All about Río Lagartos in Yucatán (2025 Travel Guide)

The Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is located on the Emerald Coast at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Despite its name, Río Lagartos is actually a lagoon, not a river – a mistake made by the Spanish conquistadors, and the name stuck.

For nature lovers, a boat trip through the lagoon is a must. You can rent a boat for a two-hour tour for around 2,000 pesos.

What makes this area so special is its variety of ecosystems, including

• coastal dunes,

• wetlands,

• tropical dry forests,

• savannas, and

• mangroves.

This diverse range of habitats supports an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Over 400 bird species can be found here, including rare toucans, herons, pelicans, falcons, storks, cormorants, and sea eagles.

The main attraction for most visitors is the flamingos, which can be spotted year-round in the lagoon, along with occasional crocodiles. In 2004, this region was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast, or Costa Esmeralda, is an unofficial name given to the 98 km stretch of coastline in the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. The name comes from the stunning emerald-colored waters that make this area unique.

The coast is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and relatively untouched landscapes. It's a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a more peaceful, natural side of the Yucatán.

The Emerald Coast also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including of course swimming and snorkeling, but especially exploring nearby nature reserves, wildlife, and the mangrove forests.

It's a more relaxed beach experience compared to the Caribbean side of the peninsula, although the beaches aren't as sandy and the water isn't as stunning as you'll find along the Caribbean coast.

What to Know Before You Go

Las Coloradas, a stunning biosphere area known for its pink lagoons, mangrove forests, and flamingos, is just a short drive away, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.

As mentioned before, be mindful of the travel time depending on how much you value birdwatching. Another tip: be sure to use insect repellent, as there are plenty of mosquitoes, especially in the mangroves.

If you plan to photograph the flamingos (or any animals), a zoom lens is a must. The boats keep a safe distance from the birds to avoid disturbing them.

Without a decent zoom, your impressive flamingo shot might just end up as a blurry pink spot in the photo. On the other hand, an ultra-wide angle lens works great for capturing the stunning landscapes.

How to Get to Río Lagartos from Mérida?

Río Lagartos is quite a distance from Mérida, so it's a full day trip. To get there by car, take highway 176 east, then switch to highway 295 north at Tizimín, heading straight to Río Lagartos.

If you prefer the bus, you can catch one from the "Terminal de Autobuses Noreste" bus station at Calle 67, No. 529 (Calle 67 x Calle 50) in Mérida. As mentioned, it's a bit of a journey, so make sure you're ready for a full day of travel.