Welcome to the Botanical Garden Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin, Riviera Maya

Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden, in the Riviera Maya, is a truly extraordinary place to visit and learn about the particular fauna and flora living in the Yucatan peninsula. This ecological park offers lush jungle, some interesting Maya buildings and more than 250 different species of animals.

The park is located south of Puerto Morelos, half way between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. From either city, the trip is around 30 minutes using the modern Cancun – Tulum highway. The easiest way to reach the botanical garden is renting a car as the first class bus doesn’t stop near the entrance. The taxi fare from Cancun or Playa del Carmen can be really high for this trip.

Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden offers the complete ecosystem of the Yucatan Peninsula in 150 acre, with many plants and trees, several species of animals including more than 220 birds species. You can also observe several spider monkeys and lizards in their natural habitat.

One of the main attractions is their collection of plants including medicinal plants, many kinds of cactus and the always beautiful orchid, without doubt. There is also a great walk to take into the mangrove, to discover the wild life of the area. Along the path there is a scenic tower to climb. from there you will have a superb view of the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.
Mayan ruins dating from 1400 AD can be visited in the site, as well as a tree nursery to promote and protect some endemic vegetation. One interesting spot is the famous Chiclero camp which represents a typical Mayan facility to produce chewing gum. The locals used to boil the sap from a local tree to produce chewing gum.

We recommend you to wear comfortable shoes, and remember to bring insect repellent. Smoking is forbidden in the park and for your own safety do not leave the marked paths.