Here’s our monthly gallery showcasing some of the region’s many natural and historical attractions. How many have you visited? Which ones would you like to explore on future visits to Cancun and the Riviera Maya?
Holbox
Located on Quintana Roo’s north coast, the peaceful island of Holbox is a place to leave your cares behind and renew your bond with nature. Spend hours rocking gently in a hammock, walking along the shell-strewn beach gazing at the Gulf of Mexico, the spectacular sunsets and the stars. There are birding and fishing trips all year round, and the chance to see whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles in the summer and early fall. The fresh seafood is a Mexican Caribbean dining highlight and be sure to try the lobster pizza, an island specialty!
Punta Laguna
If you are visiting the ancient Maya city of Coba, call in at Punta Laguna for more glimpses of the area’s wildlife. About 20 minutes from Coba, this community-owned nature reserve owes its name to a jungle-rimmed lagoon. The forest is home to families of spider monkeys that forage in the tree tops for chicozapote fruit. Villagers offer guided tours along nature trails to point out native birds, animals and plants.
Balancanche Cave
Located six kilometers to the east of Chichen Itza, Balancanche was a sacred place for ancient Mayan priests who visited the cave to perform rites in honor of Chaac, the rain god. Incense burners, statues and other offerings were found when the caves were first explored. The site also boasts a small museum.
Las Coloradas
On the Gulf coast of the Yucatan, Las Coloradas is a small port that is famous for its surreal landscape of fuschia pink salt lagoons shimmering in the tropical heat under a cloudless blue sky.
The shallow lagoons owe their distinctive pink color to microorganisms and algae that thrive in the salty water. In the distance you can also see mounds of the salt that evaporates naturally from the water and is harvested, an activity that dates back to the days of the ancient Maya.
Las Coloradas is on the doorstep of Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, the huge wetland reserve that is home to thousands of flamingos. Flocks of these birds can often be spotted in the lagoons surrounding Las Coloradas and their salmon pink plumage is due to their diet of a minute brine shrimp found only in the area.
Thomas More Travel can help you arrange tours to these locations and many more throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
