East of Chicxulub Puerto, you’ll pass the small town of Uaymitún (why-mih-TOON), which, in addition to a number of upscale summer houses and rental properties, is home to the Mirador Ecoturístico Uaymitún (Uaymitún Ecotouristic Viewpoint, Carretera Chicxulub-Telchac Puerto Km. 15, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, open until 7 p.m. during summer, free).

Well worth a stop, it’s a high wooden platform overlooking a protected part of the extensive marshland that runs just inland along much of the Gulf coast.

Thousands of flamingos come here to feed, and with binoculars you can get a decent look at these beautiful, peculiar birds in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, some may come closer to the platform. May to November has the highest flamingo population, but the mirador makes a good stop at any time since you’re sure to see other bird species as well.

Binoculars are lent at the visitor’s booth at no extra cost. Tip: Another spot to see flamingos is along the road to Xcambó ruins; the road cuts across the marshland and the birds are sometimes feeding quite close by.