Xel-Há - Stunning Nature, So-So Food, and Skip the Timeshare…read more
Xel-Há is easily one of the more beautiful and enjoyable destinations in the Quintana Roo area. The natural surroundings, cenotes, lazy river, and waterslides offer a full day of adventure and relaxation. If you break down the ticket price by the activities included, it's actually a solid overall value.
But let's be clear: this is not a 5-Diamond experience.
The food is the biggest letdown. The buffet is nothing special--average at best. The fries, in particular, are almost always cold and soggy, thanks to a heating system that doesn't keep up, even when food is freshly made. It's the kind of food that fills you up but doesn't leave an impression.
A few tips to help you make the most of your trip:
* Buy tickets online in advance - This helps you skip the lines and sometimes score a small discount.
* Avoid visiting during election season - Due to Mexican law, no alcohol is served during this time, even at tourist locations. If part of your plan is to sip a drink by the water, plan around that.
* Skip the timeshare presentation - While it might sound like a good deal (free breakfast + discounted or free tickets), it's really just a pitch to buy into a discount program. You're not buying a vacation home--just access to marked-up offers with a "discount" tag. If you do your homework, you can usually find better deals on your own.
Bottom line: Go to Xel-Há for the nature and fun activities. Just manage your expectations with the food, and avoid the timeshare trap. It's worth a visit--just not worth believing the hype.