Explore Río Lagartos: A Natural Paradise in Yucatán

Drop everything you don’t need and get ready to accumulate unforgettable memories; prepare your senses because a full of indescribable emotions journey awaits you. In Río Lagartos, Yucatán, nature and you will be this fascinating journey stars.

 

For years, an infinity of essential items for supplying the peninsula left from this fishing port, so that Río Lagartos and Puerto de San Felipe are both considered the exit doors of all marketing products in Tizimín.

 

Surely the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about Río Lagartos are pink flamingos. And you aren’t wrong, since this protected area is practically its sanctuary. Here you’ll see large groups of these birds and you won’t even know where to start counting them.

 

It’s important to tell that this protected area homes other animals and plants. Regarding flamingos, they visit yearly the mangroves to complete their reproduction cycle.

 

If one of your musts when visiting Río Lagartos is to see these beautiful specimens, we recommend visiting it from January to September, when you’ll be able to admire them in all their splendor.

 

In addition, in Río Lagartos you can find other species such as pheasants, white-tailed deer, jaguars and, of course, lizards! Hence the name. Therefore, it was declared as a Wildlife Refuge by the Mexican Government. It’s an extraordinary treasure that we must jealously guard.

 

Thanks to its location, you can carry out a wide variety of activities for living with nature. For instance, the mangroves tours, only possible through specialized agencies, since they deeply know nature and it’s crucial both you and the animals are safe. In addition, this area access is controlled for its preservation, in consequence only authorized experts enter.

 

Tours last 4 hours average, although time could be variable. For sure, you’ll wish time passes in slow motion since everything you’ll see takes on an unique and incomparable meaning.

 

Another thing we must add is that you’ll surely meet some crocodiles during the walk, but you shouldn’t worry—they'll bury themselves in their habitat without disturbing you so you shouldn’t mess with them. Just follow the guide's instructions.

 

As a bonus, these tours include a revitalizing Mayan bath, where you can immerse yourself in salts-and-minerals high concentrated waters. Its magnificent clay works as an excellent natural exfoliator. Much better than going to the spa!

 

If you thought you had already read everything, let us add that this place also has an eye of water where the rainy fresh water meets the sea salt water: it’s known as Chiquilá.

 

If you want to get the best of your trip, you can go to Las Coloradas, a nearby and very visited place because of its unmistakable pink waters. Likely you’ve already seen them in countless Instagram stories.

 

Río Lagartos is a beach at Yucatán Peninsula east, 2 hours 45 minutes from Mérida (222 km) and 3 hours from Progreso (165 km). Although the distances seem to be very short, the roads are usually quite rustic and winding, that’s why it is likely that the road times will lengthen, but once there you’ll realize everything is worth it.