Xel ha vs xcaret in cancun -small budget to cancun?

Question

since we have a small budget , we like to know which one of theres places we should go to , we have 6 people xel ha or xcaret and chichen itza or garrafon

Answer 1

Xcaret- you will get more, for your money. You can get a discount buying online, %10. It is overall better, but more touristy and park-like

Xel-ha - is nice also, but more "natural". You snorkel down the river, walk up a quarter of the way to catch the bus back to the top or you can ride the bikes provided at the bus stop. They don't have shows.

Areas to also consider: Playa de Carmen-swim & shop; Tulum-religious mayan ruins on a cliff and swim below; Cozumel- snorkel, shop; Puerto Morelos-secluded beach with cheap rentals. If you are staying in Cancun, I suggest rather than renting a car for 6, take the local bus for dirt cheap. Its safe, fast and used by many tourist, plus you don't have to worry about directions or parking. They will usually stop in front of most major resorts and run you to all sites mentioned. Ask at you hotel for details on catching the bus.

ps. If you happen to wind up at the main bus station with a few minutes to spare, run across the street to Dona Totas and try some gorditas (thick corn tortillas filled with the stuffing of your choice-beef, chicken, chili, beans....) Its clean, fast, safe to eat and they prepare it in front of you.

Chichen Itza- well worth the trip. I would suggest renting a car and also hiring any of the licensed tour guides there. Take water, snacks, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable clothes and shoes. Also not that climbing to the top of the pyramid is no longer allowed, but there is still much to see.

Garrafon- I personally think its overpriced. Isla de mujeres is beautiful but I prefer Cozumel for snorkeling. At Garrafon, they do provide hammocks, showers, lockers, kayaks some meals and a shopping tour. If you really want to visit the area for cheap, take a ferry to Isla de mujeres, enjoy the beach for free, rent a kayak for cheap, walk to the shopping district and eat where you want. The island is really small and everything is walking distance. As for other package deals at Isla for  swimming with the dolphin and snorkeling, they are everywhere. Always remember to haggle for a cheaper price.

Answer 2

I like xcaret waaaaaay better than xel-ha - There was a lot more to do and see - But dont get sucked into the night show- its sooooooo long and you'll be sooo tired already from the long day AND the long bus-ride home.

Xel-ha is too boring for me - but i guess it depends on on what you're looking for. If u just want to r&r for the day - save your money entirely and stay at your hotel. The lazy river is kinda neat tho - if you're up for that.

But xcaret has waaay more wildlife to see and shopping etc.  

Answer 3

those "water parks" in Quintana Roo" are very pricey. If you used public transportation, you could see Chichen Itza AND Coba rather cheaply...if you're set on a water attraction (as opposed to just hitting the beaches at Playa Carmen or Puerto Morelos, XelHa is the choice to make.

also, there's a whole slew of ruins and cenotes close to Merida that you could see in place of paying for swimming.

Answer 4

You can find other options here http://www.cancunwonders.com/eng/tour-li...

Xcaret is bigger than Xelha