XCARET ~ Megathread with information, links, discount codes, and etc

~Work in Progress as of Aug 1 2023~

Hi Guys, I'm u/Bizarrmenian, the mod of r/Cancun. Here, I plan on sharing my knowledge, guides, secrets, and discount codes that I possess to the Xcaret theme parks and Hotels. I'm also in the works of creating a custom discount for reddit users with the help of my partnership with Xcaret.

You'll see me updating this thread in the upcoming days. Stay tuned!

To be transparent, the links below will redirect you to the website I created for r/Cancun called Plancun. In short, Plancun is a website aimed to help plan your Cancun trip.

XCARET HOTELS & DISCOUNTS/OFFERS

XCARET Parks

Discount Codes (Parks)

Essential Items to Buy Before Your Xcaret Trip!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Q: What time should I leave the hotel to reach the airport? Should I leave within the required 4-5 hours?

• A: Depends on the traffic. Assume minimum 1-hour drive time and another 1-hour airline check-in. Add more time when traveling with kids, checked luggage, and unforeseen traffic/circumstances. 4 hours is the safest time, but often results in waiting by the gate for over an hour.

Q: What time do the pools close at Xcaret Hotels?

• A: They close at 8:00 PM (20:00H)

Q: Is the "90 minute presentation" worth my time for 25% off booking arranged by a member?

• A: Personal preference. If you have experience sitting through membership presentations or timeshare presentations and know what to expect, it might be worth your time for the discount. Ultimately it takes time, typically more than 90 minutes, and generally requires your entire party to attend. If you're only going to be at the resort for a few days, it may not be worth your time to sit through half a day of high pressure sales.

Q: How do I make reservations for parks/restaurants? How far out?

• A:If you book directly with the hotel, concierge will email you with a "Wixh List" about a month before you arrive, or you can email [email protected] to request it. If you book through Costco or other travel agency, you will need to call or email to request the Wixh List. You can always email sooner and ask how far in advance you can submit your requests for reservations.

Q: Is it worth it to spend extra to stay in Casa Artistas if booking Xcaret Arte? What added benefits do those rooms come with?

• A: Personal preference. Casa Artistas gets you access to a team of butlers, one additional restaurant, one additional exclusive rooftop pool, and access to most of Hotel Xcaret Mexico's restaurants. For the Hotel Xcaret Mexico restaurants that require reservations, you'll need to arrange upon arrival. If staying at Arte, there's more than enough to do, and more than enough amazing food options, but if FOMO is strong and you've got extra days, it's nice to have the added access.

Q: What's the best time of year to go? Dates to avoid?

• A: Personal preference. February into early March tends to offer nice weather, but it's also heading into peak season so expect more expensive room rates. Summer months can be very hot, accompanied with lots of sargassum, but in 2023, sargassum came months earlier than expected, so it's rather unpredictable. To avoid some crowds, consider avoiding college spring break dates. The height of the US Spring Break season is typically mid March. While most college kids will spend their time in Cancun or Playa, you can still expect added airport traffic at this time. The first two weeks of April cover Mexico's spring break, which could result in added crowds at the parks, as all the kids are out of school. Search for Semana Santa & Semana Pascua for exact dates.

Q: How do I book specific rooms? (swim up, river room, specific casa, etc)

• A: Most room types are designated on the website. When in doubt, call the resort, particularly if you want a river swim up room as opposed to a pool swim up room.

Q: Will there be sargassum?

• A: Somewhat unpredictable. It used to start in April and linger through the summer months. In 2023, it started as early as February.

Q: Itinerary questions; how to maximize my time; how much time is enough?

• A: Personal preference / stamina. Several of the parks and excursions are all day activities that require a lot of energy. All that time in the heat, plus unlimited food and drinks at the resort will exhaust some visitors. Build in some "down time" to relax at the hotel and enjoy the amenities and workshops. Key suggestion if you want to experience as much as possible: Be willing to wake up early each day to get the day started.

Q: Difference between booking through Costco vs direct vs travel agency?

• A: Unpredictable. Price options through Costco and compare with booking direct. Many report that booking through Costco was significantly cheaper and came with additional perks like a spa credits and a Costco shop card credit upon return. Proceed with caution if booking with a travel agency. Ensure they are legitimate by getting a recommendation from a trusted friend or family member.

