Before the sweet candy chocolate that we know nowadays, chocolate was a spicy drink.

Some of the earliest known chocolate drinkers were the ancient Maya and Aztecs of Mesoamerica from the Classic Period. Many anthropologists consider the ancient Maya were the first to have made chocolate. They grounded cacao seeds into a paste that, when mixed with water, made a frothy, rather bitter beverage.

Archaeologists aren’t sure exactly how the Maya first learned the tasty secret of the “cacao” tree that grew in the tropical rainforests of their homeland but it is very well known that chocolate was a treasured Maya treat.

The first evidence of chocolate comes from the height of Mayan civilization, the Classic Period (250-900 C.E. [A.D.]).
In fact, the paintings found on vessels tell us much about chocolate importance for Mayas. Many Maya artifacts are painted with scenes of people pouring and enjoying chocolate. Some show images of kings, or even gods and animals, drinking chocolate.

Everyone could occasionally enjoy a chocolate drink, no matter their status but it was a particular favorite of Maya kings and priests who drank their chocolate from elaborate vessels decorated by specially trained artists.

Chocolate played an important role in royal religious events; actually, Maya couples drank chocolate as part of their ceremony.

By the 1400s, the Aztecs were gradually gaining control over a huge expanse of Mesoamerica. Their territory ranged all the way from northern Mexico to the Maya lands in Honduras.

Cacao quickly became a key to the Aztec’s vast trade empire—not only as a luxury drink, but also monetary, offerings to the gods, and payment to rulers. All of the areas that were conquered by the Aztecs that grew cacao beans were ordered to pay them as a tax or as the Aztecs called it, a “tribute”.

Trade was crucial to maintain the economy among the cities and it was mostly based on food like squash, potatoes, corn, beans and of course chocolate .

It was in 1500s, that a Spanish missionary Jesuit who lived in Peru and Mexico wrote of about the chocolate, in the later 16th century, when no one Spanish had known it before.
Then, Christopher Columbus brought some cocoa beans to show Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, but it was Spanish friars who introduced it to Europe more broadly.

The Chacah´s garden is a space in Xel-Ha, where during the past three years important personalities surrounded by extraordinary mysticism have planted a native tree called Chacah, leaving a personal thought or message with the purpose of creating consciousness for Earth´s natural resources care. So that society may join in the endeavor to preserve the environment, for the benefit and enjoyment of coming generations. Each tree that is planted here stays as a living testimony that will help other people understand the essence of this movement.

This event takes place on the first Saturday following the world Tree Day every year, this year it was held on July 11th. It is a ceremony that is framed by the local legend of Kinich (sun’s face) and Dzic (fury), two Mayan princes who fell in love with the same princess: Nicte Ha. They fought each other for the princess’s love, but the gods doomed them to live forever next to each other, turned into trees. Chechen and Chacah are the names of these two trees that grow always together and can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula.

Earth is a shared responsibility and everyone can contribute to reverting natures’ deterioration. What do you think? What can we do to contribute with the environment’s care?

Please leave a comment.

Trying to plan your vacation? An option in the latest years has been an all-inclusive resort where the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages. People think that in order to afford a family vacation, the best option is to pre pay a per-person set fee, cutting a daily vacation cost even up to 30 percent while enjoying a set of complimentary amenities to spend a nice family vacation without putting the next five-year budget in risk.

Inclusive vacations offer several recreation options including snorkeling, beach activities and some excursions in the cost, where you don’t have to worry about carrying your wallet with you.

A big all-inclusive deal is the all-you-can-eat-and-drink feature. It’s much cheaper than paying per-drink and one will be glad to have paid that up-front cost instead of seeing the bill at the end of the trip.

Most All-inclusive resorts are laid out in a family-friendly way with activities for everyone. The activities are usually marked according to the age and managed by the Resort´s personnel. But you must be careful before you book your vacation to double check that all the activities at specific resorts are really age-appropriate for your children before.

