Beneath the dazzling waters of the cove of Xel-Há beats a world of incomparable beauty and life. Get to know this and many other attractions of the fascinating Quintana Roo ecological park.
1. What is Xel-Há?
Xel-Há is an ecotourism park of incomparable beauty in the Riviera maya, formed by the union of the Caribbean Sea with a fresh water current in a wonderful cove, with jungle areas in the surroundings, full of lush vegetation and vestiges of the Mayans who lived in the place.
Since 1995, Xel-Há is one of the Mexican parks preferred by national and international tourism, for its indescribable beauty, its places for fun and relaxation and its conservationist spirit.
2. What does Xel-Há mean?
"Xel-Há" means "where the water is born" and according to the indigenous myth, the gods created the place as a paradise for their enjoyment, but the humans found it so beautiful that they begged their deities to allow them access .
The gods agreed to the request but took some precautions, leaving the place in the care of three guardians, one for the land, another for the water and the third for the air.
The guardian of the land of Xel-Há is Huh, the iguana; the water corresponded to Kay Op, the parrotfish; and the air was left in charge of Chuc Kay, the pelican.
This trilogy of animals is still part of the fauna of Xel-Há and you will have the opportunity to admire them on your visit to the park, recreating the Mayan legend.
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3. What are the main attractions of Xel-Há?
Perhaps you should start your visit to Xel-Há enjoying a panoramic view of the park from the Mirador Lighthouse, through which a system of fun slides goes down.
The Caleta de Xel-Há, the Xel-Há River, the Xel-Há Cave, the Bay of Caprichos, the Mangroves at the beginning of the river, the Ixchel Crack, the Gruta el Dorado and the Cenotes they are places of extraordinary beauty.
The great fun in Xel-Há you will find in attractions such as the Stone of Valor, Trepachanga, Salpichanga, the Flight of the Chuc Kay, the Floating Bridge and the Land of Huh.
For the enjoyment of the little ones, Xel-Há has Children's World and the entertaining experience of Flying Kites.
Lovers of ecology and the observation of natural life will be delighted in Xel-Há with the Trails through the Jungle, the Garden of the Chacahs, the Xel-Há Nursery and the beautiful Pink Snail, which has a sanctuary in the cove.
Other places in the park linked to the ancient Mayans who lived in Xel-Há are the Mayan Wall and the Meliponario.
4. What is the height of the Mirador Lighthouse?
The Mirador Lighthouse is a 40-meter-high structure near the cove and lush vegetation, with a 360-degree view, offering a spectacular panoramic view of Xel-Há Park and the beautiful landscapes beyond it.
From the top of the structure you can descend vertiginously by a system of spiral slides that ends in a natural pool of clear waters.
All you need to jump into this exciting descent is knowing how to swim and being 1.05m tall. Children must be in the company of an adult.
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5. How is Caleta Xel-Há like?
This unique cove in the world is a wonderful meeting of the salt water that comes from the Caribbean Sea with the fresh waters provided by the longest underground stream network in the world.
The biodiversity of the cove is one of its great treasures and swimming or snorkeling through its waters you will be able to appreciate more than 400 species of flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.
There are fish and other organisms of a wide variety of types, colors and sizes, including the queen conch, a species under strict control because it is at risk of extinction.
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6. What species can I see while snorkeling in the cove?
There is hardly any in the Riviera Maya, and maybe at all Mexico, a place where snorkeling activity offers more spectacular underwater landscapes than in the cove of Xel-Há.
Beneath the crystalline waters you can admire countless aquatic organisms, such as angelfish, blondes, surgeons, damsels, chernas, parrots, snappers, sergeants, rays, puffer fish, barracudas, turtles, manatees and the beautiful pink snail.
Snorkelers will also be able to admire the curious visual effects of haloclines and thermoclines, natural phenomena that are produced by the difference in densities between seawater and freshwater that mix in the cove.
7. How is the Xel-Há River Tour?
The Xel-Há River is a stream formed by fresh waters that flow from the depths of the earth, making its way through the mangroves. The best way to go around the river is by snorkeling to admire its flora and fauna formed by a great variety of multicolored fish.
You can also let yourself be dragged along the river on floating tires, admiring attractions such as the Stone of Valor, the Monkey Falls, the Trepachanga and the Salpichanga on the route.
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8. What is in the Xel-Há Cave?
This cave with an open cenote was a sacred place for the Mayans and its mysticism is breathed in the environment.
In the ceiling of the cave there are natural holes that act as skylights, generating beautiful lighting effects in the waters and on the walls of the cave.
The Xel-Há Cave is a sanctuary of tranquility and natural purity that produces a relaxing effect on the body and spirit.
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9. What can I do in the Bay of Caprichos?
This bay of Xel-Há is a beautiful space with some semi-hidden corners and nooks that offer beauty and tranquility to get a moment of relaxation after having generated adrenaline in spurts in any of the park's attractions.
Give yourself the whim of spending some time in the Bay of Caprices and your body and mind will thank you. It is located very close to the Floating Bridge.
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10. What is the interest of the mangroves at the beginning of the river?
The mangrove is an arboreal species vital for the maintenance of the ecological balance in the coastal aquifers, sheltering a rich and showy fauna.
Mexico is a country rich in mangroves, both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and at the beginning of the Xel-Há River there is an enchanting landscape of mangroves.
Delight in splashing or resting on floating tires on the clean waters, surrounded by the intricate network of mangrove trunks and branches that serve as a protective barrier.
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11. What's in the Ixchel Crack and El Dorado Grotto?
La Grieta Ixchel is a crevice in the rocks through which beautiful waters circulate, located in the area of the freshwater lagoons that feed the Xel-Há River.
On the walls of the Gruta el Dorado you can admire the fossils of extinct mollusks that were trapped when this place, which was submerged in the sea, was on the surface millions of years ago.
In this place you can refresh yourself with the clean waters coming from the depths of the earth, which will then feed the aquatic ecosystems of Xel-Há.
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12. Where are the Cenotes?
The cenotes are bodies of fresh water that are formed by the slow dissolution of the limestone that forms the rocky surface, exposing beautiful bodies of water, while below there are networks of caves and streams.
In the jungle of Xel-Há the Paraíso and Aventura cenotes are located, which are accessed by a walk over the bridge over the Xel-Há River and the Selva Trails.
In these cenotes lives a varied and beautiful biodiversity and the surrounding landscape is dazzling. Swimming is not allowed in the cenotes as a preservation measure, but you can take some great photos.
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13. What can I do at the Stone of Courage?
The Stone of Valor is a 5 meter high rocky wall located next to the Xel-Há River bridge, which you can reach through a path or climb it by helping yourself with the indentations made in the rock.
You can also jump into the turquoise waters or use a rope to navigate the rock face. Whatever option you choose to go from the top to the water or vice versa will be an exciting adventure with adrenaline in abundance.
14. What is Trepachanga?
This fun attraction is made up of two parallel ropes one on top of the other, so you can move around holding the top one with your hands and walking the bottom one.
The ropes are suspended over the river and whoever flies receives as a reward the refreshing caress of the waters.
Compete with your friends in Trapichanga and test your skills as a tightrope walker without worrying about falling. Either way, you win!
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15. What is Salpichanga?
Salpichanga is a 6 zip line circuit to move above the crystal clear and beautiful waters of the Xel-Há River.
The outward journey is done on 2 swings and a hammock, while the return is on 2 swings and a wheelbarrow.
Whichever way you travel, you can always end the exciting trip by taking a pleasant dip in the waters of the river.
16. How is the Flight of Chuc Kay?
In Mayan mythology, Chuc Kay, the pelican, was the guardian of the air of Xel-Há. This beautiful and friendly aquatic bird is Yucatecan of origin.
In this Xel-Há attraction you will be able to imitate the flight of the pelican from a high stone, falling into the transparent and delicious waters.
The place to make the flight is a 10-minute walk from the beginning of Río Xel-Há and 20 minutes from the south side of the Floating Bridge.
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17. Where is the Floating Bridge located?
It is located near the junction of the cove of Xel-Há with the Caribbean Sea and links the main service area of the park with the Path of Consciousness.
Walking along the bridge formed by floating sections assembled like the links of a chain, while you contemplate the beauty of the waters of the cove, is a short and fun walk. At the other end there is a giant chair that is one of the favorite spots for taking pictures.
18. What is there to do in the Land of Huh?
Through this natural space of Xel-Há, a path was prepared, which is the route to ride a bicycle in the park.
The park has bicycles for children and adults, with adjustable chairs and mesh bags for personal items.
It is an enchanting walk of approximately one kilometer through the majestic tropical landscape, admiring beautiful species of the Yucatecan fauna, such as coatis, porcupines and tzereques. On the way there is the Garden of the Chacahs.
