We want you to be as best prepared for your trip as possible, the below sections will provide you with important information and tips to ensure you have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation experience.  

THESE ARE THE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS (HAVE THIS IN YOUR POSSESSION ASAP)
Every traveler needs an up to date passport book -- passport cards are NOT acceptable for flight travel to Mexico. You will not be able to travel to Mexico or check into the hotel without a valid passport. Please note that all existing passports must be good for the entire duration of your stay per current U.S. regulations. The earlier you get your passport the cheaper it is. We encourage you to secure your passport ASAP. For more information on obtaining a passport visit the The U.S. Department of State page here.

When you step of the plane, you will be going directly to customs. All cellphone must not be in use in this area. You will get your passport stamped by the customs agent. Mexico no longer requires the tourist card.

GETTING TO HOTEL XCARET FROM THE AIRPORT

FREE HOTEL XCARET AIRPORT SHUTTLE
Your stay at Hotel Xcaret includes complimentary airport pickup and drop off via the Hotel Xcaret Shuttle -- this will either be a large motorcoach or large passenger van. When you arrive at the Cancun Airport pass through customs and pickup your luggage, you will then need to exit the airport building completely and look for the Hotel Xcaret staff -- they will have bright pink signs that have Hotel Xcaret on them. You will be riding in a shuttle with other travelers also staying at the resort. The shuttle does not make any stops and it provides service strictly to/from the airport and the Hotel Xcaret resort only.

*** AIRPORT TIP: My best advice about the Cancun Airport, is to completely ignore everyone trying to sell or entice you to book one of their tours, trips, etc -- there is a corridor right before you exit the airport after customs, where you will have people trying to get your attention by offering you free stuff -- IGNORE everyone!!! These are timeshare people trying to take time and money away from your vacation -- DON'T FALL FOR IT, NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY. They will try to offer you free things/tours.stuff -- ignore it all and go directly outside of the airport and look for the Hotel Xcaret staff.

You need to completely exit the airport and then look for the Hotel Xcaret Bus crew.

HOTEL CHECK-IN
The check-in process will likely begin while you are on the Hotel Xcaret Shuttle bus. The ride to the hotel is approximately, 75 to 90 minutes long. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will then line up at the front desk to have your bracelet programmed with your room key.

Your Hotel Bracelet is Important:
Your bracelet will serve as your room key and your free entry to the parks, excursions and tours -- do NOT lose your bracelet as it will cost $250 to replace it. If you think your bracelet is defective, too tight/loose, inform the front desk immediately to get it fixed or replaced.

Your room key also serves as a sensor to use the camera photo triggers placed throughout the hotel grounds and many of the parks through the Xperience Photo Pass. Your bracelet will trigger the cameras at the photo stations conveniently located throughout the resort and the various theme parks, including Xcaret Park, Xel-Ha, Xenses, Xplor, and Xplor Fuego.
 
The photo stations are usually distinguished by colorful exteriors surrounding the photo pass camera and when guests simply scan their bracelet at these stations, a photograph is taken -- which can be later be viewed at that particular theme park or at the resort. There is no limit to how many photos you take and you can then purchase access to download these images.
 
Hotel Xcaret also offers a package that covers as many parks as you'd like. If you buy multiple parks, the pictures taken at the hotel are included for free. 

HAVE YOUR PASSPORTS READY AT CHECK-IN
Upon check-in at the resort, they will need to see all your passports and will make copies of them -- this is a policy for all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area and it is mandatory. Please note, that check-in time is usually about 3 p.m., that is when your room will be ready. If your room is ready earlier, the resort will let you know. 

You can arrive to the resort much earlier and begin using the park's amenities and restaurants, but your room will likely not be ready until the afternoon. The bell desk will hold your luggage so feel free to get there early and begin enjoying the experience! 

DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE A COVID TEST TO RETURN TO THE U.S.?

As of June 12, 2022, proof of a negative Covid test is no longer required to fly back to the United States from an international location. 

So you no longer need to schedule your Covid test with the resort at check-in. The resort will however still offer Covid tests on-site for a fee for those who wish to be tested if they are not feeling well. And it is understood that should you show symptoms or test positive that you should quarantine immediately at your own discretion before flying back home. 

If you have any questions, please let me know!

ECOTOURISM TAX
Please note, there may be an ecotourism tax that you will be asked to pay at the resort and that fee is 80 pesos per room (equivalent to about $4 USD). This is a new tax the area resorts have been asking from their guests starting last year to help preserve the area. But they do not always ask for this fee, it's a strange quirk, so I can't tell you for certain what will happen. But just giving you a head's up! 