All the activities at all-inclusive resorts, offer family activities and amenities. But are they really family activities or individual activities?. These activities are safe and remove the anxiety that parents sometimes feel about traveling with their kids. Parents don´t need to pay a babysitter for an evening of fun or time alone because the resort’s entertainment shows and romantic dinners are just steps away from your room and there is a kid’s club where children can happily play but adults and children activities seem to be always apart.

If you’re traveling with small children or if you have special needs, all-inclusive resorts usually offer cribs, high chairs, wheel chairs  and beach equipment like sand pails, balls, rackets, kayaks, included with no extra charge, which is great!, but be careful with surcharges that may apply at upscale restaurants and special treats like Golf or Spa. Also be careful with jet-skies or some other motorized sports rental which come with a high incremental price tag in your All-Inclusive Plan. You´d better check prices before you make major promises to your family.

Why don´t we better think about options in other Resorts which have made an effort to cater to family members of all ages together through carefully-tailored programs for the whole family and themed entertainment for kids and you are not trapped into the facilities because you already prepaid for it. A Resort in which you feel home away from home, where you chose what to do and where to eat and where you arrange your activities at your best convenience, a Resort in which what you pay worth it what your family deserves.

What do you think?

FLOATING BRIDGE
At the mouth of Xel-Ha Inlet lies a combined feat of Nature and engineering –the “Floating Bridge” uniting the main service area to the jungle paths that lead to the river. The Bridge consists of interconnected buoyant sections resting upon the water, thus separating the inlet from the open Caribbean Sea.

TREPACHANGA
Adventurous visitors will be eager to live a thrilling challenge in Xel-Ha. There are two platforms constructed more than 50 yards apart from each other, bridged only by parallel ropes that hover above the River below called “Trepachanga”, where crossing is a feat that requires balance, flexibility, coordination and strength to resist not to plunge into the cool waters below.

CLIFF OF COURAGE
Another thrilling challenge for the fearless are the “Cliffs of Courage”, along the banks of the Xel-Ha River, accessible from the water and from the footpath, from which adventure craving visitors show off their diving skills crashing into the turquoise waters below.

CHILDREN´S PLAYGROUND
Xel-Ha has built a special place for the little ones, keeping in mind their safety, amusement, and education in turn. Children’s area includes a wading pool, a playground area with swings, slides, rope ladders, a rope maze, and a wooden playhouse, painting and drawing activities hosted by the park´s staff. There is a hammock resting area for parents very close by.

MO´S FLIGHT
In Xel-Ha there are several freshwater pools, fed by underground currents that gradually flow out into the Xel-Ha River. From a raised rock, a rope swing emulates the flight of the legendary macaw guardian, Mo. A leap off this rock sends one skimming over the deliciously cool, blue surface of the pool, until splashing into waters below.

JUNGLE TRAIN
The Jungle Train takes you to the beginning of Xel-Ha’s River from the main service area running back and forth in brief minutes. It is the fastest, most refreshing, and relaxed way to reach the River on these vehicles which are colorful real works of art.

BICYCLES
Another fascinating alternative to reach the River’s starting point is the bicycle trail that measures about a kilometer in length. A healthy pace should travel the route in ten to fifteen minutes. Mountain bicycles are available for adults and children with no rental fee. Only a few steps away from the bicycle path, you will see coatis, porcupines, and tzereques approaching shyly to you.

PATH OF CONSCIOUSNESS
The “Path of consciousness“is located within Xel-Ha’s roads, transmitting to all visitors a collection of thoughts and reflections by different authors, inspired in Nature’s beauty. The purpose of this path is that by reading these messages engraved along the path, visitors make consciousness about respect for nature and its conservation.

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.

SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
Xel-Ha Eco-Park presents two dolphin swim programs: Interax, where you know these wonderful creatures through contact and games, and Primax, a longer program that features several additional activities including “foot-foot push. Trainers at Xel-Ha provide a safe environment for dolphins and visitors.

SEA TREAK
Sea Trek is so easy. With the aid of a technologically advanced helmet, Sea trek requires no previous training, diving or otherwise. On the other hand, our experts will be close at hand at all times during the activity, aiding every need and satisfying every curiosity concerning the magical, aquatic world.

