Celestun

Population: 6.243 inhabitants (2005)

Celestun in mayan language means “Horror stone” to be derived from the words “Celes” fear, terror and “Tun” stone.

Located 93 KM west of Merida, Yucatan is a town that has a beautiful river which is intertwined with mangrove. It is characterized by the flamingos that inhabit it.

Around the village there is the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, which extends in Yucatan and Campeche which has around 600 km² and is internationally recognized as the place of winter refuge of thousands of flamingos and many other bird species. Celestun ecosystem is unique because of the combination of fresh water from the Ria Celestun and salt water of the Gulf of Mexico. The flamingos of Celestun are more pink around the world and the park hosts several species of pelican among which are the great white Canadian and Mexican gray small.

Celestun is connected to the mainland by a bridge which is startingpoint to sightseeing boattrips that cross the lagoon.