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    Home » Mexico » Xcaret

    The Ultimate Xcaret Arte 7-Day Itinerary

    Published: Nov 16, 2023 · Modified: Feb 12, 2025 by Travel & Chai · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    A collection of travel itineraries and suggestions to use while visiting Xcaret Arte in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Each itinerary is tailored to a different travel style to make sure you find the right option for you.

    Whether it's your first time visiting Hotel Xcaret Arte or you're a seasoned guest of the resort, there is always a lot to do! This 7-day itinerary for Xcaret Arte will provide you with a guide of how to spend your time.

    Everyone is different. My perfect 7-day Xcaret Arte itinerary is likely not the same as yours. For that reason, we've included several options so that you can see the best way to spend your time while staying at Hotel Xcaret Arte.

    Are you looking for a very relaxed resort vacation? We've got you covered. In the mood for action and adventure? We've got you covered too. It's your first time visiting Xcaret and you're not sure what you want? We've got a balanced itinerary and our personal suggestions for first time visitors.

    A view of the Xcaret Arte river and bridge.
    Jump to:
    • Assumptions
    • Balanced Itinerary
    • Relaxed Itinerary
    • Adventurous Itinerary
    • Which itinerary should you follow

    Assumptions

    Before giving you the itineraries, there are a few assumptions I'm making. Firstly, I'm assuming you're arriving in the afternoon of Day One (the hotel's check-in time is 3pm) and will have the rest of the day available to use. And that you're leaving on Day Seven (i.e. following Xcaret Arte's standard 12pm check out time).

    Next, this itinerary assumes you want to make the most of Hotel Xcaret Arte's offerings, and therefore doesn't include activities and excursions that aren't included in the resort's all-fun inclusive package.

    And lastly, this one week itinerary assumes that you're blessed with the health to be able to partake in the suggested activities. Please note: While there are some accommodations available, the resort does not provide accommodations available for all activities/excursions.

    For example, those with significant mobility issues may want to steer clear of the Xenotes tour as it involves a lot of steps, swimming, and some slippery staircases.

    Pro Tip: Make sure to check our Guide to Visiting Xcaret Arte to make the most of your trip.

    Balanced Itinerary

    The balanced itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Xcaret Arte that want to enjoy the activities and excursions, but are also looking to relax a bit and enjoy the amenities offered within the resort.

    Riz relaxing on the Xcaret Arte nets that overlook the resort river and the sea in the background.

    Day One

    Your first day is all about keeping it relaxed and settling in.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Check-in3pm
    Explore the resort3pmLightThe resort is huge so you'll be exploring throughout your week.
    Xcaret Mexico Espectacular7pmLightThis is a show at Xcaret park. It's a great way to start your week!
    El Deseo (Speakeasy)LateLightGrab and drink and meet some of the other guests at Xcaret Arte!

    Day Two

    Your first proper day at Xcaret Arte allows you to explore the resort a little more, before heading to your first exciting activity in the evening.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Explore the resort and enjoy the poolsAfternoonLightDon't forget to check out the river!
    Xplor FuegoNightModerate to heavyThe nighttime version of Xplor Park is full of thrills and action!

    Day Three

    Day Three is dedicated entirely to Xcaret Park. It's a large place so you'll need at least 5-6 hours there.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Xcaret ParkFull dayLight to moderateXcaret Park has a lot of walking but there is little that is actually physically taxing.

    Day Four

    Another long day full of culture and walking, followed by having fun at Xcaret's water park.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Tulum Ruins & Xel-HaFull dayModerateYou can swap this out with the Xichen tour if you're more interested in Chichen Itza, or in case you're not interested in Xel-Ha.

    Day Five

    Day four involved a bit of exertion, and day six is the most involved day of the trip so we're taking it a little easier today.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Relax, explore the resort, and chill.All dayLightIf you're feeling energetic, you can take a quick trip over to Xplor to see what it's like during the day! Spoiler: It's fun.

    Day Six

    Saving the best excursion for last, the Xenotes tour is a must-do activity when staying at Xcaret Arte.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Xenotes TourAll dayModeratePack water shoes, and a wet suit top.

    Day Seven

    It's check-out day, so I don't recommend going to far from the hotel. Last thing you want is to get stuck somewhere on the road and unable to make it to the airport in time for your flight.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Visit your favorite breakfast restaurant, and take it easy. Perhaps chat with strangers in the coffee shop. Or just enjoy the view.Morning
    Check-out12pm

    Relaxed Itinerary

    This relaxed itinerary is perfect for people that really want to take time to relax during their vacation, and not feel pressed for time in any way. It's also a good option for returning visitors to Xcaret Arte, in which case you may have already experienced a lot of the activities.

    Reem enjoying a relaxed itinerary day in Xcaret Arte's main pool.

