Travelers
Guide to Playa del Carmen

Ria Lagartos
Ria
Lagartos, located within the Biosphere Special Reserve on the northern coast of
the Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, just east of the state of Quintana Roo, 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 SMARNAP 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.
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 ria, the nesting areas, or Chiquila Beach. We recommend the trips
that leave from the Isla Contly Restaurant with Diego, as he is quite
knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, having taken courses on
preserving this delicately balanced area.
You can get to Ria
Lagartos via a travel agency, in a rented car or by bus. There are no hotels
here. The next village, San Felipe, does have hotel accommodations that are
clean and reasonably priced.