Xplor vs Xplor Fuego Adventure Cancun Park Review! [2023]
Xplor and Xplor Fuego, as you might have guessed, are different sets of adventure at the same popular theme park in Cancun. Both Xplor and Xplor Fuego offer fun-seekers unforgettable experiences, but which one would be better for you?
In this guide, you will find all the information you need to know about Xplor vs Xplor Fuego. It includes my honest review, coupons to save on Xplor/Xplor Fuego admissions tickers, and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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What is Xplor?
Xplor is an all-inclusive adventure theme park that will pump up your adrenaline as you explore the open jungle in unique ways!
Adventures include the highest zip-lines in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, two amphibious vehicle courses through jungles and flooded caverns, a hammock splash ride that ends in the refreshing water of a cenote, underground stalactite river expeditions, unlimited rafting, and more!
Xplor vs. Xplor Fuego
Parque Xplor vs. Xplor Fuego: Opening and Closing Hours
Xplor (also called Parque Xplor in Spanish) is the full-day adventure available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while Xplor Fuego is the night adventure available from 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the same theme park.
Xplor vs. Xplor Fuego: What’s the Difference?
Although Xplor Fuego offers the same attractions and activities as Xplor daytime park, the atmosphere and experiences would be different. At night, Xplor Fuego is lit up with torches and a ring of fire, making the jungle expedition exciting in its own way. Xplor Fuego is also slightly cheaper than Xplor because the courses are shorter and more condensed.
Xplor vs. Xplor Fuego: Is Xplor better day or night?
I was very impressed with Xplor Fuego’s nighttime zipline through a ring of fire since it is a unique activity. However, I like Xplor daytime better because it offers more time to enjoy all the attractions and activities that the park has. Nevertheless, I think it all comes down to your preference and schedule, but both choices are great for people who seek thrilling experiences and fun things to do in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Go to Xplor or Xplor Fuego?
The minimum age required to enter the park is 5 years old. If you’re seeking a theme park for younger children, you can check out Xel-Ha Water Park, which has no age requirements!
Also, keep in mind that you have to be at least 18 years old to drive the amphibious vehicle (ATV).
Prices: How Much Do Xplor vs Xplor Fuego Tickets Cost?
You will get 15% off for purchasing Xplor and Xplor Fuego tickets online, and another 10% on top of that if you purchase at least 7 days in advance, bringing the cost down to $99 for Xplor Fuego and $117 for Xplor. Children from age 5 to 11 years old will get 50% off the adult’s price.
My Honest Xplor Review
How long does it take to do Xplor?
It honestly takes the full day to do Xplor and the full night to do Xplor Fuego, so I would definitely recommend you arrive at the park as soon as it opens and stay until it closes. If you want to do the zip-line course twice, you should get back in line immediately after you finish the first course. If you leave and then come back, you would waste a good chunk of time going over the safety instructions and putting on the equipment again.
Is Xplor Adventure Park worth it?
Xplor is my favorite adventure park in Cancun and I think it’s worth every penny!
Getting to swim, float, and submerge on an underground stalactite river may seem like a fantasy, but it’s the reality at Xplor—and I highly recommend that you do this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a unique experience that is not easy to come by elsewhere.
Another nice thing about Xplor is that it allows you to go on the same zip-line with your partner! It was so fun and the friendly staff was helping us try different poses for the photos. I have been on a lot of zip lines around the world, but this is the only park that allows partners to join in one go!
Is Xplor Photo Package worth it?
I find the photo package to be completely worth it. The pictures come out with high-quality as if they were taken by professional photographers, but you have full control of your posing and never have to feel awkward about it. If you want to capture the fun moments at Xplor, the photo package is absolutely worth the investment.
The photo points with high-quality cameras (Xelfies) are placed throughout the park and will take your pictures as you do the activities. Some photo points will require you to wave your hand to activate, but most of them will take your pictures automatically and recognize that it is you through the chip in the helmet. The photos will be available for you to download online the next day after your trip.
I also highly recommend that you add the photo pass when you purchase the Xplor admissions tickets. We bought it last minute on-site and we had to not only pay more but also wait in line for an extra 20 minutes!
