Rio Lagartos & Ek Balam

Description

This tour will take you to the magnificent Ek Balam “Black Jaguar” archaeological site, which is partly hidden among the jungle trees, with 45 known structures and surrounded by 2 stone walls.
You will have a guided visit at the very place where archaeologists are still working and unveiling secrets from the ancient Mayan civilization; a site that will soon become one of the most important ones in the Yucatán.  Plus the opportunity to visit the Río Lagartos Natural Reserve where we will enter the thick mangrove formations to watch the great variety of species such as flamingos, sea birds, raptors and crocodiles whose home this is.  We will also visit the ‘Salinas’ which are 12+ miles long pink lagoons. This is one of those very few tours that will take you off the beaten path!

Itinerary

• We will pick up our passengers starting 7:00 am.
• By 8:00 am we have completed the pick-up and we are on our way to our destination on an air-conditioned recent model Van.
• The guided visit to the archaeological site of Ek Balam will take approximately 45 minutes.
• Once we have completed the Ek Balam tour we will head to the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.
• At Río Lagartos we will take a two-hour boat tour to gaze at the flora and fauna, with highly knowledgeable guides who are experts in identifying the many bird’s species in the area.
• We will visit the ‘Salinas’ where, if the weather permits, we will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim at the salty mineral waters (where you can float) including the Mayan SPA, a mud bath with white clay and seaweed which exfoliate your skin.
• We will enjoy seafood dishes at ‘Isla Contoy’ Restaurant, right by the river.
• After lunch we will be on our way back to Cancún.

Includes

• Hotel – Río Lagartos / Ek Balam – Hotel transportation.
• Air conditioned recent model Van.
• Small groups of passengers.
• Admission to the Ek Balam Archaeological site.
• Guided visit (English Speaking guide).
• Seafood based meal.
• One soft drink during lunch.
• Boat tour of the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve (2 hours approximately).

Not Included

• Souvenirs.
• Gratuity for the tour guides.
• Additional drinks not mentioned.

Additional info

• Our tour begins when our air conditioned recent model van starts pick-ups at 7:00am, once we have completed pick-ups we will be on our way to Ek Balam.
• The pick-up and drop off schedules vary depending on the location of your hotel in Cancún.
• Pick-ups are scheduled to start at 7:00am and end by 8:00am.
• Each boat has capacity for 6 to 7 passengers who will be able to photograph, film and/or observe the beauty of the Biosphere Reserve.
• The meal consists on a mixed dish (for 4 people minimum) which contains grilled fish, breaded fish, shrimp crepes, fish filet stuffed with shrimp, fried fish filet with vegetable salad, potatoes, rice and tortillas. The drink included with lunch is a choice of water, soft drinks, wine or beer.
• By 5:00 pm we will be on our way back to Cancun and will arrive at around 7:30 pm to begin drop offs.

Important info

It was in 1979 that México established the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in the Yucatán. It protects nearly 150 thousand acres of dunes, forest, mangroves and beaches. There are 388 bird species identified to reside and/or migrate here along with other species of mammals, reptiles, fish, etc; and a quite diverse flora; now that you know the facts, we ask your help, we urge you to NOT leave any trash behind your trip to this area, also, very important not to disturb the birds so the community can continue to support this low impact eco-activity and generations to come can enjoy this natural beauty just like you will when you take this tour.

Some advice

• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
• You may want to bring a light sweater or jacket as it could get cold on the bus on our way to Ek Balam/ Río Lagartos and back.
• Wear comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes with laces and tie them up, flip flops are not recommended for the archaeological site.
• Bring your bathing suit, extra clothes and a towel in case we have the weather permits to take a swim at the ‘Salinas’.
• Please make sure you do not forget to bring your camera!
• Don’t bring tripod for your camera, as it is not allowed to get these inside the archaeological site.
• If you are bringing a video camera there is an extra fee to be paid at the entrance of the archaeological site of Ek Balam.