Rio Lagartos

Río Lagartos is located 2.5 hours from Mérida (230 kms) and from Playa del Carmen, and 1.5 hours from Chichén Itzá. In Yucatán there are no true rivers above ground, only formations called rías, which are entries from the ocean to the coast, forming canals with abundant aquatic vegetation called mangroves. It is worthwhile exploring them; it is a unique experience.

Río Lagartos is within the Biosphere Special Reserve on the northern coast of the Yucatán on the Gulf of Mexico, just west of the border with Quintana Roo, and is famous for its enormous flamingo colony and large variety of other species. It is also a picturesque fishing village with colorfully painted wooden and cement homes. Protected by the SEMARNAP to preserve the diverse flora and fauna of the area, it was registered in the United Nations in 1986 as an area of important international wetlands.

Declared “Biosphere Reserve,” with 60,000 hectares, Ría Lagartos hosts the largest American flamingo population in México, with approximately 44,000 birds. Its coastal lagoons are areas of seasonal rest and winter territory for flocks of migratory and local birds, with an actual record of 388 different bird species in the area.

The beaches offer habitat for nesting of Carey and white marine turtles. The Cooperative Río Lagartos Adventures, a Yucatecan company dedicated to offering eco-tourist and gastronomy services, with a history and experience of 10 years, has a solid infrastructure and trained personnel, made up by the families Nuñez, Marfil, Canul, Contreras, and Vallejos, 100% local people. At the pier they  have the boats, kayaks, mountain bikes, and trained guides, ready for you to enjoy the various tours offered in Spanish, Italian, or English.

This is a fantastic place for birdwatchers and those who want to see an unusual area that is off the beaten track. There are different boat trips you can take that will allow you to explore the ría, the nesting areas, or Chiquila Beach.

We recommend the trips that leave from the La Torreja Restaurant with Diego, as he is quite knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, having taken courses on preserving this delicately balanced area. (Be sure to find them at La Torreja, on the waterfront 50 m. from the only lighthouse in town, as often their competition tries to attract their customers first!)

Río Lagartos has 60 km. of pristine beaches (in the Bio-Reserve) which are accessible by launch from Río Lagartos...perfect for beachcombing, shelling, picnics, snorkeling and camping. Río Lagartos Adventures at the Torreja Restaurant offers transportation for all of the above.

How to get there
:

You can get to Río Lagartos via a travel agency, in a rented car or by bus. By car drive east to Tizimín and then go north to Río Lagartos. There are a few hotels here.

Activities (it is best to make a reservation):
Río Lagartos Adventures
Contact: Diego Nuñez

Cell: 986 100 8390
Website: www.riolagartosnaturetours.com

Hotel:

Hotel San Felipe 
(9 km. west of Río Lagartos)
Tel. (986) 862 2027 

Email: padilla_ceci@hotmail.com
Email: sanfelipehotel@hotmail.com