The unknown Las Lagarteras Natural Park treasures dozens of Mayan settlements among its thick and tall vegetation that hides them from human curiosity. Here a corner awaits you with several surprises.
I met this beautiful corner of Quintana Roo thanks to being housed in the cabins of Kíichpam K'áax, Selva Bonita. He Las Lagarteras Natural Park It is one of the places you can visit with Damián, owner of this lodging where you can live authentically the Mayan culture of the countryside, combining the stay with interesting surroundings such as Cenote Hamtun, the archaeological zone of Chacchoben and the same Lagarteras.
Las Lagarteras Natural Park
A few years ago we tried to give a boost to Las Lagarteras Natural Park enabling the area so that the visitor could enjoy the destination. There are interpretive trails, a bench to rest in the shade and posters that the jungle has been devouring. The Dean, the last hurricane to cross this area, took more than one tree from the Park, and since then it has fallen into oblivion by the authorities, with little promotion. The road that crosses the Park has several entrances to the place, they are not clearly indicated, but if you feel like it, you will arrive perfectly. You will see a wooden sign indicating accesses.
Archaeological site Lagartera
The most interesting of the place are the dozens of mounds of ancient Mayan cities that are found, have been counted 50. The first evidences of the Mayan settlement Lagartera They date from 600 to 300 BC The ceramics found in the area have facilitated the chronology of the place, with the peak in the years 250 to 550 AD and its decline place it between 550 and 800 AD It is a large city with several ceremonial structures, patios and walls. Its location near the lagoon facilitated agriculture and water collection of the ancient Maya.
At present it is not allowed to go up to the structures of LagarteraThey are not set up for the visitor. A pity because there are several tall buildings from which to contemplate the beautiful views of the jungle with the nearby lagoon. The highest is 38 meters, the so-called structure 90. There are two other structures of 20 meters and one more than 18 that confirm the importance of the place, with the human being devising to extend their buildings to the heights as a show of power, as is we continue to do today.
Lagartera occupies much of the Las Lagarteras Natural Park, which due to the reforestation has recovered as indicated by the animals that have returned to the area, such as a family of spider monkeys that have localized, three jaguars, white-tailed deer, tepezcuintles, wild boars and lizards (Crocodiles) that inhabit La Lagartera lagoon. The state of semi-abandonment of the park does not favor visits, hopefully the situation changes and the local economy can grow because it is a beautiful place to visit. There is a guard in the area, although we did not cross it, and luckily I read the regulation posters late, as the rule of not climbing the stone mounds.
In case you do not know there are hundreds of ancient Mayan cities that are lost in the immensities of the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. The beautiful location of Lagartera makes it an even more attractive destination for the traveler willing to get out of the most common paths. Going through the jungle between Mayan walls gives me a magnificent feeling, Las Lagarteras Natural Park It is an excellent hidden corner.
Las Lagarteras, natural area
LOCATION: Las Lagarteras Natural Park is located in the Nueva Loría ejido, in the section known as the Vía Corta between Chetumal and Mérida, about 40 kilometers from Chunhuhub and 90 from Chetumal. When you see the Nueva Loria bus stop, you must take the path that you see on the road.
SCHEDULE AND SERVICES: There is a guard who walks and watches the Park in sunny hours. I do not recommend going at other times. I did not see services, there are marked paths to go inside the park.
HOW TO GET IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION? From the population of Chunhuhub and Chetumal you can take a bus that leaves you at the Nueva Loria road stop. From here you must walk about 3 kilometers for access to Las Lagarteras Natural Park. Remember that if you stay in the cabins of Kíichpam K'áax, Selva Bonita It is one of the excursions that offer you
WHAT TO BRING? Light and light clothes, hat, insect repellent, closed and comfortable shoes to climb structures and protect yourself from insect bites, some water always goes well.
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