THE NEW QUINTANA ROO VISITOR'S TAX
As of April 2, 2021, there is a new tax that the state of Quintana Roo is introducing for all departing foreign tourists.
• The usage fee will be approximately USD 15 per person, depending on the exchange rate between the Mexican Peso and USD. This is for all travelers.
• Tourists can pay prior to their arrival, when entering Cancun or Cozumel or online during their stay since the payment verification will happen once tourists leave the state
• This is the site you can use online to submit payment -- DO NOT use any other site as there are a lot of fake sites out there: https://www.visitax.gob.mx/sitio/?fbclid=IwAR0woucJpiZPAnbhTujApOI6jLDDR7iaHd4gd_4qpo9_3RMS9MQKzZDn1iQ
• Customers will be asked at random for their QR code showing proof of payment
We strongly encourage you to log onto the new (VISITAX) website to complete the payment ahead of time and obtain your QR code for a stress free departure.

ASK ABOUT THE PARKS AND EXCURSIONS AT CHECK-IN
When you check into the hotel, let them explain to you all the access and perks of staying at the resort so that you can understand all the benefits. Try your best to avoid their "member presentation" as it is a time suck and will take 3-4 hours of your precious vacation time no matter what they promise. This is a timeshare club in disguise -- do not fall for it. 

SCHEDULE A TREATMENT AT THE SPA
The resort has an AMAZING spa and hydrotherapy circuit - the Spa is out of this world and you can book a couple's massage in a cave -- if you are spa people, try it!!! You can easily spend several hours there and the massage treatments were incredible. I do not recommend booking spa treatments prior to arrival because the spa will often offer daily specials. There will be spa reps circling the pool areas offering daily specials. So look out for those promotions and don't hesitate to ask for them as well.

BRING LOTS OF DOLLARS FOR TIPS
While tips are technically included with your stay, the service staff at the hotel relies heavily on tips as a majority of their income. On average, hotel service workers in Mexico make between $5 to $8 per day, so guests tips are crucial to their livelihood. If you receive excellent care and service from a staff member, a few dollars goes a long way. Staff members who receive tips typically include: housekeeping staff, the members who restock your snacks and drinks in the rooms, bellmen, restaurant servers, poolside servers, bartenders, taxi or shuttle drivers, room service delivery persons, tour guides, etc. When traveling to Mexico, I usually bring $150-$300 in a mix of $1 and $5 bills. The people of Mexico always take great care of their guests, but I've always noticed that tipping brings it to a whole new level of premium service. 

SCHEDULE YOUR EXCURSIONS IN ADVANCE 
You can submit your reservation request for restaurants, parks and excursions prior to your arrival date once your package is paid in full. I highly recommend submitting your request as early as possible to have the best chance to secure all your requests. 

Click here for more info on making reservations for excursions and parks.

My personal tips on parks and excursions:
Most of the parks in the area do not require reservations -- Xcaret Park (can walk, take shuttle or boat from hotel. I highly recommend taking the boat to Xcaret Park -- it's a beautiful and serene 20-minute ride), Xplor Park, Xplor Fuego, Xenses Park. There are pink shuttles running between the hotel to the park every 30 minutes. You can hop on and off these buses at anytime throughout the day. 

Note: As a guest at Hotel Xcaret, you can get a free locker to hold your belongings at any of these parks: Xcaret Park, Xenses, Xplor, Xplor Fuego and Xavage. 

Here's a quick description of the parks and tours:
Xel-Ha Park: natural theme park based on beautiful snorkeling and water-based activities (food and drinks are included here). An all-day excursion. REQUIRES ADVANCED RESERVATION
Xcaret Park: natural theme park, zoo and cultural center - this is the jewel of all the parks. It's a wonderful outing that also includes a great night show (as a Hotel Xcaret guest you have special seating) (food and drinks are included here). If you go here, take the boat from the resort -- they say this is most picturesque ride. The boat was out of service when we went in May, but everyone says it's the best way to go to the park.
Xoximilco Cancun: night excursion at a lagoon in Cancun. It is a Mexican fiesta on boats that stops at stations on the lagoon with live Mexican music. It's a fun but long night, includes dinner and lots of alcohol! REQUIRES ADVANCED RESERVATION
Xenses Park: a park that appeals to all your senses. It's fun place and has water slides, ziplines, lazy rivers. Takes about 3 hours to finish up the park. You can double this park up with another park in one day. (no food or drinks here as it's not an all-day park)
Xplor Park: a park for thrill seekers that has off-road vehicles, lazy rivers, ziplines, waterslides, lots of excitement and adventure! (includes food and drinks). 
Xplor Fuego: This is Xplor Park at night -- so all the activities that can be done in the daytime are in a night atmosphere under the night sky with lights. It's a great outing! Something to maybe save for one of the nights you are there.
Xavage: An extreme adventure park with speed boats, white water rafting, ziplining and off-road vehicles as well as a obstacle course. REQUIRES ADVANCED RESERVATION
Tulum Ruins: beautiful ruins located on Tulum beach. (no food or drinks here) REQUIRES ADVANCED RESERVATION
Xichen Deluxe Tour: The highlight of all the ruins in the area is Chichen Itza This is a daylong adventure and includes food and drinks and a visit to the cenote. REQUIRES ADVANCED RESERVATION
Xenotes Oasis Maya: Daylong adventure to some of the cenotes in the area, includes lots of adventure (ATV rides, ziplining, swimming, etc.). This is one of the most raved about tours and everyone says it is the best outing among all the tours. (includes food and drinks). REQUIRES ADVANCED RESERVATION
Xcaret Xailing: An all day outing on this boat ride to Isla Mujeres. No meals included with this outing. The ferry to Isla Mujeres is included. Board modern vessels that take you to discover this beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea. Round trip transportation to El Embarcadero Isla Mujeres by Xcaret in Cancun's Hotel Zone is included. REQUIRES ADVANCE RESERVATION

IMPORTANT: It's a good idea to pre-plan your days because there is so much to do! If you want a suggested itinerary, email mariesam@wrighttravelagency.com. But it's really up to you how active you want to be and what you want to do.

