Xcaret?

[Anonymous]

Anyone been recently? We are thinking about going next spring break (April) with our tween. Not sure I want to pay the money to stay there, but is the park worth going to, or are there others in the same group (Xelha, etc.) that are better? Where would you stay? Any other recommendations for things to do in the area? We are pretty active and can’t take more than a day or two of just hanging out on a beach. Good food (or at least decent food) is a priority.

[Anonymous]

Yes I think the parks are worth it. We especially love Xel-Ha and have been a few times. So beautiful and fun for the whole family.

There are lots of other resorts in the area that are fine. I know its not everyones cup of tea but we usually stay in Playa del Carmen in the town. Totally safe and lots to do and can walk to numerous restaurants.

[Anonymous]

We loved going to the pyramids—Coba in the jungle was our favorite though Tulum was beautiful. We snorkeled in Akumal, jumped into a cenote swam around the crystal clear waters in the underground caverns, etc.

There is so much to do there! Have so much fun.

[Anonymous]

We loved Xcaret Mexico for the food and parks, so much to see and do. Tween liked Xenses and Fuego, both of which are nearby. We also did Xailing and Xel Ha but they are long bus rides away from the resort and were less enjoyable only for that reason, with a tween.

[Anonymous]

The parks are definitely worth it. If we didn’t have a family of 5 (max room size is 4), we would definitely stay there.

The cost for a family of 5 is exorbitant per person for premium weeks (which is when we travel) and I’m willing to spend for a super nice vacation.

[Anonymous]

A family I know that matches your description went last year, and raved about it.

[Anonymous]

We are going in a few weeks and staying at condo in Puertos Aventuras, about 15 min away.

[Anonymous]

I stayed at the Occidental next door to the park. Tickets to the park were included with the hotel. Our room was close to the evening show arena so we'd heard it several times before we saw it!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I’m leaning toward Occidental. For those who have been to Xcaret during spring break, was it crazy crowded? We would be going the week before Easter (Semana Santa). We are also interested in Xplor and maybe Xenotes. Would these experiences be repetitive in any way, or are they all worth it? We’ve been ziplining plenty of times in jungle settings (Costa Rica and Puerto Rico), but we’ve never seen cenotes. Just worried that Xcaret might get boring for a tween (11-year-old boy).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I’m leaning toward Occidental. For those who have been to Xcaret during spring break, was it crazy crowded? We would be going the week before Easter (Semana Santa). We are also interested in Xplor and maybe Xenotes. Would these experiences be repetitive in any way, or are they all worth it? We’ve been ziplining plenty of times in jungle settings (Costa Rica and Puerto Rico), but we’ve never seen cenotes. Just worried that Xcaret might get boring for a tween (11-year-old boy).

An 11 yo would love Xplore. They'd likely also love Xavage if they like thrills. Neither is redundant of Xcaret park.

The ziplining at Xplore isn't like normal ziplining. You're mostly very, very high above the trees. You aren't anywhere near animals or flora. There is lots of other fun stuff at Xplore too.

[Anonymous]

In June 2023 we went to Xel-ha and Xplor Fuego (xplor at night). Teens (ages 16 and 19) loved them. Stayed in La haciendas in playa del Carmen.

[Anonymous]

We loved Xcaret. I’d go for the day and plan stay till the evening . They do a really nice show about Mexican heritage that’s really well done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I’m leaning toward Occidental. For those who have been to Xcaret during spring break, was it crazy crowded? We would be going the week before Easter (Semana Santa). We are also interested in Xplor and maybe Xenotes. Would these experiences be repetitive in any way, or are they all worth it? We’ve been ziplining plenty of times in jungle settings (Costa Rica and Puerto Rico), but we’ve never seen cenotes. Just worried that Xcaret might get boring for a tween (11-year-old boy).

My 10 year old boy and I stayed at the Occidental. He enjoyed the park, and the pools at the hotel. He met some other kids. He liked the buffets.

[Anonymous]

We've stayed at that Occidental and its not bad. I went in with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. It's not as "fancy" as some other AIs but seemed to be well run/solid. The food and service were decent enough, didn't have any major complaints. And if you're planning to do the various parks you won't really be at the resort that much except in the evenings. I'd go back.

[Anonymous]

Do not forget to sign up for the demonstrations and classes at Xcaret. It makes the experience over the top. I signed our whole family up to make chocolate from cocoa beans. Then, my two girls carded wool and spun it into yarn they took home. Lastly, they got to use a weaving loom to make a small project. There were a lot of these workshops. WE loved it there!