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> Homepage > Homepage > Welcome > Destinations > Riviera Maya > Xel-Há >   History
 “Xel-Há” is Maya for “where the water comes in.” Although the site was occupied during the Classic period (A.D. 250 - 900), it reached its peak in the post-Classic (A.D. 900 - 1500) when Xel-Há functioned as a port and trading station, and probably as an embarkation point for crossings to Cozumel. The site extends 800 m along the ocean and a kilometer and a half inland. The architectural style of Xel-Há is the same as that of neighboring Tulum, a style referred to as ‘east coast’. Structures include the Castillo, the Structure of the Columns, the Temple of the Birds and Lothrop Group. The Spanish arrived in 1528, re-christening the place, “Salamanca de Xel-Há”. What remains of the archaeological site is located in the jungle, across the highway from the park (separate entrance).
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.