    Day One

    You're on holiday! You're here to relax, no need to try to get anything done today. You can pass by El Deseo at night if you're feeling up to it, it's an easy way to get to know some of the other guests that you will no doubt bump into from time to time.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Check-in3pm
    Explore the resortAfternoonLight
    El Deseo (Speakeasy)Night

    Day Two

    Starting the day slow, and finishing with a show celebrating the history of Mexico.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Explore the resort.MorningLightPerhaps take a kayak or paddleboard onto the river?
    Xcaret Mexico EspectacularEvening

    Day Three

    We're taking a little walk around Xenses today. It's the shortest and easiest of Xcaret's attractions (you can be done in 3 hours) to add a little variation into your day.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    XensesMorningLight
    Explore the resortAfternoonLightFind the bar that overlooks the river. Grab a book, and relax on one of the nets that suspend you above the water.

    Day Four

    Today is the most exciting and action-packed day of your trip! I know, I know, this is the Relaxed itinerary for Xcaret Arte, but a little adventure will break up the trip so that every day doesn't feel same-y.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Xenotes TourAll dayModerateMake sure to pack water shoes, and a wet suit top. The cenote waters can be quite cold.

    Day Five

    Today is all about recovery. You had a busy day at the cenotes, and you don't want to feel rushed to do another activity so quickly!

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Chill. All day.

    Day Six

    We're spending a little time (really as little or as much time as you want) at Xcaret Park. It's a big place, but you may opt to just see the attractions that interest you most.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Xcaret ParkMorningLight
    Watch the live musical performance at the stage next to Encanta restaurant.Evening

    Day Seven

    Check out time is noon. Have a slow morning, get a good breakfast in you.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Revisit your favorite spot in the hotel.Morning

    Adventurous Itinerary

    This adventure-focussed itinerary is all about cramming in the most action and activities possible. You feel like you can relax by the pool at home, you're here to make the most of all the beautiful and unique experiences on offer.

    Riz swinging down a zipline as part of the Xenotes tour of Xcaret Arte.

    Day One

    You're ready to go as soon as you check-in. We're going to use the first day to explore your surroundings, enjoy your cultural show, and then get an early night in preparation for day two.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Check-in3pm
    Explore the hotelAfternoonLight
    Xcaret Mexico EspectacularEvening

    Day Two

    Let's get those excursions started in style. We're doing the all-day Tulum ruins excursion. It's recommended to pick the Deluxe version of this so that you get to enjoy some better food and an additional trip to a cenote, before heading to the Xel-Ha waterpark.

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Tulum Ruins + Xel-HaAll dayModerate

    Day Three

    Get ready for some ziplines. We're starting the day off with the very fun Xplor theme park, and ending it with a few drinks at Xcaret Arte's oh-so-secret speakeasy (don't stay out too late though).

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    XplorMorning / AfternoonModerate to heavy
    El DeseoEvening

    Day Four

    This is possibly going to be the longest day of your trip. We're starting off with a cultural excursion to see Chichen Itza, but that's not all. You're probably still thinking about the thrills from Xplor the day before, so we're visiting again...but at night!

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    XichenAll dayModerateMostly walking but it does get hot.
    Xplor FuegoNightModerate to heavy

    Day Five

    Day four was a long one so we're taking it a little in terms of exertion. But don't worry, we've got something planned for you adrenaline junkies and party lovers!

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    XavageMorningLightNot a lot of moving, mostly excited screaming.
    XoximilcoEveningLightA little socialising on a Mexican party boat.

    Day Six

    It's your last full day. Make the most of it by visiting four different cenotes. Swimming, ziplines, assisted rappelling, and more awaits!

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    XenotesAll dayModerateMake sure to take water shoes and a wet suit top as the cenote waters can be quite cold.

    Day Seven

    It's your last day, but we're not wasting it. We're going to squeeze one last little activity in!

    ActivityTimeExertionNotes
    Go kayaking or paddle boarding in the resort river.MorningLight
    Check-out12pm

    Which itinerary should you follow

    We've provided three different suggested itineraries for visiting Hotel Xcaret Arte - each one has a different focus, and different type of traveller in mind. You should look at the one that most closely resembles your preferred travel style. Feel free to adapt it as necessary!

    If you're not sure where to begin, we'd recommend starting the Balanced Itinerary as its designed to help you make the most of your stay at the resort while also enjoying some of the activities and excursions available.

    It's a big world, but we're never too far away! SIGN UP for the Travel & Chai newsletter, and follow Travel & Chai on Instagram and Pinterest to keep in touch.

    More Xcaret

    • Riz and Reem kayaking. Riz is holding his oar above his head.
      Xenotes Tour - What to Take With You
    • Riz and Reem hanging from ziplines with a lush green forest background.
      Xcaret Xenotes Tour Review
    • A close up of steak tacos in black tortillas on a black plate.
      Xcaret Arte Restaurants Guide
    • A hand holds up a plastic cup of pina colada with a pool in the background. The cup has the Hotel Xcaret Arte logo on it.
      Hotel Xcaret Arte Review

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