Xcaret Park

The Ecological Park is built in the same area as the archaeological site and has the same name, Xcaret.

The land was originally purchased by a group of Mexican entrepreneurs, led by architect Miguel Quintana Pali. 5 hectares of the land was purchased in 1984.

When he began to clear the land, he started uncovering cenotes, sinkholes formed by collapsed cave ceilings weakened by 3 million years of erosion from underground rivers running through them and flowing into the sea. He saw the potential for tourism and formulated the idea of an Ecological Park open to the public, and soon joined forces with Oscar, Marcos and Carlos Constandse, achieving this goal in December 1990.

At the same time, contact was established with the National Institute of Anthropology and History with the objective of rebuilding the remnants of the Mayan pyramids and buildings that were found in the area. The park’s administration subsidized all the operation and the INAH put in charge a team of specialists.

The nature-based attractions of the park include a river that goes through the Mayan village, a subterranean concrete sluice in which people can swim and snorkel with a life vest.

Near the inlet there are recreational activities at the beach, snorkeling, Sea Trek and Snuba in the nearby reefs, or swimming with dolphins.

The park also has a coral reef aquarium turtle nesting site. Next to the inlet there’s an area for manatees.

The park also has a bird pavilion, butterfly pavilion, bat cave, orchids and bromeliad greenhouse, an island of jaguars, and a deer shelter, among others.

The cultural attractions include an open church, replica of a Mayan village with real artisans at work, a Mexican cemetery, a museum, an equestrian show, Mesoamerican ball game, an open theater with performances of pre-Hispanic dances, Papantla flying men and the Gran Tlachco (theater with a six thousand people capacity) where the Mesoamerican ball game is represented, as well as the meeting of two worlds, the Mayan and the Spanish, and the presentation of several Mexican folklore dances.

Other demonstrations of Mexican traditions include Day of the Dead celebration and the “Travesía Sagrada Maya” (Mayan Sacred Crossing), an annual rite when Mayans would cross the sea from Xcaret and Playa del Carmen to Cozumel to pay homage to the lunar goddess Ix Chel. The modern version is a re-creation of this rite done in late May to early June.

The park also has a Temascal and Spa, has 11 restaurants, dressing rooms, souvenirs and handicrafts stores, as well as an adjacent all-inclusive resort hotel.

• Underground River
• Lagoons
• Natural Inlet
• Paradise River
• White Sand Beaches
• Maya River
• Cove and Ponds
• Coral Reef Aquarium
• Sea Turtles
• Manatee Lagoon
• Bee Farm
• Butterfly Pavilion
• Deer Island
• Ecological Tour
• Puma and Jaguar Island
• Monkey Island
• Mushroom Farm
• Bromelias and Orchids Greenhouse
• Jungle Trail
• Regional Wildlife Enclosure
• Crocodiles
• Tapir House
• Archaeological Sites Scale Models
• Fiesta Charra
• Papantla Flyers
• Archaeological Sites
• Museum of Culture and Anthropology
• Mayan Village
• St. Francisco of Assisi Chapel
• Mexican Corner
• Rotating Scenic Tower
• Snorkeling (Equipment available)
• Xcaret at Night! Spectacular
• Mayan Ball Game

Available at extra cost Tours & Activities

• Swim With Dolphins
• Adrenalina Jet Boat
• Reef Snorkeling Tour
• Sea Trek
• Snuba
• Swim with Sharks
• Xcaret Night Dinner
• Massage & Spa Services

Aviable equipment

• Life Vests
• Lock Bags for Personal Belongings
• Palapa Umbrellas
• Hammocks
• Lounge Chairs
• Inner tubes for Floating
• Showers
• Dressing Rooms
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Lockers and Towels
• Wheelchairs
• Baby Strollers
• Restaurants and Bars
• Photo and Souvenir Shops

Open all days from 8:00 to 22:30

Entrance fee

From $75 to$135 (depends on program)

Playa del Carmen by taxi or bus.

There is also aviable Tour Xcaret, the best luxury transportation service from your hotel. The easiest and safest way to get to Xcaret Park!