Sarteneja is located in unique Yucatan dry forest which is home to a rich flora and fauna. The village overlooks Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, nationally important for its biodiversity and healthy West Indian manatee population. Its extensive, pristine mangroves support nesting colonies of numerous bird species and provide important fish nursery habitat among the protective roots.
Activities
Hogs Head Dance
On June 13 the people of Sarteneja hold a hog's head dance to celebrate Saints day in memory of
Saint Anthony of Padua. Festivities begin nine days before when a pig's head is baked in a pibil (a hole in the ground covered in plantain leaves). Each villager decorates the cooked head with sweet bread and colorful paper flags. This is paraded on the shoulders of a man in traditional dress being led on a rope and tempted by the shaking of corn in a wooden maraca.
Visit to local boat builder’s workshop
Witness first hand the skill and craftsmanship of the traditional Sarteneja boat builders who provide sailing boats for the free-diving lobster fishermen.
Easter Regatta
The tradition of the Easter Regatta began in 1953 when the owners of the first two boats constructed by Peter Young challenged each other to a race for three cases of beer. This became an annual challenge, and year by year more people joined in. Today, the Easter Regatta heralds the start of the fishing season.
Visit with a local historian
Learn about the rich history of Sarteneja through an informative discussion covering the evolution of the village from the early settlers to its present day collaboration with conservation.
Medicinal plants walk with guide
Experience an interactive tour learning the traditional medicinal uses for an array of local plants from a local bush doctor.
Forest trek to a sacred Mayan Cenote
Enjoy a scenic walk through Yucatan Dry Forest and observe a variety of endemic bird species and Mayan structures on your way to the cenote and once there, learn about cenote’s relevance to the Mayan culture.
$50 US (flat rate) for custom tours of Sarteneja.
Pricing includes: guided tour of the village, boat builders, tortilla factory, medicinal plants, Mayan Cenote, etc.
If you are interested in fly fishing or catch & release fishing, please contact the Sarteneja Adventure Tours office for more information. |