19. What is Mundo de los Niños like?
This space in Xel-Há for the little ones has a wading pool, slide, climbing ropes, slide, tunnels and other diversions for children.
After the youngest children enter the Children's World of Xel-Há, it is difficult to get them out and parents feel happy seeing their spoiled ones enjoying themselves at their best and in optimal safety conditions.
At this attraction, Xel-Há also stimulates children's creativity through drawing and painting activities. Children's World is located near the main area of Xel-Há.
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20. Where is the Kite Flight?
The kite or kite is a game deeply rooted in Mexico, especially among children, and the making of the flying artifice leads to the creation of true artisan beauties.
With the kite, the man made an allegory to achieve a quality that nature did not grant him, that of flying and it is like controlling a bird in flight.
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In Xel-Há you can practice this fun game, ideal for parents to share with children, learning the secrets to raise the kite and keep it in the air. The game takes place between 3.30 and 4:30 PM in the El Faro area, to take advantage of the best winds.
21. What can I do on the Trails through the Jungle?
You will be able to walk comfortably along these conditioned trails through the jungle, among the lush foliage and the sounds of the jungle fauna.
Do not forget to take a picture of the slab that has a beautiful phrase engraved by the famous Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho: "Love is discovered through the practice of loving and not through words" On the route there are other messages that move the reflection, with the beautiful landscape as a background frame.
22. What's in the Garden of the Chacahs?
A beautiful Mayan legend relates that a kind warrior named Kinich and another with a spiteful spirit named Tizic fell in love with the princess Nicte-Há.
The warriors challenged each other to a duel, both dying in combat. So they begged the gods to revive them just so they could see the beautiful Nicte-Há again.
The gods took pity on them and revived Tizic like the Chechén tree, which secretes a toxic and irritating resin; while Kinich, the good warrior, was returned to the world of the living as the Checah tree, with whose bark the remedy is made to alleviate the irritations caused by the Chechén. Princess Nicte-Há, who had died of sadness, was revived as a white flower.
In Xel-Há there is a space conditioned as a Czech garden and the celebrities who visit the park plant a little tree and leave an engraved text.
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23. What is the Xel-Há Nursery like?
In the park's nursery there are more than 270 species of native Yucatecan flora, many of which are at risk of disappearance due to over-exploitation of forest resources and deforestation for urban purposes.
With the specimens raised in the nursery, the park guarantees adequate reforestation of the Xel-Há spaces and collaborates with environmental campaigns in the Riviera Maya.
In the nursery there is also a replica of a village Maya, with its typical furniture in which the hammock stands out, the main object of rest for the indigenous people.
24. Why is Xel-Há a sanctuary of the Pink Snail?
The queen conch is a species at high risk of disappearance, as it is hunted indiscriminately by man due to its beauty as a decorative object and the demand for its meat.
The cove of Xel-Há is one of the places in the Riviera Maya where the pink snail is safe from its human predators, in a conservation program coordinated with the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute-Mérida Unit.
Thanks to this program, the population of pink snails in the cove had an increase of 79% in a period of 10 years.
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25. How old is the Mayan Wall?
Xel-Há was an important commercial port on the Mayan coast since the 1st century AD. reaching its peak in the twelfth century, when the wall was built.
This wall is the oldest physical testimony of the Mayan presence in Xel-Há and it is reached after a picturesque walk through the jungle in the company of iguanas and other animals.
A good part of the wall was devoured by the abundant jungle nature, but there are still vestiges that testify to its protective function of the port of Xel-Há.
26. What is a Meliponario?
Meliponiculture is the production of honey from bees with the meliponas, a tribe of stingless bees. This activity has been practiced by the Mayans since ancient times in a hive called Meliponario.
Honey from bees was a sacred and medicinal product for the Mayans, who performed two annual harvest ceremonies, presided over by an astrologer and a priest.
Xel-Há faithfully recreates this tradition, carried out according to the Mayan custom, in June and December, on days with full moon nights. The ritual is accompanied with music performed with pre-Hispanic instruments.
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27. How do I get to Xel-Há?
The park is located in the Riviera Maya, facing the Caribbean Sea in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, at km 240 of the Chetumal-Puerto Juárez highway.
The distances from the main nearby cities to Xel-Há are 48 km from Playa del Carmen and 114 km from Cancun. The archaeological zone of Tulum is only 9 km away and the Cobá site is located 40 km away.
