10 of the Best Activities at Xcaret Park

Xcaret Park is one of the best parks in the Riviera Maya. With so many activities to do you may be wondering what activities you shouldn’t miss when visiting this park. Read on to learn about 10 of the best activities to do when visiting Xcaret Park. Looking for tickets to the park? Buy your Xcaret tickets here.

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1. Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show

One of the best activities at Xcaret Park is the nightly Mexico Espectacular show. This show happens every night at 7:00 at the Gran Tlachco theater. The show features about 300 artists on stage recreating over 500 years of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian times to present day.

The night will begin with a Mayan ritual, and will be followed by other Mayan traditions, dances, song, and the well known Mariachi. The show is an amazing representation of Mexico, and is the most talked about and sought after activity at the park.

The show lasts for 2 hours and has several different options to choose from. There is general admission to see the show, Xcaret Xclusivo that offers special seating, a bottle of wine, and nuts, and the dinner option that includes special seating, drinks, and a seven course dinner.

This show can be found on the brick Mexico Espectacular Route at point 60.

2. Flamingo Walk

One of the unique things I enjoy about Xcaret Park is the daily flamingo walk. Each morning the flamingos are walked from point 13 on the black Del Río Route al the way to the front plaza. The flamingos follow a bell, so when you hear it ring, you know the flamingo parade is coming. The parade starts at 10:00 each day, so don’t be late!

3. Macaw Flight

Xcaret loves their macaws and runs a conservation program to help repopulate the macaws in Mexico. Macaws in the program are eventually released in Veracruz or Chiapas. Macaws are also used for the Mexico Espectacular show, and around the park for pictures and other things.

Each day at 12:00 the macaws are released to fly around the park and add color to the sky. This is a beautiful sight to behold as hundreds of macaws fly above the jungle. Make sure to look up at the sky around noon to see if you can spot these colorful symbols of Mexico.

4. Papantla Flyers

Each day the Papantla Flyers perform their special dance for guests at the park. Five men climb the pole and one of them plays melodies with a flute and a small drum, in honor of the sun and the four elements. This initiates the ritual of Danza de los Voladores de Papantla. The other four flyers descend from ropes imitating the flight of birds.

The dance of the Papantla Flyers is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, and is a fun show to watch. There are three shows daily at 10:00, 11:30, and 4:00. You can find the flyers in the black Del Río Route at point 10.

5. Underground Rivers

Xcaret Park has three different river options to choose from when visiting the park. There is the Blue River, the Mayan River, and the Manatee River. The rivers are made from fresh, crystalline waters and flow through a maze of caves and tunnels.

The rivers are cool and refreshing and you can see see different wildlife as you float. The use of life jackets is mandatory while in the rivers, and snorkel gear can be rented if you would like it. Fins for your feet are optional, but I like wearing water shoes because you could bump a rock with your foot. The average depth of the water is 5 ft and the rivers are about 656 yards long. If you get tired while in the rivers, there are exits available along the route.

Try one river while you are there or try them all to see what each one offers. The choice is yours! The rivers are open from 8:30-5:30 each day. The entrances to the rivers can be found along the black Del Río Route at point 7 for regular guests and at point 9 for plus guests.

6. Horse Exhibition

At Xcaret you can watch the Mexican rodeo, known as charrería. This exhibition is an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO which makes this a must see. The charros ride Aztec horses of pure lineage, and give magnificent performances of movement.

You can watch the show outside or while eating at La Cocina restaurant. The show takes place each day at 5:50 and can be found along the black Del Río Route at point 4.

7. Pre-Hispanic Show

Xcaret Park offers a Pre-Hispanic show each day for guests to experience the culture of Mexico. Performers dance under the sacred ceiba tree surrounded by rivers and jungle. When you hear the call of the conch shell, you know it’s time for the dance is begin.

If you visit between July and the second week of August, during Christmas, or during Easter you will be able to see the special Dance of the Owl. You will see a nocturnal bird emerging from the darkness of a cave to tell its story through this special dance.

The Pre-Hispanic show can be found on the white Pueblo Prehispánico Route.

8. Scenic Tower

The Scenic Tower at Xcaret Park is located near the Gran Tlachco theater and is the highest point in the Riviera Maya. The tower goes up 262 feet in the air and offers 360 degree views of the Caribbean, the jungle, and you can even see Cozumel in the distance.

The tower offers panoramic views of the area and gives the opportunity for amazing pictures of the Riviera Maya. The tower is open from 10:00-6:45 each day and you can find it on the brick Mexico Espectacular Route at point 62.

9. Sea Trek

Xcaret Park offers the opportunity to walk along the ocean floor to view the marine life of the area. You get to walk along the seafloor wearing the special Sea Trek helmet where you can breathe underwater the same as if you were on land.

Walk through the ocean while holding onto a railing while being surrounded by fish and other marine life. This unique experience is an extra cost but is worth it in my opinion if you would like a unique experience that you can’t get everywhere.

The Sea Trek can be found on the green Playa Route at point 32.

10. “Bridge to Paradise” Mexican Cemetery

The Mexican Cemetery at Xcaret Park is a colorful display of pre-Columbian elements and Mexican folk art mixed together to showcase the traditions of Mexico. It is shaped in a spiral, similar to the conch shell that the ancient inhabitants used to talk to the gods.

This spiral cemetery has seven levels that symbolize the days of the week, and 52 steps, which represent the weeks in a year, while its 365 tombs are a representation of the days of the year. There is another spiral inside the hill that has 365 niches and canals that carry water from the surface to the cross in the center, creating the relaxing effect of a waterfall.

The Mexican cemetery is a staple in Mexican culture and is a symbol of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. If you are lucky enough to visit Xcaret Park October 30-November 2, you will be able to have an even more special experience during this yearly celebration.

The Mexican cemetery can be found on the white Pueblo Prehispánico Route at point 46.

Recap

Xcaret Park has so many wonderful activities that you cannot fit them all into one day. The above activities are 10 of the best and most unique activities to help you plan your trip. You can buy tickets to Xcaret Park for your trip ahead of time to make sure they are not sold out on the date you want to go.

Staying at Hotel Xcaret Mexico during your stay? Read about Hotel Xcaret Mexico here and about the new Hotel Xcaret Mexico 2 here to help you plan your stay.