Riviera Maya: Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas Day Trip w/Lunch

Discovering Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas: An Honest Take on the Day Trip

If you’re visiting the Riviera Maya and craving a more nature-focused experience, this day trip to Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas offers a glimpse into some of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most captivating sights. From vibrant pink lakes to bird-filled mangroves, this tour packs a punch for anyone who loves wildlife, scenic landscapes, and local flavors.

What really draws us in is how well-organized and thoughtfully curated the day seems—covering boat rides, salt flats, a traditional Mayan clay bath, and a delicious local meal. Plus, the chance to see flamingos and crocodiles up close makes it a memorable adventure.

That said, the trip is quite long—about 12 hours in total—so it might be a stretch for those with limited stamina or very young kids. Also, there’s an additional fee for entrance and environmental taxes, which is something travelers should keep in mind. This trip feels best suited for curious travelers eager to see a different side of the Yucatan, especially if you enjoy wildlife and scenic landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Expect vibrant pink lakes and lush mangroves filled with birdlife.
• Wildlife encounters: Close views of flamingos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
• Cultural touch: A traditional Mayan clay bath offers a wellness break amid nature.
• Local cuisine: Enjoy a freshly prepared meal with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options.
• Well-organized: Pick-up, transfers, and guided explanations make the day smooth.
• Additional costs: Budget for the $800 MXN entry and eco-taxes.

A Whole Day of Natural Beauty & Unique Experiences

This tour is perfect if you’re looking to spend a full day exploring the natural side of the Yucatan. It’s a mix of scenic boat rides, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences that provide a different perspective from the usual beach or archaeological site visits. You get genuine moments with nature and local life, with plenty of Instagram-worthy views along the way.

Transportation is by bus or coach, with a roughly 3-hour ride each way, which might feel long but is quite standard for such day trips. The group tends to be mixed—mostly travelers wanting a taste of the wild—and guides are bilingual, so language isn’t a barrier. People consistently praise guides like Jose for their knowledge and friendliness, which adds warmth to the day.

Exploring Rio Lagartos: The Biosphere & Boat Ride

Once you arrive at Rio Lagartos, a small fishing village nestled in a protected reserve, the highlight is the boat tour through its canals. Surrounded by mangroves, you’ll see an array of bird species—flamingos, herons, pelicans, and more. Several reviews mention how close and personal the wildlife encounters are, with some feeling you could reach out and touch the crocodiles or flamingos.

We loved the way the boat ride offers a peaceful yet exciting way to experience the habitat—gliding through calm waters while spotting birds overhead or lurking crocodiles on the banks. One reviewer shared, “We saw different types of birds, and a crocodile. The boat trip was very spectacular.” This part of the tour isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about connecting with nature in a very up-close manner.

However, as Romain notes in his review, the boat trip can be quite scenic but also involves considerable travel time—about 3 hours from the coast—so patience is key. But many find the tranquility and beauty well worth it.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lake & Salt Flats

Next, the trip takes you to Las Coloradas, famous for its eye-catching pink lakes. The vivid hues are caused by salt deposits and algae, and although the pink color can fade depending on weather conditions, it remains stunning enough to turn heads. Visitors often describe it as “breathtaking” and “so colorful,” which matches what we’ve seen in photos.

You might also get to bike (availability permitting) under the bridge of Las Coloradas to see the salt deposits and the various bodies of water involved in salt harvesting. The pink lakes provide perfect photo ops, and the scenery is both surreal and calming.

The experience here isn’t just about the view; it’s about understanding how salt production shapes this landscape. Don’t forget that there’s an entry fee of 800 MXN per person, covering environmental taxes and protected area fees. Many reviewers, like Naoko, found the area peaceful and the views calming, making it a worthwhile stop.

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The Mayan Clay Bath & Beach Relaxation

After exploring the lakes and wildlife, you’ll enjoy a traditional Mayan clay bath. Covering your body with nutrient-rich clay, you’ll get a chance to unwind and nourish your skin. The clay is a natural detox and a fun, tactile experience. The tour then winds down with a dip in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico to wash off the clay, which many reviews describe as “great fun” and “a unique experience.”

The unspoiled beach offers a serene spot to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area. This part of the tour is particularly appreciated by those who want a moment of calm after a busy morning.

A Delicious Local Lunch

No trip to the Yucatan is complete without sampling local flavors, and this tour includes a lunch of fish and shellfish-based dishes, with vegetarian options available. Many reviews highlight how tasty and fresh the meals are, making it a well-rounded experience. The included bottled drink and the variety of options, like chicken or vegetarian choices, cater to different tastes.

Some travellers noted that the lunch helped them refuel after a long morning of activities, and many appreciated the chance to try authentic regional cuisine.

Practical Details & Considerations

This tour runs approximately 12 hours, starting with hotel pickup and ending with drop-offs at popular locations like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya. The long duration makes it more suitable for active travelers or those eager to pack in a full day of adventure.

The cost of $91 per person feels justified when you consider the boat ride, guided tours, Mayan bath, lunch, and transportation. The additional $800 MXN fee covers park entrance, eco-taxes, boat transportation, and other charges—so budget accordingly.

It’s worth noting that guests should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain, and those with certain health issues, pregnant women, and small children under 5 are advised against this trip. The guides do a great job explaining what’s included and what to expect, and they are usually very friendly and knowledgeable—as many reviews echo.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is quite comprehensive, the trip is a full day, which might be tiring for some. The 3-hour rides each way can feel lengthy, especially if you’re not a fan of long bus journeys. Several reviews mention the travel time as a minor downside, but most agree the views and experiences make it worthwhile.

Plus, the boat trip, while spectacular, can be hit-or-miss in terms of wildlife sightings, depending on the day or weather. One reviewer noted they didn’t see as many flamingos as expected, which can be disappointing but is understandable given nature’s unpredictability.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone who enjoys wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, this trip offers plenty of both. It’s especially good for those who want an active, full-day adventure that combines boat rides, nature walks, and local culture.

Travelers with a vested interest in photography will love the vivid lakes and bird-filled marshes. It’s also a solid choice if you’re interested in learning about salt production or trying traditional Mayan treatments.

However, if you prefer shorter or more relaxed excursions, or are traveling with very young children or mobility issues, this might be a bit much. The length, travel time, and physical activity involved mean it’s best suited for active, curious visitors rather than those seeking a quick, leisurely outing.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel and transfers by bus or coach. The journey each way takes about 3 hours.

How long is the entire tour? The full experience lasts around 12 hours, including travel, guided tours, and meals.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and your passport or ID. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Are there any age restrictions? Yes, children under 5, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or mobility issues should consider this tour carefully.

What’s the additional cost? There’s an entry and environmental tax of 800 MXN per person, which covers park access, boat transportation, and other fees.

Is the Pink Lake always pink? The color can fade depending on the weather but generally remains vividly pink enough for stunning photos.

Can I see flamingos and crocodiles? Many travelers do see flamingos, herons, and crocodiles, but sightings depend on weather and luck.

Is the Mayan bath included? Yes, the clay bath is part of the tour, offering a fun way to relax and nourish your skin.

Will I have free time? Yes, there’s some free time at the beach after the activities, so you can relax or take more photos.

Final Thoughts

This Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas day trip delivers a rewarding full-day experience for those eager to see natural wonders and wildlife in their habitat. The boat rides, pink lakes, and Mayan clay bath combine to offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight. Guides like Jose often receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience even more enjoyable.

While the length and travel time might be challenging for some, the breathtaking scenery and unique encounters make it a trip worth considering. If you’re someone who loves discovering new landscapes and observing animals in the wild, this tour is a solid pick—especially if you appreciate good food and a well-organized day.

Ultimately, this tour is best for curious, active travelers looking to add a splash of natural beauty and local culture to their Riviera Maya visit. It’s a full day of exploring, learning, and enjoying some of Mexico’s most colorful landscapes, with plenty of memorable moments along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: