Isla Aguada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isla Aguada
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 Isla Aguada
Location in Campeche
Isla Aguada
Location in Mexico
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| Country | Mexico |
| State | Campeche |
| Municipality | Carmen Municipality |
| First populated | 1762 |
| Elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 6,204 |
| Demonym(s) | Aguadeño |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 |
Isla Aguada is a lovely town in the state of Campeche, Mexico. It's part of the Carmen area. This town sits at the very end of the Palmar Peninsula. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Ciudad del Carmen. It's also 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Campeche, the state capital.
To the south, Isla Aguada is surrounded by the Sabancuy River and the beautiful Laguna de Términos. To the north, you'll find the Gulf of Mexico. In 2010, about 6,204 people lived in Isla Aguada.
Contents
Discovering Isla Aguada's Past
Isla Aguada was once a secret hideout for pirates. They would use it as a safe place after attacking ships or nearby ports. But in 1762, Governor Don Bernardo Sáenz Montero led a group of soldiers to drive the pirates away. This mission worked, and they got back stolen goods and captured some pirates.
How Isla Aguada Began
Many people believe that the first people to settle in Isla Aguada were the soldiers who fought the pirates. Back then, the town was called Puerto Escondido, which means "Hidden Port." Also, people escaping the Caste War of Yucatán came to live here.
The Historic Lighthouse
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a lighthouse was built. It helped Spanish, French, and English ships find their way into Puerto Escondido. These ships traded things like tiles and clay jars of olives and wine for local goods like gum, precious woods, and sea turtles. The lighthouse was built in 1907 and is 18 meters (59 feet) tall. It's built in the Neoclassical style. This lighthouse was part of a group of seven lighthouses along the coasts of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Campeche, and Yucatán.
A Magical Town
On December 1, 2020, Isla Aguada joined the "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magical Towns) national program. This program celebrates towns in Mexico that have special natural beauty, culture, or history.
Exploring Isla Aguada's Nature
Isla Aguada is part of the Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Laguna de Términos. This is a protected area for plants and animals. The waters near Isla Aguada are famous for their common bottlenose dolphins. You can see these friendly dolphins in the Laguna de Términos all year round. They are a big reason why tourists love to visit the town!
Isla Pájaros: A Bird Paradise
Isla Pájaros, or "Bird Island," is a small island nearby. It's a special home for many local and migrating seabirds. You can spot ducks, herons, frigates, and seagulls here. Isla Pájaros is also where you might see the jabiru. This is the largest seabird in the Americas!
Culture and Fun in Isla Aguada
Top Attractions to Visit
- The Parish of the Fisherman's Lord: This church was built in 1977. It stands very close to the shore of the Laguna de Términos. It was built to honor the "Señor del Pescador" (Fisherman's Lord).
- The Underwater Archaeology Museum: This museum is located inside the old lighthouse. It shows amazing items found from shipwrecks. You can see photos of underwater discoveries, old cannons, and navigation tools. The museum also shares the history of Isla Aguada. It tells the story of the old lighthouse network and the amazing plants and animals of the area.
Exciting Festivities
One of the most important celebrations in Isla Aguada is the Santa Cruz festivity. It honors the Fisherman's Lord. From May 3 to 11, the town comes alive with popular dances and fun games. There are fireworks and mechanical rides. Boats called launches are decorated with balloons and colorful papers. People sing songs and celebrate. On the last day, there's a special boat ride in the Laguna de Términos. The picture of the Fisherman's Lord is carried on the launches during this ride.
Modern Connections: Isla Aguada's Infrastructure
Isla Aguada is connected to Carmen Island by the La Unidad Bridge. This bridge is the second longest in Mexico. It's also the fifth longest in Latin America! The bridge is 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long. It links the town of Isla Aguada with Puerto Real.
The first bridge was built in 1982. But over time, it started to wear out. So, a new bridge was built. This "Nuevo Puente La Unidad" (New "La Unidad" Bridge) opened in 2019. The former Governor of Campeche, Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas, opened it.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Aguada para niños
