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Wooded wetlands along the coast of Tabasco, Mexico
Photo: Alfonsobouchot, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pantanos de Centla is a protected wetlands environment in the state of Tabasco in southern Mexico. It is the largest swamp in North America and encompasses the deltas of both the Usamacinta River and the Grijalva River. Eco-tourists find much to love about the swamps and its hundreds of native species (many endangered), but history buffs might want to visit the site of the former Mayan city of Potonchán, or one of the other 18 Maya sites in the area. Pantanos de Centla is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar wetland.
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Uyotot-Ja' in Chontal means "House of Water". has three exhibition halls, in which ecological, economic and social values are explained through interactive modules. Also here there is a 20-meter-high viewpoint, from where you can have a majestic view of the reserve and especially of the confluence of the Grijalva, Usumacinta and San Pedrito rivers, which join at the point called "Three arms". The tourist center also has a restaurant and room for events.
Casual waterfront restaurant with patio dining area serving traditional Mexican cuisine and an assortment of pasta dishes. Well-made cocktails and a scenic location next to the main docks contribute to a fun dining experience.
Casual waterfront seafood restaurant specializing in Veracruz style recipes.
Clean, modern hotel with basic rooms and affordable rates. Excellent secured private parking area. WiFi available.
The best place to access the reserve is from the town of Frontera (this is the town that the Spanish built on the site of the destroyed Maya city of Potonchán).
Read in the guideBoats are the way to get around the rivers and swamps. Hire one in Frontera or at the Biosphere's visitor center. Boats are available for hire even when the visitor center is closed.
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