Xplor Adventure Park Attractions and Activities
These attractions and activities are available for both Xplor and Xplor Fuego packages, but please keep in mind that Xplor Fuego courses will be shorter.
Underground Expedition
Imagine a world filled with crystal-clear waters, stalactites and stalagmites, and unforgettable views, all just beneath the surface of the Earth. Now imagine that you can walk there. And not just walk there, but run, jump, slide, and climb through it?
No, it’s not a fantasy – there is an underground spelunking hike waiting for you at Xplor Underground Expedition.
In this newest Xplor activity, you can choose to navigate an easy path or go on an adventure with the more challenging passageway filled with fun obstacles. The water paths range from depths of 1 ft to 3.6 ft in an incredible canyon. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete the course, through which you’ll find two aquatic slides and many Xelfie spots (photo points).
Amphibious Vehicles (ATVs)
Amphibious vehicles are a type of ATV (all-terrain vehicle) that can take you through the jungles and rivers. In this adventure at Xplor, you will get aboard a John Deere amphibious vehicle and pass by hanging bridges, narrow roads, and flooded caverns.
The vehicle, with a maximum capacity of 2 adults and 2 children, is safe, convenient, and fun for everyone who loves adventure and outdoor activities. You will be able to appreciate the stunning views of nature while conquering steep slopes that would otherwise be impassable.
Xplor Zip Lines
Xplor is the most visited zip line park in the world, and for good reason! With two circuits of seven zip-lines each, you can zip through the air for a total of 2.4 miles (3.8 km). The highest zip-line stands at 49 yards (45 m) high, so you’ll feel like you’re really flying when you go down it. The last zip-line will take you to land in the refreshing water below ground level in a cenote. The splashdown will leave you soaking wet in the most adventurous fashion!
If you have never done zip lines before, no worries! The adventure starts with training from a specialized guide, who will teach you how to use your equipment properly.
Underground Raft
When you ride the Xplor underground raft, you’ll feel like a part of history. Surrounded by ancient rock formations, age-old minerals, and spectacular geologic structures, you will paddle with your hands onboard a fun raft.
You can go alone on an individual raft or with a partner on a double raft, though I have to say that coordination can get quite difficult on the double raft. We saw so many couples get stuck and struggle to get past the entrance. A couple also told us as they returned the raft that it took them almost two hours to complete the course (while the activity should only take about 30 to 45 minutes)
Underground Rivers
You can admire the ancient landscapes of Riviera Maya up close with a swim through the underground rivers, full of limestone rocks, stalactites, and stalagmites. The water is crystal clear and allows you to see through to the very bottom. The temperature is around 75 °F, making it a very comfortable swim.
Hammock Splash
Xplor hammock splash is the perfect choice for those who are somewhat uncertain about the heights and speed of the highest zip-lines in Riviera Maya but still want an exhilarating ride. This combination of a hammock and zip-line will take you on a short ride and glide down gently into a refreshing cenote, from which you can take the path to the Heart (Corazon), gift shop, or on to other activities.
Toboganxote (Coming Soon)
Toboganxote is the only 5-in-1 giant waterslide in the world. Climb to the top of this giant waterslide and grab a raft for up to four people to enter the sphere as you move like a pendulum until reaching the exit towards the half-wave and getting to the tallest point before going down to the whirlpool. Upon spinning, you will be shot into a 72-foot tornado, the largest in Latin America, and zigzag your way until you reach the wave pool.
Xplor Food Buffet
Don’t forget that food and non-alcoholic beverage are included in your admissions ticket. There is a large selection of amazing food at the buffet (including Mexican and international cuisine), unlimited snacks, and delicious non-alcoholic drinks, so make sure to budget your time to eat as well.
Xplor & Xplor Fuego Coupons – How to Get the Best Deals
1. Book Online at least 7 Days in Advance
You can get 15% off for purchasing Xplor and Xplor Fuego tickets online, and another 10% on top of that if you purchase at least 7 days in advance.
2. Bundle Deal Xplor with Other Parks Owned by Grupo Xcaret
You can get 15% off for a combination of two parks, and 20% off for a combination of three or more parks or tours.
The most popular two-park options with Xplor are:
- Xplor + Xelha: Add Xel-Ha for snorkeling and sliding through the highest waterslide of 131 ft. high! Includes buffet meal and open bar (alcoholic drinks included). Visit my detailed Xelha reviews for more details.