SNUBA
Xel-Ha Eco-Park offers all the liberty and ease of underwater breathing in one of the most wonderful scenarios imaginable with a sophisticated combination of scuba and snorkel equipment to admire the myriad of fish and marine creatures. Nothing more than snorkeling experience is needed.

KAYAKS
the magnificent scenery of Xel-Ha’s is great to live a lifetime adventure on a kayak.
Vessels are available for individual and twin navigation. No experience is necessary, and there is no additional fee. The only condition is strapping on a life jacket and paddling with enthusiasm to explore the mysteries of an eon-aged monument.

SNORKEL
Xel-Ha is the world’s most beautiful Natural Aquarium, with no walls and no glass. It is a unique place for underwater exploration. Xel-Ha houses over 70 recorded species of different kind of fish. The endangered queen conch inhabits Xel-Ha under careful monitoring and protection. Some temporary visitors to the inlet include sea turtles and manatees.

Xel-Ha has six snorkel equipment distribution centers located around the inlet, and life-jackets at almost every pier. There is no cost for these services.

SNORKELING SCHOOL
Xel-Ha Eco-Park offers a Snorkeling School teaching techniques, responsibility, and use of gear. If you are a fancy learner, you will be at the most beautiful classroom of the world.

DOLPHIN TREAK
With the Dephinus Trek program, into the crystalline waters of Xel-Ha you can admire the underwater world with the most amazing creatures, dolphins. You will be able to witness every one of their movements being immersed in the water with them.

** Cheap hotels.
Cheap rate hotels only cover basic needs.

*** Suite hotels.
Ideal for business travel, extended stays or family vacations , including house amenities like kitchenette, microwaves, silverware and more.

****Boutique hotels.
Comfortable lodging within a unique atmosphere at affordable price. Usually amenities include restaurant, swimming pool and patio.

***** Luxury hotels/Resorts with uspcale facilities spa, gym, business center and entertainment including service oriented amenities.

GT World class hotel/Resorts surpass every expectation with the highest standards of service and facilities. They usually include rooms for corporate events, weddings, conferences and other events.

The Eco-Park opens from 8:30 hrs. to 17:00 hrs.

Xel-Ha is located in the Riviera Maya, 60 minutes drive from Cancun, 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen and 15 minutes from Tulum. In the kilometer 240 of the highway Chetumal-Cancun.

Children under 39 inches or 1 meter are FREE

Nowadays, ecology plays a very important role in Xel-Ha, which facilities have been built with uttermost care for environment. Respect for nature is the axis of all projects.

As part of other Xel-Ha programs, they care for wild birds and provide feeding for migratory birds on the 64 hectares of lowland tropical forest within the park.

The park does not practice harmful activities inside, like fumigating, burning or clearing land. One of the park’s on-going projects is the reforestation of all park areas with native plants. Also, fish and other marine species get special attention at Xel-Ha. They are not only protected and fed every day, but their population and health are monitored.

Some other additional projects include habitat and artificial reef construction, reforesting the sea bed and the creation of water quality monitoring systems. Xel-Ha treats reprocesses gray water for use in vegetation irrigation. There are actually three plants working together to process gray water without chemicals. Process products are used to fertilize water and otherwise cultivate native plants in the parks conservatories and nurseries.

GETTING INVOLVED on Environmental Actions

Where to start being environmentally friendly when so many problems are simmering under our eyes? Extinction of endangered species, garbage management, sea water pollution, global warming and more. IT’S ALARMING!

Where to begin? Well, to be environmentally friendly, let’s begin with the examination of our own conscience!

We have to admit and be fully aware that our actions are strongly contributing to most of the environmental problems. Our way of life is not compatible with eco-friendly actions for earth’s survival. Human activities are the main risk for our natural resources. Disposal of urban and industrial wastes, exploitation of minerals, improper use of soil by inadequate agricultural practices and the use of chemical products are a few factors.
The Industrial Revolution has set a series of events into motion destroying natural habitats and polluting the environment, causing diseases in humans, animals and plants.

