Xtampú’s Salt Flat
Xtampú’s Salt Flat is a must-visit spot for those traveling to the Emerald Coast. The pink waters of the salt flats are a sight to behold. With the vibrant color resulting from high salt concentrations. The shades of pink vary throughout the area, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. It is perfect for photography and relaxation. Here are some tips on Xtampú’s Salt Flat.
What to expect
In addition to being a beautiful destination, Xtampú’s Mayan salt ponds offer an educational experience. This, about the artisanal process of salt cultivation and harvesting. The region’s salt production has roots dating back to ancient Mayan ancestors. It has also continued to thrive in the coastal area. Including the famous Laguna Rosada, or Pink Lagoon.
Xtampú’s Salt Flat: A little history
A group of fishermen came together to form the cooperative Meyah Ta’ab. This, to revive the ancient Maya’s practice of saltwork. The site is famous for its pink pools. These are the result of high concentrations of salt and the presence of the crustacean “Artemia salina.” Visitors can appreciate the stunning pink landscape. Also, capture incredible photographs. However, swimming in the pools is strictly prohibited. This, due to the high salt levels that can cause skin burns.
The pink pools at Xtampú are not only visually captivating but also serve as a source of food for the flamingos that inhabit the surrounding area. The cooperative Meyah Ta’ab not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the artisanal process of saltwork but also offers souvenirs and locally harvested salt.
Some tips when visiting
Xtampú’s salt flats are a beautiful and unique natural attraction that you won’t want to miss on your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. However, there are some important tips to keep in mind when visiting. First and foremost, it’s important to note that entering or swimming in the pink pools is strictly forbidden due to the high levels of salt, which can severely burn the skin. Instead, the best way to appreciate this phenomenon is by taking a walk around the area during sunny days and at midday.
To make the most out of your visit, remember to stay hydrated and use sunscreen as the sun can be intense in the region. Although admission to the salt flats is free, you can support the local community by purchasing some of the salt they extract from the ground or their souvenirs. If you’re interested in doing a photo shoot or music video, you can ask about their payment and rental modalities. Finally, don’t forget to bring all your cameras with you, as in addition to the beautiful pink landscape of the salt flats, it’s very common to spot flamingos along the road.
Xtampú’s Salt Flat: How to get there
Xtampú is a beautiful destination located in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It is situated on the Xtampú-Dzemul Highway, in the Municipality of Dzemul. If you are coming from the nearby city of Mérida, take the highway towards Cancun and turn left after passing the town of Tixkokob. Then continue straight for about 70 kilometers until you reach the town of Dzemul. Once you reach Dzemul, take a left onto the Xtampú-Dzemul Highway and continue driving for approximately 10 kilometers until you reach the entrance of the salt flats.
