experiences. The Mexican-owned Xcaret Group eco-parks in Riviera Maya make brilliant use of this verdant terrain by providing immersive land and water experiences ranging from snorkeling in clear underground rivers and driving amphibious vehicles through caves to zip-lining over jungles and enjoying one of the world’s largest butterfly pavilions.
The Xcaret Group (pronounced “ish-ka-ret”) has a formidable presence in Riviera Maya and it’s a name you’ll encounter frequently from the moment you touch down at Cancún International Airport, the main gateway to the region. The riveting park portfolio is made up of Xcaret, Xavage, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xenses Insomnia, Xoximilco, and the Xel-Há water park which has cenotes, iridescent scarlet macaws, and a 131-foot lighthouse slide.
Each park is a self-contained excursion providing an interactive look at Mexico’s cultural and natural richness. In addition to the thrilling parks, the group also runs Xcaret Xpeditions (Xichén, Xenotes, Tulum, and Cobá), Xcaret Xailing (ferry and catamaran trips to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres), and has three outstanding hotels for park guests to lodge at with over 1,800 rooms between them. Here is a definitive guide to Riviera Maya’s Xcaret parks, known to some as Mexico’s answer to Disneyland.
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Xcaret
Launching in 1990, the 200-acre Xcaret eco-archaeological theme park was the first in the family, blending modern ecotourism with Mexican heritage. With over 50 cultural and nature-focused attractions nestled within lush jungle surroundings, visitors young and old can float through grottoes, visit a Mayan village, lay on a white sand beach, and meet a host of winged, furry, and feathered friends: jaguars, parrots, flamingos, tapirs, howler monkeys, and over 20 species of butterflies at the 37,673-square-foot Butterfly Pavillion.
Located just under four miles south of Playa del Carmen, this flagship Xcaret park also has a coral reef aquarium, a Mexican folk-art museum, and a pre-Hispanic ball game court as well as restaurants celebrating moreish cuisine from Jalisco to Veracruz. The park’s unmissable highlight is the nightly Xcaret México Espectacular show when over 300 performers take to the stage to vividly narrate Mexico’s history through music and dance. Xcaret’s daily hours of operation are 8:30 am to 10 pm.
As with all the group’s parks, there are discounts to be had when buying Xcaret tickets online at least 14 days before your intended visit. A 20% discount applies when purchasing tickets for three or more Xcaret Group parks or tours at once. Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is available at an additional cost.
Xel-Há
Spend the day with your nearest and dearest at Xel-Há which means the “place where water is born” in Mayan. This all-inclusive water park invites families, friends, and water lovers to snorkel with nearly 100 fish species in mangrove-surrounded rivers, cenotes, and inlets that are fed by both fresh and seawater. You can zipline into the water, float leisurely down a lazy river, or pose for photos with guacamayas (scarlet macaws) admiring their brilliant plumage up close. For a panoramic view of the fetching jungle surroundings, climb the park’s scenic 131-foot lighthouse before descending via one of four water slides.
Xel-Há is around 15 minutes away from the Tulum Archeological Zone by car and is actively committed to sustainability. The park has earned EarthCheck Gold Certification for its environmental practices like water treatment and solid waste recycling. Visitors are encouraged to use biodegradable sunscreen (without ingredients like butyl carbamate, benzophenone, and polyethylene) so as not to contaminate the waters of the Yucatán Peninsula. Upon entry, Xel-Há will swap any offending sunblock you have with its own biodegradable SPF free of charge. Your sunscreen will be returned before you leave at the 6 pm closing.
Xavage
Xavage dares visitors to embrace their wild sides through a variety of heart-pumping activities like kayaking, rafting, getting wet at a splash zone with hanging bridges and water slides, and an intense four-level ropes course which are all part of the basic entry package. The all-inclusive package includes three extra activities—monster trucks, a 65-foot-high zipline, and an exhilarating ride on a 10-person jet boat through narrow canals. “Xnacks,” buffet lunches, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are always part of the deal, and best of all, this full spectrum of excitement is just 10 minutes from Cancún International Airport and open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Xenses and Xenses Insomnia
It’s worth setting aside half a day to experience Xenses which can best be described as a fun optical illusion park. At this creative playground, reality blends with fantastical illusions across over 50 mind-bending scenarios and there are two main paths to explore: the Path of Feeling and the Path of Doing. The former allows you to navigate through varied environments—from complete darkness to a vibrant garden—relying on senses other than sight. The latter tests your sense of orientation and balance in a whimsically constructed village where gravity seems askew.
You will certainly be getting wet at Xenses so comfortable beachwear, towels, and a change of clothes are advised. Typically only available as a daytime excursion, Xenses extended its opening hours with the launch of Xenses Insomnia night park in March 2024, granting entry to curious visitors (over five years old) between 5:30 pm and 11 pm every day except Sunday.
Xplor and Xplor Fuego
Xplor by Xcaret is the park that caters the most to adrenaline pursuits. It is located between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras near Xenses and the main Xcaret park and has the tallest ziplines in Riviera Maya. There are 14 ziplines soaring up to 45 meters high and spanning over two miles across two circuits complete with refreshing water landings. Down below there are amphibious vehicle circuits, stalactite river swims, spelunking hikes, and lockers to secure all belongings while you play away.
As part of the all-inclusive experience at Xplor, two smoothie stations complement Troglodita restaurant where a robust buffet service is provided though no alcoholic beverages are served to maintain the focus on wholesome fun. Five is Xplor’s minimum age for entry (ID cards must be provided for age verification purposes) and it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday with an additional nighttime experience, Xplor Fuego, that keeps the fun going until 11:30 p.m.
Xoximilco
If you can’t make it to the floating gardens of Mexico City, Xcaret’s Xoximilco in Cancún is the next best thing. As traditional trajineras carry you under the starlit sky through canals, you’ll be treated to authentic Mexican dishes and the jubilant sounds of mariachi and other regional music under the watchful eye of a charismatic host. Xoximilco operates from Monday to Saturday with festivities kicking off at 7:00 pm (last boarding is at 8:30 pm). Tickets include dinner, unlimited drinks from a generous open bar, and live music performances, and it’s ideal for family outings or festive feasts with friends.
The Xcaret Group Hotels
The Xcaret Group has a trio of exceptional hotels, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and La Casa de la Playa, which are seamlessly integrated into the “All-Fun Inclusive” program. This grants guests unfettered access and complimentary transport to all of Xcaret’s parks and tours throughout Riviera Maya. While most Xcaret hotel dining experiences are included, two gourmet restaurants— Xaak at Hotel Xcaret Arte and Ha’ at Hotel Xcaret Mexico which is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán—come at an additional cost. Similarly, the indulgent experiences at Muluk Spa are not covered under the program and require separate payment.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico opened in 2017 as the group’s first property spanning 900 suites across five architecturally distinct buildings that adhere to a universal element theme: Spiral, Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. The resort also has a plethora of family-friendly options including the Xiquillos Kids Club and a creatively designed aquatic playground.
Adults-only Hotel Xcaret Arte is also a 900-suite marvel. The resort is organized into five Casas, each representing a different artistic discipline like textile, dance, painting, and pottery, allowing guests to get their creative juices flowing. Additionally, each element within the hotel—from the furniture to fixtures—is crafted by Mexican artisans.
La Casa de la Playa, the newest of the bunch, opened in 2021 with 63 waterfront suites that all boast private plunge pools, jellyfish habitats, and hammock-adorned terraces. Guests at this beautiful boutique property also have access to personal butler service and around-the-clock gourmet offerings from a master chocolatier.