Enjoy Family Fun at Xcaret Eco Park

Close-up of Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus. Tenerife, Canary Islands. Spain Underground Rivers. Tropical Jungle Trails. Colorful Wildlife. Mexican Equestrian Shows. Beautiful Beaches. Snorkeling. Amazing Food. If this sounds like the perfect recipe for family fun, then you can’t miss Xcaret Eco Theme Park – one of Playa del Carmen’s premier tourist attractions.

Explore the magic of Mexico at Xcaret

If you happen to be staying in Cancun, Tulum or anywhere on the Riviera Maya – all roads lead to this spectacular theme park. Xcaret (pronounced eesh-caret) is located 38 miles from the Cancun International Airport and welcomes guests with its unique blend of adventure experiences, nature and cultural offerings. Visitors can easily spend a full day (yes, 8 whole hours) exploring the wonders of Xcaret. There are butterfly pavilions to wander through, turquoise waters to swim in, lazy rivers in which to snorkel and an amazing variety of cultural activities and unforgettable shows.

Cultural activities and performances

For instance, take the “Voladores de Papantla,” an unbelievable performance by “flyers” who play traditional melodies in honor of the sun while suspended hundreds of feet in the air. Witnessing this ancient ritual ceremony is not only thrilling, it provides insight into the traditional culture of Mexico! Xcaret has dozens of awe-inspiring shows and performances to punctuate your day. Admire the graceful horsemanship of costumed riders who move effortlessly with their steeds as they execute surprising moves! There are Pre-Hispanic dances timed to the steady beat of drums that will transport you back to Mayan times and vibrant performances that explain the history and legends from the country’s different cultural regions.

Attractions for nature lovers

Xcaret is a magical place for children of all ages, and has numerous wildlife attractions and exhibits designed for curious young minds. Start your morning at the enormous Butterfly Pavilion – one of the world’s largest – where over 20 species flit around waterfalls and lush vegetation. Delve into the underwater world at the park’s coral reef aquarium that houses more than 5,000 species. Next stop is Manatee Lagoon – a favorite for visitors of all ages. Admire these beautiful, docile marine mammals in a natural habitat and watch as they glide through the water.

Smack dab in the middle of the park is Jaguar Island, surrounded by crystal clear rivers. These impressive cats play an important part in Mayan culture and can be observed as they stealthily meander through leafy jungle.

Xcaret is one of the best places to understand the tremendous biodiversity of Mexico. Here, you can see endangered sea turtles, bats, monkeys, tapirs, pumas and dolphins!

Water activities galore

Aquatic activities are one of the highlights of this eco theme park. Admission grants you snorkel equipment for an exciting foray into the Blue River, Manatee River or Maya River which all flow underground next to mangroves dotted with pink flamingos. Lifejackets are also provided so little ones can float and swim through these winding freshwater systems.

Dolphin encounters are another hot attraction at Xcaret. Watch them jump and dance, shake their fin and even get chances to swim with them.

Your smallest animal lover will adore the park’s Adventure Kids program. A special pond area has docile stingrays and other marine creatures that children can feed and touch. This hands-on experience is designed to be fun and educational as kids learn more about nature.

Family-friendly fun on the Riviera Maya

Xcaret has several buffet-style restaurants that serve up delicious cuisine and lots of smaller snack bars (some with gorgeous ocean views) famous for their juicy hamburgers. Bring a hearty appetite and wear comfortable walking shoes on your daytrip to this must-visit eco park!