Xcaret Review: The Highlights, the Lessons, and the Honest Truth

Over winter break we packed up the family and headed to Xcaret in Mexico, and while every family trip has its ups and downs, this one was overall a win. If you’re considering Xcaret for your next family getaway, here’s what you need to know—from the travel logistics to the resort itself and everything in between. I thought it would be helpful to write a thorough Xcaret review if it is a destination on your short list.

We used Whirlaway Travel to help us plan this trip, and I can’t recommend using a travel agent enough! It’s a game-changer, especially when traveling with kids. I told Alison we were looking for a tropical vibe—think warm breezes and palm trees—but also made it clear that my kids haven’t exactly mastered the art of lounging on the beach all day. We needed a destination with plenty of activities to keep them entertained, and Alison delivered. A good travel agent doesn’t just book a trip; they help tailor the experience to your family’s unique needs. They know the best destinations, insider tips, and how to navigate the endless options out there. Plus, they can handle details like excursions, dining reservations, and even travel hiccups, so you can focus on enjoying your time away. For a trip like this, where there’s so much to explore, having a pro in your corner made all the difference.

Travel: Add an Extra Day and Brace Yourself

Let’s start with travel days—because they were a lot. The flight from PHL to CUN was a seamless 4 hours, but they chaos of immigration in Mexico (picture a crowded room, zero clear direction, and a lot of confused people), took some stamina to get through. If they have an expedited entry option, I’d pay for it in a heartbeat next time. My husband also convinced me to pack everything in a carry-on and I will say it might have been the one time in his life that he was right ;). I couldn’t imagine navigating checked bag lines and was very grateful to make it through immigration with one less step afterward.

Our resort, Xcaret, was an hour’s drive from the airport, so it really was a long travel day by the time we finally arrived.

We stayed four nights, but five would have been better in hindsight. With two full days eaten up by travel, a little more breathing room would’ve gone a long way.