There exists a land where the phoenix rises up from its ashes into a blazing fire. It is a place on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the currents of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico merge into a turbulent stream of turquoise and green hues which works its way inland to form the most sacred of estuaries and lagoons: Ría Lagartos. Here, since time immemorial the Caribbean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber, has found a feeding, reproduction and nesting sanctuary. An unordinary landscape, the Biosphere Reserve of Ría Lagartos holds a cornucopia of unique ecosystems, some flourishing during the dry months and others reaching their splendor in the rainy months of spring and fall. Here, one can see cacti growing on sandy dunes by the sea, heavenly palm trees, alabaster mountains of salt near the banks of the river which contrast beautifully with the peculiar red color of the water, a lush and verdant jungle with natural fresh water wells surrounded by bare land, and mangrove forests on the edges of the waterways.
Mystery and adventure on the boat ride!!! Ría Lagartos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse areas on the peninsula. The people that live here are incredibly friendly, the foods are delicious and fresh, and the specialty dish is made of tiny conch shells. During the festive months of June and July, great fun can be had by all! Inexpensive cabañas can be rented in most of the villages. See a place where more than 200 different kinds of tropical birds and rare species share a common habitat. Fishermen and guides are usually available to take anyone interested on a boat ride through the estuaries and lagoons, which is often the best way to admire the flamingos and the beautiful landscape. Here, one can actually feel that nature is in fact, perfect.
Only a three-hour car ride from Cancún, the journey to this fascinating ecological reserve is worthwhile. The old highway towards Mérida passes through a number of small villages where the traditions of the Mayan culture are still very much alive in the midst of a modernizing country.
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