Tour Las Coloradas – Natural Pink Lake only from Playa del Carmen

If you’re dreaming of a day immersed in nature’s most striking sights near Playa del Carmen, a tour to Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos might just fit the bill. These destinations are often called “hidden gems” because of their surreal landscapes and vibrant wildlife, offering a different kind of Mexican adventure away from the busy beaches. While I haven’t personally done this tour, I’ve gathered enough info to give you a real sense of what to expect, and whether it’s worth carving out a full day for.

What I love about this experience is how it combines nature and wildlife encounters with stunning scenery—think flamingos wading through salt lakes with pink hues, and mangrove canals full of birdlife. Plus, the inclusion of a natural mud exfoliation at Río Lagartos makes it feel authentic and refreshing. On the downside, the tour’s long duration—about 12 hours—means it’s best if you’re comfortable with early mornings and a full day on the road. It’s ideal for travelers craving a nature-focused escape rather than a relaxing beach day.

This tour is perfect for those who want a full sensory experience—from the sights and sounds of wildlife to the vivid colors of the lakes—and don’t mind a busy schedule. It’s also great if you’re interested in photography, since the landscapes are truly one-of-a-kind. But if you’re seeking a more laid-back, less structured day, or traveling with very young kids who might get tired, this might require some extra planning.

Key Points

• Early start provides more time to explore each destination without feeling rushed.
• Wildlife lovers will particularly enjoy seeing flamingos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
• Visit Río Lagartos for a relaxing boat ride through mangroves and the wildlife-rich biosphere reserve.
• Las Coloradas’ pink lakes are a surreal spectacle, perfect for photos and visual marvels.
• Boxed lunch included makes it easier to stay energized during the day.
• Long day — be prepared for a 12-hour trip, which might be tiring but rewarding.

The Itinerary in Detail

Río Lagartos: Wildlife and Mud Bath Fun

The tour kicks off early at around 7:00 am, with a pickup from your Playa del Carmen hotel. You’ll head north in a climate-controlled vehicle—much appreciated since the Yucatán sun can be fierce even in the morning. After about a couple of hours, you’ll arrive at Río Lagartos, a biosphere reserve renowned for its birdlife and mangroves.

Here, the real magic begins. You’ll hop into a boat to glide through the canals where pink flamingos wade gracefully, a sight that truly sticks with you. The guide’s commentary about the ecosystem adds context, making this more than just a pretty boat ride. Keep an eye out for crocodiles sunbathing along the banks—these stealthy predators are part of the scene.

Next, you get to unwind at a hidden beach where a natural mud exfoliation is part of the experience. Using mineral-rich mud, you can scrub away and feel your skin rejuvenated—no fancy spa needed, just nature’s own beauty treatment. It’s simple, authentic, and a bit messy, but according to reviews, totally worth it. Expect about two hours here to enjoy the scenery and relax.

Las Coloradas: The Pink Lake Marvel

After the wildlife and mud fun, the tour continues to Las Coloradas, about a 30-minute drive away. Here, the lakes look like they’ve been plucked from a fairy tale—bright pink pools stretching across the landscape. This is a photographer’s paradise, especially under the bright Mexican sun. The pink hue isn’t a trick of the light; it’s caused by a combination of salt concentration and microorganisms that thrive in these hypersaline waters.

You’ll have roughly three hours here, giving you enough time to walk around, snap photos, and take in the surreal scenery. The salt mounds add to the otherworldly feeling, as if you’ve stepped onto a different planet. Because the lakes are active salt production sites, it’s best to be mindful of the surroundings and follow any posted guidelines.

Additional Experiences and Practicalities

Included in the tour are bottled water, a boxed lunch, and a visit to the Mayans’ bath—a traditional Mayan wellness experience that’s brief but adds cultural flavor. The tour size is capped at 60 travelers, which helps with a more personalized experience, though the early pick-up and long hours can make it feel a bit like a whirlwind.

Keep in mind, there’s a $27 reservation tax for Río Lagartos, which is paid on-site. Also, you’ll want to bring sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable clothes and shoes. A jacket might be handy if it gets cooler in the morning or evening.

What Travelers Say

While no reviews are officially posted yet for this specific tour, the detailed itinerary and included highlights suggest a well-rounded experience. The inclusion of the natural mud treatment and the vivid lakes indicates a tour that emphasizes authentic, memorable moments. Travelers looking for an adventure in nature will find much to love, especially the chance to photograph some truly stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price—$128 per person—this tour offers good value if you’re after diverse experiences in one day. The boat rides, wildlife spotting, and unique photo opportunities make it worth the early wake-up call. However, it’s a full, tiring day, so if you prefer relaxed mornings or traveling with young children who may tire easily, you might need to think about how this fits into your overall trip.

The fact that transportation is included from Playa del Carmen, along with a boxed lunch and bottled water, minimizes the hassle and allows you to focus on enjoying the sights. The long duration can be a plus for those eager to pack as much as possible into one trip, but it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a leisurely, laid-back experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip suits adventurous travelers eager to see the natural wonders of the Yucatán beyond the beaches. It’s ideal for photo enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone curious about salt production and the environment. If you’re comfortable with long days on the road and early mornings, you’ll find this a fulfilling, memorable outing. It’s also a good pick for small groups or couples who want a guided, hassle-free way to explore these lesser-known spots.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 7:00 am with pickup and ending back at your hotel in the evening. It’s a full day, so plan accordingly.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers round transportation from Playa del Carmen, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, a boxed lunch, and visits to Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas, plus a Mayan bath experience.

Do I need to pay extra at Río Lagartos?
Yes, there’s a $27 reservation tax per person at Río Lagartos that’s paid on-site, which is separate from the tour price.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While primarily suitable for adults and older children, the tour’s focus on wildlife and natural scenery makes it appealing to those interested in nature. Keep in mind the long hours and early start when planning for families with young children.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes and shoes, a jacket, and a camera. A towel might also be handy if you want to enjoy the mud bath.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.

Final Thoughts

A tour to Las Coloradas and Río Lagartos offers a memorable dive into some of Mexico’s most distinctive natural sights. It’s perfect if you want to combine wildlife watching, surreal landscapes, and cultural experiences into one day. Keep in mind the long hours, but if you love wildlife, vibrant scenery, and a bit of adventure, this trip could be a highlight of your Yucatán trip.

For those who prioritize stunning views, authentic experiences, and a chance to see flamingos in their natural habitat, this tour is a practical choice. Just pack your sense of curiosity and adventure, and you’ll have plenty of stories to tell.

If you’re curious about other excursions, check out similar experiences like turtle and cenote adventures or ATV rides—there’s plenty to discover on this side of the Yucatán.