San Benito & San Bruno

San Benito is located about a 40-minute drive from the city of Mérida, about a 15-minute drive from Progreso, and is part of the Riviera Yucateca.

In the area, you will find beautiful beaches with crystalline water and soft white sandy beaches. The beach is also a nesting site for sea turtles, and visitors can observe the turtles laying eggs during certain times of the year.

With sparkling water, white sand beaches, and palms for shade, as you can imagine, the vibe is completely relaxed.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at San Benito, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and beach volleyball.

San Benito is also a popular spot for beach weddings.

Many Canadians, Americans, and Europeans who want to escape their chilly winters are attracted to San Benito as a place to live part-time or full-time where they find a place to relax. It is also a favored area of the upper class of Mérida.

In addition to the beautiful beach, there are several attractions nearby, including the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and the Cenote Suytun, a natural swimming hole. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and birdwatching in the nearby mangrove forests.

Xtampú Region – Natural Wonders & Ancient History

Also very close to this area is the Xtampú region: Xtampú, Xcambó, and the Pink Lagoon

Xtampú is a scenic coastal area in Yucatán, Mexico, located between San Benito to the west and Telchac Puerto to the east.

Known for its tranquil beach, vibrant pink lagoon, centuries-old salt flats, and the Maya ruins of Xcambó.

Here is a mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

1) Laguna Rosada

Near Xtampú you will find the Laguna Rosada. Depending on the time of day, the lagoon shimmers pink, similar to Las Coloradas. This happens when the sun is overhead and the sky is clear.

2) Las Salineras de Xtampú

At the lagoon there is also the saltwork "Las Salineras de Xtampú", here pink salt is extracted. This is another opportunity to see the pink water during the dry season starting in November.

3) Xcambó Mayan Archaeological Zone

Xcambó originated during the Early Classic period between 350 and 550 A.D. as a trading post. It was the primary and largest commercial port on the north coast during the Classic Period.

Scientists say approximately 6,000 people lived here.

In the 16th century, the Spanish built a church on the foundation of an old Mayan ruin, of which the foundation walls are still visible.