- Xplor + Xcaret: Add Xcaret park for over 50 activities and attractions as well as an incredible night show.
The most popular combination for the three parks by Grupo Xcaret is Xplor +Xel-Ha + Xcaret.
💰Book Combo Xplor +Xel-Ha + Xcaret here for an extra 20% off!.
3. Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort Owned by Grupo Xcaret
Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and La Casa de la Playa are all-inclusive resorts owned by Grupo Xcaret. You can enjoy unlimited access to all of Grupo’s Xcaret parks and tours while staying there, so it will save you a lot of money!
As you can see in my past itinerary below at Hotel Xcaret, we were able to save $759 considering other benefits. In my Hotel Xcaret Reviews, you will see other suggested itineraries that can save you over $1,000!
Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and La Casa de la Playa are only about 5 to 10 minutes’ drive from Xplor Park. You can take the shuttle (which runs every 30 minutes) from the hotels, or reserve an ATV and start the adventure right outside the hotel lobby!
🛎️ Hotel Xcaret Arte Promo: Book Hotel Xcaret Arte Special Rates by December 31st, 2023
🛎️ Hotel Xcaret Mexico Promo: Book Hotel Xcaret Mexico Special Rates by December 31st, 2023
Tips to Make the Most of Your Day at Xplor Adventure Park
1. Buy Xplor Photo Pass/Photo Package in Advance
I said this before and I’m going to say this again: the photo pass is absolutely worth the investment! WIthout the photo pass, you won’t be able to capture many unforgettable moments while you do the zip-lines and the underground cave expedition.
Make sure you add the photo pass when you purchase the Xplor or Xplor Fuego admissions tickets online. That would save you money and a lot of time.
We got the photo pass when we were at the park. Not only did it cost us $20 more, but we also had to stand in line again after checking in to add the pass because the photo counter was a separate one.
Most of the pictures will be taken automatically as you pass by Xelfie spots (photo points). You can tell where they are because flashes will happen as people pass by. Just get ready and start posing, because it will be you next!
2. Check the Rides’ Status at the Heart (Corazon)
At the Heart (Corazon) near the gift shop, there is a huge sign with the status of all the rides. If the light is green, it means that the line is very short. If it’s yellow, there are people waiting in line, but it’s not too bad. If it’s red, the line is quite full, and it will take a lot of time waiting.
When you first get to the Corazon, you should check the status of the rides and go to the ones with the green lights first so that you don’t have to wait. If you arrive at the park early and all of them show the green lights, you should do the zip-lines and the ATV first because they are very popular and the lines accumulate quickly.
3. Bring Water Shoes
When my husband and I visited Xplor for the first time, we didn’t bring our water shoes. Although it wasn’t very comfortable for some of the water activities, we thought it was fine. However, when we got to the front of the line for the Underground Expedition, the staff stopped us. We weren’t allowed to do the expedition with flip-flops.
So then, we had to go back to the gift shop and bought the water shoes. We kinda got lost in the cave as well, so basically we wasted about 30 minutes going back and forth, just to get the shoes.
The water shoes at Xplor Park’s gift shop cost about $25-$30 (depending on the exchange rates on the day you buy), but they are of decent quality. They have Xplor and Xcaret logos on them, so it’s like you are buying souvenirs for yourself.
Come prepared by purchasing water shoes on Amazon in advance for as cheap as $6 a pair!
4. Pack light
At Xplor, they give you one locker for two people and the locker is tiny, so make sure you pack light. Some of the items you should have are towels, a change of clothes, and biodegradable sunscreen. If you bring a GoPro with you, make sure you have a helmet mount, because you will be required to wear a helmet at all times.
Xplor Park’s Location in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Where is Xplor Park?
Xplor Adventure Park is located on Federal Highway 307, km 282, about 35 miles from the Cancun International Airport, 3.5 miles south of Playa del Carmen, and 35 miles north of Tulum. It is in close proximity to Xcaret park and Xenses.
How to get to Xplor from Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
The easiest way to get to Xplor from Cancun and Playa del Carmen is to add round-trip transportation from your hotel to the park when you buy the Xplor ticket online.
Xplor has departures from Monday to Saturday starting at 7:00 AM from Cancun Hotel Zone and a bit later for hotels in Playa del Carmen. Xplor Fuego picks up from Monday to Saturday starting at 3:30 p.m. (depending on the location of your hotel).
If you get a taxi from Cancun Hotel Zone Cancun, it will cost between about $80 to $120 USD. From Playa del Carmen, the price goes down to about $15 USD for a trip of about 15 minutes.
Although parking is complimentary, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car just to get to Xplor. Some car rentals seem cheap online, but as you check in, they would add a ridiculous amount of insurance and refuse to let you pick up the car without paying more.
Xplor Adventure Park in Cancun FAQs
What does Xplor Park include?
The all-inclusive park includes everything, from lockers, rest areas, dressing rooms, to food, beverages, plenty of fun and thrilling activities.
What kind of food is included at Xplor?
Your admissions tickets include unlimited food, snacks, and beverages at the buffet restaurants. There is a large selection of food from Mexican and international cuisines. For safety purposes, the park does not offer alcoholic beverages (due to thrilling and driving rides), but their non-alcoholic drinks are delicious!
What is the difference between Xplor and Xcaret?
Xplor and Xcaret are both theme parks in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico. Xplor is an adventure park that features activities such as zip lining, driving amphibious vehicles, and swimming in underground rivers. Xcaret is a cultural theme park that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of Mexico, with exhibits and shows featuring Mexican traditions, flora and fauna, and history.
How long does it take to go through Xplor Park?
To go through Xplor Park, you can expect to spend about 4-5 hours participating in the various activities, plus any additional time you want to spend taking breaks, eating meals, taking pictures, and traveling between activities. The length of time it takes to experience everything the park has to offer will also depend on the number of visitors at the park on the day of your visit. While it is possible to experience all of the attractions at Xplor Park in one day, some people, especially those traveling with children, may choose to spread their visit over two days.
The Wrap-Up: Xplor vs Xplor Fuego Adventure Cancun Park Review
With so many thrilling and unique activities, Xplor deserves to be the best eco-adventure park in Cancun & Riviera Maya. Either the daytime Xplor or the nighttime Xplor Fuego package will provide you with fun experiences and unforgettable memories.
I preferred the daytime Xplor so I could enjoy longer courses and have my pictures filled with beautiful sceneries. However, if your schedule is tight, Xplor Fuego would be a great alternative. And hey, if you do Xplor Fuego, don’t forget to zip-line through the ring of fire, I’m sure it would be one hell of a photo!
✔️Book Xelha + Xcaret + Xplor here for an extra 20% Off
✔️Book Xel-Ha + Xplor here for an extra 15% Off
✔️Book Xplor + Xcaret here for an extra 15% Off
Other Resources for Travel to Cancun & Riviera Maya
- 31 Top Things to Do & Best Places to Visit in Cancun
- Include top attractions and activities in Cancun as well as coupons and discounts
- Top Thrilling Cancun Activities
- Overview for catamaran excursions, spinnaker activity, and parasailing!
- 20 Dumb Mistakes to Avoid in Cancun
- What you should watch out for in Cancun and Riviera Maya
- Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts in/near Cancun, Mexico:
- Include reviews and tips on how to pick the best all-inclusive resorts.
- Top 10 Non All-Inclusive Resorts in/near Cancun, Mexico:
- List of Non-All Inclusive Resorts in and near Cancun with good price for quality
- Temptation Cancun Resort – Best All-Inclusive Resort for Young Adults
- Include reviews, promo codes and tips to enjoy a fun vacation at Temptation!
- Hotel Xcaret Arte Review – Best Overall Value Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resort
- Include reviews, suggested itineraries, and timeshare presentation info
- Hotel Xcaret Mexico Review – Best Overall Value Family All-Inclusive Resort
- Include reviews, suggested itineraries, and timeshare presentation info
- La Casa de la Playa by Xcaret – Newest Boutique Hotel by Xcaret
- Xelha Water Park Review, Coupons & Tips for a Perfect Day!
- How to Get to Cozumel from Cancun and Playa del Carmen
- What to See & Do in Cozumel on A Day Trip!
- Best Hotels and Resorts to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico