Mexican Cancun — it's not just a resort with a beach, buffets and cocktails by the pool. In the evening, the guest state life here switches to a different mode: world-class acrobats, night performances with circus tricks, historical performances against the backdrop of the Mayan pyramids and shows that are more like a mixture of a concert, carnival and Las Vegas. It is in this regard that you can spend your entire vacation inside the hotel with all inclusive — means missing out on half the experience of a holiday on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
In recent years, such entertainment has acquired another feature — It’s almost impossible to get there spontaneously. Tickets often sell out in advance, prices vary depending on the season, and some shows require separate transfer reservations. For this reason, it is better to understand in advance what exactly awaits you and whether a particular show will cost you money.
JOYÀ from Cirque du Soleil
This is not just a circus or a classical theater. JOYÀ — a full-fledged stationary production of the famous Cirque du Soleil, created especially for Mexico. The show combines aerial acrobatics, music, multimedia effects and Mexican aesthetics, from the Yucatan jungle to alchemy and Mayan legends. The plot is quite atmospheric: a young girl finds herself in a fantastic world of knowledge, nature and magic.
But people come here not for the story, but for the visual effect. Acrobats literally fly over the audience, the stage is constantly transforming, and the theater is built in such a way that there is no feeling of being “in the back row.”
A special feature of JOYÀ — dinner show format. This is not an ordinary dinner before the show, but part of the show itself. In the VIP areas, food is served right during the show, and the atmosphere itself is reminiscent of expensive Las Vegas theaters.
- The show runs from Tuesday to Saturday,
- Usually two sessions — at 18:00 and 21:15,
- The theater is located in the Vidanta complex in the Riviera Maya, between Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos,
- The journey from the Cancun Hotel Zone takes about 45-60 minutes.
Price:
- show only — from 105 dollars,
- dinner package — about 195-225 dollars,
- VIP with champagne and premium seats — from 280 dollars.
Due to the small venue, tickets are often sold out several days in advance.
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Coco Bongo
If JOYÀ — This is an expensive theater evening, then the Coco Bongo club — absolute chaos in the good sense of the word.
Formally, this is a nightclub. But in practice — a huge continuous performance with acrobats, tributes to world artists, lasers, confetti and scenes that change every few minutes. In one evening, they can show performances in the style of Michael Jackson, scenes from The Mask, a rock concert, aerial acrobatics and parodies of Hollywood films. All this — with very loud music and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed by what is happening.
That's why Coco Bongo is either loved or hated. This is a place for people who want maximum energy, noise and the feeling of "Mexican Las Vegas". You can read some tips on visiting the clubHere.
The main mistake of the guest powers — buy the cheapest ticket. The standard area is usually crowded, many people stand all evening, and the view of the stage can be partially obscured. If you want to actually watch the show, and not just be in the crowd, it is better to take a Gold Member or Front Row.
Located right in the Cancun hotel zone,
- Doors open around 22:00,
- The main show lasts until about 2:30,
- The place then turns into a regular nightclub.
Rate:
- standard input — from 110 dollars,
- premium zones — 165-195 dollars.
The easiest way to get there is by bus R-1 or R-2 in the Hotel Zone or by taxi.
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Xcaret México Espectacular
This is no longer an entertainment show in the classical sense, but a huge historical production about Mexico. Hundreds of artists can be on stage at the same time: dancers, musicians, horsemen, actors and performers of traditional Indian ceremonies. The show takes place at the Gran Tlachco Theater inside Xcaret Park.
The production begins with a re-enactment of a Mayan ball game, then moves on to the Spanish conquest, and then turns into a journey through the regions of Mexico — from Mariachi and Jalisco to Yucatan dances and northern cowboy traditions.
This is one of the few travel shows in the region that truly promotes understanding of Mexican culture, rather than simply entertaining visitors to the country with special effects. The scale impresses even those who usually do not like such productions: a huge stage, a live orchestra, national costumes and a constant change of scenery make the show look like a miniature Olympic opening ceremony.
- Starts usually at 19:00 or 19:30,
- Duration — about two hours,
- The show is NOT only available to guests of Xcaret hotels.
Price:
- with a day ticket to the park the show is already included,
- evening ticket after 16:00 — 95 dollars
- dinner with centerpieces — about another $70.
It is very important to think about transport back in advance. After the end of the show, thousands of people leave the park at the same time, and it can be difficult to find a free taxi. Consequently, many travelers book the Xcaret Xpress bus in advance.
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