The latest Xcaret attraction, Xibalba Nature Reserve, was originally scheduled to open Dec. 2020 but got delayed due to COVID. Its latest opening date is supposed to be sometime in June 2022 with a capacity reported to be 2,000 visitors. Xibalba is located by the city of Valladolid in the central part of the Yucatan Peninsula fairly close to the Chichen Itza ruins. In fact, many Chichen Itza tours include a stop at Valladolid either before or after visiting the ruins. Count on tours or private drives to take a couple of hours from Playa del Carmen to reach this destination.
Xibalba Nature Reserve has some of the Xcaret parks’ common amenities and activities like ziplining, kayaking/canoeing, snorkeling, swimming, a restaurant, etc.; however, this park is a bit different in that it has set aside some of its 628 acres just for conservation purposes (a nursery to grow ornamental and reforestation flora, for example).
Here’s a short list of what Xibalba was originally supposed to offer guests:
- there’s supposed to be 8 cenotes on-site with in-park “tours” offered
- ziplining
- canoeing
- snorkeling
- hiking trails
- aviary
- church with a bell tower
- Mayan village where locals give workshops (stone carving, herbalism, embroidery, hammock making etc.). Locals will also be selling their products to visitors.
- restaurant serving regional dishes (taste-testing is supposed to be offered)
- performances highlighting Mexican/Mayan traditions
- performances of traditional Mexican music
Below is short video of this nature reserve–what has been completed as well as what areas are still being worked on.
Are you planning on visiting this new Xcaret attraction?
Hi, Is ticket included if I live in Hotel Xcarte Arte?
A great question. Since the park is not open yet, it’s hard to say. I would guess that it would be part of the All-Fun Inclusive package, but can’t say for sure yet.