To go to Xel-Há you have taxi and bus service from Cancun and Carmen beach. If you travel with your own or rented vehicle, you have free parking in the park.
Xel-Há is open every day of the year from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
28. How can I travel to Xel-Há by bus from Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
The ADO bus line travels from Cancun to Xel-Há and the ticket price is approximately 115 MXN. You can compare your tickets online or directly when you board the unit.
Likewise, ADO buses provide the service from Playa del Carmen and other nearby towns. For the return trip to the cities, the units depart from Xel-Há between 5:40 PM and 6:10 PM. These hours may change
There is also a VAN vehicle service (minibuses) that is more expensive than the bus, but is more comfortable.
29. Is it true that Xel-Há was called Salamanca?
When the conquerors reached the Peninsula of Yucatan In the 16th century, several localities with indigenous names were renamed with Spanish names.
In 1527, the advance Francisco de Montejo himself, appointed by the Spanish crown for the conquest of Yucatan, gave the name of Salamanca to Xel-Há.
However, the Hispanic name did not prosper and after a time, Xel-Há resumed its beautiful and sonorous indigenous name.
30. What services does Xel-Há provide?
In Xel-Há you will find yourself in an Eden of water and land without missing the services of the modern world that you may need.
The park has several restaurants and bars distributed throughout its extension, in which they serve a splendid buffet and any drink that provokes you.
Xel-Há also has a shopping area, wireless internet, ATMs, hammock area, lockers and wheelchair rental.
Any questions or need for information you have, you just have to go to one of the Visitor Service Modules.
31. What is better, Xel-Há, Xcaret or Xplor?
A very difficult question to answer because all three are places with great charms, but also with differences and the selection depends on what interests each visitor.
Xcaret is the most complete park and its range of natural, archaeological, ecological and traditional attractions is the most varied.
Xel-Há is the best place to snorkel because the beauty and biological richness of its cove is unique and it also has other attractions that complete a charming day of entertainment.
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Xplor is a paradise for extreme sports, with zip lines, amphibious vehicles, sailing in rafts and hammock landing, among other attractions.
As you can see, there are differences between the parks and your choice will depend on tastes and budgets. But do you know what would be the best? Enjoy them all!
32. How to dress in Xel-Há?
The “official uniform” for visitors to Xel-Há is a swimsuit, a T-shirt and flip-flops. To go to Xel-Há you do not need suitcases or large suitcases and if you are not a "packer" a backpack will suffice.
It is not even necessary that you bring a towel, because in the park they provide you with one, leaving a deposit that will be returned to you when you return it. The park has lockers for you to store your belongings.
33. How much does admission to Xel-Há cost?
The Xel-Há All Inclusive plan has an online price of MXN 1,441.80, including attractions, food and drinks.
The Xel-Há Total plan costs 2,196 MXN and includes all of the above, plus an optional adventure. One of the options is the "Adrenaline" ride aboard a speedboat that circulates at high speed making 360-degree turns and dives.
Another option is Sea Treck, consisting of walking along the seabed with a Sea Treck technology diving suit; and the third option is to dive into the cove with the sophisticated Snuba equipment, which allows you to dive more comfortably than with the classic equipment.
Other plans include Xel-Há and the Tulum archaeological site, priced at MXN 2,251.80; Xel-Há and the archaeological site of Cobá (2,089.80), Xel-Há plus Xcaret (3,139.20) and Xel-Há plus Xplor (2,995.20).
Tulum was a Mayan walled city whose magnificent ruins face the Caribbean Sea. Its main attraction is The Castle, which functioned as an astronomical observatory and as a lighthouse.
Cobá is another Mayan site located in the jungle, 40 km from Tulum. In Cobá, the Pyramid of Nohoch Mul stands out, a temple 42 meters high.
34. How much does Xel-Há cost for the people of Quintana Roo?
Quintana Roo residents have a preferential rate to access the park, with discounts of up to 50% compared to the regular price.
Likewise, people of Mexican nationality can obtain a discount on admission of up to 25% for pre-purchase more than 21 days in advance and for purchases in Mexican pesos (MXN) with the code PROMOMEX.
We hope that this guide will be useful to you during your visit to the wonderful Xel-Há park and we hope to see you very soon for a new walk through another spectacular place in Mexico. Any comment you want to make to share with our community of readers is welcome.
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