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X-TAMPU

Xtampu is what the signs say that guide you to the Mayan site of X-tambo. The “x” is pronounced “sh,” (shtam-poo and shtam-bow.) This VERY large site is actually in reconstruction at the moment. For many years nearby villagers used the stones for their fences, homes, and churches. Located very near the coast very near the road from Progreso to Telchac Puerto, it is actually just a stones throw and short bike ride from the Reef Club Hotel in Telchac Puerto.

As a matter of fact, you can see the hotel and coast line from the top of the main pyramid. 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. Quite a curious combination of the two eras. May 19 and 20 are the Patron Saint days. This is definitely a “National Geographic” type expirience. If you do go, be respectful and non intrusive. X- tampo was a salt and salted fish distribution center it its day, supplying Chichen, Uxmal and Izamal with this protein source.
  
THE FLAMINGO LOOK OUT TOWES
   
The largest flocks of flamingos in North America are right in the wetlands of this area. The joy of seeing the salmon pink masses of these elegant birds is a heartwarming experience and a photographers dream come true.

Once exclusive to the Rio Lagartos area, they changed their living habits after the super duper Force 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.

To see the flamingos in Rio Lagartos and Celestun, you have to take a boat ride. To see them in Uaymitun, you can visit the lookout tower that is right next to the road. Entrance is free and the caretakers will lend you some binoculars.

Flamingos are funny birds the way they stand around on one leg in shallow water and the way they twist their necks to get their heads upside down so they can eat. To eat, they turn their head upside down and drag their beaks along the bottom “inhaling” the mud that has the shrimp, fish and minerals that they eat. It is these minerals that give them their unique coloring.

Flamingos are nervous birds so we ask that you don’t scare them or try to get them to fly. If they take off in a nervous group, they are likely to crash into each other, breaking necks, legs and wings. If you are lucky enough to see them in natural flight early morning or sunset it is quite a sight. Enjoy them in silence and take lots of pictures!

DZIBILCHALTUN
   
You don’t have to travel all the way to Chichen Itza and/or Uxmal to see Mayan Temples. Located 21 kilometers northeast of Merida is the Mayan site of DZIBILCHALTUN. With it’s new, excellent, user friendly museum, ecological path, ruins and cenote for swimming, this is a must place to visit. All explanations are given in Spanish, English and Maya, plus there are guides.

To get there, take a tour, rent a car, or get on the bus to Progreso, and get off at the crossroads to Dzibilchaltun. Then take a “private” taxi the 7 kilometers to the site or wait a bit and catch a “collective”taxi.

Once at the site, visit the museum first, see the typical Mayan dwelling, then stroll the ecological path to the ruins, wander around and climb the building, and last but not least, head to the cenote for a refreshing swim.
   
IZAMAL
   
This colonial city-town, located just over an hour east of Merida is known as the colonial jewel of the Yucatan. Izamal is unique in that you can see three distinct cultures in one place.

The large Mayan pyramids, Kinich-Kakmo, show the Mayan era. The huge Franciscan convent, with its second largest in the world atrium is a clear example of the colonial period, and of course, you will see the present day aspect. An attention-calling factor in Izamal is the fact that just about all the buildings are painted yellow, which you will definitely find very interesting and attention getting.

Tricycles and horses and buggies are the mode of transportation in Izamal. Take the opportunity and have a horse and buggy take you around town.

You can visit Izamal as aday trip or as an over-nightwear. Macan-che Bed and Breakfast offers 12 cute bungalows in a lovely tropical setting. If you are just going for the day, there are several restaurants you can choose from. They include Kinich-Kakmo, by the ruins of the same name, or El Toro that even offers bull meat along with other more typical dishes. Tumbel Lol is located in a huge thatched roof building. All these restaurants are within walking distance of the plaza.

Check out the store Hecho a Mano Handmade on Calle 31 by 36. Here is where you will find truly unusual pieces of folkart. American owner, Hector Garza, says that a craft becomes art when it is unique, and his pieces are definitely unique. You can get to Izamal by public transportation every half hour from Calle 62 by 65 and 67 in Merida, or on the weekly Sunday train trip, in a rental car or with a tour through a travel agency.
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