Off the Beaten Path: Visit San Felipe

The Mayan Riviera can be a crowded place sometimes; if you like adventure and want to visit some unspoiled beaches do not miss the opportunity to visit San Felipe in the neighboring state of Yucatan.

This jewel is located north of the state of Yucatan, 31 km. north of Tizimin and only three hours away from Playa del Carmen. This destination is ideal if you are planning to have a road trip and visit places like Valladolid, Tizimin, El Cuyo, Holbox and the coastal town of San Felipe

History:

This region was inhabited by the ancient Mayan and was known by the name Actum Chuleb. To this date, there are still some Mayan vestiges in the area.

 photo SanFelipeRuins_zpse16045cc.jpg

On February 5, 1853, when they separated from Panabá, the town and port of San Felipe was erected municipality and became part of Tizimin until July 12, 1935, when San Felipe was declared a free municipality.

Once the Spanish settled in the area the main activities were agriculture and cattle, which was shipped to the rest of Yucatan by way of canoes. Nowadays, the main activities are tourism and fishing.

Attractions:

San Felipe welcomes its visitors with rows of multiple colored rustic wooden houses, similar to the ones found in Chetumal and Belize, and not so much like the traditional Yucatecan Colonial architecture with stone and beams. The real estate in San Felipe is beautiful.

 photo SanFelipeHomes_zps3fe001e2.jpg

In the surrounding areas it is possible to appreciate a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as an abundance of mangroves and tropical plants. As for wildlife, there is a variety of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, among which grouper, blonde, saw, octopi, squid, conch, lobster, and others are abundant. On the land, there is a variety of species such as rabbits, foxes, turtles, snakes, gulls, migratory birds and herons, amongst others.

The main attraction in San Felipe is the beach, which can be reached by boat transfer. Once you cross the Ria, you will find a rustic tourism complex with palapas and composting toilets. It is important to be prepared as there is nothing else in that area: no shops, no chairs, and no food. Bring everything you might need such as water, food, a chair or hammock, as well as an icebox, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent and so on, especially if you are planning to stay for longer than a couple of hours.

 photo SanFelipeBeach_zpsc9e55abb.jpg

The beach is quiet and not very crowded, the water is also very shallow, and you have to walk out several feet to reach a decent depth. It is ideal for small children and snorkeling as the water is extremely clear and many fish and other sea creatures can be seen without any equipment.

Some other attractions in the area are:

Cenote Kambunáh

Isla Cerritos

Birdwatching

Observation of crocodiles

Sport fishing

Walking on the bay

Ria Lagartos Reserve

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this piece of paradise known as San Felipe; if you are looking for the house of your dreams in Mexico, let the Top Mexico Real Estate Buyer’s Representatives help your dreams come true!

And remember, here at Top Mexico Real Estate…

We make it happen!