Why This Iconic Cancun Resort Brand Expects Record-Breaking Visitors For 2026

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Grupo Xcaret is already the biggest name in Mexican Caribbean vacations.

But this year, the massive resort and eco-park brand is preparing for its busiest season ever.

With advance tickets selling out up to nine months ahead of time, the brand officially expects to break its previous record of five million visitors. If you are planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, here is exactly what is driving the massive boom in 2026.

🇧🇷 The Massive Brazilian Comeback

For the past few years, strict physical visa rules have made it hard for tourists from Brazil to visit Mexico. But in February 2026, the government finally brought back a much easier electronic visa.

The change was an instant success.

According to Lizeth Álvarez, a top commercial director at Grupo Xcaret, the number of Brazilian tourists has practically doubled since last year.

Because travelers from Brazil used to make up nearly 18% of all Xcaret park visitors, this massive comeback is a huge reason the properties will be packed this summer and winter.

💰 A $700 Million Expansion

You cannot host five million people without a place to put them. To keep up with demand, the company recently spent a staggering $700 million to expand Hotel Xcaret Mexico.

This massive project added 900 brand-new rooms to the property, completely doubling their available hotel inventory.

By creating more room for guests to sleep, eat, and play, the company can finally handle the massive wave of tourists trying to book their famous “All-Fun Inclusive” vacation packages.

⚽ The World Cup “Stopover” Effect

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is also bringing a unique wave of travelers directly to the Riviera Maya.

While some local leaders originally doubted the massive soccer tournament would help Cancun’s local economy, Xcaret is already seeing a huge boost in bookings.

Because Cancun International Airport is a major travel hub, soccer fans from all over Latin America are booking short three-to-four-day stays at the resort while they wait for their connecting flights to the games.

If you want to visit an Xcaret park or hotel this year, you need to plan ahead.

With brand-new rooms, easier travel rules, and a global sports crowd, 2026 is officially the year of the mega-resort!