Hostel Rea Celestun

Hostel Ria Celestún is a small, comfortable place, 100 yards from the beach and walking distance to all important services in Celestún. They offer dorm bunk beds and private rooms. There are hammocks on the patio, internet access, hot showers and breakfast. They give access to a fully equipped kitchen, book exchange, bike rentals and tourist information. I have stayed here on 2 occasions and have been completely satisfied. It is a great location in town but yet very close to an unlimited beach. There are a number of hotel type places that I have tried but the best value is at Hostel Ria Celestún. Celestún is a small fishing town on the Gulf coast in the northwest corner State of Yucatán, Mexico at latitude 20°51.5′ North by longitude 90° 24′ West. Celestún has a population of about 6,000 people. However, that population with increase significantly during festivals and the octopus hunting season. The octopus season may bring in 4,000 more people all involved in hunting and processing octopi. There are 2 lighthouses, one 19th century version and a much more modern one. The is the ruins of a colonial period hacienda to explore. Celestún also produces salt, as it has done from pre-Columbian times. Surrounding Celestún is the 147,500-acre Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano (also known as the "Celestún Biosphere Reserve"). This is a wetland reserve that is the winter home or stopping point to 300 or more species of birds including large flocks of flamingos. Celestún is also known as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. There are numerous Maya archaeological sites that may be visited from Celestún. Some of these archaeological sites are Dzibilchaltun, Zac Pol, Huaymil, Tohcok, Oxkintok, Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Xlapac, Labna, Loltun Caves and Chacmultun.