Why location matters for Xcaret
Xcaret opens at 8:30 AM. To beat the crowds, you want to be there by 9 AM at the latest. That means leaving your hotel by 8 or 8:30 depending on distance. A Cancun hotel (60 to 80 minutes away) means leaving by 7 AM, which is tough on kids. Staying in Playa del Carmen or near the park cuts this to a 15 minute trip.
Luxury (from $450 per night)
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
On the park grounds. Includes unlimited access to Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xenses, Xichen and other group parks during your stay. All meals and drinks included. Rates from $450 to $700 per night. Best if you plan to use the parks 3+ days and want zero logistics.
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen
On 1a Avenida, the main beach strip. 12 minutes by taxi to Xcaret. Large rooms, direct beach access, excellent pool. From $350 per night.
Mahekal Beach Front Resort
Boutique resort on Playa del Carmen, 10 minutes to Xcaret. 189 thatched roof casitas. $400 to $550 per night.
Mid range (from $150 per night)
Hotel Reina Roja
Adults only boutique hotel in Playa del Carmen downtown. 12 minutes to Xcaret. Rooftop pool, good design. $180 to $280 per night.
Hotel Lunata
Right on Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). Walking distance to Playa beaches, 15 minutes to Xcaret. $150 to $220 per night.
Illusion Boutique Hotel
Small hotel with rooftop pool in Playa center. $140 to $190 per night.
Budget (from $40 per night)
Hostel Playa
Well rated hostel with private rooms from $40 and dorm beds from $20. Runs a daily shuttle to Xcaret for $15 round trip.
Hotel Colibri
Family run, 5 minute walk to the beach, 15 minutes to Xcaret. From $60 per night.
Airbnb studio apartments
Plenty of options in Playa del Carmen from $50 to $100 per night. Kitchen access saves on breakfast. Look for buildings with a pool if you have kids.
Hotels inside Riviera Maya resort strip
Other good options for Xcaret access:
- Hotel Xcaret Arte (all inclusive, arts themed, $500+): on the park grounds with the same unlimited access perk.
- Occidental at Xcaret Destination: large all inclusive resort right next to the park gate. $280+ per night, includes Xcaret tickets for stays of 3+ nights.
- Paradisus Playa del Carmen: 15 minutes to Xcaret, good for couples. $300+.
Staying in Cancun
If you stay in Cancun, budget 60 to 80 minutes each way. Xcaret shuttle pickups add another 30 minutes because they loop multiple hotels. For most families with Xcaret plans, Playa del Carmen is the better base.
Transport to Xcaret
- From Playa del Carmen: taxi ($12 to $20) or park shuttle ($25 round trip).
- From Cancun hotel zone: park shuttle ($30 to $40 round trip) or private transfer ($90+).
- From Tulum: 60 minutes north, taxi ($50 to $70) or colectivo to Playa del Carmen then Xcaret shuttle ($20 total).
Book your Xcaret ticket
Live 2026 prices, mobile ticket, free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Hotel Xcaret Mexico is the flagship hotel on the Xcaret park grounds. All room rates include unlimited access to Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor and other group parks during your stay, plus all meals and drinks. Rates start at around $450 per night in low season.
Playa del Carmen is 10 to 15 minutes from Xcaret Park by car or shuttle. Staying in Playa del Carmen is the most practical base if you want to combine Xcaret with beach time, restaurants and nightlife. Many hotels run daily shuttles.
Yes. Playa del Carmen has hostels and budget hotels from $30 to $80 per night. From there, independent shuttles to Xcaret cost $8 to $15 round trip. It is the cheapest way to stay close without sacrificing access.
