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The Uaymitun Flamingos And Xcambo RuinsExplore > Mexico > Progreso > The Uaymitun Flamingos And Xcambo Ruins
OverviewAn experience that combines the culture of the ruins with the ecosystem for the birds. The adventure begins as you leave the ship and drive to Uaymitun. Leaving Progreso and heading east for about 30 minutes, we will arrive at a protected Biosphere and Wildlife Preserve, where thousands of pink flamingos and many species of migratory birds feed and nest. Once exclusive to the Ria Lagartos area, they changed their living habits after the category 5 Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. After Gilbert, colonies started to form in Celestun. Then they started appearing by the hundreds in Uaymitun. Presently there are some 25,000 flamingos in the Yucatan. You will be able to observe Caribbean flamingos, also known as the pink flamingo, in their natural ecosystem from a lookout tower. If you wish, you can view this spectacle through binoculars (provided with extra cost). Flamingos are funny birds the way they stand around on one leg in shallow water. To eat, they turn their heads upside down and drag their beaks along the bottom, inhaling the mud that contains the shrimp, fish and minerals that they eat. The minerals give them their unique color. After enjoying the natural beauty of this area for a while, we will move farther along the coast to the archaeological zone and explore with our guide this Mayan site called Xcambo. On our way we also pass the remains of the Mayan salt extraction pools at Xtampu. Salt was such a valuable commodity that the Mayans were able to trade it for all their other needs. X'tampu is what the signs say that guide you to the Maya site of X'Cambo. The "x" is pronounced "sh" (shtam-poo and shcam-bow). For many years, nearby villagers used the stones for their fences, homes, and churches. Today, This very large site is actually under reconstruction and renovation. A fine example of the use of the ruins stones for the other constructions is the Catholic church that is built right into the ruins. This makes for a unique combination of the two eras. May 19 and 20 are the Patron Saint days that are celebrated at this ruin. - Food and beverages are not included in the price of this tour. - Please dress comfortably. - Binocular rental is available for $2.50. - Flamingos are nervous birds, so we ask that you don't scare them or try to make them fly. Enjoy them in silence and take lots of pictures! Days offered: 7 days a week Departures:
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