The Mexican Caribbean region, characterized by its unique natural and historic attractions for tourism, boasts many places that are in a perfect state of preservation and whose attractions make up a tourist offer that is very hard to excel.

That is the case, according to experts, of Holbox Island, which lies 10 kilometers off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and covers an area of 42 square kilometers.

Holbox, which means "dark hole" in the Mayan language, got its name from the color of the water of a lagoon located in the southern part of the island.

Separated from mainland by the Yalahao Lagoon, the island holds mangrove swamps and a wonderful spring just on the lagoon's shore, which is considered a magic place by the local people, due to its history.

According to legend, the spring was of vital importance for Mayan fishermen until a king turned the area into a private place for leisure where he had a royal jade-decorated pool built.

The king's resort was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors, who seized the jade, while the other materials were used to build a temple.

The island has everything tourists need to spend pleasant and relaxing vacations, including small restaurants where they can eat exquisite winkles, octopuses and lobsters.

Travelers can stay in the island's various inns, as well as the Puerto Holbox Hotel, which offers spacious rooms equipped with all modern amenities and a beautiful view of the ocean.

As a special ingredient, the excursion to Holbox includes a visit to Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), located in the Yalahao Lagoon. The island has a diameter of 500 meters and is a sanctuary for birds.

The island is a safe haven for large populations of birds, including white ibises, white pelicans, gray pelicans, herons and, of course, pink flamingos.

Some 40,000 pink flamingos visit the island every year from April to October to nest and feed, before emigrating for Brazil during the winter season.

The House of Hammocks is the oldest in Holbox. It has become a traditional place where women go to make beautiful multicolor hammocks.

A mandolin workshop adds a peculiar note to the island, where its small population devotes to fishing and craftsmanship, in a place that is considered one of the best-kept secrets of the Mexican Caribbean region.