Member's Home Forums General Discussion Mexico Mexico Aeronautical & Regulatory Any one been to Xcalac (XCA)?

Considering a flight to Xcalac. Comments would be appreciated from any one that has been there recently? Conditions? Services? Safety? Security? Suggested fuel stop(s) between Tampico (MMTM) and Xcalac (XCA)?

Advise or comments about the Hotel Tierra Maya would be appreciated too. Kid friendly? Food? Diving? Costs? Accommodations?

Thanks,

Kipp

Hello Kipp, I just called the DGAC in Chetumal who have jurisdiction over Xcalac and they indicated that it is in fact open and the military is on the field providing security. I would stronlgy urge all pilots to call the DGAC office with jurisdiction over an airport to call before lfying there to ensure that the airport is open.

I will defer to Pia on the hotel questions.

Rick,
Are you suggesting that if I am to land at Tampico and Celalya next month I should now call the DGAC office? I have not done so in the past. Is this new?

Thanks,

Hi Kipp. No, this is for the remote non-towered airstrips. Sometimes airstrip owners let their permits lapse or begin the renewal process late and their permit expires before the new one is issued. When this occurs, some DGAC offices will issue NOTAM's closing the airport. Also, the DGAC now has a national network where they can check the status of airport permits around the country. If they see that you are filing a flight plan to an airstrip that does not have a permit they can deny approval of your flight plan.

It is inadvisable to knowingly fly to an aistrip that has been closed. Aside from the legal aspect of the DGAC and the military, there is also a practical aspect with your insurance company who may not want to accept a claim if you had an accident at the airport.

Xcalac is an airstrip that has been going on 6 month permits for some time (rather than the normal 5 year permit) so it is advisable that you check with the DGAC in Chetumal to make sure that it has not expired.

hello
we were there jan 2010. landed at chetumal for fuel and we informed that xcalac air strip was closed.. permit issue.?
the commander? anyway the person in charge a lady was very helpful -- checking on rental cars -- we ended up getting a off airport taxi --they cost less-- about 100 dollars for the 1 1/2 hour ride to our hotel, which was great. costa de cocos , the loction is stunning. beautiful palm thached dining room /bar on white sand beach, water temp must have been 80 deg crystal clear water.free kayaks, bike,pier, buoys tie kayaks near inner reef, excellent skin diving, excellent food reasonable prices, sent vehicle to xcalac air strip to pu us up,(we never arrived) check travel advisors for other reviews. doug

We are travelling their for Jan 31 thru Feb.04, Will be staying at www.costadecocos.com for the first time. Alternative is Mahahual about 35 miles NE. You must make arrangements for pick up. PM me if additional info required.

Thanks for the updates. Sounds intriguing.

Just returned yesterday from our excursion thru Mexico, including a trip and 5 day layover in Xcalac. We left Sudbury, Ontario (CYSB) on Jan. 29th in -30 C weather. Cleared US customs at Sanderson Field in Sault St. Marie MI.Flew down thru East Central and South Central states to jump off thru KHRL, Harlingen, TX into MMVR Veracruz MX.Cleared Mexican immigration processes there. Then on to MMTG, Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristobal region for a week.
Departed MMTG for Chetumal MMCM via Candelaria as waypoint to skirt around BELIZE Airspace. Landed at Chetumal to fuel and see if we could get permission to use the Xcalac airstrip, however the only one that was allowed at that time is the one at Mahahual (MHL)approx. 30 miles distant from XCA. Coordinated with Costa de Cocos where we had booked to stay, when we flew over the resort they would send a taxi to meet us at MHL. This cost about 450 pesos ($45.00) one way. We were greeted by the Mexican army upon landing at MHL who searched our A/C and luggage. This was the only place in Mexico that our A//C was searched in some detail. I actually think it was quite a big event for them as we were the only one's on the field. THe DGAC rep? was also there and helped to coordinate the activities. Once the inspections were complete we had lots of help to park, tie-down and haul luggage to the terminal building. We paid a 350 peso fee for landing/ tiedown to the DGAC type official and 400 pesos for parking to the Army group upon taking off 5 days later. I consider this cheap for lots of attention and custom security for your A/C. Spent 5 days at Xcalac mostly doing nothing, if you are a diver and/or a flat fishing type this is the predominant activity in this area. In my opinion probably not so good for young children that are not involved in the noted activities. Swimming areas and beaches are not as accessible due to restrictions of this being part of the biosphere reserve. There are boisphere, bird watching, and boat trips to Belize from that area if you are so inclined. This area is not the resort type destinations of the more northern areas of the Mayan Riviera, Accomadations are Rustic, hunting/fishing lodge style, Food is well prepared with a great variety of seafood. Caution the Large Pizza is just that- LARGE, Will feed 4 people adequately. For the most part this area is quite satisfying to visit if your expectations are modest. Met some great people here from the US and Canada and had quite the relaxing time. As for fuel stops and availability we had no problems obtaining any at Veracruz or Chetumal. Cost about $4.00 per US gal. MHL is only about a 30 minute flight from Chetumal. THe Mexican Army Form in the Caribean Skytour guide is of great assistance when dealing with any Mexican authourities, Army or otherwise, especially for those of us that do not speak a word of Spanish. Fill it out for each destination and hand it to the Army personel and it answers any and all of their questions. Go with the flow and enjoy, Remember its MEXICAN TIME.