Xel-Ha Blog

FLORA DIVERSITY

Xel-Ha is a nature reserve where a variety of plants species can be found. It is a great experience to walkthrough paths watching the vegetable richness.

MANGROVE

Its wood is used by local people to elaborate of posts or coal manufacture. Bark and leaves are tannin; it is used to leather tanned.

They are considered biological filters or the ocean’s kidneys. Mangrove’s branches send oxygen to roots which works like filters against pollutants and are a refuge to a lot of little organism like fish, crustaceans, mollusks and birds. Mangrove is the only one plant which can to live inside saltwater. Its leaves and wood are fairly resist to plagues and leaves fallen on water are useful to fertilize coasts. Tides and ocean currents carry nutrients from mangrove to reefs and marine grass. It is an integral part of the ocean ecosystem. When human being destroy mangrove, also destroy reefs and this is an environmental tragedy.

CHIT PALM

Leaves are used to build roofs of houses, its trunk to trap for lobsters. Its medical use is aphrodisiac, balsamic, diuretic, tonic and is useful to tuberculosis treatment.

It is until 10 meters high and it is resist to floods and salinity. It is distributed along the Yucatan Peninsula, but it is endangered because of overexploitation. Its scientific name is: Thrinax radiata.

GUANO

It is distributed from Veracruz to Quintana Roo. It is a palm of 20 meters high, straight trunk and smooth bark. Leaves are hand-held fan shape of 20 meters diameter. Flowers have white petals and as fruits it has globe nuts. This palm blooms from June to October.

Leaves are used to build roofs to rural houses because it is a leave fairly resist to rottenness and trunks are used to build houses and bridges. It has an aphrodisiac, aperitif, painkiller, digestive and tonic use by local people.

ZAPOTE

It is distributed along tropic thunders of Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Veracruz as well as Guatemala and Belize. It is a 40 meters high tree, too ranched and leafy. Bark is dark and exudes a milky substance. Its wood is beautiful, strong and reddish. Flower can be found in bunch at the top, they are dun. Fruits are globe, pulp and sweet berries.

Zapote was used from prehispanics eras. Its fruit was praise by colonizers because of its superior taste compare with European known fruits. Its wood of excellent quality and beauty color is used to glue, varnish and insulator manufacture

ECO-TOURS FOR VISITORS

In Xel-Há, we offer our visitors two different eco-tours, guided by the Attention to Visitors staff:

THE CULTURAL TOUR

It starts at the park’s plant nursery. It refers to the importance of the “Caste War” in the region, as well as to the economic activities performed by the mayans and those they still currently perform. It also involves an explanation about the stingless bee, and the honey harvesting ceremony.

Then, the visitors are told of the “Ceiba Legend” explaining its cosmogonic vision of life, and how life is linked to nature and the universe. To finish the tour, visitors are invited to carry out social and ecological deeds, and they plant a seedling in Xel-Ha’s plant nursery.

THE ECOLOGICAL TOUR

It begins with a walk through the jungle from the floating bridge, by the inlet’s entry, to the river, near the cenote area. It lasts approximately one hour, and during the tour, visitors learn about the history of the ancient harbor, about the ceremony performed in the mayan cave, and the geological formations seen in the “El Dorado Cavern”, they hear about regional flora and fauna, and listen to the old mayan legend of Chechen and Chacah (two representative trees of the Yucatan peninsula). They are also taught the importance of Chicozapote for the region’s economy due to the extraction of chicle.

Finally, the tour finishes with a reflection on how important it is and why, to preserve the hydrological system Xel-Ha’s inlet belongs to.

THE CHARM OF SNORKELING: WATCHING MARINE LIFE

Snorkeling in Xel-Ha is a one-off activity that guarantees astounding experiences. This backwater of tranquility is an over 14 hectares body of water where the world’s most important underground rivers system converges with the Caribbean sea, a very special habitat where different and very interesting species coexist; species that can be watched during the immersion.

A BIG-EYED GUY

The “horse eyes amberjack” also called “big-eyed” is a very large fish that can reach a length of 2 meters and a weight of 75 kg. Even though it is a pelagic species – rathers spawn offshore- in Xel-Ha, it can be looked at near the floating bridge. It is amazing how dozens of amberjacks come by in search of smaller fish, whom they predate. It is a sliver-colored fish with the ability of enduring salinity changes, so common in the inlet, where fresh water mixes with seawater.

CARNIVORES AND “CROWDED”

The “grey porgy” is one of the most abundant species of the “Lutjanidae” family. It is often seen around the rocks and sandy bottoms by the coast. Its color goes from silverish, to golden, and it is distinguished by its vertical stripes. They move in crowds. As young fish, they are omnivorous (feed on meat and vegetables) but once they reach adulthood they become just carnivores.

