Las Coloradas

Experience Review: Las Coloradas Tour from Playa del Carmen

If you’re considering a day trip that combines natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and a taste of local culture, the Las Coloradas tour could be worth your attention. While it’s not the most exhilarating day out out there, it offers enough unique moments — like seeing the striking pink lakes — to make it a memorable experience, especially if you’re into nature and photography.

One thing we genuinely like about this trip is the chance to see Las Coloradas’ stunning pink salt lakes up close. The vivid hues and the atmosphere of the salt harvesting process make for fantastic photos and a real sense of place. Another highlight is the boat tour in Rio Lagartos, where you can spot flamingos and enjoy the mangrove scenery — a peaceful, immersive experience.

That said, a possible drawback is the overall length and pace. At roughly 15.5 hours, it’s a long day, and some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight or tiring, especially with the 2.5-hour boat ride plus multiple stops. Plus, there’s an extra fee for the natural reserve tax ($22 USD), which can feel like an unexpected expense.

This tour suits travelers who are keen on nature, wildlife, and photography, and who don’t mind spending a significant part of the day on the road. It’s also a good pick if you want a structured, guided experience with transportation included, but don’t expect a relaxing spa day — it’s more about seeing diverse sights in one go.

Key Points

• Stunning photo opportunities at Las Coloradas’ pink lakes are a highlight for any visitor.
• The boat tour in Rio Lagartos offers a glimpse of flamingos and mangroves, enhancing the natural appeal.
• A delicious regional lunch adds a tasty touch, complemented by a breakfast box to start your day.
• The extra reserve tax ($22 USD) is not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly.
• The tour involves moderate physical activity — comfortable walking and boat riding, but no strenuous hikes.
• The overall experience is grounded in natural scenery and wildlife, rather than luxury or high-end attractions.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting with Pickup and Breakfast

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your Playa del Carmen hotel, which is convenient. You’ll have a moment to grab breakfast before setting out, a small but thoughtful touch that helps get you ready for the day ahead. The coach is air-conditioned, which is welcome given the tropical heat, and the groups tend to be capped at around 50 travelers, so it’s not overly crowded.

Rio Lagartos and the Boat Tour

Your first big stop is Rio Lagartos, where you’ll hop on a boat to explore the mangrove-lined waterways. This part is especially interesting if you’re into birdwatching or wildlife. You’ll likely see flamingos and other bird species, plus enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon. The boat ride lasts about 2.5 hours, which is a nice chunk of time to relax and soak in the scenery. Previous feedback highlights this as a standout: “No Title” reviewer akrobat111 called it “amazing,” noting how helpful the guide Frank was and how much they enjoyed the attraction.

Crocodile Farm Visit in Tizimin

Next, the tour takes you to Tizimin for a quick visit to the crocodile farm. Here, you can take photos, feed the crocodiles, and learn about these creatures from knowledgeable staff. It’s a short stop, only about 40 minutes, but it adds a bit of excitement and a chance for some wild animal shots. Reviewers like akrobat111 mention the crocodile farm as “the best” part of the day, even if it was a surprise, which speaks to how engaging it can be.

Las Coloradas and the Pink Salt Lakes

The most iconic part of the trip is standing by Las Coloradas’ pink lakes. You get about an hour here — enough time to take plenty of photos and hear about the salt harvesting process. The vibrant pink color of the lakes is genuinely eye-catching and perfect for those Instagram shots. The guide explains the meaning of the coloration and the salt production, adding educational context to the visual spectacle. The included admission fee covers this stop, so no extra costs are needed here.

Food and Refreshments

Lunch is included and features regional flavors, prepared by locals, which is a nice way to support local cuisine. Travelers often note the food as a highlight, with tasty dishes and good seasoning. In addition, bottled water is provided throughout the day, though drinks at mealtime are not included, so you might want to bring extra beverages if you prefer something specific.

Additional Costs and Considerations

One important detail is the $22 USD tax for the natural reserves, which is paid separately and not included in the tour price. This can come as a surprise if you’re not prepared, so it’s worth budgeting for it. The tour operates with confirmation upon booking, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance — helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The entire experience runs around 15.5 hours, so it’s a full day but generally well-structured. The transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, makes the long drive more comfortable. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, balancing social interaction with a manageable number of fellow explorers.

The timing is planned to give you enough time at each stop, but keep in mind the schedule is tight enough that you’ll spend several hours on the move. This means it’s best suited for those who enjoy full days of sightseeing rather than relaxed mornings or leisurely afternoons.

What the Reviews Say

Feedback is limited but generally positive. The sole review available gives a perfect 5-star rating, praising the helpfulness of the guide and the overall cool experience. The mention that “on Viator I didn’t know we were going to the crocodile farm, but it turned out to be the best” highlights that surprises can be pleasant and that the experience offers unexpected delights.

Of course, the lengthy day might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer more free time or less packed schedules. The extra reserve tax is also something to keep in mind, ensuring you’re not caught off guard at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those who are fascinated by unique natural phenomena like Las Coloradas’ pink lakes and enjoy wildlife encounters like flamingos and crocodiles, this tour offers a solid introduction. The included lunch and the boat ride in Rio Lagartos create a well-rounded experience that combines visual beauty and interactive fun.

However, if you’re not comfortable with a long day of travel or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed. The extra cost for the natural reserve tax also slightly bumps up the overall expense, so factor that into your budget.

All in all, this tour is a good pick if you want a guided, organized way to see some of the most photogenic and wildlife-rich spots in the Yucatán area, especially if you’re into photography and nature. Just be prepared for a full day, and you’ll likely come away with some great memories and photos.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who are adventurous, interested in natural landscapes, and enjoy wildlife spotting. It’s particularly good if you want a structured day trip with transportation included, rather than trying to piece together different activities on your own. If you’re a photographer or simply love vibrant, scenic spots, Las Coloradas will deliver.

Those with moderate physical fitness will find this manageable, as it involves walking and boat rides but no strenuous activity. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a crowd-controlled group experience, with enough time to make the most of each stop without feeling rushed.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, breakfast, a box lunch with juice, sandwich, apple, and a snack, and bottled water. The admission fee for Las Coloradas is covered, but the reserve tax of $22 USD is paid separately.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening. Be prepared for a long, full day.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the activities like boat rides and wildlife sightings can be interesting for older children. However, consider your children’s comfort with long days on the road and walking.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the $22 USD reserve tax for the natural reserve is paid separately and is not included in the tour price.

What’s the best way to prepare for this trip?
Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. A camera or smartphone for photos is a must. Also, keep some extra cash aside for the reserve tax and any additional drinks or souvenirs.

How much free time will I have at each stop?
You’ll have about 2.5 hours in Rio Lagartos, 40 minutes at the crocodile farm, and around 1 hour at Las Coloradas. This allows for photos and brief exploration, but no extended leisure.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned and suitable for long-distance travel, making the trip more comfortable.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. After that, the full amount is non-refundable.

If you’re craving an activity that combines vibrant scenery, wildlife, and local culture, this trip to Las Coloradas might just fit the bill. Just go in with realistic expectations about the length and costs involved, and you’re likely to have a day full of memorable sights.