Xcaret

Reviews of the Riviera Maya’s equivalent of Disneyland—complete with spider-monkey and jaguar islands, a bat cave, underground rivers, a saltwater aquarium and a re-creation of a Mayan village—are mixed. Locals will point out that everything on view here can be seen elsewhere in a more authentic setting. You want wildlife? Go to Sian Ka’an. You want to explore the underground cenotes or to visit a Mayan village? Book a tour with a guide. But for families traveling with young kids, who may not be eager to spend time shuttling between activities along the coast, Xcaret is a fun one-stop option. The one thing everyone seems to agree on is that the unfortunately named Xcaret Mexico Espectacular (included in the entry fee), including some 300 dancers, musicians and artists, is an extremely worthwhile and entertaining journey through Mexican history and folklore. If you buy your tickets online, you save 10 percent off the hefty price tag.