SCHEDULE YOUR RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE 
It's important to submit your reservation requests early once your reservation is paid in full.

Click here for more info on making reservations for the resort's restaurants.

My personal tips on restaurants:
Many of the restaurants do not require reservations -- but a few do (Encanta, Xaak, Chino Poblano, Tah-Xido, KibiKibi (exclusively for Casa Artistas guests only). 

As you know, this resort is all-inclusive so all drinks, alcohol, meals and 24-hour room service is included with your stay. All your drinks and meals are also covered on the tours and at most of the parks -- unless otherwise noted.

Some things to note based on my experience:
- There is an awesome taco stand outside near the gym area every night -- usually is there from 6 p.m. to midnight. Make sure to try the chicharron ribeye tacos if available, they are amazing!!!
- Mercado de San Juan Buffet is a wonderful restaurant/open market that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It will blow you away to see what they offer. Try this for any of the meals -- the offerings change for each meal. But I recommend dinner and go to the seafood area, you can ask them to grill anything. You can also ask them to grill you a steak! There is a taco stand here, a bakery, a homemade gelato bar, agua fresca all day long, churro cart at night, everything you can imagine! 
- You will often see food carts around the main pool throughout the day -- one is a cart of shrimp and beer, the other is a fruit cart, sometimes a popsicle cart
- The lobby has an awesome cafe where you can find delicious coffees and teas and other goodies and pastries all day long!!
- Cayuco is the restaurant at the infinity pool -- they offer a delicious surf and turf menu.
- Cantina VI.AI.PY. has great tacos and other Mexican snacks and quick bites. You can't go wrong here for lunch or dinner. 
-Arenal offers delicious comfort foods that will fill you up -- the welcome drink is fantastic!
- Apapachoa is their vegan restaurant offering the best dishes during breakfast and dinner. 
- Xaak is their fine dining restaurant that requires reservations and an there is an extra fee to dine here. You can schedule dinner here with the Guest Services Department.
- Make sure to find the Speakeasy! It's a wonderful and fun place to end the evening with live music and delicious cocktails. 
- Don't forget you have 24-hour room service! Don't hesitate to use it, just remember it takes about 45 to 90 minutes to get your order, so plan accordingly. 

OTHER PERSONAL TIPS/SUGGESTIONS

These are just some general tips to make sure you have a great vacation.

- Bring water shoes!! This is the best way to traverse around all the parks and excursions. I have bought more than a dozen of watershoes over the years because I travel at least 6-10 times a year. These are by far the best watershoes I've ever gotten: Click here for women's. Click here for men's.
- Bring lots of sunscreen and a hat -- some of the parks require biodegradable sunscreen.
- Bring insect repellent -- mosquitoes are in the area, so keep yourself coated whenever outdoors especially during dusk and dawn. Always put repellent on to avoid getting bitten. I personally like this brand: https://www.avon.com/category/bath-body/skin-so-soft/insect-repellents
- There are cultural shows throughout the resort on any given day -- there is a Mayan ritual celebration that occurs on the river (it's amazing but only happens on certain days), there is also a Mayan musical celebration that happens at the main pool daily, musical entertainment will often occur in the main lobby -- ask the front desk about these things if you're interested in catching them.
- Walk the resort as much as you can -- there is so much to discover and see. So many nooks and crannies and beautiful spots, so go explore and walk across the bridges. The place will take your breath away!
- If you are one to work out on vacation -- there's also a workout circuit on the island area of the resort -- great for a challenge. And make sure to check out the gym, it's toward the back of the resort near the spa. There is also morning yoga at sunrise on the rooftop of Casa Agua for free.
- Make sure to walk or take the elevator to the top of the Espiral Chapel -- the view from up top is truly breathtaking!!! 
- Make sure to kayak or paddleboard the river at the resort -- it's such a fun way to see the resort and really relaxing and fun. It's not open all day, best time to go is in the morning or early afternoon.
- When it's sunny and the sea is calm, Hotel Xcaret has one of the best beaches. The water is amazingly clear and calm, but again it all depends on the weather! There are two beaches to the right of the resort and a more sandy one to the left of the resort. 

While it may seem like it's best to take advantage of all the parks and excursions, don't hesitate to just spend a day at the resort and enjoy it all. The resort on its own is magical!


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