What to Pack for Xcaret Arte: A One-Week Outfit & Packing Essentials Guide
- Emma Hamrick
- Jan 5
- 9 min read
If you’ve spent any time on travel TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen Xcaret Arte pop up on your feed. It’s an all “fun”-inclusive luxury resort in Mexico that blends Michelin-level dining, jaw-dropping nature, and nonstop adventure across several iconic Xcaret parks and two resorts. One minute you’re ziplining through the jungle in the dark, the next you’re floating down a river or sipping a cocktail from a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Because Xcaret Arte swings hard between adrenaline and relaxation, packing for a one-week stay takes more intention than a typical beach vacation. You need outfits that can handle water, heat, and movement without sacrificing style.
That’s exactly why I created this Xcaret Arte packing list and outfit guide. Below, I’m breaking down exactly what to pack and what to wear for every major experience, from Xplor Fuego nights and Chichén Itzá excursions to romantic dinners and spa days that feel borderline spiritual. This guide covers outfit formulas, must-pack essentials, and practical tips for your Mexico spring break adventure or romantic honeymoon at Hotel Xcaret Arte.
Quick Answer: What Should You Pack for Xcaret Arte?
If you’re short on time, here’s the TL;DR of what to pack for Xcaret Arte:
Multiple activity-ready swimsuits (you’ll live in them)
Water shoes with good traction (non-negotiable)
Lightweight bike shorts and breathable tops for adventure parks
Linen dresses and elevated resortwear for dinners and rooftops
Reef-safe, mineral sunscreen only
A waterproof phone case
Comfortable walking shoes for excursions like Xichen (Chichén Itzá)
A reusable insulated water bottle
Now let’s break it all down by experience.
One-Week Xcaret Arte Packing List & Outfit Guide
What to Wear to Xplore Fuego
Xplor Fuego is hands-down one of the most unforgettable experiences at Xcaret. Think ziplining through the jungle at night, driving amphibious vehicles, and navigating underground caves. All exciting activities, but not the time for cute outfits and high heels.
Prioritize comfort, stretch, and things that can get wet. I recommend a secure bathing suit, bike shorts to protect your backside from zipline harnesses, comfortable water shoes with grip, and a cozy t-shirt to keep dry and switch into at the end of the evening. Dark colors are your friend here, and trust me, leave anything white in your room. This is one of those moments where function trumps fashion, but the adrenaline makes up for it.
Outfit Formula:
Cozy t-shirt to wear after the activities – I wore and fell in love with this one from The Comfy Coconut, which is roomy, soft, and perfectly on theme for Mexico. The Comfy Coconut is a women-owned small business featuring entirely hand-drawn designs and eco-friendly fabrics. Support small businesses by shopping here.
Functional bathing suit – You absolutely do not want to risk a fashion faux pas after careening down the high-speed waterslide or swimming through the underground river system. Opt for a super-secure bathing suit that you might wear for watersports.
Lightweight bike shorts – I’m partial to Lululemon Align bikeshorts in a 2-inch inseam due to their soft fabric and functional application.
Water shoes with traction – These ones from Amazon are affordable and worked well for both my husband and me.
Hair tied securely back – If you plan on riding the ziplines and you have long hair, have a hair tie on hand. The Xplor park requires that long hair be worn in a bun or gathered inside your provided helmet.
Waterproof phone case – Save yourself a few bucks at the Xcaret parks and purchase a waterproof phone case ahead of time on Amazon. This two-pack was perfect for my husband and me.
What to Wear at the Xcaret Arte Artistas Rooftop Pool
The Artistas rooftop ended up being one of our favorite spots at the resort. Infinity pool, ocean views, chill playlists, and cocktails that hit different under the sun. This is where your elevated resortwear shines.
Go for breezy silhouettes, bright colors, and textures that photograph well—linen, crochet, and soft cottons. A flowy skirt and tank over a swimsuit instantly makes any look feel intentional.
Outfit Formula:
Fun swimsuit – Embrace the tropical vibes with a fun ocean-themed bikini pattern that pops against the beautiful beachline.
Transitional Cover-up – Pair a cute tank with a breezy skirt that serves as both a cover-up and a casual daytime outfit for eating lunch. Swimwear and sheer cover-ups aren't allowed inside eateries like Mercado de San Juan and Cayuco.
Comfy sandals or slides – These Amazon sandals have traveled the world with me, including this trip to Mexico.
Oversized sunglasses – As a girl with a tiny nose bridge, I find that these ones fit snugly.
What to Wear to Dinner at Encanta in Xcaret Arte
Encanta is intimate, refined, and very much a dress-for-the-moment kind of restaurant. This is your excuse to pull out that flowy dress you’ve been saving.
Think soft fabrics, subtle movement, and understated accessories. You don’t need heels here; elevated flats or dressy sandals work perfectly and won’t ruin the walk back to your room.
Outfit Formula:
Flowy maxi or midi dress – I ended up ordering this precious dress off of Nuuly and loving it for our romantic dinner.
Minimal gold jewelry – Opt for cheaper jewelry to avoid losing any sentimental pieces on your adventure.
Dressy flat sandals – Embrace the tropical vibes with woven strappy sandals that are both cute and functional.
What to Wear on Xcaret’s Xichen Tour to Chichen Itza
This is a long day; a 7 am start, a three-hour bus ride, lots of walking, heat, and sun. Comfort is key, but you’ll still want to look put-together in photos because… it’s Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the world.
Choose breathable fabrics, loose silhouettes, and shoes you can walk in for hours. I also cannot stress this enough: sunscreen and sun protection are essential, as there is absolutely no shade at the historic site.
Don’t forget a swimsuit and a towel. The Xichen tour includes a stop at a cenote for a quick swim, and you’ll want to take advantage of the refreshing water after a long day of sightseeing.
Outfit Formula:
Lightweight linen dress – I picked this one up on Nuuly and absolutely loved the fun print and breezy fabric.
Comfortable walking shoes – If you’ve read here before, you know that I’m emotionally attached to this pair of Hoka Clifton 9’s. This might have been their last trip though as they are finally starting to fall apart. #RIP
Bathing suit for all-day wear – I wore this Abercrombie & Fitch bikini under my clothes all day long and found it to be so comfortable.
Towel – For whatever reason, Xcaret doesn’t provide towels at their parks or on most tours. We snagged one from our resort room, but I would highly recommend packing a towel of your own. Bonus points if it's cute and matches your 'fit!
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses – I forgot my hat and my scalp is currently screaming at me for it. Pack as much sun protection as possible to avoid a painful burn.
What to Wear to Muluk Spa at Xcaret Arte
Muluk Spa is otherworldly. Between hydrotherapy circuits, soaking pools, and serene jungle surroundings, you’ll want to wear something easy, calm, and cozy.
Pack a simple swimsuit, but also bring a soft cover-up for after your treatment. A robe and sandals are provided upon arrival to the spa, along with a locker for use during your visit. Your hair will likely get wet, so get ready to embrace a slick-back bun moment.
Outfit Formula:
Swimsuit – This one from Comfy Coconut is super well constructed with thick (and eco-friendly!) material that feels secure and comfortable with adorable hand-drawn prints.
Cozy matching set – I love this crewneck from Comfy Coconut, which perfectly encapsulates cozy, tropical designs with precious hand-drawn art. Shop small and check it out here.
My Xcaret Arte Lookbook: What I Wore for Our Week-Long Honeymoon
Looking for some more inspo? Here’s a lookbook of what I wore at Xcaret Arte.
A Gift Just for You!
The Comfy Coconut was kind enough to gift me the items featured in the lookbook for my honeymoon. I genuinely love each of the items and especially recommend their eco-friendly bikinis featuring hand-drawn prints. I wore the Whale Shark High-Waisted Bikini twice; once during a relaxing spa day and the other during paddleboarding and riding waterslides. It's made with thick material that does not budge, perfect for every adventure!
As a gift to my readers, The Comfy Coconut is offering 15% off your order when you use my code EmmExplorer. There are SO MANY cute items, so be sure to check out their shop at https://thecomfycoconut.com/.
If you'd like to support my blog further and are interested in renting the dresses featured in my lookbook, you can use my Nuuly referral link for $30 off your first month's subscription.
Five Must-Pack Essentials for Xcaret Arte
Be sure to add these items to your Hotel Xcaret Arte packing list!
Water Shoes – I wore water shoes more during our one-week stay at Xcaret Arte than I have in my entire adult life. They are required for many activities and are a lifesaver for river swims and adventure parks. Look for ones with a solid grip and quick-dry material. I found these affordable ones from Amazon suitable for our needs.
Mineral-Based Sunscreen – Xcaret requires reef-safe, mineral sunscreen in an effort to sustain the health of local reefs and cenotes. Anything else will be confiscated during security checks at the adventure parks. I always prefer SunBum and opted for their mineral sunscreen for this trip.
Waterproof Phone Case – Between rivers, caves, cenotes, and pools, this will get used daily to capture every moment of your vacation. While these are sold on property, we saved around $10 each by purchasing this two-pack on Amazon ahead of our trip.
Activity-Ready Bathing Suits – During our week-long stay, we were jumping off cliffs on the Xnotes tour, stand-up paddle boarding at the resort, and ziplining into a cave at Xplor. Be strategic about selecting your bathing suits, and make sure you have activity-ready options. Check out The Comfy Coconut’s high-waisted bikinis for a perfect option.
Insulated Reusable Water Bottle – Plastic, single-use water bottles are entirely banned from Xcaret parks and resorts. Upon resort check-in, the resort does provide a reusable plastic water bottle. My husband and I were grateful that we packed our own metal water bottles to keep drinks colder longer. My favorite is this one from Simple Modern.
Wrapping It Up
Packing for Xcaret Arte is all about versatility. With the right mix of adventure-ready pieces, elevated resortwear, and a few smart essentials, you’ll be prepared for everything this resort throws your way without overpacking.
I hope this Xcaret Arte packing list and outfit guide helps you feel confident, stylish, and fully ready to experience one of the most unique resorts in Mexico.
Are you more excited for the adrenaline-packed nights or the slow spa mornings? And if there’s a must-pack item you swear by that I didn’t include, drop it in the comments—I’m always updating my lists.
Until next time, keep on exploring!
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