FAQ

Xcalak´s unique location at the end of the road is, in our opinion, one of its biggest assets and has been a definitive factor staving off mass development and contributes greatly to its slow-paced vibe.

As much as getting here does present some challenges, Xcalak is surprisingly well connected and accessible if one is willing to put in a little bit of effort.

If you are flying in from outside Mexico the closest international airport is Cancún. Being one of the best-connected airports in the world, getting to the area from anywhere in North America or Europe should be easily done in a non-stop flight from most major cities. With a fourth terminal and new routes being opened on a regular basis it will continue to get easier and cheaper to fly to the Mexican Caribbean.

Xcalak is a 5 hour drive from the Cancún airport. Although the road is in great condition and safe to drive at night the drive is usually a bit much to do on the same day you fly in. Luckily, the area has myriad attractions on the way to and from Cancún. Our guests usually spend a day or two somewhere between Cancún and Xcalak on their way into town, and then again on the way back.

For divers, the natural thing to do is to schedule a day, or two, or three; of Cavern diving.  “Mexican Cave Country” between Playa del Carmen and Tulum is home to some of the longest and most beautiful underwater river systems in world, and offers unlimited diving opportunities to both recreational and technical divers.

Our sister facility www.mayabluedivecenter.com offers private guided Cenote dive and snorkel tours.

During the summertime, the world´s largest Whale Shark migration happens off the coast of Cancún; making this the ultimate way to cap off your Mexico trip after having visited Xcalak.

There are also endless opportunities to visit Colonial cities, jungle reserves, Mayan ruins and much more on your way to, and from, Xcalak. We will be happy to offer you assistance, give you tips, or help you plan your trip, end-to-end.

From the Riviera Maya it is only a 3-4 hour drive to Xcalak, which allows for a leisurely day visiting a Cenote, or a Colonial city in the morning, then driving to Xcalak in the afternoon, arriving for dinner. (download driving instructions here)

From the Cancún airport or from the Riviera Maya, the easiest way to get to Xcalak is to rent a car and drive. The roads are flat, wide, mostly well-lit and safe. It costs roughly $40 USD a day to rent a compact car with full coverage.

We can also organize a private transfer in a car, van or SUV depending on your group size and budget. A transfer from Cancún in a car for 2-3 people runs roughly $250 USD for the car and up to $350-$450 for a van for 6-12 people; per leg. (inquire here)

For the more adventurous it is possible to get to Xcalak using public transportation; it requires taking more than one bus and then a taxi at the end and costs roughly $40 dollars per person, from Playa del Carmen; the trip takes around 6 hours, end-to-end. (download instructions here).

Xcalak is less than a two hour drive from the Chetumal airport. There are several daily non-stop flights to/from Mexico City. If you are planning on a longer trip through Mexico or live in Mexico this might be a better alternative.

As with getting here from the Riviera Maya, we can help organize a rental car, or a transfer.

At the Flying Cloud, XTC and Coral Bar and Grill we accept all major credit cards on-site, as well as PayPal and cash in USD, Euros or Mexican pesos.

Most other businesses in Xcalak, including the last gas station as you approach Xcalak, accept only cash. It is wise to stock-up on cash before leaving the Riviera Maya or Chetumal to pay for items on the road, fuel and for meals outside our compound.

Given how scarce cash is in Xcalak we aren´t in a position to give cash advances; so please plan ahead.