Rio Lagartos Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in Yucatan, Mexico
About Rio Lagartos
First, let's clear the air about spelling: is it "Ría" or "Río"? Both, depending on context. Ría refers to the lagoon and the name of the biosphere reserve. Río refers to the town. There is not a river here. Feel free to use either ría or río in any situation. The town was named by Francisco Hernandez, one of the Spanish explorers surveying New Spain back in 1517. When Hernandez cruised into the lagoon, he spotted crocodiles everywhere he looked, so he called the place "Lagartos" (the word for alligators). The town isn't much more than a village, and it exists only to serve tourism. There are several hotels and restaurants here and plenty of tour guides who will take you on a boat to see the swamps, flamingos, or the colorful pools of Las Colorados. The main draw though is the huge biosph
Where to Eat in Rio Lagartos
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴El Manglar
- 🍴El Salbutito
- 🍴Los Negritos
Where to Stay in Rio Lagartos
- 🏨Casa Delfines
- 🏨Hotel Posada Mercy
- 🏨Hotel Punta Ponto
- 🏨Hotel Río Lagartos
- 🏨Hotel Tabasco Rio
- 🏨Villa de Pescadores
Rio Lagartos Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: