Rio Lagartos

The next day we headed towards the Gulf of Mexico at 7 o'clock. Flamingos, lots of other animals and especially pink water were promised to us. Cenotes were also on the plan, but they always do. After a drive of almost two hours, we arrived at the northernmost tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. There, Raúl had the honor of taking us around in his fishing boat. Due to the cloudy sky, it was a pleasant ride on his boat. Along the way, we spotted some pelicans and flamingos, and the cormorants that are also resident here posed for a few photos. Unfortunately, no crocodiles. When we arrived at las Coloradas, we wanted, or rather Maren wanted more than me, to finally see pink water. But at that time, the sun wasn't shining, so no pink water. How great. This extraordinary natural spectacle, which by the way occurs naturally, was not there for us in that moment. This is due to microorganisms, algae and saltwater shrimp that produce a certain pigment, so that the water shines in this wonderful color. It just needs the sun. At least we were shown the crayfish. Back in the boat, the day was already over. So far, it had been quite a disappointment. With Raúl, we headed back towards the "port". But on the way back: baby crocodile ahead. Day saved. Baby crocodiles are already two meters tall. They are already hefty and beautifully ugly animals. A large one would certainly have capsized our boat. Irwan then vanished into the mangroves. Great! Raúl wanted to dock at a sandbank about 400 meters further on and invite us to swim. Yeah, right. He really meant it. Apparently, they don't take it so seriously here when one of the largest and most dangerous predators in the world is running amok. We laughed it off. A short detour to the Gulf of Mexico and the tour was over. We took a taxi to las Coloradas again. And now the momentum was on our side. Pink water. Took a few photos and continued the journey in the air-conditioned vehicle. It must have been around 40 degrees outside the car. To conclude the tour, we visited two more cenotes, which were completely underground this time. Again, we had the cenotes all to ourselves, and the operators or owners of the cenote even turned on the waterfalls just for us. How romantic. But it was noticeably colder than the one with a big hole in the middle. Back in Valladolid, we stopped at the Italian restaurant and enjoyed a very good pizza. Valladolid and the surrounding area really know how to please, here you get to experience the "real" Mexico. Only the air seems to be stagnant here and from 12-4pm it's best not to do anything. Tomorrow we will continue to Tulum. Sea breeze, etc. HEGDL kisses