As natural wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula became subjects of more frequent accounts in the chronicles made by the conquerors. It is that the exoticism and tropical beauty pleasantly surprised those people coming from the old continent! The Ría Lagartos estuary is a sanctuary of diversity and natural beauty on the coast of Yucatán, which is presented in most of the descriptions made there around the 16th century. Friar Diego de Landa, the evangelizer of the Franciscan Order, summarizes the characteristics of this wonder in simple words: “There is a geography in Yucatán worthy of memory” it is something that admires the infinity, the variety, and the multitude of birds there are, and the beauty of each in their kinds.”
The Ría Lagartos Natural Reserve Park is located on the coast of the state of Yucatán and is simply a mirror of water where the sweet currents of springs meet the salty blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, creating a setting of extraordinary beauty, of absolute perfection.
During the pre-Hispanic era, the reserve belonged to the leadership of Ecab; it is believed that a port operated on Cerritos Island, a Maya port where the most important commercial transactions of all the economic domains of Chichen Itza took place.
Being able to navigate Ría Lagartos and fill your eyes with tropical exoticism will be an experience that will keep your five senses alert and ignite, in you, wonderful sensations. The mangroves and the characteristic force of tree roots, which feed on fresh and salt waters, are the main attractions. The intense green colors and the herb aroma will remind you that you are living an adventure in a tropical zone.
The characteristic of this adventure will undoubtedly be wildness. Why? Because it is a truly natural and untouched environment where the nature and species that inhabit it do not stop to see if there are any spectators; they simply live, fly, swim, and present themselves as exotic as if no one were watching.
The Caribbean Flamingo is the main attraction. How could it be otherwise, with its pink wings and slender necks as a method of elegance against the rustic shores of the estuary. Moreover, Ría Lagartos is home to more than 300 species of birds, which become the perfect orchestra, providing you with the music for your wild excursion.
When you navigate, you may encounter crocodiles basking on the shores, and certainly, some rare and exotic iguana with intense colors will capture your attention for a few moments.
To crown this unprecedented wild outing, when you finish navigating, you can relax and coat your body with a typical white clay from the area. Why white? Because it abounds in salts. In ancient times, the Mayans used it to prevent sunburn; today it is known that the rejuvenating properties of this clay are extraordinary. Are you excited to try it?
Visit Yucatán, enjoy nature! What are you waiting for?
Portuguese Versión: Ria Lagartos: diversidade e beleza natural da costa de yucatán