BLUE ROUND SURGEONFISH

The “Youthful Blue Tang Surgeonfish” is recurrently seen in the inlet. It can be seen in crannies near the ocean, where it is sunnier. It has a continuous dorsal fin with nine bones, and an emerged caudal fin (tail); its body is quite compressed, with an almost round outline. Its color is quite distinctive, but they get yellow during their adult phase.

A COMUFAGING SERGEANT

Another common species is the “Sergeant Major” characterized by the five black vertical stripes on the sides, contrasting with its yellow color. During mating season, adult males turn dark blue, which makes it very difficult to appreciate the black stripes. It also has the ability of camouflaging to match the surrounding environment.

A GUARDIAN OF THE WATER

An emblematic species of Xel-Ha, which in addition is one of its leading characters because it represents the guardian of the water, is the “parrotfish”. A solitary fish, although occasionally it swims in small groups, stands out for the wide range of colors on its body. Shades going from an intense orange to a turquoise blue and aquamarine green. It feeds on algae and attached seaweed, biting the substratum with its “beak”, which means, its mouth that resembles this part of the birds. The “parrotfish” is an awesome recycling machine that turns coral and rocks into fine sand by scratching the algae on them. It is able to produce up to 40 tons of sand per year.

Three Dreamy Places

There are 3 places in Xel-Ha with a very special charm, for their singular features, and the experience they offer, to enjoy nature in a different way. It is good to know why.

THE FLOATING BRIDGE

From this place, a magnificent view of the inlet ant its merger with the ocean can be gazed at. It is a spot with a diversity of sensations all mixed together, so it is important to take the time to enjoy each one of them.

The first one is to get used to the movement caused by the waves’ strength. This non-stop movement might be quite amusing for children and teenagers who make of it, the perfect moment for entertainment. Once accustomed to the swaying, visitors may look towards the ocean and be mesmerized by the over 70 meters long mouth that offers a splendid sight of the Caribbean Sea.

By the bridge, in the water, astounding amberjacks (very large fish) take pleasure in wandering around trying to find smaller fish that shelter in sweeter waters from the river, while huge pelicans come by to watch, with the intention of also… feast on them: it is quite a spectacle.

Something truly remarkable is to look at the beautifully blue water contrasting with the vegetation, in addition to discovering the endless array of shades in that incredibly beautiful canvas.

THE LIGHTHOUSE

It is a very important point of reference for ships traveling along the Caribbean coast, but it is also, the best reference for those seeking a peaceful spot within the park.

Because of its rocky condition, where the ocean strikes heavily, the beach is not recommended for swimming. However, the place has a fabulous natural pool where the water coming from the ocean allows to be enjoyed in the midst of a fantastic spectacle.

Nearby, a set of hammocks make it the ideal place for relaxation by the rhythm set by the ocean. Truly alluring.

PLANT NURSERY

It is a very special place, since it is where little plants are raised before being relocated at a permanent home somewhere within the 84 hectares of Xel-Ha. All along this space, different species of palms can be observed, species that due to irresponsible extraction are in danger of extinction, for instance the Chit and Nacax.

The plant nursery raises only regional species, reason why it turns out to be especially interesting for visitors from different parts of the country, and overseas.

Chacah’s Garden: A place for Reflection.

This Saturday July 11th, the Tree Day will be celebrated in Xel-Ha, celebrities will plant little trees in our Natural Wonder. This even is scheduled to happen on the Third Anniversary of the Chacah’s Garden

What is it?

The chacah’s garden is a living space within the Natural Wonder Xel-Ha, where show business, music, art, culture and sports celebrities have left an imprint by planting a tree of this species from the Yucatan Peninsula.

While planning their three, each celebrity raises a thought for the care of the environment, with the purpose of creating awareness on safekeeping the planet Earth.

We gladly invite you to visit this magical place where besides watching the trees planted by famous people, you will be able to read their messages, engraved in stone, for posterity.

What is a Chacah tree?

It is a species belonging to the Burseraceae Family. Mayans use its crust due to its healing properties to relieve and cure burns and rashes caused by the Chechen, as well as dysentery, fever, and the measles. Chacahs may reach a height of up to 30 m, and in Quintana Roo they are scattered all over the jungle. This species is often used as a living fence.

Who has planted a Chacah?

Intellectuals: Carlos Monsiváis, Elena Poniatowska, Guadalupe Loaeza, José Luis Cuevas, Ana Cerón, Martha Chapa, Vicente Molina Foix, Soco Aguilar, Pedro Valiente.

