If you’re planning a trip to Xcaret and wondering whether the buffet lunch is free or costs extra, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: The buffet lunch is only free with the Xcaret Plus ticket. Other tickets require paying -$50 USD per adult for the buffet.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide details on which Xcaret tickets include buffet lunch and which require paying separately.
Which Xcaret Tickets Include Free Buffet Lunch
Xcaret Plus Ticket
The Xcaret Plus ticket includes unlimited access to the buffet lunch at Xcaret. This is the premium ticket option that gives you access to all parks and tours as well as various amenities like free parking, access to select special events, and discounts on photos, lockers, and more.
The buffet lunch is served daily from 12:30 PM to 4 PM and features a delicious spread of international cuisine. You can enjoy unlimited servings from the buffet as part of the all-inclusive Xcaret Plus ticket.
Regular Xcaret Ticket
The regular Xcaret ticket does not include access to the buffet lunch. This base admission ticket allows you to explore the attractions and shows at the main Xcaret park from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM. However, it does not cover meals or access to the other Xcaret parks and tours.
If you want to add the buffet lunch to your regular Xcaret ticket, you can pay an additional fee at the park. The buffet lunch costs around $50 USD per adult in 2023. Keep in mind it is best to book early, as the buffet can reach capacity during peak seasons.
Xichen Tour
The Xichen Tour at Xcaret does include free buffet lunch for both adults and children. This guided tour takes you to select attractions at the park including snorkeling in the river, visiting the Butterfly Pavilion and the Manatee Lagoon, and more.
The lunch buffet is served as part of the tour package at La Casona de Valladolid restaurant. The Xichen Tour runs from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, with the lunch buffet scheduled from 12 PM to 1 PM. So if you want to experience Xcaret’s famous buffet as part of a guided small group tour, the Xichen Tour is a great option.
Buffet Lunch Pricing for Non-Inclusive Tickets
Adult Prices
For adults purchasing buffet lunch on its own without an all-inclusive ticket at Xcaret, expect to pay around $59 USD per person as of 2023. This gives you access to the massive lunch buffet at the Gran Tlachco restaurant which features cuisine representing all regions of Mexico.
With over 40 unique stations, you’ll be overwhelmed with incredible options like tacos, ceviche, grilled meats, soups, salads, and so much more. It’s an amazing chance to sample authentic flavors from around the country!
If you want an alcoholic beverage with your buffet lunch, you can purchase a Premium All-Inclusive wristband for an additional $39 USD per person. This gives you unlimited drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails to enjoy with your meal. A great way to relax and sip a margarita or mojito while indulging in the delicious buffet!
Children’s Prices
For children between 5-11 years old, the price is reduced to $29 USD for the buffet lunch only ticket. Kids under 4 eat for free. This makes it a very family-friendly option if you’re looking for a nice meal out with the kids without breaking the bank.
The buffet features lots of kid-friendly foods like quesadillas, chicken tenders, pizza, and fresh fruit so picky eaters are sure to find something they’ll enjoy.
Discount Packages
If you plan to visit Xcaret’s other parks while in the area, you can find some great discounted combo deals that include buffet lunch.
For example, purchasing a 4-park Plus package currently costs around $179 USD per adult and includes unlimited lunch buffet access at Xcaret along with admission to Xplor, Xel-Ha, and Xenotes parks.
This saves about $50 compared to purchasing separately. They also offer 3-park and 2-park combo deals with buffet lunch included, which can save you about $30-$40 USD per person.
For large families or groups, additional savings are available for parties of 4+. Children get 50% off packages, and kids under 5 are free. A family of 4 with two kids under 12 could pay as little as $400 total for a 3-park combo deal with unlimited lunch buffet access. An incredible value to experience multiple parks and the amazing buffet!
What the Buffet Lunch Includes
Food Offerings
The all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at Xcaret offers an amazing variety of delicious Mexican and international cuisine. With multiple live cooking stations and food stalls, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Start off at the hot entrée station, where you can get freshly made dishes like chicken mole, pork carnitas, fish filets, or fajitas. There’s also an incredible taco bar with meats like carne asada, chicken, chorizo, and shrimp, along with lots of salsas, guacamole, onions, cilantro, and corn or flour tortillas so you can make your perfect tacos.
An extensive salad bar features healthy options like mixed greens, vegetables, beans, cheese, and dressings. The soups are also fantastic – you don’t want to miss the classic Mexican tortilla soup!
Of course, no Mexican buffet is complete without an enchilada station. Cheese, chicken, beef, and vegetable enchiladas are all available with your choice of green, red, or mole sauce.
The buffet has so many delicious Latin American and Caribbean specialties, too. Look for dishes like ceviche, tamales, empanadas, yuca, rice, beans, plantains, and more. Seafood lovers will be happy with the fresh fish and shrimp options.
If you still have room for dessert, there’s a decadent pastry station with items like churros, tres leches cake, flan, and chocoflan. You can also get fresh fruit like pineapple, mango, watermelon, and papaya.
Beverages
Quench your thirst with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks included in the buffet lunch price. Ice-cold lemonade, fruit juices, sodas, coffee, and tea are all available. For an additional cost, you can also order beer, wine, and cocktails.
One of the most refreshing lunchtime drinks is a classic Mexican agua fresca like hibiscus or lime. There’s also aqua de jamaica (hibiscus tea) and hot Mexican chocolate (champurrado) if you want something warm.
The buffet servers are happy to bring refills right to your table. With so many mouthwatering food and drink options, you’ll want to come to the lunch buffet hungry!
Upgraded Dining Options at Additional Cost
Premium Restaurants
Xcaret offers several upgraded dining options that provide an exceptional culinary experience beyond the all-inclusive buffet. However, these restaurants do come at an additional cost.
The most exclusive restaurant is La Cava. This intimate venue serves gourmet Mexican cuisine paired with fine wines in an underground natural cave setting. A multi-course tasting menu runs approximately $100 USD per person. Reservations are highly recommended as there is limited availability.
For a romantic dinner, Xcaret guests can visit Alux Restaurant. Nestled amidst lush mangroves, Alux provides candlelit outdoor seating overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The fixed-price menu costs around $60 USD per person and features upscale preparations of regional seafood, meats, and specialty cocktails.
With a focus on authentic Yucatecan cuisine, the airy Ha’ Restaurant offers a la carte dining with main dishes ranging from $20-40 USD. Signature options include cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, and chili rellenos. Lively Mexican music provides entertainment as you dine.
Private Dining
For small groups and special occasions, Xcaret can arrange private dining experiences. Options include breakfast, lunch, or dinner set menus served in exclusive spaces like seaside palapas, a colonial hacienda, or even aboard Xcaret’s riverboats.
These customized events allow you to select dishes and beverages for your party. Pricing starts around $50 USD per person depending on the menu and location. Private dining must be booked well in advance through Xcaret’s concierge service.
So while the buffet lunch is included for daytime visitors, Xcaret offers elevated culinary experiences for an additional fee. With everything from tapas tasting menus to regional Mexican specialties served oceanside, it’s worth splurging on the upgraded dining options for a truly memorable gastronomic adventure in Riviera Maya.
Tips for Saving on Xcaret Buffet Lunch
Book Xcaret Plus Ticket
One of the best ways to save on the buffet lunch at Xcaret is to purchase an Xcaret Plus ticket. This ticket includes admission to the park as well as an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Pricing for 2023 is $164.99 for adults and around $80 for kids ages 5-12.
This is a great value considering general admission to the park starts at $120.99 for adults. With the Xcaret Plus ticket, you don’t have to worry about budgeting extra money for food during your day at the park.
Purchase Combo Package
You can also save money on dining at Xcaret by booking a combo package that includes visits to multiple Xcaret Group parks.
For example, the Xcaret + Xplor package includes admission to both parks, buffet lunch at Xcaret, and lunch at Xplor Fuego for $261.78 for adults.
With this package, you’ll get two buffet lunches for less than you’d pay for an a la carte lunch at each park. Other combo packages like the Xcaret Plus + Xel-Ha or Xcaret Plus + Xenses can also add up to big savings on food.
Book Online in Advance
Booking your Xcaret Plus tickets online in advance can lead to additional savings versus buying at the gate. Xcaret offers deals like 5% off tickets when you book 7 days in advance online.
Sign up for Xcaret’s email newsletter for announcements of online ticket sales and limited time offers. The online ticketing system sometimes releases a limited number of promotional priced tickets, so booking early ensures you secure the lowest rates.
With some advanced planning and research, you can enjoy Xcaret’s famous buffet lunch without breaking the bank. Booking combo packages, buying Plus tickets, and purchasing online can all add up to serious savings. A little strategizing goes a long way towards stretching your vacation budget further.
Conclusion
We hope this guide clarifies which Xcaret ticket options include buffet lunch vs. require paying extra.
The all-inclusive Xcaret Plus ticket is the only way to get complimentary dining.
Use our tips to maximize value when planning your Xcaret experience.
