Gorgeous Natural Pink Lake, Las Coloradas Tour! From Cancun & Riviera Maya

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos: A Realistic Review

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with incredible scenery, wildlife, and a splash of surreal nature, the Gorgeous Natural Pink Lake, Las Coloradas Tour might catch your eye. Promising visits to the famous pink lagoon and the ecological charm of Rio Lagartos, this tour offers a chance to witness some of Mexico’s most eye-catching natural sights. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but based on available reviews and the itinerary, we can paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this experience? First, the spectacle of the pink lagoon itself, a rare color caused by microorganisms that makes for unforgettable photos. Second, the opportunity to see flamingos in their natural habitat, along with other endemic birds—an authentic wildlife encounter that’s both educational and beautiful.

However, one main consideration is the long travel time. This is a full-day excursion that includes several hours of driving, and some travelers have found the trip quite lengthy, especially with unpredictable weather like rain. So, if you’re someone who prefers shorter outings or is sensitive to long bus rides, this might be something to keep in mind.

This tour is best suited for nature lovers and photographers eager for unique vistas and birdwatching. It’s also suitable if you don’t mind a long day with some potential weather hiccups.

Key Points

• Unique sights: See the famous pink lagoon, a rare natural phenomenon caused by halobacteria.
• Wildlife spotting: Enjoy watching flamingos and other regional birds in their natural environment.
• Cultural and natural combo: Visit a salt factory in Las Coloradas and explore the eco-diverse Rio Lagartos.
• Full-day commitment: Expect around 12 hours, including travel and sightseeing.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, lunch, and entry fees, though there’s a preservation tax.
• Weather considerations: Rain can impact activities like boat rides; bring rain gear just in case.

The Experience: What to Expect from This Tour

Starting Early and Long Travel Hours

The day kicks off early around 6:30 am, with hotel pickup from Cancun and Riviera Maya. This means you’ll be on the bus for quite a while, often around three hours just getting to Las Coloradas. That’s a notable chunk of time, especially if you’re not used to long rides. The journey itself isn’t uncomfortable, thanks to air conditioning and a modern vehicle, but it does demand patience.

One of the main downsides, as some reviews pointed out, is the extended pickup process. While advertised as a shared tour, some travelers experienced a pickup that lasted about three hours, which can feel like too much if you’re eager to start your adventure.

The Pink Lagoon at Las Coloradas

Once you arrive at Las Coloradas, you’ll get about two hours to explore this otherworldly spot. The pink water results from microorganisms thriving in the salt-rich environment, creating a vivid hue that’s hard to forget. Prepare your camera—this is a place that looks almost unreal, especially with the bright contrast of the salt flats and the occasional flamingo wading through the water.

You’ll learn about the salt extraction process from the local salt factory, which has been operational for decades. The landscape here is striking, with white salt crystals, pink water, and a sky that can sometimes be quite dramatic.

Wildlife and Birdwatching in Rio Lagartos

Next, you’ll head to Rio Lagartos, a biosphere reserve teeming with life. It features mangroves, estuaries, and marshes that serve as nesting grounds for various birds, including flamingos, herons, eagles, and ospreys. Two hours are allocated for this part of the trip, giving you a chance to spot these birds in their natural habitat.

It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the boat ride was marred by rain, which caused everyone to get drenched and cold. The guide might not have control over the weather, but packing a raincoat or waterproof gear is definitely advisable, especially if the forecast isn’t clear.

Lunch and Rest

After the wildlife viewing, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for lunch. The included box lunch typically features a sandwich, juice, and an apple—simple but decent, especially considering you’re likely quite hungry after a full morning. Some travelers feel the meal portion is a bit light, but it’s enough to keep you going for the rest of the day.

Additional Costs and Tips

Remember, there’s a preservation tax of $27 USD per person at Rio Lagartos, which isn’t included in the ticket price. Make sure to carry some cash to cover this fee. Beverages at the restaurant are also extra, so plan accordingly if you want drinks with your meal.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $127 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package that covers transportation, entry fees, lunch, and guided visits. When considering the long travel hours and the unique sights, the price seems fair for a full-day adventure. However, the actual experience can vary depending on weather and group size.

The tour is especially appealing to photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to capture stunning landscapes and birds in their natural habitat. If you’re someone who appreciates natural phenomena and doesn’t mind a lengthy day, this could be a memorable outing. But if you’re prone to motion sickness or dislike long bus rides, it might be less enjoyable.

What the Reviews Say

One reviewer, Ping_H, shared some candid insights: “Picking up people from hotels lasted 3 hours, the actual drive to pink lake is another 3 hours. The boat ride was ruined by the rain, we were all drenched and cold. Need to bring a rain coat. The lunch is not enough food.” This honest feedback highlights that the logistical side can be time-consuming and weather-dependent.

Another point worth noting is that the lunch portions might leave some travelers wanting more, but considering the length of the tour, the snacks and sandwiches provided are generally deemed sufficient.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who love nature, birdwatching, and surreal landscapes. If you’re eager to see the pink lagoon and enjoy wildlife in a natural setting, this tour offers both. Be prepared for a long day of travel and potentially unpredictable weather, and pack accordingly.

It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a bit of a schedule crunch and are comfortable with extended bus rides. For those seeking a more relaxed or shorter experience, this might feel a bit demanding. However, if capturing incredible photos and experiencing one of the world’s most striking natural sites is on your list, this tour will give you plenty of chances to do so.

FAQs About the Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos Tour

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6:30 am with hotel pickup.

Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast isn’t included. You’ll have a box lunch later in the day.

How long is the bus ride?
The pickup process and drive to Las Coloradas can take around 3 hours.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent, and pack a raincoat, towel, swimwear, and extra clothes for potential rain or water activities.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the admission tickets for Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos are included, but the preservation tax of $27 USD at Rio Lagartos is not.

Can I expect to see flamingos?
Yes, flamingos are among the main wildlife attractions, often feeding and nesting in the reserve.

What happens if it rains?
Rain can impact activities like the boat ride, making it wet and cold. It’s best to come prepared with rain gear.

Is there enough food for lunch?
Some guests felt the lunch portions were small, but most found it sufficient to keep them going.

How big are the groups?
The tour is limited to 50 travelers, which helps keep things manageable but still allows for a shared experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance.

All in all, this tour offers a chance to see Mexico’s stunning natural wonders, but with some practical considerations. If the long hours don’t bother you and you’re ready for a day of wildlife and surreal landscapes, it’s well worth considering.