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Flamingos are often seen from the harbor or even from the hotel in Rio Lagartos
Photo by njlarsen
Rio Lagartos, Yucatan, Mexico, May 2012

Includes Ria Lagartos

Overview

Rio Lagartos is a fishing/tourism village on the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Yucatan, Mexico. A large area around the village is the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, including the bay in front of the village and some lagunes reached by sailing up through the system of canals. Partial access to some of the same area is obtained along the Las Coloradas road which leads to a salt production site with several large evaporation ponds and to the very small village of Las Coloradas.

This area is known as an easy place to see the Caribbean/American Flamingo and several localized specialties such as Yucatan Wren and Mexican Sheartail. The Jabiru is sometimes seen in the area but cannot be counted on.

Birds

Notable Species

American Flamingo is the crown jewel in the wetlands (unless you are lucky enough to come across a Jabiru (very rare)), but all the herons and egrets ranging to this area can be found, including Boat-billed Heron, as well as other coastal and water-associated species. Also in the same area will Osprey be expected, and Common Black Hawk is a possibility. In the drier areas along the Las Coloradas road, you should find Yucatan Bobwhite, Lesser Roadrunner, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Yucatan Wren, Mexican Sheartail, Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Woodpecker, and Orange Oriole.

Rarities

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Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

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Other Wildlife

The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana is common in the area.

Site Information

History and Use

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Areas of Interest

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Access and Facilities

Hotels are available in the villages of Rio Lagartos and San Filipe (a few Km west of Rio Lagartos). Access to the general area happens by the road leading to Rio Lagartos from the south from Valledolid and Tizimin.

There are several options for going out into the bay and up into the lagoons with a small boat, including a cooperative. Dry land birds are best accessed along the road from Rio Lagartos to Las Coloradas.

Contact Details

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External Links

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