Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Ría Lagartos
A lagoon biosphere reserve on the Yucatán's north coast, where small boats reveal flocks of pink flamingos, crocodiles and mangroves. You can also experience a Maya mud bath.
Ría Lagartos lies about 100 km north of Valladolid, roughly 1.5 hours by car. It became a protected area in 1979 and was later designated a biosphere reserve. Hire a local boatman at the village pier for a 2–3 hour trip through the mangroves to see American flamingos, pelicans, herons and crocodiles. You can also stop on the white salt-mud shallows for a 'Maya mud bath.' Flamingos are present year-round, with the largest numbers during the April–July breeding season. Boat fares are charged per boat, so sharing with others is cheaper. Keep your distance from the birds, and ask your boatman not to scare the flocks into flight.
Opening hours
Boat trips by day; morning is best
Nearby sights
- Las Coloradas
- Ek' Balam
- Cenote X'Canché
- Cenote Hubiku
- Cenote Suytun
- Cenote Zací
- Valladolid Historic Centre
- San Roque Museum