The Mexican Caribbean, one of the strongholds of Mayan civilization, also holds unique natural and archeological treasures that grant the region a high value in the promising market of tourist multidestinations.

The region has a wide range of facilities, including centers linked to the environment and to ancient ruins and traditions that have become a part of history.

Among those facilities is the Xel-Há Natural Aquatic Park, whose main attraction is a cove where the combination of seawater and underwater freshwater currents creates a unique setting for diving.

Xel-Há, which means "entrance of water" in the Mayan language, is a true natural aquarium that many considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It features hundreds of marine species and tropical fish that invite visitors to go scuba diving.

Legend has it that the Mayan gods mixed their love and wisdom to create this amazing place, which they considered the most wonderful site on Earth. They appointed the iguanas and the Lora fish as "the guardians of Xel-Há".

That way, visitors to the park can live a true aquatic adventure amid coves, lagoons, "cenotes" (freshwater sinkholes) and caves where underwater rivers and springs flow into Mexico's heaven-like Caribbean Sea.

In addition, the park has wildlife preserves for turtles and dolphins, where conditions have been created for experts to research on marine life, thus learning about those species and preserving the region's environment.

The park's programs for tourism include swimming with dolphins, underwater excursions, visits to one of the most famous reefs in the world and tours of ancient Mayan trails.

The tourist attractions of the Aquatic Park are complemented by ruins of pre-Hispanic buildings, since experts say that Xel-Há was a major sanctuary where rites and dances in honor of different gods were held. The region was also an important center in the commercial route of the Mayas.

In fact, because of its privileged location, Xel-Há was used centuries ago as a port of call, a point of peregrination and a refuge for sailors, due to its excellent natural conditions.

Vacationers can visit the area known as Grupo de Pájaros (Group of Birds), where they can enjoy mural paintings depicting the region's many species of birds, in addition to God Tláloc.

Famous constructions stand out in the park, including El Palacio (The Palace) and El Edificio de las Pilastras (The Building of Pilasters), which are two big palace-like edifices with rooms equipped with stools and which were clearly used as residences.