Xel-Ha Eco-Park: History, Nature and Ecology
February 9, 2010 by Kelly McLaughlin
Filed under News, Travel tips, cancun tours, mayan ruins, riviera maya, tours
Xel-Ha Lagoon
First time travellers to Cancun and the Riviera Maya often ask “What are the must-do’s on our vacation?”. Seasoned travellers will respond with their list of favourite Riviera Maya activities and on most of those lists you’ll find “Xel-Ha” (pronounced “shell-hah”). So, what is Xel-Ha and why should you visit?
Xel-Ha (a combination of the Maya words “Xel” for “spring” and “Ha” for water) is an eco-park located south of Playa del Carmen, close to the village of Tulum. Originally Xel-Ha was a port town for the Maya city of Coba, thought to have been an active point of marine exchange between the 7th and 12th centuries. The Mayan ruins of Xel-Ha are located across the highway from the main park, you’ll find platforms and stairways used for residences and shrines, with most of the architecture thought to be from the Classic and Post Classic eras. The ruins are seldom busy and they are a great way to get a taste of history in a beautiful jungle setting. In 1527 and 1528, Xel-Ha was used as a base for the Spanish forces led by Francisco Montejo in his ultimately unsuccessful attempt to conquer the Yucatan Peninsula. Montejo’s ill fated conquest led to the loss of almost all of his men and the Xel-Ha camp was abandoned after 18 months.
Xel-Ha Teeming with Sea Life
Today Xel-Ha is a natural reserve, with its jungle setting, large lagoons teeming with sea life, cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes) and wildlife, it’s the perfect way to experience the best of the Riviera Maya. Xel-Ha prides itself on being dedicated to sustainable tourism, carefully protecting the land and water and the wide variety of plant and animal life. The area is home to more than 100 species of birds, 350 species of plants and 99 species of marine life making it a rich, natural zoo, botanical garden and aquarium. Xel-Ha is very proud to have achieved the prestigious “Green Globe Certified Silver” status, which recognizes the park’s commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards.
Relaxing at Xel-Ha
Snorkeling is certainly the highlight of Xel-Ha. High-quality snorkel gear is included in the entrance fee, several platforms are located throughout the park for easy access in and out of the water, and lifeguards are on duty to protect swimmers. The water is calm, perfect for snorkelers of all levels. First-timers will have no problem navigating the lagoon and guests with more snorkeling experience will be delighted by the variety of locations and marine life. There are beautiful spots around the park with lounge chairs ideal for taking a little breather and catching some sun before hitting the water again. The hammock garden is a peaceful retreat, perfect for a little afternoon siesta in the shade.
Xel-Ha Hammock Garden
With the all-inclusive package offered by Xel-Ha, guests are invited to enjoy the Xel-Ha restaurants and bars with unlimited food and beverages. The buffets offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, with international and Mexican dishes, salads, and desserts. Charge up for your day and go back again to refuel for your next foray into the lagoon. The service is excellent and you just cannot beat the open air setting.
Xel-Ha Open Air Dining
For those looking for something a little different, Xel-Ha offers snuba (lagoon or cenote), a manatee encounter and a swim with dolphins experience (extra charges apply). Be sure to visit the apiary, Xel-Ha’s bee farm with the honey-producing, stingless bees called “Meliponini”. The bees are revered by the Mayans and often treated as family pets. Xel-Ha celebrates a honey harvest twice a year, cleaning the hives and collecting the honey under the full moon in June and December. The beautiful ritual is conducted by a Mayan priest with music, altars and a huge feast. The plant nursery in Xel-Ha is a beautiful botanical garden full of incredible flowers and plants. Once the plants reach maturity, they are replanted in the wilds of the jungle to replenish and maintain nature’s beauty. The dedication to ecology is evident in every corner of this beautiful reserve.
Xel-Ha View of the Caribbean Sea
Xel-Ha is definitely a “must-do” when visiting Cancun or the Riviera Maya. The park is open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, 365 days a year. Transportation can be included in your tour, with pick-ups in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Bring your bathing suit, comfortable walking shoes, hats and biodegradable sunscreen. With the park’s dedication to the environment, they will check your sunscreen at the entrance, if it does not meet the eco-standards, they will ask you to leave it at the desk in exchange for a sample package of biodegradable sun block. (Appropriate sunblock is available for purchase at the park as well). Towels, lockers and snorkel gear are included in the price, though you will have to leave a cash deposit or a credit card imprint. Wet suits, baby strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at an extra charge. Travellers often book the Tulum/Xel-Ha day tour, adding a trip to the nearby ruins, the perfect combination of nature, history and ecology. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable day in paradise, book with Dtraveller now and ask about our promotions and discounts.
Visit our Flickr page for more photos of Xel-Ha and Tulum. Join us on Facebook at the “I Love Cancun and the Riviera Maya” page for great information, photos, videos, we’d love to have you share your experiences with us!
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