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The Last Day

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We spent our last day of the trip out on the coast, soaking up the sun!
We began at Ria Lagartos, a biosphere reserve

We saw flamingos

and pelicans which are 2 of the 106 species of birds found in the reserve as well as 3 types of mangroves and multiple reptiles and mammals who call this amazing salt and fresh water ecosystem their home

We even spent some time with a horseshoe crab!

Our guide told us that the Mayans would use them for head massages

It seemed like it would be a good idea...

So we tried it out!

The group in front of las coloradas, the salt flats

Piles of salt in the distance, the ancient Mayans used to trade salt with peoples from present day Guatemala and Belize for cacao, obsidian and jade

Headed back on the boat

On the way back we stopped to harvest some arcilla, or mineralized clay that is most commonly found in spas to soften and revitalize skin

Then we met a crocodile!

He was big...

but he seemed friendly

Time to wash off the clay in a fresh water spring

And then...lunch!

almost too pretty to eat....

In the afternoon we headed to an island off of San Felipe

To spend some time wandering....

chatting...

and bonding

on our last day in Yucatan! 
In just a few hours we will head to the airport to say farewell to our wonderful high school group, until next time! Thanks for an incredible experience and may the culture and the people of Yucatan stay in your hearts and minds for years to come! We'll be here waiting with open doors and open arms whenever you'd like to come back to visit or to stay. Buen viaje!

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