Celestún, home of the pink flamingo
Celestun is a very beautiful natural reserve encompassing the river, beach, natural springs, a petrified forest and great diversity of flora and fauna. It is a main site for flamingo mating, which is one reason it is so attractive to visitors, as well as its lodging, which includes eco-hotels, restaurants with delicious food and beach. Once here, you won’t fail to feel at one with nature.Ã
The trip through the mangroves in the Reserva de la Biósfera RÃa Celestún is an exciting tour of wild adventure. You’ll be fascinated by all the birds flying in Celestun’s skies. On the shores you can admire ducks that come from Canada to live around the river from December to March. You can also see pelicans, herons, albatross and other aquatic birds, especially the attractive and emblematic Caribbean or pink flamingo, which inhabits this area all year. Don’t forget about the white sand beaches and the emerald greed sea, which invite you to enjoy this beautiful port. Celestun is also one of the principal zones for endangered sea turtles, which you can observe in their natural habitat on unbeatable trips in boats guided by locals, after which you can choose from a menu of delicious seafood in Celestun’s restaurants. Simply sensational!Ã
Activities
Beach, birdwatching and ecotourism
Price
Celestun tours can be taken from Merida starting at 700 pesos (around 55 USD) per person.à Most travel agenciesà offer tours that include a ride through the river (home of the pink flamingo), time on the beach and lunch at a seafood restaurant.
How to get there
By car: Take the Mérida-Caucel # 281 highway to Huncmá. Pass Tetiz and Kinchil until you get to Celestún. By bus: Head to the Noroeste terminal on calle 67 and 50. Buses leave every hour starting at 5 am to 8 pm, 47 pesos for a 2-hour trip.
Schedule
Buses leave at 12:20 pm, 4 pm, 7:05 pm (subject to change)
Services
Lodging, house/room rental, restaurants, ground transportation, handicrafts, basic shopping.
Nearby places
As a final destination you can visit the Real de Salinas ranch, an old trading center for salt extraction. You can also visit Punta Nimún where you will find an endless amount of clams and shrimp.
State
Yucatan
City
Celestún