Q: Ground transportation questions between Cancun International Airport & the resorts; how you may or may not be able to successfully arrive the day before your reservation and successfully get back to the departures area of the airport to take the free Xcaret shuttles to the resorts.

• A: If booking through Costco, the common advice is to skip Costco's arranged transportation to and from the resort and opt for Xcaret's transportation. Xcaret's transportation is reliable, comfortable, and goes direct, whereas Costco's transportation may stop at several other properties along the way, making the journey take much longer. If you need to arrange transportation, see recommendations for ground transportation compiled for r/cancun - most if not all of those same companies offer transport to all the resorts in the region. USA Transfer is popular.

Q: How much time do I need to get back to the airport? (Why did the resort schedule me to leave for the airport 5 hours before my flight?)

• A: Unpredictable due to road construction near the airport, that's why the five hour recommendation seems excessive. It depends on flight time as well.

Q: What do I have access to on day of check out? What if I arrive before 3PM?

• A: If arriving early, luggage can be stored, and there's a nice locker room that can be used to shower and change. Your room won't be ready, but you may gain access to the resort.

Q: What are essential items to bring? What should we not bring?

• A: Nearly everything you could possibly need can be purchased there, but if you would like to save some money, bring your own reef safe sunscreen. Recommendations above. Don't bring a drone unless you receive permission to fly it. Hotel staff will make you land it.

Q: Can construction noise be heard?

• A: Unpredictable. The resorts are expanding and some of the construction is near to Casa de la Paz, Xcaret Arte, yet that side of the resort was still quieter than the Artistas side at night due to private events held most nights at an adjacent pool on the river side.

Q: Is the spa worth it?

• A: Personal preference, and most preferences indicate YES, OMG, ABSOLUTELY YES!

Q: Which river should I float down at Xcaret or what's the difference between the various options?

• A: Personal preference. There are three options, blue, pre historic/Maya, and manatee. The blue river seems to be most popular. The pre historic/Maya passes under an amazing stain glass butterfly window. The manatee floats by the manatee enclosure where you can see them through plexiglass

Q: Which day of the week is best for Xcaret Parks?

• A: Some visitors report weekdays to be a little less crowded, but it likely depends on time of year.

Q: How do I book the special dinner served w/ the Xcaret Espectacular?

• A: If staying at one of the resorts, include your interest when you submit your Wixh List. The concierge will connect you with the appropriate team member, allowing you to pay separately for your Xcaret Espectacular dinner reservation.

Q: Which additional park and excursion activities are worth the added expense?

• A: Personal preference. The snorkel tour from Xcaret Park is great for beginner to intermediate snorkelers and it's one of the more affordable options.

Q: When do I purchase the photo pass if I'm staying at one of the resorts?

• A: Many guests have suggested purchasing the pass on the last day of your stay. Each casa has a shop where the photo pass can be purchased. Be sure to budget some time since there can sometimes be a line at the register.

Q: What's included with Xailing?

• A: Xailing includes round trip transportation to and from the resort to the ferry, plus ferry to Isla Mujeras and back. No transportation once on the island or meals on the island are included. Xailing also includes admission to the Cancun Scenic

Q: Are there discounted days any time of the year?

• A: Yes. Check the official websites often, and sign up for the email list to be notified.

Q: Do I need to know how to swim?

• A: You will feel more confident if you know how to swim, but it's not necessary. Most activities require you to wear a life vest. Food:

Q: Are there options for special diets?

• A: All restaurants offer vegan options, and guests are always asked about food allergies.

Q: Are there menus available online to see ahead of the trip?

• A: A few 3rd party websites have saved and published URLs to the menus, but take them with a grain of salt. Once at the resort, the menus may be different.

Q: Which parks/excursions include food?

• A: Xenses does not offer food; it's a half day park, though

Q: Can you eat/drink as often as you want?

• A: Yes, within reason. Staff will try to prevent you from getting black-out-drunk.

Q: Is XAAX at Arté worth the extra cost? How about Há at Xcaret Mexico, or Fuego, or the Sunday Brunch?

• A: Personal preference. The menus for XAAX and Há seemed to be designed for more sophisticated pallets.