Xcaret Park: one of the Riviera Maya's best attractions!

Xcaret, pronouced SHH-car-et, is a Mayan word meaning "small inlet".  Many tourists and visitors to the Cancun area know it as the BEST ATTRACTION to visit on vacation in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and anywhere along the Riviera Maya. 

Xcaret is a water, theme, amusement, eco-archaeological park and more, in one place. Due to its privileged location in the Mayan jungle among underground rivers, cenotes and facing the Caribbean Sea, Xcaret has impressive scenarios where you can do different activities and enjoy to the fullest those scenarios. Besides that, Xcaret is a park that celebrates Mexico’s present and rich past, a country known for its traditions, culture and folklore.

Xcaret opened in 1990 and since has become a landmark of Cancun and Riviera Maya, even considered my many, as THE destination of this region above the aforementioned. Its name means “small inlet” due to the fact that a portion of the Caribbean Sea enters the land. Because of this, the Mayans used Xcaret, know back then as Pole, as a merchandise port.

With over 50 natural and cultural attractions where you and your family will get closer to each other by living together experiences close to the heart; and to nature, in a wonderful setting rich in fauna and flora. Discover why Xcaret is the most emblematic attraction in the Riviera Maya.

Have fun in water activities that will take you to mystical places in the territories of Chaac, the Mayan god of water. Enjoy underground rivers, a beach area, a lagoon, and natural pools of seawater. For the little ones, there is a special area, Children’s World, where they can swim in shallow cenotes and wading pools designed for them.

In the park you can visit the Coral Reef Aquarium and the sea turtle center. Learn more about regional flora and fauna at the Butterfly Garden, the Aviary, the Rainforest Trail, and the Living Orchid and Bromeliad Museum. Additionally, in different sections of the park you will see jaguars, manatees, flamingos, spider monkeys and saraguato, bats, deer, and tapirs.

Xcaret’s Butterfly Pavilion is the first butterfly breeding facility in Mexico. The structure is 49 feet high and has nearly 38,000 sq. ft. of free flying space, the largest such facility in the world. This Pavilion features only regional species in their natural habitats and its caretakers work diligently with some 5,000 butterflies in an intensive breeding program for 20 endemic species. 

Xcaret is home to more than 24 species of tropical birds, most from Mexico’s southeast. Today—mostly due to poaching, the destruction of habitats and the black market—many of these animals are on the endangered species list. To date, we have successfully reproduced the Scarlet and Military Macaw, Yucatan Green Parrot, Lilac-Crowned Amazon, Yellow-Headed Parrot, and Flamingos. Flamingos, one of the most admired species at Xcaret, are beautiful pink birds that have found refuge here. You will be able to find this beauty throughout the Park: at the entrance, river exit, at the beach and also at the reproduction area.
On June 1st 2011, Xcaret was granted a Guinness World Record® for “most macaws born at a single location in one year”, the first of its kind granted to a Reproduction Program for endangered species

One of the main reasons to visit Xcaret is the presentation Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, an experience that will give you goosebumps. In the park you can also enjoy the Papantla Flyers ceremony, the Equestrian Show, or the pre-Hispanic Dances in the Mayan Village. Do not miss the Mexican Folk Art Museum, the "Bridge to Paradise" Mexican Cemetery, and the Hacienda Henequenera.

Xcaret Park Map

Visiting Xcaret Park is a must when you're staying in the Cancun - Riviera Maya region! There's so much to see and do and it's fun for all ages. Xcaret Park is just one of most popular attractions and tours but it's one not to miss!

Lastly, guests staying at Hotel Xcaret have full access to Xcaret parks, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, Xenses, and the Xenotes and Xichen tours, plus food and beverages and transportation between parks. It's one of the many reasons to stay at Hotel Xcaret to really have the full Xcaret experience!