Athletes: Oleg Maskaev, Giovanni Dos Santos, Fernando Platas, Galia Moss, Manuel Youshimatz, Nancy Contreras, Luis Hernández “El Matador”, Giancarlo Maldonado, Manuel López Mondragón, Mariano Trujillo, Alain Nkong, Tigres de Quintana Roo, Tatiana Ortiz, Carlos Cuadras.

Actors: Kevin Zegers, Criss Angel, Marichelo, Héctor Bonilla, Lilia Aragón, Xavier López “Chabelo”, Roberto Gómez Bolaños “Chespirito”, Florinda Meza “Doña Florinda”, Gonzalo Vega, Silvia Pasquel, Annete Michell, Enrique Rocha, Diana Bracho, Consuelo Duval, Gaby Goldsmith, Lorena Tassinari, José Miguel Pérez “Ludoviquito”, Chantal Andere, Sergio Mayer, Isabela Camil, Eric del Castillo, Aitor Iturrioz, Rodrigo Nehme, Liz Vega, Ulises de la Torre, Manuel Foyo, Sherlyn, Maya Zapata, Liz Gallardo, Susana Alexander, Daniel Elbittar, Andrea Escalona, Victor Cámara, Laura Flores.

Singers and Composers: Paulina Rubio, José José, Enrique Guzmán, Reyli, Laura León, Cynthia, Mimi, Lidia Ávila, Erika Zaba, Adrian Varela, Carlos Rivera, Raúl Sandoval, Ana Barbara, Chao.

Presenters and Opinion Leaders: Hania Novel, Arturo Brizio, Francisco de la O, Víctor Trujillo, Alberto Aguilar, Fernanda Tapia, Maricarmen Cortés, Ivette Hernández, Romina, Maxine Woodside, Tere Bermea, Eduardo Torreblanca, Ana María Alvarado, Fernando del Solar, Talina Fernández, Humberto Hernández, Sergio Sarmiento, Juan José Origel, Andrés Roemer, Iñaqui Manero, Patricio Cabezut, Adal Ramones, Enrique Campos Suárez, Silvestre López Portillo, Helena Guerrero, Vanessa Andreu, Mónica Noguera.

XEL-HA’S AMAZING PLACES

In Xel-ha, there are very special places that despite not being the most known spots, have a very special charm. Visiting these sites, characteristic for their discrete location, is an opportunity to better understand the magic of nature.

BAY OF CAPRICES

The “Bay of Caprices” is a fantastic place, but to get there, it is necessary to ignore the temptation of leaving behind the always seductive main restaurants and bars area, then, cross the “Floating Bridge”, follow the “Path of Consciousness”, and right after a short lane, turn right. There, a quite hidden path by the inlet, will take you to this remarkable spot.

The “bay of Caprices” is a cute little shelter for those who enjoy resting comfortably while staring at a wonderful view of the inlet, or swimming amongst curious nooks and crannies shaped by the rocky formations, where colorful fish amuse themselves.

This is an ideal point for couples that by sharing an incomparable niche of nature, find a renewed and deeper knowledge of each other, or for small families that enjoy sunbathing, water, and vegetation in a more intimate way.

PATH OF CONSIOUSNESS

The “Path of consciousness“ is located within Xel-Ha’s roads, and spurted up from the desire of transmitting to all visitors a collection of thoughts and reflections by different authors, inspired in Nature’s beauty and frailty.

The organic aesthetic of the sculptures by Martha and David Gerstein was conceived with full respect of textures, shapes and colors already present in Xel-Ha’s landscape. The inscriptions on each rock are numbered in the mayan system, and written in Spanish.

The purpose of this path is that by traveling it and reading the messages engraved along it, visitors take with them a reborn respect for nature, and consciousness for its conservation.

AIR PATH

A particularly special place that allows the visitor to gaze at the vegetation from a different perspective: the one belonging to those birds that spend most of their days on treetops. From four meters high the true dimension of the vegetation populating Xel-Ha’s jungle, can be noticed way better, and it is possible to appreciate, different life forms inhabiting the area.

Access to this place is available from the mangrove zone, where the underground rivers system emerges to the surface, or through the “path of Consciousness” at its last part.

A Natural Wonder

100 thousand years ago, in the underground Rivers system that goes through the Yucatan Peninsula, a huge vault where fresh water and seawater from the Caribbean Sea merge together collapsed. This occurrence brought into the open a magnificent place, of such peculiarity, that today is acknowledged as a natural wonder: Xel-Ha.

Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium of incomparable beauty, where one can swim and snorkel amidst hundred of multicolored fish that have made of the river and inlet their home.

Nowadays, this place is a tribute to nature’s magnificence. Along the exotic jungle and the deeply blue waters, in Xel-Ha reigns an opportunity to enjoy a rare and astounding experience, with full respect to the environment, and admiring an invaluable wealth in flora and fauna, in their natural habitat.

Magical Experience

Experiencing Xel-Ha is sliding on an inner tube through a peaceful river, watching hundreds of multicolored fish in crystal-clear waters. It is swooping into natural wells fed by underground rivers, watching turtles, dolphins, walking all the way through the jungle and get amazed by its colors, gaze at a beautiful sunset standing on a floating bridge, discovering a mayan cave, resting on a hammock while rocking back and forth under he palms’ shade. It is plunging into a magical and astonishing place.

Legend of a Magical Creation

Xel-Ha’s history is inspired in an ancient mayan legend: For twelve days, the mayan gods ended chaos and darkness, in order to split the sea from the firmament. They populated the Earth with plants, trees, grass and flowers, filled every gap and formed lagoons and cenotes. They gave birth to Ixchel (Moon and fertility goddess), who was born from the foam, and courted by Anhik (Sun God) gave birth to Izamná (Lord of the Skies). Then day and night arose, and the sky was filled with stars.

The gods covered their creation with living beings, and ordered “Mo” the macaw, to be the guardian of the skies; “Huh” the iguana, to be the guardian of the Land; and “Kay-Op”, the parrotfish to be the guardian of the waters.

On the last day they created the most perfect creature of them all, gifted with intelligence, speech ability, sight, smell, touch, taste and movement, so it could enjoy all the magic of whatever there was on land and waters.

And then, they danced, chanted, celebrated in joy and rose back to the skies.

Model of Sustainable Tourist Recreation

Xel-Ha natural park is located in Cancun-Riviera Maya, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Its offer is a constant invitation to knowledge, appreciation, and valuation of a very unique natural place: A collection of inlets, lagoons, cenotes and caves that feed from the sea, and merge together with fresh spring waters and underground rivers currents, to turn this extraordinary place into the world’s most beautiful natural aquarium.

In Xel-Ha, love for nature is professed. This touristic spot’s operation and commercialization are enrolled into a concept of sustainability which stands out for the significant outcomes attained throughout these years.

Xel-Ha is a model of sustainable tourist recreation since its very conception: As a natural attraction, it was given in concession in 1994, in a serious condition of deterioration: the water was acutely polluted by the haphazard use of sunscreens and tanning lotions, there was a negative impact on marine species population, there was no waste management program, and the surrounds were victims of the vegetation loss.

The corporate vision with which Xel-Ha has been managed from then on, rests on a fundamental principle: To use this resource and transform it into a destination with authentic world-class services, to generate wealth and job sources, to contribute to the fortification of the destination, as well as to guarantee its viability in medium and long terms for the use and enjoyment of future generations.
By the closing of the first year of this new business model, Xel-Ha recorded a flow of 248 thousand 920 visitors. This achievement is the consequence of a careful analysis of the existing markets in the destination, the reinforcement of Xel-Ha as a touristic product without altering its essence, and a successful handling of critical situations such as the New York Twin Towers attack in 2002, hurricanes Wilma and Emily in 2005; but above all, it is the result of their consistency in sustainable development, given that without the proper care of this natural resource, reality would be totally different.

The results of such model of development are unquestionable: Xel-Ha is nowadays one of the three most important tours in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, and its offer is a perfect complement for the tourist visiting the destination. The company guarantees permanent jobs for over 500 people, in addition to at least 100 temporary jobs thrice a year.

For 8 consecutive years Xel-Ha has been awarded with the Socially Responsible Company distinctive, granted by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy, (CEMEFI), and its human development politics has made it one of the top 100 companies to work in Mexico, one of the top 100 companies to work in Latin America, and one of the top 20 companies to work for women, according to “The great Place to Work Institute”

By merits in handling its publicity, Xel-Ha has been honored with the “Brass Ring Award”, from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), besides the “Must See Waterpark” distinctive, which supports its value as a touristic product, amongst other numerous acknowledgements.

Undoubtedly, Xel-Ha’s most important accomplishment is founded in its valuable human resource. Xel-Ha Family protects the magnificent ecosystem where they coexist with more than 400, land and water flora and fauna species, and play a role in providing all visitors with a magical, unique, invaluable and unforgettable experience in our Natural Wonder.

Today, more than ever, Xel-Ha is ready to welcome visitors with widely-open arms, proud for being an exemplar company in Sustainable Tourist Recreation, and Social Responsibility.