The Mayan ruins of an ancient metropolis can still be found at Xel-Ha. It appears to have had its most important development between the 1st and 6th century A.D. as a vital port city to the Mayan sea-faring network around the Caribbean. After a profound decline in its activity during several centuries, Xel-Ha reached new levels of significance around the 12th century A.D.; it was around this time the rampart protecting this port was built. Xel-Ha was a city of great importance as a commercial port until the arrival of the Spaniards in the 15th century.

Along the footpath towards the beginning of the Xel-Ha River, there is a detour towards the Mayan ruins of the ancient wall that protected the port. Though the magnificence of ancient civilization has been overcome by the patient hand of Nature, it echoes in Xel-Ha nonetheless, for the awe of future generations.