There is no single “best” park in the Riviera Maya. The choice really depends on what each person is looking for. Factors like budget, age, distance from your hotel, and personal preferences (whether you love water activities, a festive atmosphere, or cultural shows) will influence which park is the right one for you.
Let’s go through some of the most popular parks and what they offer:
Xcaret
Xcaret was the first park of the group and it is one of the most visited in the Riviera Maya. People enjoy it a lot and although the price may feel a bit high, calling something cheap or expensive is always relative.
As a reference, I like to compare it with Disneyland. Soon I will write a full blog about prices, but let me say this now: Disneyland has much higher costs for infrastructure, insurance, staff, and supplies, yet the ticket is cheaper than Xcaret. I will leave that topic aside for a future blog.
What I can say for sure is that Xcaret has an amazing night show. The production and direction are fantastic. Not all the extras feel like trained actors or acrobats, but the lead performers and singers are truly talented. For me, the show represents about 80 percent of the value of your ticket. Going to Xcaret and missing the show is like throwing your money away.
Besides the show, the park has many places for photos and attractions such as jaguars, monkeys, turtles, an aquarium, and an underground river. Personally, I do not recommend the river. If you wonder whether it is natural or man-made, I have another blog where I explain this in detail.
My rating for Xcaret: 8/10
Xel-Há
Xel-Há is a large lagoon surrounded by an all-inclusive park. In this case, I strongly recommend getting the full package. Going without the all-inclusive option is not worth it.
This park is designed for people who enjoy water. You can float down the Lazy River in inner tubes, go snorkeling, or enjoy small zip lines and ropes along the way. In the deeper parts of the lagoon you will not find much coral reef or marine life, but the area is still very relaxing and fun.
One of its main attractions is a huge waterslide. Waiting in line can take 15 to 20 minutes, but it is worth it. It is fast, safe, and very entertaining. As a tip, I suggest bringing your own snorkeling gear. If you use the equipment from the park, take some toothpaste to prevent your mask from fogging up. I have a blog where I explain this trick.
Xel-Há can get crowded during high season, but it remains a pleasant place. Still, if your main priority is to see marine life and coral reefs, there are better options such as Yalcú or Akumal.
My rating for Xel-Há: 8.5/10
Xplor
Xplor is an adventure park. It has two zip line circuits that are not very fast but very long and enjoyable. It also has ATVs, which are loud, not very fast, but really fun to drive.
The park includes an underground river as well. As a local guide with experience in natural rivers, I can recognize where it has been heavily modified by humans. Personally, I do not enjoy it as much, but for visitors without that background it can still feel like a good experience.
Another positive point is the food. It is very good, healthy, and something I truly enjoy.
Xplor can be visited during the day or at night. At night only one circuit is open, and in December it can get quite cold. Being wet at the top of the zip lines with strong winds can make the experience chilly.
My rating for Xplor: 8.7/10
Xenses
Xenses is a park created to play with your senses. Do not expect adrenaline or adventure. It is more about visual effects and photo opportunities.
When I went to evaluate it, I honestly did not enjoy it much. The food was disappointing and, unlike Xplor, Xel-Há, or Xcaret that I have visited several times, I never went back to Xenses. For me, it was a one-time experience.
My rating for Xenses: 6/10
Xoximilco
Xoximilco, on the other hand, is a park I truly love. It is Grupo Xcaret’s version of the original Xochimilco in Mexico City, and I must say that this copy is much better than the original because it is far more organized and well maintained.
The concept is simple but very fun. You board a colorful boat with your family, friends, or coworkers, and along the way you will enjoy live music. Mariachis, jaraneros, and dancers arrive on their own boats, join yours, and perform in front of you to keep the energy high.
I always have a great time here. Of course, part of the experience depends on your attitude and the people you go with. There are stories of groups ending up in arguments because of too much alcohol, but in my case I have always been lucky to share the boat with amazing people.
Recommendation: when you arrive at reception, ask to be seated with people from your own country or with a cultural background you like. It makes the experience even more enjoyable.
My rating for Xoximilco: 9/10
Xenotes
Xenotes is a park I have never visited and do not plan to. When it was being built, I saw the machinery used and it was clear to me that the natural environment was being heavily altered.
Later I saw the brochures and confirmed my impression. Too much human intervention in places that were once beautiful. For me, it is not worth giving up a day of something I love in order to go to a place where I know I would not enjoy seeing that kind of destruction.
My rating for Xenotes: no rating (not recommended)
