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Two hours from Valladolid, Yucatan, there is an ecosystem most travelers never find. The Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is an ecosystem of mangroves, coastal dunes and lagoons where Mexico’s largest colony of pink flamingos nests, and where, if you arrive at the right moment, you may have them almost to yourself.
The tour begins at the hotel with your host. Upon arrival in Río Lagartos, your guide will be William Canto, bird specialist biologist and official monitor of the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. He has collaborated with National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian, Audubon, Cornell, UNAM and is co-author of scientific articles on the region’s fauna. He has led nature photography workshops with Nikon, Canon and Sony. When William shows you a flamingo, he is showing you an animal he has studied, photographed and monitored for years.
The private boat tour lasts approximately four hours and varies according to the day’s conditions, always seeking the most solitary places in the reserve.
During the tour we will navigate in front of Las Coloradas, the famous pink-water lagoons whose color comes from salt and the microorganisms that inhabit them. William will explain in detail how the salt factory works, the chemistry behind the color and the ecosystem that makes it possible. A very different perspective from those who simply arrive to photograph them from land.
The afternoon has a tactical advantage: when most boats have already returned, the flamingos come closer. It is the moment William knows better than anyone.
Most of the time lunch is served on the beach, with time to swim and cool off before returning to the boat. On some occasions, depending on conditions, an equally special spot inside the reserve is found.
Crocodiles on the shores, dozens of bird species, the silence of the mangroves. A day that was not on the itinerary and becomes one of the most remembered parts of the trip.
Private tour to Río Lagartos from Valladolid, available exclusively for guests of Hotel Posada San Juan, Yucatan.
Return to Valladolid: around 6:00 PM.
Reserve guide: William Canto, biologist and official reserve monitor.
Includes: private transportation, driver-guide, specialist guide William Canto, boat tour and lunch.
Total price: from $570 USD depending on the number of people.
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