Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Celestún, Yucatan, 97368

Hours

Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Cost

Here are the costs for visiting the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve:

Admission approx. $7 US (120 pesos) - Protected Area entrance fee

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

+52 (999) 938 0708 ext 101 or 113

Visit Website

About

There's a natural wonder just an hour west of Merida where flamingos flock by the thousands, transforming the area into a sea of pink. Welcome to the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve.

For centuries, this area has been a haven for diverse wildlife, and in 1979, it became a biosphere reserve now encompassing over 146,000 acres.

Stretching between the Mexican states of Yucatan and Campeche, Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve is a vital part of the greater Yucatan Peninsula's ecosystem. It is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to mangrove forests, estuaries, and wetlands. Its most prominent residents are beautifully pink American flamingos, elusive jaguars, and numerous bird species that attract animal lovers worldwide.

Freshwater from the Celestun River and saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico create a unique environment that supports this rich life variety. One can find the seaport havens of Sisal and Progreso further up the gulf coast.

Historically, the area of Celestun was home to the Maya civilization, which relied on abundant natural resources. Today, the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve is a significant cultural site, with local communities engaging in sustainable practices to preserve their ancestral connections while promoting conservation.

Kayaking through the mangroves or taking a guided boat tour offers a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between nature and the indigenous heritage that has flourished here.

Complete your trip to Celestun at the laid-back beachside Restaurante Boquinetes Celestún to take in the amazing turquoise waters on this side of the peninsula.

Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Let's start with the most apparent but remarkable feature: the flamingos! The Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve has the highest concentration of flamingos in North America. These elegant pink birds migrate here annually to feed and breed.

Another fun fact is that the bird's pink coloration results from their diet of shrimp and algae rich with carotenoid pigments.

A feature that will appeal to nature lovers and kayak enthusiasts is the biosphere's network of mangrove forests. These protect the coastline from erosion and are home to various marine species.

For those who prefer staying on land, a hike through these dense forests provides opportunities to spot crocodiles lounging in the sun or hear the calls of exotic birds.

Lastly, the Celestun estuary is known for its magical "Petrified Forest," filled with ancient tree trunks that date back thousands of years. These gnarled remnants represent the area's long geological history and provide an eerie yet captivating landscape.

Whether birdwatching, exploring the mangroves, or simply marveling at the serene beauty, Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve offers an unforgettable experience on your Merida getaway.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve from Merida:

Follow Cto. Colonias and C. 49 to Campeche-Mérida/Carr. Costera del Golfo O/Perif. de Mérida Lic. Manuel Berzunza/México 180 O
Turn right onto Campeche-Mérida/Carr. Costera del Golfo O/Perif. de Mérida Lic. Manuel Berzunza/México 180 O
Follow Perif. de Mérida Lic. Manuel Berzunza and Mérida - Tetiz
Continue straight onto Campeche-Mérida/Perif. de Mérida Lic. Manuel Berzunza
Slight right onto C. 41
Slight right onto the ramp to Susulá/Planta Composta
Continue onto Mérida - Tetiz
Merge onto Carr. Costera del Golfo/Mexico 281.
Follow Mexico 281 and YUC 27 to your destination in Celestun.
Turn right onto Calle 12.
Follow signs to Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve.

Local Tips

Arrive early in the morning to see the flamingos at their most active.
Flamingos populate the area more from November to February.
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect against sun and mosquitoes.
Consider hiring a local guide for insightful information about the reserve.
Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

Location

Celestún, Yucatan, 97368

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good way to spend a day in Merida, Mexico?

Start the day off with authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya in the center of Mérida. Wake your senses with their huevos con chaya dish, highlighting the endemic chaya plant of the Yucatan. Try the cochinita pibil, salbutes or panuchos for a true culinary experience. Be sure to get an early start to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The impressive archaeological site is one of the most important and most visited in Mexico. This will immerse you in the history of the Mayan civilization. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

After exploring Chichén Itzá, visit a nearby restaurant such as La Tía Polóc to further your culinary journey with handmade tortillas and traditional pork poc chuc. After lunch, visit a nearby cenote to cool off and relax. Cenotes, strewn about the Yucatan Peninsula, are natural underground water reservoirs, each offering an absolutely magical experience. There are severl cenotes in the area, so choose one that suits your preferences, whether for swimming, snorkeling or simply to enjoy the natural beauty.

Once you’ve explored pyramids and cenotes, return to Mérida to spend the afternoon exploring the city. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, or wander along the Paseo de Montejo and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the Plaza Grande, offering a fascinating view of the city’s history! Top the evening off by treating yourself to the signature cuisine at Kuuk. The renowned fusion restaurant offers tasting menus that change regularly to highlight the best of the season.

What are the biggest main events in Merida, Mexico?

Fiesta is a way of life in Mexico, and Mérida is no exception! Festive celebrations in Mérida highlight Mayan Culture, the musical genre of Yucateca trova, as well as traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), folk art fairs, and colorful Carnival parades, y más! Each night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande is a fiesta of its own, as music and dance fill the iconic square to the delight of vacationers and residents.

Among the many celebrations in and around Mérida, each Fall provides the opportunity to delight in culture and art at the International Festival of Mayan Culture (FICMaya). This festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, theater, conferences, exhibitions and more, all focused on the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. Fall is also marked by Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd), celebrated in Mérida with parades of catrinas, impressive altars, musical performances, and a series of cultural activities.

Paying further homage to the rhythmic vibe and sounds of the Yucatan, the Festival de la Trova Yucateca in December showcases this traditional musical genre of the region. Concerts, contests, workshops, and more all focus on music and troubadour poetry. Visitors in November and December will also be amazed at the X’matkuil Fair on the outskirts of Mérida. In the spirit of any fair, there are mechanical rides, food exhibits, a variety of handicrafts, and rich gastronomy.

In February, the Carnival of Mérida is one of the largest and most colorful in Mexico! It includes parades, live music, dances, costume contests, and a festive atmosphere that attracts people from everywhere!

Whenever your vacation getaway brings you to Mérida, there’s always something to celebrate with a fiesta!