I love everything there is about traveling! The bus, the plane, the train, the car, the people watching, the smells, the architecture and the energy of a new place I have not explored yet. Welcome to Rio Lagartos, Mexico!
Located half way between Playa Del Carmen and Merida, Rio Lagartos is an easy haven to lose yourself in the simple beauty of life.
It was so fun traveling through the little villages on our way to our destination so let me back up and take you on the trip! 
We stopped off for breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, coconut water and a few breakfast tacos. The REAL Mexican breakfast taco!
The village of Temazon bustled with people on their way to sell their crafts, bring their children to school and their daily life activities.
Everyone was so nice to us. This woman was so adorable. With barley no teeth she giggled so hard as I took this picture. I wish she would not have covered her mouth. Her smile was so genuine!
Peeking through the light this little boy was just as curious as I.
The architecture of Temazon was just as beautiful as it’s people!
Next stop…Ek Balam! If you like to visit Mexico’s ruins. Ek Balam is a must see but, we didn’t go there this time. We went to the little village right next to the ruins where they make many of the hammocks for sale in downtown Playa Del Carmen!
This beauty adorns my terrace now! But lets continue on the journey. Rio Lagartos!
A small fishing town, Rio Lagartos lies on a lagoon in which it’s name is from… “Allegator River”!
But this Natural Biosphere Reserve protects more wild life inhabitants that you would even imagine to find here.
There are hundreds of bird species in this mangrove-lined estuary.
Some of the other inhabitants include the Snowy and Red Egrets and the Snowy White Ibis. Rio Lagartos is internationally known for bird watching with a record of 388 different bird species and a part of IBA (Important Bird Area).
The character of this little town carries you out to the Gulf of Mexico where the fish are abundant and the wind sets your sails!
Traveling further into the Rio we discovered a few other things that are unique to the region.
Salt mining! A trade that begun with the Mayans is now a full scale industry to the area.
After passing through the mines we rounded the corner on the beach front dirt road and that’s when I saw the pink. Unbelieveable!
Rio Lagartos host approximately 40,000 Flamingos each year. You can see most of the Flamingos in July and August but they are there all year round.
The water is rich in algea and crustaceans that contain pigments called carotenoids. That’s why the water is PINK! And that is why these beautiful creatures are the color they are!
Rio Lagartos is a natural wonder and full of surprises! I had no idea about the Flamingos, sport fishing or that the coastline of the Bio Reserve is the third most important breeding site for sea turtles world wide. As the sun set upon us and we began our journey back to Playa Del Carmen I knew that I would have to return to this beautiful place. There was so much to see and do (I didn’t even tell you about the healing mud treatments)! And of course, Rio Lagartos, I want more time in the pink!
Thanks for reading!
Kat