The use of pesticides and other daily-use products lead to the endangerment of all life on Earth.

The forest plays a vital role in the planet as a climate regulator. It is clear that we are not well aware of this, since we cut trees for some non essential human needs. Our forests are being destroyed. We are cutting down the life-forms that are providing us the air that we need to survive!

We could probably survive without the paper or wood we consume every day, but not without the oxygen produced by the trees via photosynthesis.

Did you know that to have our corporal wastes transferred to sewers we use 10 liters of drinking water each time we flush the toilet?. Every laundry washing machine takes between 80 and 160 liters of water?

It is urgent that we change the ways to treat, distribute and consume water. In fact, the world consumption of water is doubling every 20 years, that is to say twice higher than the expansion rate of the human population. If it continues so, in a near future water will be soon sold to those who can afford it only, even if it is a vital element of life survival,

We have to face the problem by acting. We have to stop thinking that problems will be solved spontaneously by themselves sometime in the future without the need of getting involved.

Don’t believe those who tell you that recycling is not worth. Don’t believe in those who tell you that your efforts are vain. Persist on your individual actions, they may change things. Each of us contribute to make the difference, little by little, day by day.

Be part of the eco-friendly minds. Your contribution for now can be on this site, leaving your comments can help others to raise awareness towards the environment.
Thank You!

Some evidences indicate that Xel Ha was actively occupied during Classic and Postclassic times, but most of the buildings were rebuilt in the Late Postclassic. It was probably not fully abandoned until the 19th Century. In 1841, the explorers Stephens and Catherwood discovered a stela with an Early Classic date of 9.6.10.0.0 (564a.d) from Xel-Ha.

Xel Ha was an important merchant port of the Mayan city of Coba. It was likely used as an exchange point between the Maya and other sea-navigating people between the 7th and 12th centuries, and eventually was a beacon to which European colonial navigators were drawn.

In December 1526 one of Cortés’ party, the wealthy nobleman Francisco de Montejo, after persistently lobbying the Spanish crown for several years, was granted a royal contract to raise an army and conquer Yucatán. This involved three separate campaigns from 1527 to 1546.

Xel Ha location was used as a base by Spanish forces, during their first failed expedition (1527–28) led by the conquistador Francisco de Montejo, In his first attempt (1527-1528) he brought three ships with several hundred men to Santo Domingo from Spain, landing at Cozumel in September 1527 with two ships and about 200 men. They crossed over from the island of Cozumel to make landfall at Xelha’s lagoons  and Xcaret, called Pole in colonial times.

Montejo pretended to be the first Spanish settlement on the peninsula, which he named “Salamanca de Xelha” like his birthplace in Spain, Salamanca. However, the supplies they had brought were not enough to sustain their task. Eventually Montejo’s forces stabilized and made expeditions, heading out with some 125 men north towards Ecab near Cabo Catoche while other 65 men stayed on these coastal lands. Early in 1528, after two months in Ecab, they fought a large battle at Aké, 10 miles north of Tizimin. There, while Montejo lost half his men, over 1200 Maya were killed. He returned several months later. The 65 conquistadores who had been left behind at Salamanca de Xel Ha fared no better, many of them perished from disease or had been  massacred in raids with Maya, leaving Montejo with only about a third of his original troop.

Returning to Xel-ha and Xcaret with only 60 of 125 men (some having died from disease), Montejo realized his men left there had been massacred and he headed South to explore Chetumal and determine the size of Yucatan´s region, receiving  information from Cortés. In 1524 he left to Honduras after failing to meet up with d’Avila at Chetumal as it was planned.  Montejo knew that Guerrero, the other Valdivia survivor, now an effective Maya war leader, was nearby. Montejo attempted but failed to make contact with him. Then he sailed as far south as the Río Ulúa, which he determined to be the southern portion of his administrative domain. Finally rejoining d’Avila at Xamanha near Xel-ha, Montejo returned to Veracruz.