Travel Guide Isla Arena

Isla Arena is a fishing village on the border of the state of Yucatán, on the edge of the Reserva de la biosfera de Celestún. The advantage of this magnificent coastal ecosystem is that the place does not see as many tourists as Celestún, located in the Yucatán. The village is a cul-de-sac placed there, at the end of the world. I might as well tell you right away, it doesn't have much charm. But it doesn't matter, we don't go there to stay there, but for its mangroves which shelter dozens of species of sedentary or migratory birds, among which colonies of pink flamingos, storks, fish eagles and cormorants. You can also go for a walk along the coast, where the attractions are multiple: virgin beaches, salt flats or laguna colorada. The trips are recommended early in the morning, so it is better to spend a night or two there to enjoy.How to get there. Isla Arena is reached from Campeche by the Camino Real, the very old road that connects Merida. The deviation towards the coast is done at the level of Calkiní (75 km, count two hours of road on this sinuous and narrow way), then one penetrates in the Maya lands, while passing by typical villages where the Maya chozas are still part of the landscape: Nunkini, Santa Cruz, San Nicolás, Tankunché. We see the old haciendas of henequén, whose main houses have become the seat of municipal power while the other buildings, including the imposing engine rooms, are abandoned to nostalgia. Further on, halfway between Calkiní and Isla Arena, the magnificent El Remate watering hole is ideal for a cool break.