Chacalal

Chacalal is near the town of Ciudad Chemuyil. The surrounding area brings together archaeological history, a cenote activity, and nature attractions. Specific points of interest range from the Xelhá site and Xel-Há Nature Park to the Xcacel-Xcacelito protected area and the marine landscape near Akumal.

Archaeological history and murals

The Xelhá archaeological site is four kilometers southwest of Chacalal. During the Late Postclassic period (1250–1550), Xelhá was one of the most important trading ports on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Edificio de los Pájaros preserves outstanding examples of mural painting. The site’s former trading role and the paintings in a specific building therefore offer distinct cultural-historical points of interest. The dates place the port’s role in a clearly identified period; the Edificio provides an architectural and artistic point of reference.

Cenote activity at Xel-Há Nature Park

At Xel-Há Nature Park, the Snuba® Cenote activity combines features of diving with a snorkeling session. Participants go down to a depth of up to seven meters in a cenote. This combination makes the activity’s connection to the water tangible, while the Xelhá archaeological site offers a historical focus. Participation requirements may change; check them before your visit.

Protected area and marine landscape

The Santuario de la Tortuga Marina Xcacel-Xcacelito is near Chacalal and is designated a Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica. This protected-area designation gives the site a clear conservation focus. Akumal offers a different nature focus: various fish species and sea turtles gather year-round in its shallow marine waters; the area also has particularly extensive seagrass beds and some coral patches.

Getting oriented at the nature park

Xel-Há Nature Park is located at kilometer 240 of the Chetumal–Puerto Juárez highway, in the Municipio of Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo. The kilometer marker provides road directions; the municipio and state indicate its administrative location. Buses run from the central bus station in Cancún on Avenida Uxmal and from the bus station in Playa del Carmen on 5a Avenida to the park ticket offices. The two bus routes differ in their starting point, not in their stated destination: both go to the park ticket offices. Schedules may change; check them before traveling. The nature park offers free parking.

The similarly spelled names refer to different places: Xelhá is the archaeological site, while Xel-Há is the nature park. The trading history belongs to the site; the road directions, buses, and parking belong to the nature park.

Key considerations for planning your trip

When choosing your destination, consider the different themes: Xelhá offers trading history and murals, Snuba® Cenote is a water activity with elements of diving and snorkeling, Xcacel-Xcacelito is a designated protected area, and Akumal is known for its shallow marine waters.

Discover more destinations: Tepich, Blanca Flor, Tulum, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Isla Mujeres, Leona Vicario, Majahual, Chetumal

For the broader travel overview: Quintana Roo.